Christchurch, Canterbury 
“On the TranzAlpine railway journey between Christchurch and Greymouth, people know to expect miles of native beech forest and panoramic views across the Southern Alps. But there are secrets along the way, too,” says Natallia Mitchell from Great Journeys of New Zealand. You might recognise the station at Cass – population: one – made famous in a celebrated painting by artist Rita Angus, and then there’s the views of the stunning Aoraki/Mount Cook, the country’s highest peak. Greymouth, your destination, is also dotted with New Zealand postcard perfection, like the nearby electric blue Hokitika Gorge and the blowholes of Pancake Rocks.

Kaikōura, Canterbury
A massive underwater canyon network turns this stretch of coastline off Kaikōura into a whale wonderland: aquatic visitors include everything from sperm and blue to minke and killer. Thomas Kahu and his team from Whale Watch Kaikōura will introduce you to each one of them, plus share legends from the Ngāti Kurī people, who have been guardians of this area for more than 1000 years.

Wānaka, Otago 
On a trek with Ridgeline into the private West Wānaka Station – 1000m above sea level – you’ll witness views that 99 per cent of locals have likely never seen, including unique aspects of the Southern Alps, glaciers and snow-capped peaks, plus sparkling lakes, wild rivers and lush, rolling meadows. “We stop for lunch on a mountain top,” says owner Mark Orbell. “We like to say it’s the finest alpine café in the world!”

Fiordland, Southland 
A perfect day at Fiordland Lodge in Te Anau, the gateway to the Fiordland National Park, says manager Andy Cunningham, might look like this: “Book one of our private guides and take the scenic alpine drive up to Milford Sound, where you’ll cruise with a specialist nature guide, or take a helicopter flight to Tutoko Glacier. You’ll return to the lodge in time for a soak in the hot tub, canapés in front of the roaring fire and a dinner of local venison with Central Otago pinot noir.”

Lake Tekapo, Canterbury 
Hot-pool stargazing, says Tekapo Star Gazing astronomy guide Sam Blair, “is a very humbling experience. It’s like having your soul recharged.” Guests at this unique adventure inside the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, located at the foot of the Southern Alps, recline in floating ‘hammocks’ and drink in the magnificence of the solar system including Scorpius – aka Māui’s fishhook – the Milky Way and Orion.

Ulva Island, Southland 
“Ulva Island is the lesser-known neighbour of Stewart Island, which sits off New Zealand’s southernmost tip. Here, the birds are fearless – zero predators will do that!” says nature guide Nicky Johnstone from RealNZ, who leads two-hour boat cruise and walking expeditions out to the bird sanctuary. Home to some of New Zealand’s rarest species, it’s the place to spot tūī, kākā and kākāriki, among others. If you’re lucky, you may even see penguins and fur seals on your way over from Stewart Island.

Clutha, Otago 
Perched on a craggy outcrop, the circa-1870 lighthouse at Nugget Point in the Catlins on the southeast corner of the South Island looks like a scene from a children’s storybook. As you walk along the path to its base – around 20 minutes – keep an eye out for the local fur seal colony and, in summer, elephant seals. If you’re there at dawn or dusk, detour to nearby Roaring Bay to try and spot yellow-eyed penguins, the world’s rarest penguin species. Don’t forget the binoculars! 

Dunedin, Otago 
There’s a giant reptile eating its tail on one wall, a line-up of Māori canoes (waka) emerging from the toothsome maw of a fish on another.  These are just some of the otherworldly murals art seekers can discover on the Dunedin Street Art Trail, featuring works by artists from New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Argentina and beyond.

Queenstown, Otago 
Housed inside a historic stone building, Amisfield in Arrowtown is both a winery and one of the country’s most revered restaurants. Situated on the outskirts of Queenstown, the eatery is led by executive chef Vaughan Mabee, and serves up New Zealand on a plate. 

Christchurch, Canterbury 
Seeking fresh air, swoon-worthy vistas and a spot of luxury? Take a private walking tour of a long-extinguished crater – just 30 minutes from Christchurch – courtesy of family-run business Crater Rim Walks. Owner Nicole’s extra-special touches include your party’s own SUV transfer, a start time that suits you (hello, lie-in), and a gourmet picnic lunch with a glass of wine to enjoy as you drink in the salubrious surroundings. 

Invercargill, Southland
Does your motor tick over for the exploits of world record-setter Burt Munro? Have you always wanted to gaze at the sleek curves of a John Britten Aero-D-One? These are just some of the displays on show at Classic Motorcycle Mecca in Invercargill. Get the most out of your visit with an audio tour that talks you through the history of each of their 300 two-wheeled classics.

Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson-Tasman
Located in a pristine northern corner of the island, Abel Tasman National Park is the stuff of New Zealand nature fantasies. A private eco tour from kayak company Golden Bay Kayaks will see you paddling serenely through the jade-green waters around the Tata Islands to untouched beaches and rocky archways you’ll have all to yourself (when you’re not sharing them with seals and penguins).