New Zealand : two islands, two different worlds

Take the ferry to South Island through the superb Marlborough Sounds - and drive south from Picton via Kaikoura. Make sure you stop off often at the beaches south of Kekerengu (excellent café to stop off at) and view the seal and penguin colonies. Food trucks positioned along the seafront sell crayfish fresh off the grill (like lobster, but better). In Kaikoura, a whale watching trip is a must-do. Several species of whale migrate a stone's throw from the coast in what is one of the ocean's deepest trenches.

A little south-east of Christchurch lies the small town of Lyttelton that was extensively damaged in the 2011 earthquake. Perhaps more than anywhere else, the residents here have brilliantly improvised to revive their town. Could this be down to the Bohemian feel that prevailed here before the quake, and is now back again? Bars, cafés and restaurants have “naturally” re-established themselves. Lyttelton is still a happy, arty place...

Overlooked by a scenic road that winds through ancient volcanic terrain, the Banks Peninsula is an ideal playground for hiking and cycling enthusiasts. It leads to Akaroa, a charming village with French heritage, now a haven of peace on the edge of a tranquil natural harbor. A boat trip in the bay is a must to encounter Hector's dolphins, the smallest species in the world, which love to play in the wake behind the boats.

Queenstown is the world's top destination for extreme sports. People come here to leap into mid-air (paragliding, hang-gliding and sky diving), tear down the slopes on skis, conquer the white water rapids, bungee jump etc. Mountain bikers love Queenstown Trail and the unbelievable trails in Bike Park. Queenstown is a paradise for speed and height fanatics and thrill seekers …

Rippon is one of New Zealand's most charming wine-growing regions and also home to the vineyard run by Nick and Jo Mills, a couple of enthusiasts who practise biodynamic agriculture. Near here you will find Two Paddocks vineyard owned by Sam Neill, New Zealand's famous actor who starred in Jane Campion's The Piano and Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park. This quality vineyard produces excellent New Zealand Pinot Noir and Riesling wines...