{"id":39748,"date":"2025-07-22T17:38:20","date_gmt":"2025-07-22T07:38:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/?p=39748"},"modified":"2025-07-22T17:40:16","modified_gmt":"2025-07-22T07:40:16","slug":"the-top-of-the-south-discover-new-zealand-like-a-local","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/the-top-of-the-south-discover-new-zealand-like-a-local\/","title":{"rendered":"The Top of the South: See New Zealand Like a Local"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There’s more to New Zealand than Queenstown and Auckland. Travel to the Top of the South and get ready to see the country like a local.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking a road trip across the Top of the South is like a New Zealand greatest hits package, driving past rugged mountain ranges, watching the surf crash onto golden sandy beaches and cruising past alpine lakes and lush green forests. This pocket of New Zealand<\/a> also has some of the country\u2019s finest accommodation and fresh seafood, homegrown produce and top-shelf wines that people travel the Tasman to sample.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a region where you don\u2019t rush things; where you should take the time to meet local people, engage with local culture and simply soak up the natural beauty. In Nelson Tasman you can paddle a traditional M\u0101ori waka<\/em> (canoe), you can cook your own freshly caught fish straight out of the waters of Marlborough Sounds and relax in natural thermal pools in Hammer Springs. It’s truly a place to savour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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