Wine, art and alpine South Island adventure

Day 1: Wellington to Nelson

Wellington City is tiny, cultured, and full of personality, and the downtown area is great for walking tours. Before crossing the Cook Strait to the South Island, spend some time seeing this cool small capital. The boat ride from Wellington to Picton over the Marlborough Sounds is one of the most scenic in the world. Travel west from Picton to Nelson, one of New Zealand's sunniest places and a creative hotspot. A wonderful community of local artists and boutique galleries may be found here. A plethora of wineries, artisan brewers, and great fresh seafood can be found in the area.

Day 2: Nelson to Abel Tasman National Park

The road to Abel Tasman National Park is lined with art and pottery studios, wineries, and attractive coastal towns. Indulge your passion for fresh fruits and veggies in Motueka, then head to adjacent Kaiteriteri, one of the region's most beautiful beaches. Because it is where many people begin their excursions of Abel Tasman National Park, Marahau is known as the "Abel Tasman Village." You can rent kayaks, go seal swimming, or take a water taxi to one of the park's beautiful beaches. The Coastal Track, with its gorgeous golden sand beaches and tranquil turquoise waters, is New Zealand's most popular "great walk." Travel by sea kayak or on foot.

Day 3: Marahau to Blenheim via St Arnaud

St Arnaud is set amid a magnificent mountain background on the shore of Lake Rotoiti. It's the ideal starting point for visiting New Zealand's second-largest national park, Nelson Lakes. The park offers a variety of activities, including superb hiking routes, kayaking, river rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding, and 4WD quad biking. Blenheim, the centre of wine-growing Marlborough, is a short drive from St Arnaud. There are more than 20 wineries within driving distance, as well as a diverse range of cafes, restaurants, bars, stores, and golf courses. Blenheim offers a diverse range of lodging options, from homestays to boutique hotels.

Day 4: Blenheim to Wellington

Picton is a short journey through the Wairau Plains, via vineyards and wineries. Picton's seafront is lined with cafés, restaurants, and various types of galleries. A floating naval museum and an aquarium will keep you occupied until your return ferry to Wellington. Finish your tour by visiting one of Wellington's many intriguing museums and art galleries, including Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand's national museum.