Travelling the South Island New Zealand
If there were an award for spectacular locations, New Zealand’s South Island would take out the Oscar. Heck, there’s even a place that’s called ‘Paradise’. Nowhere else in the world combines rugged landscapes, truly unique experiences, and adventures to simply take your breath away!How to get around:
It’s really easy to get around this pocket sized adventure paradise. There’s fully inclusive tours, hop on/off buses that combine flexibility with all the conveniences of guided travel, cars and campervan hire, as well as the world famous ‘Tranz Alpine’ train that stretches across to the gorgeous West Coast.
MUST SEE, MUST DO!
National Parks:
The best way to see the South Island is to just get out into the national parks – such as Abel Tasman in the north, or Fjordland in the south-west – and “tramp” (hike) your way across the countryside. The Milford Track rates as one of the best walks in the world, but you’ll also find something to suit every age, timeframe and fitness level.
West Coast:
A cruise or scenic flight is the best way to check out Milford Sound, with its cascading waterfalls and beautiful wildlife. If you’re feeling adventurous then hike or take a helicopter flight up the ancient Franz Josef or Fox Glaciers, to explore the spectacular ice formations that flow through lush rainforest.
Queenstown:
The adventure capital of the world! It’s renowned for superb winter sports and all year round excitement in the form of bungy jumping, skydiving, mountain biking, rafting, jet boating and anything else that can get your heart pumping and your brow sweating!Christchurch:
The international gateway and largest city in the South Island has plenty of hostels and a backpacker friendly nightlife. The International Antarctic Centre is worth a visit – the ‘snow & ice experience’ is almost as much fun as taking a ride on the ‘Hagglund’ (an Antarctic all-terrain amphibian vehicle).
“The bottom bit”:
The town of Bluff over looks Foveaux Strait, and is home to the famous Bluff Oyster. Bluff is also the gateway to Stewart Island – New Zealand’s rugged southern-most island. Stewart Island has one small township – Oban – in Halfmoon Bay. 28 km of sealed roads, amazing beaches, they just take your breath away. It is a haven for native wildlife, which you can discover on many bush walks from half an hour to three days. See songbirds such as Bellbirds, the Tui and if you’re lucky – Kiwi feeding on remote beaches at night. The waters are sparkling clear and excellent for kayaking, fishing, snorkelling and diving. The Island certainly has a special feel about it, with it’s own microclimate.
Hobbits:
Don’t forget the Hobbits! One visit here and you’ll soon see why director Peter Jackson chose his homeland as the back drop for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Of course there are plenty of tours that will take you to the films set locations, but just exploring the countryside yourself will deliver the same spectacular views.
So come visit the South Island, because as the locals say, its “Sweet As” – but be warned, you may never want to leave!
