Wing it to Waiheke
Go on tour on Waiheke Island aboard an Explorer Bus — then take to the air for an exhilarating 30-minute scenic flight around the island. A Sea, Land and Sky Waiheke Island tour is priced from $199pp (or from $169 child's fare) and includes the return Fuller's ferry ride from Downtown Auckland to Waiheke Island, an Explorer Bus island tour and a half-hour scenic flight. Until mid-October the package includes a glass of bubbles or a wine-tasting.
Contact: Auckland Seaplanes, (09) 390-1111 or e-mail info@waihekewings.co.nz
Matakana Sculptureum trail
More than 750 sculptures and artworks are sure to delight and inspire visitors to Sculptureum in Matakana. Around 1.5km of flat, wheelchair-accessible paths meander through the gardens. A July-only Family Pass is $85 (usually $110) and is valid for two adults and up to three children.
Visitors can lunch at the on-site restaurant, Rothko, or grab a bite from Freddies Garden Bar. Open from 11am-5pm Thursday to Sunday, this art park is just outside Matakana town centre, an hour's drive north of Auckland.
Contact: Sculptureum, (09) 422 7375 or e-mail mail info@sculptureum.net or book on-line at sculptureum.nz
Story of the South: Dunedin
See the South Island in a new light on a Southern Stories guided holiday.
In Dunedin, learn about scarfie life while strolling the historic grounds of New Zealand's first university; meet the owners of a sustainably produced hazelnut orchard in Oamaru and walk the Kepler Track with experts. A small group seven-day coach tour from Christchurch to Queenstown with all transport, accommodation, many meals and experiences is priced from $3485pp, bookings are flexible for amendments until 30 days before travel. Secure your place with a $99 deposit by September 15.
Contact: your travel agent or Trafalgar, 0800 484 333 or book online at trafalgar.com/en-nz/tours/t/southern-stories
Marlborough's rural romance
Make a romantic get-away to the heart of Marlborough's wine-making country with two nights at Heritage-listed Woodside in a Garden Suite, home-cooked breakfasts, local cheeses and wine, cookies and fresh home-grown walnuts. Your hosts will even arrange a private tasting for two at Whitehaven Cellar Door. From $590 for two adults, book and stay by October 31.
Contact: Marlborough B&B, (03) 570 5430 or e-mail stay@marlboroughbb.nz or book online at marlboroughbb.nz