He and his wife Janine were in Alexandra, Cromwell and Queenstown yesterday meeting residents and learning about community activities.
The couple visited the Alexandra Community Gardens in the morning and were shown the planting processes.
Paddy Moxham, who helped create the garden 10 years ago, said it was nice for it to be recognised by someone with such status.
''When I got the call saying the Governor-General is coming to visit I thought they must be joking.
''He's a very nice man, very down to earth.''
Sir Jerry was then given a presentation on an initiative to combat online harassment by youth anti-cyberbullying group Sticks'n'Stones.
They were ''inspiring'', he said.
''What they've done and the connections they have made are truly amazing.''
The pair were shown around the Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell and driven around the track in the Highlands Taxi, a Porsche Cayenne, by owner Tony Quinn.
''Maybe next time I'm here Tony could go a bit faster,'' Sir Jerry said.
Afterwards they tasted some of the region's wines at The Nose restaurant in the park.
New Zealand Winegrowers chairman Steve Green was impressed with Sir Jerry's visit.
''He told us he talks New Zealand wine while on overseas visits, which is great for the industry.''
It was important to see what was going on around the country, Sir Jerry said.
''It can help to spread ideas around.
''Today has reaffirmed the ingenuity of New Zealanders for me.
''It's great to see the projects that are out here and meet the people that make them happen.''
Sir Jerry and Lady Mateparae travelled to Queenstown last night and will visit Queenstown Resort College and the St John Ambulance Station today, before boarding an overnight Milford Sound cruise.
Tomorrow they will visit Te Anau, before flying back to Wellington.
