India, March 13 -- Off the Southern coast of New Zealand's South Island, some 30 kilometres from the mainland, Stewart Island appears like a little toast point on the map. But the excitement begins even before you reach the island. From Queenstown, the journey is undertaken in a tiny 12-seater aircraft that looks and feels like a toy airplane and is a huge hit with the kids. As the little plane banks and swerves, you're treated to bird' eye views of stunning landscapes and the sea. So much so that the 50-minute trip feels all too short.

Nature's Bounty Island view on a walk (Photo Credit: Anita Rao Kashi) On the ground, Stewart Island is even better. And since our summer coincides with New Zealand's winter, it's the perfect family geta...