Peschardt's Kiwi People

While filming the latest BBC series of Peschardt's People, presenter Michael Peschardt talked to three legendary New Zealanders. Two of them are famous for ascending the world's tallest mountains; the other is famous for plummeting into rivers and valleys while attached to a giant rubber band.

Peschardt's People introduces a whole world of television viewers to the most famous and interesting people in South East Asia. He's been to New Zealand many times and believes there's no place quite like it. "In a hectic and overcrowded world, New Zealand is a prized haven", says Peschardt.

Mark Inglis was the first double amputee to climb Mount Everest in 2006
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As a visitor to New Zealand, you can stage your own adventures in the dramatic landscapes that produced these kiwi legends.

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and Lake Tekapo

The Southern Alps, which run down the spine of the South Island, reach their zenith in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Although it includes 19 peaks over 3000 metres high, this park is easy to experience. A sealed road leads along the floor of the Tasman Valley, all the way to Mount Cook Village. From here you can explore trails that lead to alpine tarns, herb fields and spectacular glacier views. Encounters with cheeky kea (mountain parrots) are an enjoyable added extra. Other park entertainments include scenic flights, glacier lake tours and professionally guided mountaineering expeditions.

Not far from Mount Cook is beautiful Lake Tekapo. Finely ground rock particles in the glacial waters give this lake an amazing milky turquoise colour. Around here it's all about the outdoors - mountain biking, horse trekking, fishing, kayaking and hiking adventures will make you part of the fantastic scenery.

Mount Hutt to Hanmer Springs

Following the eastern boundary of the Southern Alps is a driving route known as Inland Scenic Route 72. Travelling south to north, it leads to Mount Somers - a great place for a hike in the hills - then on to Mount Hutt, Canterbury's premier ski field. Further on is the spa town of Hanmer Springs, where you can ease your climbing, hiking and skiing muscles in the hot pools.

	The home of bungy
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Queenstown, Wanaka and Mount Aspiring National Park

Queenstown and Wanaka, our most acclaimed alpine towns, are both packed with opportunities to embrace the wilderness. The original bungy jump off historic Kawarau Bridge is a good place to start, or take things more gently with a horse trek around the old gold mining town of Arrowtown. Jet boating and lake cruises are all year round activities; in winter there's a great selection of snow sport areas for skiing and boarding.

Mount Aspiring National Park, just west of Wanaka, is a dreamland of mountains, glaciers, river valleys and alpine lakes. The park offers an extensive choice of valley hikes, including the famous Routeburn Track. In summer it's possible to walk from one valley to another over spectacular mountain passes.

"Where else in the world can you find such breathtaking scenery and feel like you are the only one there to enjoy it." Michael Peschardt