Collingwood

From Collingwood you can arrange four wheel drive trips to Farewell Spit and other off road destinations near South Island's northern tip. Collingwood Safari Tours organizes daily trips from mid December to early February. The rest of the year, trips leave only on Wednesday; groups can make special arrangements for other times.

Heading for the beach? You'll find safe swimming and easy boat launching at Paton's Rock and alluring shells and colored pebbles at Parapara; both are south of Collingwood. Surfcasting, swimming, a campground, and a store are to be found farther north at Pakawau. On the north coast near Cape Farewell, Wharariki Beach offers wave cut rock formations, a seal colony, and sea birds.

For an inland summer destination, drive southwest through the rich dairy land of the Aorere River Valley to see limestone formations and glowworms in Te Anaroa Caves (open during the summer holidays). Take along picnic supplies including some Collingwood Cheddar cheese for lunch beside the river.