Festivals and food. Arts and culture. Shopping and world-class sporting events. Just a four-and-a-half hour direct flight from Auckland, Adelaide is the Australian city where there's always something going on.

South Australia boasts an extraordinary variety of places to see and experiences to enjoy. And they are all easily accessible from Adelaide. Combine a number of different regions to get a real taste of what South Australia has to offer.

Whether it's the wine, wildlife, beaches, Murray River or the Outback, pick up a rental car and explore at your own pace. Alternatively, you can base yourself in Adelaide and join one of the many day or overnight tours from the city.

If your time is short, it's best you stay around Adelaide and its neighbouring regions. The world famous wine and food regions of the Barossa, Clare Valley, Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale are all within a 90 minute drive.

If you've ever dreamt of captaining your own houseboat, steering it down a mighty river with your friends and family along for the ride, then a houseboat holiday is the perfect option.

Unforgettable Houseboats are a popular option for Kiwis. With 11 boats in their fleet (ranging from two to 12 berths), there is a boat to suit everyone's tastes and holiday requirements.

Whether cooking a meal on the BBQ or in the gourmet kitchen (complete with dishwasher, freezer and microwave) relaxing in the Jacuzzi, or watching the stars from the top deck, these "floating baches" exceed all expectations.

If you'd like to add a little more action to your houseboating holiday, Unforgettable Houseboats can organise golf, waterskiing, kayaking, wine tasting tours to the Barossa, or a nocturnal wildlife expedition.

At the end of your day on the river, there's nothing better than sharing a glass of Barossa wine with your family and friends as you watch the pelicans gliding by a backdrop of majestic limestone cliffs, lit by the setting sun.

The Food Show Auckland