3 Best Sights in Upper South Island and the West Coast, New Zealand

The approach to Kaiteriteri Beach, through orchards then forest-lined coast, is lovely, and the beach is one of the area's prettiest, with its curve of golden sand, rocky islets offshore, and deep clear water. This place is packed in midsummer, but once the four-week post-Christmas rush is over, the area returns to its usual less-frenzied pace. Many water-taxi and scenic cruises leave from here for Abel Tasman National Park. The Great Taste cycle trail, which starts in Nelson, ends here, at the Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park. There is a popular campground and a few cafés in the village, although all prune their hours or close in winter. A number of private vacation homes are also located here. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.

The approach to Kaiteriteri Beach, through orchards then forest-lined coast, is lovely, and the beach is one of the area's prettiest, with its curve of golden sand, rocky islets offshore, and deep clear water. This place is packed in mid-summer, but once the four-week post-Christmas rush is over, the area returns to its usual less-frenzied pace. Many water-taxi and scenic cruises leave from here for Abel Tasman National Park. The Great Taste Trail cycle trail, which starts in Nelson, ends here. There is a popular campground and a few cafés in the village, although all prune their hours or close in winter. A number of private holiday homes are also located here. Amenities: accommodation; cruise- and water-taxi services; food and drink; parking (free); toilets; tour booking offices. Best for: swimming; walking.

A must-see for its dramatic seascapes is Wharariki Beach, out beyond the road to Farewell Spit. To get here, drive past Collingwood to Pakawau and follow the signs. Go as far as the road will take you, and then walk over farmland on a well-defined trail for 20 minutes. Allow at least an hour for the return circuit, along the beach and back via another well-marked track along the Farmpark. Be wary though: it’s too rough for swimming and very easy to get caught by the incoming tide. Remember, this dramatic coast is quite remote, with few people (certainly no lifeguards) and tides change very quickly. Don’t be one of those who gets trapped by the sea walking out to the offshore rocks. Also, among the massive sand dunes you're likely to come across fur seals and their pups. Keep at least a 30-foot distance, as they can move quickly and do bite, and never get between a seal and the sea. It can be very windy here, at which times the sand will whip you like in a Sahara storm. But don’t let any of that put you off this inspiring place. Be sure to bring drinking water; there's none available anywhere at the beach. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; walking.