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New Zealand's South Island is a wonderful collection of BIG landscapes including mountains, glaciers, rivers and coastlines. Combine this with a small population of super friendly people and you will find the perfect destination for those who like to explore.
This South Island Guide includes a collection of itineries detailing great places to visit, how to get there and what exciting things you can do along the way.
Throughout the itineries we've highlighted the best kept "local" secrets, including free activities, and of course where to find our growing list of GOOT Passport Partners. This enables you to receive discounts on accommodation, activities, retail, food & drink and transport. You can then follow the links to find more detailed information.
If you are heading down to the South Island and want some ideas of where to go, then check out the suggestions below. These will also be useful for those already in the South Island planning a mission.
The most logical and often cheapest way to get to the South Island from Auckland is to fly to Christchurch. Look for flights with Air New Zealand (check out grab a seat), Qantas ( red e deals) and Pacific Blue. Alternatively if you can get a cheap flight into Nelson that would also be a good starting point. From Wellington it is obviosly cheaper to fly to Nelson or catch the ferry.
The best way to see the South Island is to get a group together and hire a car (or van). Alternatively you can go by bus. Check out:
Intercity :: Kiwi Experience :: Magic :: Stray
The South Island is simply awesome and while you will want to see it all, time constraints might dictate otherwise. Here are some suggested route options based on the time available. Note: all these options are based on flights into and out of Christchurch and can be done in either direction.
Note: the number of days indicated is the bare minimum that would be required. To do these trips in this time would basically involve lots of driving with little time to complete activities and see the sights. Slow down and take it all in.
3-4 days: Chrictchurch - Hanmer Springs - Lewis Pass - West Coast - Arthurs Pass - Chrictchurch
5+ days: Christchurch - Kaikoura - Nelson - Abel Tasman - West Coast - Arthurs Pass - Christchurch
5+ days: Christchurch - Arthurs Pass - West Coast - Wanaka - Queenstown - Mt Cook - Lake Tekapo - Christchurch
8+ days: Christchurch - Kaikoura - Nelson - Abel Tasman - West Coast - Wanaka - Queenstown - Mt Cook - Lake Tekapo - Christchurch
8+ days: Christchurch - Mt Cook - Queenstown - Milford Sound - Wanaka - West Coast - Abel Tasman - Nelson - Picton Ferry North
10+ days: Christchurch - Kaikoura - Nelson - Abel Tasman - West Coast - Wanaka - Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown - Mt Cook - Lake Tekapo - Christchurch
10+ days: Christchurch - Kaikoura - Nelson - Abel Tasman - West Coast - Wanaka - Queenstown - Invercargill - Catlins - Dunedin - Christchurch
A Glossary of useful terms you might want to know:
- CHCH = Christchurch, sometimes referred to as 'che che'
- 'The Coast’ = the West Coast of the South Island
- 'Kaiks' = Kaikoura
- ‘Mission’ = a trip away/an adventure
- ‘Spin a yarn’ = have a chat or telling a ‘tall tale’
- ‘Bach’ = crib/very simple holiday house
- 'Greasies' = Fish & Chips
- 'Ngai Tahu' = main iwi (tribe) of the South Island
- '03' = the area calling code for the whole of the South Island
Obviously there are unlimited possibilities, including trips to Stewart Island and other more obscure and remote destinations. Happy travels.
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Christchurch:
Christchurch is more than just the cheapest city to fly into on the South Island. Be sure to visit Cathedral Square, grab lunch at the bustling weekend market, and check out the Arts Center. For the non-city folk there are great beaches, walking tracks, and mountain biking routes.
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Kaikoura:
Best know for its whale watching, you'll also find some great kaimoana (seafood) in this small artsy ocean town. Check out the seal colony, swim with dolphins, eat some crayfish, and enjoy the beautiful coastline.
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Marlborough:
Sauvignon Blanc is the grape of choice in New Zealand's most famous wine region. Located at the north east corner of the South Island, you'll be taken with the rolling hills and endless vineyards. You'll love it even more after free tastings at wineries. For an escape from people, head to the Marlborough sounds, a maze of greenery and islands.
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Nelson and Abel Tasman:
Situated at the top of the South Island this area provides the perfect escape. Peruse Nelson's Saturday morning markets, hang out in a cafe and then head out to one of the three National Parks for an adventure. Abel Tasman National Park is a must do.
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Arthurs Pass:
Seperating Christchurch from the West Coast is a long chain of mountains. To get from one side to the other you can take the road through Arthurs Pass. As well as being a spectaculour drive, there are also excellent hikes here in summer and fantastic ski/boarding in winter.
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West Coast and the Glaciers:
If you want to buy some New Zealand jade, go straight to the source. Pounamu, or greenstone, is plentiful and you'll find lots of carvers and artisans in Hokitika. Don't miss Franz Joseph and Fox glaciers. Surround yourself with blue ice and climb through crevaces on a guided glacier hike.
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Mt. Cook:
Mt. Cook is New Zealand's highest peak. While climbing this lofty peak is beyond most of us the area is blessed with some excellent hiking tracks and amazing glacier views.
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Queenstown and Wanaka:
The adventure capital of New Zealand is not to be missed if you plan on plummeting 134 meters off the highest bungy in New Zealand. If jumping is not your thing, this area has loads of other fun stuff like rafting, mountain biking, and skiing in the winter, not to the mention the incredible mountain views, street cafes and a great nightlife.
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Fiordland:
Fiordland is home to Milford and Doubtful Sounds, three of the great walks (Kepler, Milford, and Routeburn), and some of the more amazing and iconic scenery in the country.
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Southland:
Drive along the Southern Scenic Route (from Te Anau to Dunedin) and discover what Southland is all about. See the rarest penguins in the world at Curio Bay, and look for other marine life like sea lions, seals, and dolphins along the way! You'll find a fossilised forest, plenty of waterfalls, limestone caves, and great beaches and bays.
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Dunedin and Otago:
Home of New Zealand's first university, Dunedin remains a student town. Kick off your night with a Speights Brewery Tour, then find out why the Captain Cook tavern is legendary. Outside of the town centre, look for penguins and albatross, and the surprisingly spherical Moeraki Boulders.
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Stewart Island:
For those with some time to spend and a love for tramping, Stewart Island is a sweet spot. Try the Rakiura Track (one of the great walks), and with some luck you might spot a kiwi.
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