With picturesque landscapes, empty open spaces and an abundance of fresh air, New Zealand's South Island is the perfect place to get back to nature. It is also an ideal location for outdoor activities.

The Visit South Island website has an overview of different areas and links to regional websites, such as Christchurch & Canterbury and Queenstown, which have local information.

The weather can be changeable, but with so many outdoor activities to choose from, there is something for everyone and all fitness levels.

This is just a small selection of what is on offer:

• Tandem Skydive - above Queensland with NZONE.
  
  
• Paraglide - with the Neverland Paragliding School in Queenstown.
  
  
• Take to the skies in a hot air balloon - with Aoraki Balloon Safaris in Methven, an hour from Christchurch.
  
  

• Bungy jump - at Thrillseekers Canyon in Canterbury, where you can plunge 35 metres over the Walau gorge.
  
  
• Ski - for a day, a week or the whole season - Tourism New Zealand website has a list of pistes.
  
  
• Take a Lord of the Rings walking tour - with Tussock & Beech.
  
  
• Swim with the Seals - in the Nelson Region with Abel Tasman.
  
  
• See the Penguins - at sunrise on the Otago Peninsula with Nature Guides Otago.