Walking wonderland at Queen Charlotte

Three of the most pleasant walking tours in New Zealand are at the top of the South Island.

The Queen Charlotte Walkway can be completed as a European-style inn-to-inn walk with magnificent views of the sound.

The Nydia Track is a two-day walk over easy terrain in Marlborough's isolated Pelorus Sound, with water-taxi support for tired walkers.

And in Nelson Lakes National Park you can stay in a luxury lodge while taking guided one-day walks.

Costs, including meals and pick-ups, range from $499 to $849. Between walks, check out Marlborough's vineyards.

Contact: A Walker's World, ph (09)445 4121, e-mail walkworld@compuserve.com