Motueka, Nelson & The Abel Tasman Region, New Zealand

The Nelson and Tasman regions are situated at the top of New Zealand's South Island and are bathed with the country's longest sunshine hours.

The area is home to the Abel Tasman, Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes National Parks, offering beautiful beaches; walks ranging from meanders to serious multi-day alpine tramps and everything in between.

Visits into New Zealand's native bush may reveal some of our more diverse fauna; this region is home to protected giant carnivorous snails or for those that like to hunt, wild pig and deer.

Around the Nelson & Tasman coastline you will usually see the New Zealand fur seal, with whales and dolphins visiting occasionally. If you are into bird watching take an amble along Motueka's sandspit to see the migratory wading birds or take a drive over the Takaka Hill to the beautiful Golden Bay and Farewell Spit, a Ramsar site.

The golden beaches of Kaiteriteri offer an ideal place to relax, and safe swimming to refresh. Enjoy a cruise into the Abel Tasman National Park or go scuba diving in its marine reserve. The Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand's most accessible national park and renowned for its beautiful bays, blue-green waters and idyllic walking tracks.

If you would rather, you can throw yourself out of an aeroplane, go river or sea kayaking, horse riding, sea and fly fishing (the Motueka River is a great trout fishing river) ..... there is so much to see and do.

As a golfer, you will be spoilt for choice with 18-hole golf courses by the sea and inland. Motueka also has a driving range if you find time to get some practise in.

For those who wish to explore antique shops or view artists' work, you will be spoilt for choice. And a tour to savour some of the region's wine is a must, with many vineyards in the area and cafés where local produce will tempt your taste buds.

Or just relax.