Feel your senses kick into life as you swing a leg over a mountain bike or lace up your walking shoes. Follow an old gold miner's trail and walk back in time to a Central Otago ghost town, seek out the giant kauri trees in an ancient Northland forest or meander through a tranquil winegrowing landscape to a recommended vineyard restaurant.

If you crave the refreshment of water and waves, sea kayaking is an inspired way to explore New Zealand's beautiful coastline. Secret beaches, penguins, seals and dolphins are a few of the surprises in store. Or charter a yacht in the Bay of Islands and live the life of a sea gypsy, anchoring in a different bay every night.

Places to go

• Glenorchy, at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu, is a place for hiking, horse trekking, canoeing and fly fishing. The Caples, Rees Dart, Greenstone and Routeburn tracks can be accessed from this enchanting lakeside town.
• Te Anau is the starting point for the Milford Track, one of the world's greatest walks. Alternatively, join a sea kayaking expedition in Milford.
• Just 20 minutes from Motueka is the Abel Tasman National Park, where you can walk or kayak to perfect beaches, seal colonies and fascinating granite outcrops.
• The Franz Josef and Fox glaciers on the South Island's west coast are a chance to discover the cool world of ice trekking.
• Mt Taranaki, the North Island's most perfect volcanic snow cone, can be climbed in a day. Because the weather can change quickly, it's best to take a local guide.

Things to do and see

• From a one hour stroll to a five day hike, and everything in between, you can find a good walk almost anywhere in New Zealand.
• Mountain biking has been officially recognised as a cool thing to do - there are designated mountain bike trails in most regions.
• Excellent roads and beautiful scenery are two reasons to try cycle touring. Pedal power really puts you in touch with the landscape.
• On lakes, rivers and sheltered bays you can enjoy the freedom of paddling your own kayak. Guided camping tours around the Abel Tasman National Park are the ultimate sea kayaking experience.
• For those who can sail, charter yachts are available in the Bay of Islands, Auckland and Marlborough.

Sound credit: symbiosis-music.com.