The South Island of New Zealand (Te Waipounamu) is world-renowned for its dramatic landscapes, from snow-capped mountains and fjords to glaciers, turquoise lakes and coastal wildlife. It’s a paradise for nature lovers, road trippers and adventure seekers.
Queenstown is a must see, with bungy jumping, jet boating, skydiving and skiing. Milford Sound and Fiordland should also be on your bucket list.
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is home to New Zealand’s tallest peak, glaciers and alpine lakes. Popular hikes include Hooker Valley Track, Tasman Glacier View and Sealy Tarns.
Stargazing in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve is also world-class.
Christchurch is the gateway city to the South Island. Rebuilding with creativity post-earthquake it offers street art, the Cardboard Cathedral and riverside markets.
Meanwhile, Abel Tasman National Park offers golden beaches, turquoise water, and lush forest; you can hike the Abel Tasman Coast Track or kayak along the coast.
The university town of Dunedin sits further south on the Otago Peninsula; it owes a lot to its Scottish heritage with Victorian architecture and wildlife galore. See albatrosses, penguins and sea lions up close.
The weather changes fast so pack layers and a rain jacket. It is also important to note that New Zealand has strict biosecurity laws so don’t bring in fresh food or seeds.
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