Milford Sound - Queenstown

There’s something truly magical about the road from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Weave through stunning scenery and explore one of the most pristine natural destinations on earth.

You've finally plucked up the courage to take a leap of faith at the birthplace of commercial bungy jumping – Queenstown.
Butterflies churn in your stomach as you, and the bungy operators, prepare for one heck of a mind-blowing experience. But don't fret – it's perfectly normal to be nervous.

The rope is tied, you shuffle towards the edge and suddenly fear overtakes excitement with a simple glance downwards…way, way down to the earth below. With an overwhelming feeling of isolation, you're suddenly not sure why you signed up for this. After seconds or minutes (or even longer), courage prevails and you throw caution – and yourself – to the wind.

The sensation of falling towards earth is surprisingly calming and the elation as you're soon dangling from your bungy compares to the highest of highs.

Your sense of achievement creates a feeling akin to that of being superhuman – from here on out you can take on whatever the world throws your way. Beyond that, your smile won't leave your face for some time.

Whether it's from a ledge, bridge or high wire, bungy jumping Queenstown-style provides the ultimate thrill!

Get your walking shoes on and head to the Walking Capital of the World – yes that's right, the world – Te Anau. Our own picture-perfect southern town has definitely earned this impressive catchphrase, with an array of both short and long walks to choose from. The famous Milford, Hollyford, Routeburn, Greenstone, Caples, Kepler and the remote and difficult Dusky Track (as well as several other excellent walks) are all nearby.

But it's not just the tracks that makes Te Anau a walker's dream. It's the scenery, too. You'll see what we mean when you stand mesmerised looking over the sparkling blue waters of Lake Te Anau, with reflections of the surrounding snow-capped mountains glistening on its mirror-like surface. Then there's the pretty lakefront, lush virgin forests and glowworm caves.

With a visit to a spectacular wine cave incorporated into a tour – on top of the chance to sample highly acclaimed wines – a stop at Gibbston Valley Winery pays handsome dividends.

Found within the Queenstown region in the heart of Central Otago, Gibbston Valley Winery is a boutique offering that excels with several grape varieties. But it's a trip 76 metres underground to the wine cave – the largest in New Zealand – that ensures this a wine tour to remember. See for yourself why this is a fantastic environment to mature wines. A tour will also provide a worthy insight into the region's history.

You'll also have the experience to taste some of Gibbston Valley Winery's award-winning offerings and, afterwards, you can choose to dine in the restaurant.

Fiordland's beauty is of epic proportions but its indulgence of the spectacular is not just limited to above-water features.

The Milford Deep Underwater Observatory extends the theme by offering you a trip 10 metres below the sea's surface to a viewing area – complete with huge windows – where you can discover a remarkable collection of aquatic life.

The likes of black and coloured coral, sea stars, sponges, snakestars and anemones mix with various species of fish to make for a marine ecosystem that will blow your mind.

As it's the reversal of an aquarium setup – here it's the humans who are ‘captive' – this is a rare chance to view marine life going about their business in a natural habitat, oblivious to the peering eyes of onlookers.

The observatory is nestled in the centre of the Piopiotahi Marine Reserve, which was established to protect underwater marine life.

Many a Nelson holiday has been scheduled around a visit to the Nelson Saturday Market. It is here that you can experience the original creative spirit of the Nelson Tasman region in one happening place.

Nelson is well known for two things – its vibrant arts scene and abundance of fresh produce. Therefore, there's nowhere better than the markets to sample the two in perfect harmony.

Prowl the lanes between the hundreds of stalls for Nelson's best; fresh vegetables, breads, fruit, cheeses, gourmet dips, smoked seafood, woodwork, jewellery, ceramics, visual art, fashion, crafts, treasure, furniture. Treat yourself at the food stalls!

The Nelson Saturday Market is held every Saturday 8am–1pm (except holidays) in Montgomery Square. If you're not about on a Saturday, there are plenty of other markets worth checking out.

The Farmers' Market at Founders Heritage Park on Fridays (3–7pm during summer and 3–6pm during winter) and the Sunday Motueka Market are definitely worth a visit.

Nowhere is the wild beauty of New Zealand displayed with more effect than in the stunning landscapes of Fiordland. The power of nature and unsurpassed beauty of this area stuns and enthrals, inspiring awe and leaving lasting memories.

This self-styled 'walking capital of the world contains New Zealands Great Walks – the Milford, Routeburn, Hollyford, Greenstone and Caples, Kepler and Hump Ridge tracks. These multi-day hikes take trampers through beech forests with fern-covered floors, up steep slopes onto alpine topsoils to experience overwhelming views of this vast, untouched terrain.

Milford Sound is probably the most famous and most photographed tourist location in the country. Easily accessible by road, sea and air, it should be at the top of every Kiwis 'to do list. Sheer granite cliffs tower into the sky and plunge into the depths of clear water amid vibrant native rainforest.

Iconic Mitre Peak looms silently at the head of the fiord, a massive sentinel guarding this amazing place. Doubtful Sound is a haven of nature with ancient rainforest, abundant wildlife and superb physical grandeur. Practically untouched by man, the fiord has a deep stillness; a sense of solitude and serenity; and is quite simply breathtaking.