Rangiora - The rural centre of Rangiora was first settled by Europeans in the 1850s, when the native timber in the surrounding forest was sought for fuel and building purposes. Today the area is known for staple and exotic food production.

Oxford - This peaceful country town can provide a slice of farming life for outdoorsy travellers. Horse riding and farmstays let you enjoy the beautiful rural environment.

Lake Coleridge - Just 20 minutes from the highway is Lake Coleridge, a retreat area that offers walks, views and lakeside camping facilities, as well as luxury lodge resorts.

Rakaia Gorge Walkway - This five kilometre walkway follows the edge of the beautiful Rakaia Gorge with Mount Hutt as a backdrop.

Mount Hutt - Mount Hutt is considered by many to be the most consistent ski field in Australasia. It offers world class downhill and country skiing, heli-skiing and snowboarding.

Methven - In winter, Methven is a base for snow sport enthusiasts. At other times of the year, it's a place to find all kinds of adventurous activities - jet boating, skydiving, hot air ballooning and mountain biking.

Mount Somers - Biking and hiking are the main reasons to stay at Mount Somers. The main attraction of the area is the Mount Somers Sub-Alpine Walkway, a 17 kilometre hike linking Woolshed Creek and Sharplin Falls.

Rangitata River - This river is renowned for its world-class salmon fishing. Thrill seekers can experience kayaking and white-water rafting.

Peel Forest Park - This popular recreation area has many tracks to explore. You can climb to the top of Mount Peel or Little Mount Peel for amazing views over the Canterbury Plains.

Geraldine - A charming country town with a passion for artistic creativity and beautiful gardens. Shop for crafts and enjoy the cafés. Fruit wines are a Geraldine speciality.

Kaikoura fur seal colony is an easy walk or drive from Kaikoura town. Two walkways start here – one along the seashore and another along the clifftop.

Arthur’s Pass National Park is a place to discover beautiful fields of alpine flowers, native forests and wild mountains. Several excellent walks begin in and around Arthur’s Pass Village, including Devils Punchbowl Falls, Bridal Veil Track and Temple Basin Walk.

Otira rail tunnel runs for 8.5km beneath Arthur’s Pass and is the longest tunnel in the South Island. View the engineering achievement of the Otira Viaduct, which is a monumental feat of engineering.

Cave Stream Scenic Reserve (46km east of Arthur’s Pass village) sits amidst spectacular limestone outcrops, which are popular with rock climbers. The area has 500-year-old Maori drawings on some of the rocks. A 362-metre-long cave is one of the most outstanding natural features in the Canterbury region.

Mount Cook Village perches below majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. There are various walks beginning near the village. Kea Point, Sealy Tarns and Red Tarns all take about three hours return.

Lake Tekapo’s Church of the Good Shepherd is possibly the most photographed church in New Zealand; its altar window perfectly frames Aoraki/Mount Cook.