Christopher. Heres my list of the most beautiful places to visit and things to do on the South Island of New Zealand! Wed love to visit New Zealand some day. Places to see in the North of the South Island Nelson. Contents. On the peak, you will be rewarded by one of the best view in the world, surrounded by steep mountains and lakes. Milford Sound. A 5-Day Queenstown Itinerary For the Intrepid (New Zealand) 20+ Day New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary. 5. 1. Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. South Island road trip from Picton. Queenstown. Beautiful places to visit in South Island of New Zealand 1. Things to do in New Zealand South Island Mount Cook National Park / Lake Pukaki. 9. South Island Tourism South Island Hotels South Island Bed and Breakfast New Zealand ; South Island; Search. New Zealand Travel Guide. Cathedral Cliffs, Gore Bay. Next, head south toward Bluff to visit New Zealands southernmost and third-largest island: Stewart Island. Located on the southwest side of the South Island, Queenstown has a well-deserved reputation as the adventure capital of New Zealand. Queenstown Undeniably, one of the best places to visit on the South Island, you will fall in love with this beautiful place. Lake Ruataniwha. Why Youll Love Spring Hiking in New Zealand; Places To Visit. Steampunk style architecture in Oamaru (Photo: amanderson2 via Flickr / CC BY 2.0) Check out a cluster of trees that point sideways. Te Anau to Bluff to Stewart Island: 1 to 4 days. Christchurch to Hanmer Springs Day3. Answer 1 of 2: I'm sure I will get a wide variety of responses, but here goes. I will be traveling on the South Island June 28-Aug 16, flying into Christchurch. Finishing at the Farewell Spit, Golden Bay. This post will show you the best places to visit on the South Island in New Zealand. info@goliveyoung.com. Queenstowns natural beauty makes it one of the dream destinations in New Zealand. This area is full of vineyards surrounded by amazing scenery of mountains and rivers. Check the online road report before driving in winter or after snow. Theres five of them dotted across the South Island. The Catlins. What I love about the South Island is the diversity: the scenery Wetlands are wonderful places to visit. 1. Our perfect 1-week South Island itinerary will take you to all the best locations in this part of the country. Experience the beauty of Aoraki/Mount Cook on foot. Day 1 Christchurch. Farewell Spit, at the northern tip of the South Island, is New Zealands longest sand spit (25 km) and a nature reserve. Australia & New Zealand Specialist. Lake Pukaki, the largest alpine lake in South Island, is distinguished by the exceptionally turquoise colour caused by sediments of glacial erosion that come from Tasman and Hooker Glaciers. The South Island of New Zealand is home to sea lions, penguins, alpine parrots, kiwi, fur seals, ancient lizards, and New Zealands only native land mammals, the long and short tail bats. Best places to visit on the South Island Picton. I will be traveling on the South Island June 28-Aug 16, flying into Christchurch. 5. If you like hiking, pay a visit to Marlborough Sounds and Queen Charlotte Sound. Map of NZ South Island: East Coast highlights. I'm trying to figure out which cities to visit. Katie. The South Island of New Zealand is the ultimate campervan holiday destination with a new and breathtaking landscape to admire every couple of hours on the road. The Catlins is lesser known than other places to visit in the South Island, but the landscapes and wildlife Beautiful places to visit in South Island of New Zealand 1. Katie. Best Things to Do in South Island New Zealand 1) Explore the Golden Beaches of Abel Tasman National Park 2) Admire the Stunning View at Cable Bay 3) Walk the Queen Charlotte Track in Marlborough Sounds 4) Stay in a Remote Bay in Marlborough Sounds 5) Visit Picturesque Wineries 6) Spot Seals 7) Swim with Wild Dolphins in Kaikura or Akaroa The Moris explained the presence of these spherical boulders on Koekohe Beach, on the South Island of New Zealand, as eel baskets washed up from an enormous, sunken canoe, but the science behind these rock formations is even stranger. Location: The Catlins is an area comprised of the southeast corner of the South Island, from Balclutha to Invercargill. Call one of our experts or arrange a video appointment for ideas and advice. 1.1 Wanaka is one of the best small towns in New Zealand for outdoor activities, hikes, and the famous Wanaka Tree; 2 Mt Cook Village. 1. Make an enquiry. Christchurch has risen from the rubble of the devastating 2011 earthquakes and is one of the worlds most creative cities. Days: 7. Go crazy for crayfish. Queenstown. Cathedral Cliffs, Gore Bay. The Catlins. LOCATION 1 Itchen Street, Oamaru. If you love wine and wine tasting, Central Otago is the best places to visit in South Island New Zealand. The South Island comes alive during winter which spans from June to October, depending on where you go. Finishing at the Farewell Spit, Golden Bay. Settled by the Scottish in 1848, the name Dunedin is derived from the Gaelic for Edinburgh, and much of the city is still reminiscent of the old-world style brought by its Scottish settlers. WBA Hall of Fame honoree. 3. We started the hike at 5:30 and were able to beat the heat - pack lots and lots of water. Hawkes Bay Wine Trail visit all the wineries around Napier and Hastings. Blenheim. Best time to visit is between November and January, during the seal breeding season. Things to Do in New Zealand New Zealand Travel Forum New Zealand Photos New Zealand Travel Guide All New Zealand Hotels; Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. 20 best places to visit in New Zealand's south island - CK Allison. | Credit: Kaikoura Fishing Tours. New Zealand is the perfect place for those who love the outdoors and is a model for eco tourism. With 2, 3 or more weeks in New Zealand you can choose a 15+ day itinerary and immerse yourself in the friendly culture and wild beauty of New Zealand. New Zealand has some of the greatest scenic drives in the world. Read on to see which other places readers deemed the best islands in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific and why Fiji has yet again captured the No. In this post though, weve picked 15 of our personal New Zealand South Island highlights for a road trip from Christchurch to Southland and back via the Otago Coast. Barbara. Source: Canva. Dunedin and its region, the Coastal Otago, offer natural beauty coupled with a fascinating cultural history. Two of the most beautiful glaciers in New Zealand are Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier, and the cool thing is, you can get right up close! What I love about the South Island is the diversity: the scenery South Island road trip from Picton. Explore New Zealand's highest peak and New Zealand's only castle. Bora Bora, French Polynesia. Milford Sound Milford Sound is often referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World when you see it for yourself, we 2. Lake Tekapo looks like a scene from a fairytale with its gorgeous lake and the breathtaking snow-capped mountains. Wed love to visit New Zealand some day. The best way to discover these diverse experiences and landscapes is on a self-drive holiday from Christchurch. Lake Tekapo. Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo are show stoppers, and rightfully so. The South Island of New Zealand is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. Kaikoura. 1 Wanaka. Te Anau to Bluff to Stewart Island: 1 to 4 days. Location: The Catlins is an area comprised of the southeast corner of the South Island, from Balclutha to Invercargill. 01993 838 820. 2. It simply has it all: vast mountains, empty beaches, rain forest and enough activities to keep any outdoor lover and adrenaline junkie entertained. Sleepy holiday homes are scattered about the wild beaches, and the wind is This area is full of vineyards surrounded by amazing scenery of mountains and rivers. Discuss South Island travel with Tripadvisor travelers. Why Youll Love Spring Hiking in New Zealand; Places To Visit. Top Things to Do in South Island, New Zealand: See Tripadvisor's 1,447,984 traveller reviews and photos of South Island tourist attractions. 11 must do experiences in the South Island 1. Interesting things to do at Lake Tekapo are: 2. 2. Top 10 Islands in Australia, New Zealand, and the South PacificFiji Islands. The 300-plus islands of Fiji are a nature lover's paradise, with up-high hiking trails, year-round balmy weather, and next-level properties (many on their own private islands, like Vatuvara Kangaroo Island, Australia. Score: 85.66Moorea, French Polynesia. Great Barrier Reef Islands, Australia. Bora-Bora, French Polynesia. More items 9. Queen Charlotte Track. Top 11 wetlands to visit in the North Island, New Zealand. Ohau Point seal colony. 1. It is home to incredible flora and fauna, including kiwis (about 15,000). Picton is the obvious starting point for a road trip on the South Islands East Coast. Answer 1 of 3: Hello, Here is our self drive itinerary for 22 days on the South Island. This beautiful stretch of the South Island has put New Zealand viticulture on the world map not least because of the pioneering cultivation of sauvignon blanc varietals. New Zealand is the perfect place for those who love the outdoors and is a model for eco tourism. Queenstowns natural beauty makes it one of the dream destinations in New Zealand. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Though technically a fiord and not a sound, Milford Sound is stunning nonetheless! Christopher. mm/dd/yyyy mm/dd/yyyy Best of New Zealand's South Island - 10 Days. 2022. 5. One of the best things to do in the South Island of NZ in winter is to do something wintery, such as climbing a glacier! 1. The Catlins is lesser known than other places to visit in the South Island, but the landscapes and wildlife Built around Queenstown Bay on the banks of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is a resort town. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in July. Snow Sports in New Zealands South Island. If you love hiking, there are plenty of hiking trails you can explore. The mangled, surreally shaped trees that occupy Slope Point, the most southerly spot on 3. Skiing is a popular attraction here as there are more than 2 ski fields nearby. With a North and South island to explore, this country has amazing landscapes, volcanic craters, hot springs, Scottish towns and wilderness islands, and plenty for adrenalin junkies. June 10, 2019 6:34 pm. We take in Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Queenstown, Wanaka, the fiordlands, Oamaru, Banks Peninsula and a bunch of stunning places in between. Farewell Spit and Puponga Farm Park. This 10-day road trip through the South Island combines the best of New Zealand. The Chatham Islands are an archipelago of about ten islands located about 500 miles east of New Zealand's South Island. | Credit: Kaikoura Fishing Tours. Photo: photo.eccles / Adobe Stock. City. Bay of Islands. Road conditions: In winter snow can cause issues. Over 85% of this island is National Park and thus is The whole park is stunning and you will be stopping the car non-stop for photos. Queen Charlotte Track. Things to Do in New Zealand New Zealand Travel Forum New Zealand Photos New Zealand Travel Guide All New Zealand Hotels; If youre planning a South Island New Zealand road trip, The Lakes will most likely be on your itinerary. Contents. Please let us know if it looks ok. No kids with us. 18 fun things to do on the South Island of New Zealand with kids, including hiking famous tracks, jet boating, swimming with dolphins, and even wine tasting. Start off your road trip of New Zealands South Island by arriving in Christchurch early in the morning, or better yet, the evening before to really maximise your time. Picton. The best place to see whales in the South Island is in Kaikoura. Roys Peak in Wanaka is a must-try. The best place to see whales in the South Island is in Kaikoura. A 3.5-hour drive north of Auckland sits the Bay of Islands. Akaroa: a small town on the Banks Peninsula, a great place for spotting rare Hector dolphins. Home; Travel Guide; About New Zealand; Photos; Maps; Contact; South Island Travel Guide. Stewart island. Beautiful places to visit in South Island of New Zealand 1. Bodies of Water. 4. South Island Tourism South Island Hotels South Island Bed and Breakfast New Zealand ; South Island; Search. Distance: 915 km. 3.1 Arrowtown is an old town with a gold mining history; 4 Akaroa . Milford Sound. Even if you dont have time to explore the trails, the scenery around Mount Cook makes this one of our absolute must see places in south island New Zealand; even the drive in along Lake Pukaki and the Mount Cook Road is epic! Barbara. New Zealand is a mecca for snow sports with a huge variety of groomed slopes to stunning backcountry landscapes. The top 11 wetlands are must-go destinations for locals as well as overseas visitors to appreciate the outdoors and observe landscapes as old as the earth. June 10, 2019 6:34 pm. Lake Pukaki. Also, do not forget to try local cuisine and beer. Ohau Point seal colony. This is the first driving route for the South Island of New Zealand and one that assumes youre starting a road trip from Picton 4. Sleep under the stars in a PurePod plonked in the middle of nowhere. If you visit in the wintertime, heli-skiing is on offer on the mountain. This self-drive itinerary hits the highlights of New Zealand's North Island with a wide array of activities and landscapes, from Auckland to Rotorua. Answer 1 of 2: I'm sure I will get a wide variety of responses, but here goes. New Zealand is an awesome place to visit with kids. Steampunk style architecture in Oamaru (Photo: amanderson2 via Flickr / CC BY 2.0) Check out a cluster of trees that point sideways. Milford Sound is a fiord in the southwest of New Zealands South Island. Nestled on the Otago Peninsula by the picturesque harbour, the second-largest city on New Zealands South Island may seem slightly out of place. Blenheim. Mount Cook National Park. Admire birds as you hike Stewart Island. Top South Island Parks & Nature Attractions: See reviews and photos of parks, gardens & other nature attractions in South Island, New Zealand on Tripadvisor. This is easily one of my favorite days on this two-week New Zealand South Island itinerary! 15 reasons why the East Coast of the South Island NZ is worth visiting. Top 5 Things to do in New Zealand (South Island) 1. I'm trying to figure out which cities to visit. Kaikoura. Things to Do in New Zealand New Zealand Travel Forum New Zealand Photos New Zealand Travel Guide All New Zealand Hotels; A Road Trip Around New Zealand's South Island Is the Best Way to See One of the Most Beautiful Places on the Planet The writer explored 1,125 miles of New Zealand's South Island in 2.1 The best small town in the South Island for access to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park; 3 Arrowtown. Piha & Waitakere Ranges Walks, Waterfalls, and BeachesNew Zealand. Stewart Island is the third largest island in New Zealand and is located in the far south of the country. One of the best things to do in the South Island of NZ in winter is to do something wintery, such as climbing a glacier! Catlins (8 Articles) Nelson and Marlborough (0 Articles) Westcoast (7 Articles) Popular Posts. 01993 838 820. Distance: 915 km. This is where the ferry from Wellington on the North Island arrives, and theres also an airport with flights from Wellington.. The country of New Zealand is actually made up of an estimated 600 islands in the south-western Pacific Ocean. The fiord is home to fur seal colonies, penguins and dolphins. On sunny days, Mount Cook, the highest mountain (3754 m) of New Zealand, appears in the background and adds to the dramatic scenery of the place. 3. We have reviews of the best places to see in South Island. Recommended itinerariesAuckland to Christchurch, West Coast Discovery. Discover vibrant cities, secluded beaches and rugged wilderness on this 14-day journey from Auckland to Christchurch via the West Coast.Christchurch to Queenstown via Kaikoura Itinerary. Elven Magic 2-Weeks in Middleearth. 1. Must-Sees of the West Coast Region of New Zealands South Island. New Zealand is a mecca for snow sports with a huge variety of groomed slopes to stunning backcountry landscapes. New Zealand People; Hiking FAQ; Auckland; Categories. Next, head south toward Bluff to visit New Zealands southernmost and third-largest island: Stewart Island. Fun things to do in Mount Cook are: 3. Therefore, I highly recommend doing a Milford Sound boat tour. Please let us know if it looks ok. No kids with us. Climb Mount Cook, The Countrys highest mountain. Hawkes Bay Wine Trail visit all the wineries around Napier and Hastings. South Island Travel Forum Plan the perfect trip to South Island . Wetlands are wonderful places to visit. 5,721. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Lake Pukaki, the largest alpine lake in South Island, is distinguished by the exceptionally turquoise colour caused by sediments of glacial erosion that come from Tasman and Hooker Glaciers. Mount Cook National Park. One of the best places to do this in the South Island has to be Lake Tekapo, 3 hours drive from Christchurch. A Road Trip Around New Zealand's South Island Is the Best Way to See One of the Most Beautiful Places on the Planet The writer explored 1,125 miles of New Zealand's South Island in seven days. Mount Cook Road is a must-see all on its own. Marlborough. Ferry: 1 hour. 1.1 Wanaka is one of the best small towns in New Zealand for outdoor activities, hikes, and the famous Wanaka Tree; 2 Mt Cook Village. Mike Hollman, New Zealand's travel photographer of the year in 2013, shares 13 great places to take photos on South Island. I will be traveling on the South Island June 28-Aug 16, flying into Christchurch. Climb Mount Cook, The Countrys highest mountain New Zealand Travel: Top 4 Things to Eat on the South Island 1. This self-drive itinerary hits the highlights of New Zealand's North Island with a wide array of activities and landscapes, from Auckland to Rotorua. It is definitely one of the most beautiful places to visit in South Island of New Zealand. But not too far down the road youll come across the lesser-known Lake Ruataniwha. Many are lured to Marlborough by the wine tasting. Map of NZ South Island: East Coast highlights. Tasman Glacier (pictured above) is By Happyjohnny. Fiji Islands. Make an enquiry. Located at the shores of Lake Wakatipu, this place is surrounded by lofty mountains. Here, we have narrowed it down to the top 10 most picturesque places in New Zealand so youre sure not to be miss out on the most beautiful spots! An archipelago of 300 islands in the Coral Sea, Fiji has no shortage of things to do, both on land and 2. Lake Ruataniwha. Answer 1 of 3: I'm sure I will get a wide variety of responses, but here goes. Travel forums for South Island. 15 Must-do highlights on the East Coast of the South Island, New Zealand. Lake Pukaki. Our perfect 1-week South Island itinerary will take you to all the best locations in this part of the country. Queenstown Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand and home to so many amazing things to do all year round. Explore all must-visit places in South Island on a road trip of your life in seven days, and read our tips on the best things to do, how to get around, and where to stay. 10-Day Campervan Itinerary for the South Island. The South Island of New Zealand is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. Marvel at Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain. Source: Canva. Nelson has a thriving local arts and crafts community which attracts lots of artists from all around the country. Built around Queenstown Bay on the banks of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is a resort town. Call one of our experts or arrange a video appointment for ideas and advice. Ferry: 1 hour. The Chatham Islands, with their sheer rocky coastlines and rugged green wilderness, were the ancestral home of the Moriori people, a Polynesian tribe very similar to the Maori of New Zealand's main islands. Answer 1 of 2: I'm sure I will get a wide variety of responses, but here goes. Milford Sound. On sunny days, Mount Cook, the highest mountain (3754 m) of New Zealand, appears in the background and adds to the dramatic scenery of the place. Fiji Islands 1 spot. Best of New Zealand's South Island - 10 Days. Distance to drive: 118 kilometers (73 miles) Estimated drive time with stops: 3 to 6 hours. The top 11 wetlands are must-go destinations for locals as well as overseas visitors to appreciate the outdoors and observe landscapes as old as the earth. New Zealand crayfish have been marketed as rock lobster, and this name now has official status. We drove from Queenstown and it made for a really long day of being on a bus. 2-Week North Island, New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary. What I love about the South Island is the diversity: the scenery Kayak through the Abel Tasman National Park. Do note that kids need to be 3 or older to take a boat tour, so you may need to The Marlborough Sounds are an extensive collection of sea-drowned valleys and inlets on the northern Blenheim. 1. Do note that kids need to be 3 or older to take a boat tour, so you may need to 1. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Winston Tan/Shutterstock. Mike Hollman, New Zealand's travel photographer of the year in 2013, shares 13 great places to take photos on South Island. Christchurch to Hanmer Springs Day3. 3 Best Places to Visit on South Island in New Zealand: 4 Larger Cities and Towns 4.1 Christchurch 4.2 Queenstown 4.3 Wanaka 4.4 Dunedin 4.5 Kaikoura 4.6 Akaroa 4.7 Renwick & the Marlborough Wine Region 4.8 Glenorchy 5 National Parks 5.1 Nelson Lakes National Park 5.2 Mount Cook National Park 5.3 Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park Explore all must-visit places in South Island on a road trip of your life in seven days, and read our tips on the best things to do, how to get around, and where to stay. Nestled on the Otago Peninsula by the picturesque harbour, the second-largest city on New Zealands South Island may seem slightly out of place. The best places to see in the South Island 1. 1 Wanaka. Snow Sports in New Zealands South Island. The Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is home to the highest 2. It often earns the city the title of eco-capital of New Zealand. Areas. The South Island of New Zealand is home to sea lions, penguins, alpine parrots, kiwi, fur seals, ancient lizards, and New Zealands only native land mammals, the long and short tail bats.