Nelson enjoys the most sunshine hours of any town in New Zealand. Its location, sandwiched between wine-growing country and the magnificent coastline, combines with the climate to offer a pretty special lifestyle.

Nelson city itself occupies the flat land at the mouth of the Maitai River, which has a series of superb swimming holes just a couple of miles to the east. It’s backed by hills that offer fine views over the city and the harbour enclosed by the naturally formed Boulder Bank – a great place for a stroll of a summer evening. The city has a number of pleasant open spaces, including the Victorian splendour of Queens Gardens, and there’s a thriving cafe and restaurant scene. Lambretta’s (20 Hardy Street, 03 545 8555) is a funky spot that does a good line in pizza. The top two restaurants, The Boatshed (350 Wakefield Street, 03 546 9783) and The Cut (94 Collingwood Street, 03 548 9874) are among the best in the South Island. Besides the small wineries out of town, it’d be worth your while visiting Founders Brewery (03 548 4638), which produces Tall Blonde lager, arguably New Zealand’s finest beer.