Just a short drive or train ride from New Zealand's capital city, Wellington, is the up-and-coming wine region of the Wairarapa. Pretty, sleepy Martinborough is the main wine town - surrounded by vineyards, and with a deli and wine-tasting centre in the middle. The area is just small enough to walk around, but biking or driving are options too.

The Wairarapa's wineries are small and boutique; they're developing a particular reputation for fantastic Pinot Noir. There are a number of nice winery restaurants (try the Alana Estate) and in March the area is host to wine and food festival Toast Martinborough. At the end of your day's wine-tasting, catch an arthouse film and pizza, washed down with local wine, at the Circus Cinema. Perfect.

Take the train from Wellington or drive north on SH2 and turn off at Featherston.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

As a single traveller, doing a tour of Uluru/Kata Tjuta/King's Canyon is the easiest way of seeing the three main sights without having to worry about transport, accommodation or companions. I did a tour with Wayoutback Safaris who were excellent - knowledgeable guides who did their best to keep us away from the hordes, camping in swags in the open air, and comfortable enough 4WD buses.

www.wayoutback.com.au/

Google map: tinyurl.com/mpddkq

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Travellers Oasis was by far my favourite hostel in Australia. It's just five minutes from Cairns's main drag but is a haven of peace. The rooms are colourful, the kitchens and bathrooms clean, and the owners and staff incredibly helpful and friendly. My A$42/night single room was wonderful after a day's snorkelling on the reef!

8 Scott Street, Cairns; opposite the main train station; free pickup from the airport until 8pm; www.travoasis.com.au/

Google map: tinyurl.com/ndtbjo

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

This quirky little restaurant in the centre of Akaroa is justly recommended in guidebooks. It has precisely two sittings of dinner a day - 6pm and 8.30pm, and woe betide you if you arrive early, you'll have to wait - the menu is written on a blackboard outside the door, and the walls covered in thanks from satisfied customers. There isn't much room, so book in advance (however rumours of having to book six months in advance are exaggerated). Food is French-influenced but with local produce - the smoked salmon is divine. Prices are equivalent to bigger city restaurants (mains in the $30-35 range) but it's well worth it!

Rue Lavaud, Akaroa; (03) 3047314

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Watson's Way, run by Pat and Paul, is a clean, welcoming hostel in the little village of Renwick bang in the middle of Marlborough wine country.

Toast and jam is provided for breakfast, there's a nice lounge with a television. Bikes are available for hire ($10 if you're staying at the hostel) and Pat will offer tips for the best route around the wineries and which ones to visit for tastings.

On SH6/SH63. Blenheim is the nearest town.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends