Marlborough | Kaikoura | Artur's Pass | Westland

Marlborough

Just a short hop across from Wellington on the ferry
or by plane is the Marlborough region, famous for its
fine wine and good weather.
Things to do here include:

• Cycle or bus around several wineries, each one with its own individualities
• Tour the bays of the Marlborough Sounds by foot or by sea kayak
• Scuba dive on the wreck of the Russian cruise ship Mikhail Lermontov
• Dine in Havelock, home of the green-lipped mussel

• See more at www.destinationmarlborough.com
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Kaikoura

Meaning "crayfish food"in Maori, Kaikoura is famous
for its marine life. Marine mammals can be seen here all
year round, attracted by the warm sea currents promoted
by an under geographical phenomenon called the Hikurangi trench.
Highlights include:

• Take a whale watching flight to see dolphins, orca, sperm whales and
  humpback whales, amongst other things!
• Buy crayfish ready prepared at one of many restaurants, or do-it-yourself
  style from a roadside seller
• Visit Fyffe House, a colonial whaler's cottage
• Swim with the dolphins, every day, all year round!
• See more at www.kaikoura.co.nz
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Arthur's Pass

Arthur's Pass National Park is situated on a historic road
linking Christcurch with the West Coast. The landscape
consists of high mountains, wide braided rivers, steep
gorges, and native bush.

• Follow the historic West Coast greenstone route taken by Maori traders
• Chat to the cheeky Kea (alpine parrots) which hang out in tourist spots
  hoping for a bite to eat
• Take the country's most scenic train ride from Christchurch and stop off
  at Arthur's Pass village
• Tramp one of the many tracks in the park and stay overnight in
  a back country hut
• See more at www.canterburypages.co.nz/explore/arthurspass
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Westland

The West Coast of the South Island is less often
visited by tourists, but has more than its fair share
of spectacular scenery and activities, including:

Visit the blowholes of the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki
which are best seen on a windy day at high tide, but still
spectacular on a calm day

• Buy pounamu, or jade (greenstone) as a gift for someone special
• Walk to, and perhaps up, the glaciers of Franz Josef and Fox
• Explore the native beech forests (pictured)
• See more at www.west-coast.co.nz

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