5 reasons to hop across the pond from Australia to New Zealand

New Zealand is cracking open its borders after a long year of isolation, allowing lucky Aussies to enjoy all the country has to offer.

This two-way trans-Tasman bubble means there’s no need to quarantine on either end of your journey, so if you’re looking for a change of scenery, then New Zealand has it in spades.

And as Australia is the only country allowed in, if there was ever a time to jump across the ditch and visit your Kiwi neighbours without the usual crowds, it’s now! We know it won’t take much convincing, but read on to discover five fantastic reasons to visit New Zealand and make your next overseas getaway one to remember.

1. To be blown away by Milford Sound

If we’re talking scenery that puts New Zealand on the tip of everyone’s tongues when asked “where in the world do you want to visit most”, Milford Sound is at the top of the list. Blue water tumbles into the Tasman Sea, dozens of waterfalls spill from the surrounding cliffs and bottlenose dolphins mingle with passing boats. Covered in a blanket of mist, the scene here is so surreal it feels almost otherworldly. But such beauty comes with a price – the Milford Sound usually receives around a million visitors each year. Not this year, though! This year, it’s all yours.

2. To taste world-class wine among stunning scenery

No doubt you’ve picked up a bottle or two of Otago wine in your time, but there’s nothing quite like trying it at the source. Some of the world’s best Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay are produced in this humble cool-climate region, and no visit would be complete without stopping by a winery. Swing by a local family-run vineyard to learn about the art and science behind producing award-winning wine. But it is New Zealand, after all, so as well as enjoying delicious sips of the local vino, you’ll soak in absolutely spectacular views while you’re at it.

3. To discover the country’s best on two wheels

Move over Amsterdam! If there was ever a place that was truly built for cyclists, it’s New Zealand. The country welcomes two-wheeled adventurers with open arms, and the Rail Trail route through Central Otago is one of New Zealand’s best. Not only is the ride made pleasant by excellent trailside facilities, the legendary scenery is sure to stop you in your tracks. Venture from Queenstown, a paradise for thrill seekers, then pedal past old gold-rush towns, meandering rivers and striking plains. Let your bicycle broaden your horizons, offering access to secluded spots that can’t be reached by car.

4. To show the kids an amazing time

A playground for the young and young at heart, your kids will love New Zealand just as much as you do. After being cooped up inside for much of the last year, the whole family will delight in the wide-open spaces, fresh air and unforgettable moments that New Zealand has to offer. Kayak across the clear blue waters of Lake Wanaka, cycle through untouched countryside and seek out rare birdlife on Stewart Island, including the iconic kiwi (the bird kind, not the people kind!). With no dangerous creepy-crawlies, heaps of kid-friendly activities and a cuisine that’s pretty close to home, there’s few better places for a fun-packed family adventure.

5. To have the whole place to yourself

This little country of 4 million people sees almost as many international visitors each year, and this may be your only chance to explore it without the convoys of cruise ships and coaches. What’s left behind is the real New Zealand – full of friendly locals eager to welcome you back in. Don’t waste an hour queuing for a burger or a cup of coffee when you could be swimming, hiking, cycling, kayaking or just sitting back and taking it all in. So be sure to get there before the trans-Tasman bubble bursts and the rest of the world comes rushing back in![……]

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Travel Guide to New Zealand: Things You Need to Know Before Going to NZ

New Zealand is a beautiful and recommended country to visit at least once in a lifetime. You may enjoy its breathtaking views, lovely cities, sparkling lakes, majestic terrain, local food, and many more!

If you are planning your first vacation to New Zealand, you can refer to the travel recommendations and tips shared below to ease your trip. Let’s check it out.

Travel Guide To New Zealand As First Timer

Basic Things To Know – Quick Reference

New Zealand currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD).

Country code for telephones: +64

It’s safe to consume tap water here.

Electricity: 240V 50Hz through Type I connectors (same as used in Australia and Argentina) – make sure you have a suitable adaptor.

English is often used as a first language. Additional official languages are Maori and New Zealand Sign Language.

Airlines from Malaysia to New Zealand

There are plenty of flights to New Zealand due to the country’s popularity as a tourist destination. You may quickly book a flight to New Zealand with AirAsia, Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand, Malaysia Airlines, and two more airlines if you are flying from the international airports in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur).

All of these airlines provide flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Auckland International Airport in New Zealand.

Visa & Entry To New Zealand

Visitors’ entry requirements to New Zealand vary depending on their citizenship and residency.

Visitors with a Malaysian passport do not need a visa. Yet, they are authorized to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter New Zealand. Malaysian citizens with an ETA will be permitted to stay in New Zealand for up to 90 days for each entry. The ETA is valid for two years from the date of issuing.

What To Bring And Not To Bring

As long as it complies with the norms and laws, you are allowed to bring anything into New Zealand. Make sure you bring appropriate clothing because New Zealand has four different seasons.

New Zealand has strict requirements for biosecurity. All food products, even those you bring off the plane, should be declared. Moreover, be sure to keep your sporting and outdoor equipment clean since it could carry harmful pathogens.

If you are unsure, disclose your products when you arrive or throw them in the garbage; otherwise, you may be fined.

How Many Days Enough To Travel New Zealand?

As New Zealand is a small country, two weeks will be enough time to see all of its top attractions. Spending three weeks or longer would allow you to see more of the regions and venture off the usual path.

Best Month To Visit New Zealand

Summer (December to February) is the busiest and most expensive season to visit New Zealand, however, it is the best season to travel to New Zealand.

Consider traveling in the spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May) seasons if you want a relaxing getaway.

Must-See Attractions In New Zealand For First Timer

Considering your travel goals in New Zealand will help you decide which locations there are best to visit. Below are some popular attractions that you can visit:

Beautiful beaches: Maitai Bay, Bay of Plenty region, Anchor Bay

Nature spots: Hamilton Gardens, Waitomo Caves, Coromandel peninsula, Rotorua

Scenic spots: Cape Reinga, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, Tasman Lake, Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, Fox Glacier, Hooker Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown, Wanaka, Hokitika

Auckland – largest city

Which Part Of New Zealand Is Most Beautiful?

New Zealand has two parts which are the South Island and North Island. North Island and South Island are significantly different from one another.

The South Island has more attractive places and is bigger than the North Island. It has a beautiful coastline and is known for its numerous magnificent mountains and fjords.

How To Get Around In New Zealand?

You can use public transport to get around New Zealand. You can take a bus, uber, a flight, a ferry, or a train. No worries, public transportation in New Zealand is very efficient. Also, you can rent a car from reputable dealers if you want to self-drive.

What To Eat In New Zealand?

New Zealand is famous for its incredible selection of fresh seafood straight from the Pacific Ocean. Fresh oysters and geothermal-farmed prawns are the must-try dishes if you are visiting the North Island. Meanwhile, while visiting the South island, you must try lobsters, crayfish, salmon, and bluff oysters.

For Muslims, there are a lot of halal food options in New Zealand. So, no worries.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this travel guide will benefit those planning to visit New Zealand, especially the first-timer. Let’s plan your most enjoyable and great holiday in New Zealand with Traveloka. Have a great holiday![……]

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The Most Fun and Exciting Ways to Travel Australia

As you guys know, I was born in New Zealand and have visited Australia quite a few times. Some of my family actually live up in Toowoomba. Anyway, Australia is a massively popular tourist destination. And not only that, it’s just a massive country. People forget that you can pretty much fit all of Europe into Australia.

So, what’s the best way to explore Australia? Maybe you want to follow the nature and see animals that are found nowhere else on earth? Or perhaps you want to explore the country through its wine? There’s so many different ways to travel Australia that it can be overwhelming. But here are some of my top ways to experience Australia. Hopefully they’ll give you a little bit of inspiration from your trip to Oz.

The Best Ways to Travel Australia

Sydney – Photo via Pixabay

Solo Travel in Australia

Australia is SUCH a fun country for solo travel! There are plenty of hostels full of fellow solo travellers and the locals are extremely friendly. But be sure to plan your solo trip carefully to make sure you stay in reputable/safe hostels and dodge the party hostels when you need a bit of R&R.

Also, Australia is an easy place to start for first time solo travellers from the West. Everyone speaks English and you have all the comforts of being at home, but maybe a few more spiders/snakes to worry about.

Sydney always makes a great start to a solo journey. You can visit the Opera House, Bondi Beach and Harbour Bridge. Then travel to Queensland and experience the Great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island and Gold Coast. Maybe visit Uluru/Ayer’s rock. Head West and check out Perth and Margaret River.

You could literally spend a year just exploring Australia. And after solo travelling around Oz you’ll return home with a TONNE of new friends and incredible stories to tell.

Explore Australian Vineyards

I’m pretty sure I know a few people who might prefer this way of travelling Australia! Who doesn’t love a glass (or bottle) or two of wine when on holiday? So why not have your entire trip dedicated to tasting the delicious fermented grape juice. After all, Australia produces some great wines (mostly Shiraz and Chardonnay).

There are plenty of famous and little-known wine regions in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales. Some of the most popular are Hunter Valley, Yarra Valley, Barossa Valley, Margaret River and Coonawarra. I have been informed by a Ozzie that Orange, NSW has also become a great wine-tasting area. So book a boozey tour and make sure that you hire a driver!

The Vineyards – Photo via Pixabay

Eco Volunteering in Australia

You can volunteer in Australia to help conserve the Great Barrier Reef. You will get to take part in marine conservation, research and diving (if you’re qualified, of course). If you’re not qualified you can get your diving qualifications while in Australia.

There are obviously plenty of other ways to volunteer in Australia but I think the conservation of the Great Barrier Reef is incredibly important. If you’re a diver or a water-baby then you’ll know exactly what I mean. With the rising water temperatures and the coral bleaching, there is a lot to be done to help preserve this giant natural wonder of the world.

Plus, imagine the tan you’d have after a couple of months!;)

Cruise the Coast

Cruises are an incredibly popular way to travel. They’re perfect for anyone who wants to visit multiple destinations but who doesn’t want the hassle of organising everything themselves. Cruising the coastline of Australia is a great way to see the fabulous sights of this country. Cruise ships leave from the major cities of Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth.

You can even add on an extra country too depending on the cruise you choose. There are always many opportunities to leave the ship and visit the landmarks of Australia like the Great Barrier Reef, uninhabited islands, pristine beaches etc. But make sure you bring some travel sickness tablets, just in case! Though they are always available on board, along with pretty much anything else you could ever need.

The Coast along The Great Ocean Road – Photo via Pixabay

Road Trip Australia

Road tripping is one of my favourite ways to travel and Australia is no different. Road tripping Australia is a great option for those who like a little more freedom and those who want to taken in the more “off the beaten track” sights/destinations. You never know what little towns or beautiful landscapes you’ll stumble upon on a road trip.

The Great Ocean Road is a stunning 250 km route in Victoria, filled with beautiful beaches, sea stacks, and wildlife. There are tonnes of great places to stop along the route like Loch Ard Gorge, 12 Apostles, The Grotto, surf supply shopping outlets AND Bells Beach mentioned in the original Point Break movie (though not actually filmed there).

You could also rent a campervan (never a Wicked one though, thanks! They’re vile. I recommend Jucy) and travel from Sydney to Brisbane. The drive takes around 9 hours if you drive without stopping but why would you ever do that? Drag the drive out over two or three days and see the sights.

If you are planning on using your phone as a Sat-Nav on your journey, remember to take your phone cradle with you, as the same laws about mobile phone use whilst driving also apply in Australia and the police are pretty strict about it.[……]

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Explore Australia Like A Local

The smallest continent on earth is the stuff of dreams. The sparsely populated country with rugged landscapes, age-old rainforests, vast outback, vibrant nightlife, delectable cuisine – Australia has something for everyone. From adrenaline junkies to armchair tourists who really like comfort. Australia is the destination for you. And we tell you how to explore Australia like a local. While the weather is pleasant all year around, the best time to visit Australia is from March-May and then again from September-November.

Here is a list of cities you simply have to visit while on your trip to Australia:

Melbourne Coastline

Melbourne

This lively and multi-cultural city is the second-largest metropolis of Australia. Your sightseeing trip must include these places to visit in Melbourne –

Southbank and Arts Centre

This zone is a top draw for the youth because of its theatres, orchestra halls, arts and crafts market and delightful cafes. A sunny afternoon of aimless strolling, popping into a theatre and shopping artisanal gifts can culminate in a delightful meal at a restaurant on the banks of River Yarra.

National Gallery of Victoria

This is the oldest public gallery of Australia, and here you can browse through nearly 70,000 works of art and lie on the floor of the Great Hall to marvel at the magnificent stained glass ceiling.

Melbourne Cricket Ground and National Sports Museum

Australia tour packages would be incomplete without a trip to the Melbourne Cricket Stadium. It serves as a holy grail of cricket. MCG had also served as the main ground for the 1956 Olympics and 2006 Commonwealth Games. You can take a tour of the National Sports Museum, the Australian Gallery of Sport and Olympic Museum.

A few things to do in Melbourne –

● Check out the street art that Melbourne is famous for

● Sip on a mug of the world’s best coffee that Melbourne serves

● Explore the live music scene

● Learn a little more about science at Scienceworks, the famous planetarium and science museum

When it comes to food, Melbourne’s cuisine is a unique mix of indigenous and European styles. Try out Tagliolini al Nero at Tippo 00, Fish Mackerel Dumplings at ShanDong MaMa, Cotoletta alla Valdostana at Giro D’Italia, and Meat Fruit at Dinner by Heston.

If you want to buy some souvenirs for your family and friends back home, then walk into these malls – South Melbourne Market, Royal Arcade or Emporium Melbourne.

If you want to explore Melbourne’s nightlife, head to Section 8, Transit Rooftop Bar and Loop Project Space and Bar.

Opera House

Sydney

This the oldest and largest city in Australia and the interplay of nature and human engineering ingenuity has made it is so seductive that you will be mesmerised. Here are a few places to visit in Sydney:

Sydney Opera House

This is one of the world’s most recognised sites and one of the top places to visit in Australia. The gleaming structure perches on a sliver of land surrounded on most sides by the sea. If you book a tour, the guide will walk you through the Opera House’s history, the significance of its design, and you can explore its interiors.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

This feat of engineering wonder is the largest steel arch bridge propped by enormous double piers. It accommodates trains, buses and cars an is one of the most famous places to visit in Sydney.

The Rocks

History buffs will love The Rocks. This ancient settlement was home to the aboriginal tribe, Gadigal. Then came the Europeans who drove out the indigenous folks and settled down here. The Rocks derived its name from the nearby rocky coastline.

Things to do in Sydney –

● Book a ferry ride at the famous Circular Quay and appreciate the glittering sunny waterfront scene

● Travel to the Bondi beach

● Stroll along the Darling Harbour

Sydney is a melting pot of cultures and its global cuisine reflects that. Some of its renowned restaurants are Tetsuya’s Restaurant, Aria Restaurant Sydney, Fortune Village Chinese Restaurant, and Six Penny.

For shopping, Westfield, Pitt Street Mall, Greenwood Plaza and Central Park Mall will cater to all your needs.

Sydney has one of the most lively nightlife zones. Just head to Chinese Laundry, ARQ Sydney, Marquee Sydney and have a blast.

Canberra

Canberra

Canberra is the capital of Australia and is the most painstakingly crafted city of this country. Canberra is a treasure trove of cultural and historical sites and your stay here will be packed with activities. Take a look at the places to visit in Canberra:

The War Memorial

This massive Byzantine structure lists the names of every Australian who became a casualty of war since 1885. It also houses an extensive museum, art gallery, archives and library.

The New Parliament House

The seat of the government was shifted to this highly modernistic boomerang-shaped building in 1988, and it attracts plenty of tourists every day.

Lake Burnley Griffin

A trip to this artificial lake named after Canberra’s architect will be the highpoint of your stay at Canberra. Dotted around the lake are the national museum, the national gallery, Questacon, parks and picnic zones.

Things to do in Canberra

● Trek through the Namadgi National Park

● Go on the famous Canberra beer tour

● Go on a coastal tour of Batemans Bay

● Want to know how professionals craft glasswork? Just travel to the Kingston Power House

Your gourmet tour should include sourdough at Silo Bakery, the finest organic produce at Food Co-op Shop, brunches at Mocan and Green Grout. Don’t forget to check out the world-famous Canberra wineries. Some famous pubs that you would regret to miss out on are Mooseheads Pub and Nightclub, Cube, King O’Malley’s, and High Ball Express.

There are plenty of shopping malls, and some really good ones that deserve mention are Bailey’s Corner, Canberra Centre, Garema Place and Fyshwick Plaza.

Australia tourism and hospitality is legendary and you will form memories that you will cherish all your life. Australia casts a spell on everyone who visits and people love this place so much that they keep come back again and again. SOTC’s Australia tour packages are perfect to help you plan a trip to this beautiful country. We also offer a number of different international tour packages to help you book a memorable and hassle free trip.[……]

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Top tips for travelling Western Australia

After years of hanging out on the East Coast Of Australia and never quite making it over to the West Coast (to be fair it isn’t exactly close), I promised myself upon my next return, I was going West to explore the landscapes people go so crazy for.

I’d heard ‘west is best’ more times than I could possibly count and so I finally booked my trip to see what the fuss was about.

Now here I am, I’ve just got back from that exact trip, an incredible 2-week road trip around Western Australia and I get it. Wow. This coast of Australia is SO incredibly different to the east coast, like incomparable. It’s a whole different adventure, like a whole other country.

If you love road trips and want to be blown away by wildlife and surreal landscapes with very few people occupying them… get Western Australia on your bucket list.

If you’ve been around here a while, you’ll know that I am no stranger to Australia, having travelled here 7 times now whilst creating an abundance of Australia travel guides, Australia youtube videos and Australian content for this travel blog.

Today I am excited to finally share inspiration for those of you considering the western coast of Australia, also commonly referred to as WA.

In this blog post, I am going to share with you my top tips for travelling to Western Australia, including all the things I wish I knew beforehand, all the things I figured out along the way and all the advice I have for travelling to Western Australia.

If you’re planning a Western Australia adventure this Western Australia travel guide is for you. If you’re looking for top tips and want to be as prepared as possible, get your notepad at ready and keep reading…

Why Western Australia is an epic road trip location?The dream for a road trip is an open road, vast landscapes, stunning beaches and places to hike, swim and live that off-grid life in the wild. Western Australia is literally all of those things in abundance. Once you get outside of Perth and the main city anyway.

You can see all our top tips and clips from our adventure in the 12 minute Western Australia Youtube video below…

Top tips for travelling Western Australia1. Take a look at the weather ahead of time and consider the season you’re travelling inPeak season is actually Winter in WA. But don’t let ‘winter’ put you off, it is not cold!

May to August (peak time) are the wettest months of the year in Western Australia with the dry season landing from September to April. Dry season has an average temperature of 25°C, dry season may seem more appealing but temperates can soar very high and if you’re planning to travel inland to the likes of Karijini National Park, it can be dangerously hot.

If you’re travelling through these hotter months, be careful if you considering doing your road trip with a roof top tent. You’ll need to really think about heat in these extreme temperatures. For example whilst we were in Karijini National Park it reached 43degrees.

Basically, pay attention to weather forecasts and dress, drink and act accordingly – Australia’s heat is no joke. Neither are the UV rays!

Top Tip: There are LOTS of freedom camping spots on the West Coast so find a park in the evening that backs onto the beach to get the sea breeze. 2. Think about arrival times for the free camp spotsIf you travel in off peak / shoulder season like we did, yes it can be hotter but it’s also less crowded. This works for your advantage when going for the awesome free camp spots dotted up and down the coast. Why? Many of them aren’t bookable, it’s a rock up and first come, first served basis.

We never really thought about it and always showed up (sometimes very late at night) to many spaces available.

I can imagine this is not the case during the peak months and so it may be a case of planning your days so that you arrive to your destination / camp spot in the afternoon.

That is, if you want to make the most of some of these epic, free, wild camp spots!

3. Book your non-negotiable trips during peak seasonAgain, if theres an activity, dive or trip that is an absolute must for you. Book it up in advance during the peak season to ensure that you get on it!

Another advantage to shoulder season is that you can be a little more spontaneous with your itinerary as the trips don’t tend to get fully booked in advance. We book 1/2 day in advance for popular trips like Jurien Bay and the Ningaloo reef and we were absolutely fine. We could have probably got in on the day!

4. Book your campervan ahead of time to secure your dates, particularly during peak seasonThe same thing applies to campervans and more so with campervans. Road tripping in Western Australia and in Australia, in general, is a very very popular way to travel. When you leave bookings until nearer the time you risk there not being availability but also higher prices. It’s highly advised to book in advance and pay a deposit if you know your dates!

A Perth pick up and drop off is logistically the best as the only other location for pick up in WA is in Broome. The companies that operate in Broome are few and far between so, therefore, charge a HUGE premium. Hiring a campervan in Perth, looping back to Perth, is the BEST option for your Western Australia road trip.

5. You can’t always park up anywhereOn the whole, free camping and finding places to park real cheap are easy in WA. There is so much land!

However, take notice of ‘no camping’ signs, we missed a couple and had rangers knocking on our door to move on two occasions.

Generally, there are limitations in National Parks like Kalbarri and around Coral Bay. You are likely to get fined and it will also disrupt your sleep which, if you are doing long drives, you won’t want!

Research camping restrictions ahead of time to avoid unnecessary fines and early morning wake-ups from the rangers!

This is definitely one of my top tips for travelling Western Australia.6. Take road trip snacks, download podcasts, playlists and prepare for some epic drives!The extent to which you will need to prepare for long drives depends on the route you are planning to take and how much ground you are looking to cover in Western Australia.

If you’re approaching it like us, as a once-in-a-lifetime trip and wanting to see as much of this incredible coast as possible then you may be stacking up the miles on your Western Australia road trip.

One of my top tips for travelling Western Australia is to prepare snacks, music and podcasts for those long drive! They can get very long!

7. Fill up whenever you see petrol stations, particularly if driving through the outbackLeading on from the last point and particularly if you’re heading inland and away from the coast at all on your Western Australia road trip, one of my top tips would be to fill up whenever you see a petrol station.

We would be driving for hours and hours and sometimes without seeing anywhere to fill up. One place you would not want to get stuck and break down is in the outback of Australia!

Take water snacks and fill up your tank to avoid dangerous situations.

8. Take lots of water on your hikes and always your swimmers!The same applies to fuelling yourself correctly as it does to fuelling your vehicle correctly for a Western Australia road trip.

One of my top tips for travelling to Western Australia is to drink more water than you think. Take more water than you think when hiking/doing activities and always take your swimmers to cool off in the water!

Preparing for the heat is essential in WA.

9. Be careful driving at night or avoid driving in the dark at allYes, it can be cooler to drive at dusk / dawn / at night in Western Australia, however when driving at night you have to be very careful about wildlife as this is when they too prefer to come out in the cooler temperatures. If choosing to drive at night, it is highly recommended to drive slower in case of any wildlife on the road. This could add additional driving time to your trip when taking the slower driving speeds into account.

10. Chat to the locals and head to the Visitor Centre for information on whats available in the areaWhen you arrive at a new destination on your road trip, another top tip for travelling to Western Australia is to talk to the locals and pop into the Visitor centre when you arrive. This will allow you to gain local knowledge and can open up windows for epic opportunities.

We did this when we arrived at Shark Bay reserve and it was why we booked a local Aboriginal evening and a 4X4 private tour of the Francois Peron National Park. These ended up as two of our biggest highlights!11. Download the Australia Google Map legend below to have all the best spots to hand on your phone!

12. Leave more time than you think for your road trip so that you have time to slow down and enjoy the epic scenery!If you’ve watched our Youtube video for Western Australia (scroll back if you missed it!) you’ll know that the only thing we would change about your WA road trip would be, to extend it a few more days.

We covered so much ground and saw so many amazing spots but we were kinda non-stop. It would have been lovely to have a few more down days to soak up the very stunning beaches, camp spots and landscapes we came across.

Truly one of the most surreal destinations I’ve ever had the pleasure of exploring!

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How to see New Zealand’s South Island in 2 weeks

New Zealand’s South Island is simply one of the most stunning places on Earth. The North Island is home to beautiful beaches and the country’s two most cosmopolitan cities, but the South Island’s untouched, wild beauty and diversity of terrains sets it apart. While there’s enough in New Zealand to keep visitors enthralled for months, seeing the South Island in as little as two weeks is certainly possible. Here’s how to do it.

Day 1 and 2: Marlborough

How about a glass of wine to help you adjust to what is a dramatic time change from most points of origins? After crossing the Cook Strait to Picton on the South Island via the Bluebridge Ferry, you can spend a couple of days exploring the Marlborough wine region. This northern section of the South Island is home to a number of world class wineries, including Cloudy Bay, Fromm Winery and Nautilus Estate. Wine tours of the region depart directly from Picton as well.

Day 3 and 4: Abel Tasman National Park

From Marlborough, head northwest to Abel Tasman National Park, which takes two days to fully explore. One of the most beautiful destinations in all of New Zealand, the park offers excellent day hikes, kayaking and plenty of beachfront camping. During your visit, make sure to try a burger at Fat Tui, located just outside the park. Yes, the burgers come with beetroot — and yes, they are delicious.

Day 5: Franz Josef Glacier

Head southwest to Franz Joseph, home to a massive glacier located just beyond the tiny town. Weather permitting, a helicopter trip to the glacier is a must-do, and if you’re looking for a truly memorable experience, walking and climbing tours of the glacier are also available. Once you return to town, stop by the West Coast Wildlife Centre to see a bounty of kiwis, the country’s national symbol.

Day 6 and 7: Wanaka

Continue heading south to Wanaka, a quieter alternative to neighbouring Queenstown. If you’re looking for outdoor activities, hiking to nearby Roys Peak or paddling around Lake Wanaka are both great options. Wanaka is also home to a wide range of great bars and restaurants, along with the famous Cinema Paradiso, which traded its theatre seats for couches and offers delicious meals before, during and after screenings.

Day 8 and 9: Queenstown

Just south of Wanaka is Queenstown, the South Island’s most popular tourist destination and one of the most scenic towns in the world. Queenstown offers many activities, including mountain biking, bungee jumping and some of the best hikes in the country. After an afternoon spent working up a sweat, enjoy a few local beers at Atlas Beer Cafe, located right on Lake Wakatipu.

Day 10: Milford Sound

Take a day trip south to Milford Sound, one of the South Island’s most stunning natural attractions. Located deep within Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound’s array of waterfalls and epic cliffs will leave you feeling transported to another planet. While the park offers many hiking trails, a cruise through Milford Sound itself is the best way to experience it.

Day 11: Mt. Cook

Depart Queenstown for Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain and the famous training grounds for Sir Edmund Hillary, the first Westerner to summit Mt. Everest. Mt. Cook also offers a wide range of hiking trails, helicopter trips and plane rides for those less interested in climbing the mountain itself.

Day 12: Christchurch

Christchurch is the South Island’s largest city, and the community continues to rebuild and reinvent itself after enduring a series of catastrophic earthquakes in 2011. Make sure to stop by Christchurch’s cardboard cathedral, which was constructed entirely out of reusable materials.

Day 13: Kaikoura

During your return trip to Wellington, stop in the seaside town of Kaikoura for lunch at Cooper’s Catch, the hands-down, best spot in town for fish and chips. Kaikoura is also famous for whale watching and the large seal community that lives on its beaches year round.[……]

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