On cloud nine

Here’s a list of things to do in the “land of the long white cloud”, compiled from www.telegraph.co.uk, www.classicwinetrail.co.nz and www.newzealand.com. Have an exciting vacation.

Out and about

If you wish to truly immerse yourself in the beauty and splendor of New Zealand outdoors, you must go the distance by foot. The trails will bring you face to face with some of the most astonishing landscapes. There are tons of options to choose from, but only nine of them are included in the honorary group of the “Great Walk”: Abel Tasman Coast, Heaphy Track, Kepler Track, Waikaremoana, Milford Track, Raikura Track, Routeburn Track, Tongariro Northern Circuit and Whanganui Journey.

Taking the bait

New Zealand is home to some of the best outdoors sports and adventures; including fishing, which is taken very seriously. Whether you’re into deep sea or river fishing, you will never be short of places to fish. Most waters in the islands are open to the public (be sure to respect the regulations); and while trout are always in abundance throughout the region, check out South Island for the salmon.

Whale of a time

Because of its remote location, New Zealand is also home to a wide variety of marine mammals. The coasts are the perfect place to spot some of nature’s best kept secrets. Start with Kaikoura, the most popular place for whale-watching, dolphin-sighting or swimming with the seals. Other places which offer similar attractions include Otago Peninsula and Bay of Islands.

Winged beauties

Bird watching is one of New Zealand’s big draws, with several rare or endemic species. So whether you’re on a mission to spot the iconic Kiwi or track other birds’ migration pattern, head out to Seabird Coast, Tiritiri Marangi and Ulva for starters.

View from the top

Adrenaline junkies can test their mettle with a gut-wrenching dive into thin air from 12,000 feet. Taupo is New Zealand’s capital of skydiving. If you love being on top without the rush of falling into the great abyss, you can always opt for an aerial tour of the island-country while safely hovering above the South Pole, where the sun rises and sets but once a year. Christchurch, which also turns out to be quite the vibrant city, is your departure point for the once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Wine & dine

You’ve walked the walk, so now it’s time to taste some of New Zealand’s best cuisine and wines. In the morning, you might want to try visiting Wellington’s market and local farms for fresh offerings. Every August, Wellington hosts a food festival that celebrates New Zealand’s love for all things fun, fresh and delicious. If you’re into wine and would like to get a taste of New Zealand’s best and most competitive products, you should visit Hawke’s Bay. Another popular place to taste local wine is Marlborough Sounds, where it is served with a plateful of seafood, fresh off the boats. Yum! — Maggie Tiojakin