<b>Isola del Sud 2</b> - da Picton a Christchurch extended

Nelson stretches across the northern tip of the South Island, facing Tasman Bay, and proudly claims the title of the exact geographic centre of New Zealand. Blessed with one of the country's sunniest climates, the city combines golden beaches, a lively arts-and-crafts scene and a respected food-and-wine tradition. Above all, it is the gateway to two parks of great beauty: Abel Tasman, famed for its coastal trails between turquoise coves and forest, and the wilder, more untouched Kahurangi. The surrounding countryside, rich in orchards, vineyards and hop gardens, feeds a thriving culture of craft breweries and local produce. Nelson is the ideal destination for those seeking sun, sea, nature and fine food all in one place.

At the mouth of the Grey River, on the west coast of the South Island, Greymouth is the largest town on the West Coast and an ideal starting point for exploring this wild, off-the-beaten-path region. Grown around its mining history of coal and gold, it retains a rugged, authentic character, facing the Tasman Sea. It is the terminus of the TranzAlpine, one of the world's most scenic railways, crossing gorges, beech forests and the passes of the Southern Alps. Nearby, the rock formations of the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and the rainforests offer unforgettable excursions. Between stormy seas and untamed nature, Greymouth is the rugged soul of the West Coast.

Begin a magical journey into the fantasy universe of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, created by Tolkien and made even more famous by the New Zealand director Peter Jackson. Traveling south, you pass through the Bombay Hills, the agricultural region of Waikato, and the historic town of Cambridge. Stop at the Shire's Rest in Matamata, the green countryside where the Hobbit trilogy was set. You will see the 37 hobbit holes, the double-arched bridge, the party tree, the Green Dragon Inn, and the door of Bilbo's house; a splendid view as far as the eye can see over the hills. Franz Josef owes its fame to a rare geological spectacle: the Franz Josef Glacier, which tumbles down from the Southern Alps to within a few hundred metres of sea level, amid lush temperate rainforest. This meeting of ice and exuberant vegetation, unique in the world, forms part of the Te Wāhipounamu protected area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The small village set along the West Coast lives on adventure: guided ice walks, scenic helicopter flights landing on the snowfield, and trails leading to lookouts over the glacier's tongue. After the hikes, the village's hot pools offer relief among the ferns. A short distance away, the twin Fox Glacier completes the picture. Between age-old ice and emerald forests, Franz Josef reigns as the kingdom of adventure on the wild coast.

Begin a magical journey into the fantasy universe of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, created by Tolkien and made even more famous by the New Zealand director Peter Jackson. Traveling south, you pass through the Bombay Hills, the agricultural region of Waikato, and the historic town of Cambridge. Stop at the Shire's Rest in Matamata, the green countryside where the Hobbit trilogy was set. You will see the 37 hobbit holes, the double-arched bridge, the party tree, the Green Dragon Inn, and the door of Bilbo's house; a splendid view as far as the eye can see over the hills. Queenstown rises on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, embraced by the jagged peaks of the Remarkables, and is widely known as New Zealand's adventure capital. The tourist heart of the South Island, it blends the energy of outdoor pursuits with the charm of a compact lakefront, where cafés, restaurants and boutiques enliven the town's streets. From here come bungee jumping on the Kawarau Bridge, cruises aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship, jet boating through the gorges, and the ski fields of Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. The Skyline Gondola climbs to Bob's Peak, offering a spectacular view over town and lake. Nearby, the picturesque gold-mining town of Arrowtown and the wineries of the Central Otago region, famous for its Pinot Noir, round out the experience. Among mountains, crystal-clear waters and adrenaline, Queenstown is a destination for every season of the year.

Dunedin lies at the head of a long harbour in the south-east of the South Island, carrying the Scottish heritage of its founders in every detail — its very name comes from the Gaelic for Edinburgh. The Victorian heart of the city gathers around the Octagon, the eight-sided square overlooked by St Paul's Cathedral and the town hall, while the striking railway station, built of bluestone and sandstone, remains one of New Zealand's most photographed buildings. Nearby, Baldwin Street claims the title of the world's steepest residential street. The real wonder, however, is natural: the Otago Peninsula, reaching out towards the ocean, is home to the world's only mainland colony of royal albatross, along with sea lions, fur seals and rare yellow-eyed penguins. A lively university town with a creative streak, Dunedin nurtures a surprising arts and craft-beer scene. Between heritage architecture and marine wildlife, Dunedin captivates those seeking culture and untamed nature in a single breath.