Work up a sweat. Or a tan

Have a coffee
Above the Nelson township stands a concrete cathedral with a boutique feel whose steps spill onto the main street (Trafalgar Street; you won't have to battle through it), which leads into a host of great cafés and bars. DeVille Café, behind the old Metropolitan Hotel, is one of my faves.

Walk up the garden path
Veering towards the Brook Valley, the Queens Gardens are a floral nod to quieter times. Just past it, the Botanics is an iconic little sports field that has fostered more cricketing talent per square inch than any other club field in the country - well, that's where I started anyway. On the far side of the field, follow the path up the hill (by the whopping big palm tree) and 15 minutes later you'll have a spectacular vista out across Nelson city and the Golden Bay area, or the Costa del Tasman, as I call it. You're now standing in the geographical centre of New Zealand and it's worth the tightening calves to experience the view.

If you decide to spend your time in the Nelson region you'll be struck by the idyllic nature of its sheltered Shangri La-type setting and its easygoing villagers. Be warned, though: Keep your factor 50 sunblock at the ready at all times because the Nelson sun will leave you devilishly luminescent.

Visit Abel Tasman National Park
A must-not-miss is Abel Tasman National Park, a short boat ride away or less than an hour by car. Whether you do a day trip in or choose to walk or kayak some of the track, this is a breathtaking slice of Kiwi coastline that you'll never forget. The golden sands and azure sea may perhaps inspire you to frolic with one of the boisterous seals in the Tonga Island colony along the way.

Drop by a vineyard
Now that you're on my turf in the Golden Bay region, I encourage you to visit as many places as possible in the Motueka/Takaka area. There are many fine vineyards to while away an afternoon in. Halfway between Nelson and Motueka is the cosy coastal village of Mapua, whose wharfside cafés have outstanding seafood selections.

Venture on over Takaka Hill and you won't be disappointed. The mountainous ascent is worth the effort not only for the spectacular views from the top but once down onto the flat you've entered a portal of secluded beauty. The Takaka area is isolated and relaxing, and the locals are blessed with a bohemian spirit. Call into the Mussel Inn for lunch and stop by The Penguin Café when you get to the lovely beach resort of Pohara. The birdlife and stark beauty of Farewell Spit is worth a half-day bus tour if that's your fancy too.

Go shopping
Tootling a few miles further on into the hops and tobacco-built town of Motueka, be sure and have a forage around Whitwells Menswear for an eclectic selection of quality Kiwi shirts and shoes before nipping in to the Motueka Hotel (opposite the Copshop) to toast the memory of Elston Blain, or as he was known by the locals, "Fawlty".