Otago, Invercargill, and Stewart Island Feature

Bird-Watching: See yellow-eyed penguin or an albatross on the peninsula or a kiwi on Stewart Island. Predator-free Ulva Island is often called the jewel in the crown of New Zealand's national parks.

Kiwi Sports: Dunedin's Highlanders play at Carisbrook Rugby Stadium, and Invercargill has the netball team—women's-only outdoor basketball—the Southern Sting.

Pubs and Clubs: Thanks to the presence of 20,000 university students, Dunedin is full of funky bars, late-night pubs, value-for-the-money cafés, and rocking music venues.

The Southern Sea: The lower coast of the South Island is wild and woolly, bordering the great Southern Ocean that swirls around the base of the globe. Head south along the Catlins section of the Southern Scenic Route for ocean views, diving seabirds, and sandy beaches.