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Christchurch, New Zealand
You’ll most likely first land into one of the two main international airports in
the South island of New Zealand, Christchurch or Queenstown. I’ve found that
Christchurch offers much better value for money as flights to Queenstown are
primarily catered for tourists while Christchurch is more of a business hub. You
can check out the different airport options here. You might’ve already heard of
Christchurch since this is one of New Zealand’s most popular cities, and it’s
located on the country’s South Island. There are so many things to do in
Christchurch, and people with different likes and dislikes will even find things
that they’d want to do here. There are cycling paths all around its outer banks,
there are greeneries and then there’s the cultural side of this city. No matter
what interests you, there’ll always be something for you to do in Christchurch.
This city is full of history, culture and heritage that the people of New
Zealand take pride in. There’ll always be a little corner for all of you to
explore here at Christchurch. If you’re wondering what these activities are,
read on!
- Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
- Hello Sunday
- Tramway Restaurant 4 Course Dinner Service through Christchurch
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Castle Hill, New Zealand
Castle Hill is located in one of the high country stations in New Zealand’s South Island with an altitude of 700 metres! This spot is close to Highway 73 and right between Darfield and Arthur’s Pass. Castle Hill is actually located inside a private property and it’s nestled within the Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area.
- Cave Stream Scenic Reserve
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Lake Pearson, New Zealand
Lake Pearson is one of New Zealand’s most popular lakes since it’s quite massive and is shaped like an hourglass. This particular lake is located in the country’s High Country and you can reach it by travelling through State Highway
73. Lake Pearson is very accessible no matter what vehicle you end up using, so it’s quite welcoming, really. This spot is a particularly popular summer destination, and you’ll see a lot of people camping here during this season.
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Arthur Pass, New Zealand
If you’ll be travelling from Canterbury and into the West Coast, then Arthur’s
Pass is going to be the road to take. This is a particular popular spot that
really showcases New Zealand’s extreme engineering. There are viaducts,
bridges, rock shelters and even waterfalls that are redirected into chutes – how
crazy is that?
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Hokitika, New Zealand
If you’re looking for a town that’s hip, culturally inclined and very artistic,
then Hokitika is the place for you to go to. This town features a great variety
of things to do, places to go to and wonderful people to meet. This is one of
the more underrated little towns in the whole South Island, so you really
shouldn’t miss going to Hokitika!
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Fox Glacier, New Zealand
The Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers are some of the only glaciers in the world that
are still flowing almost to sea level. The climate in this spot is very bearable
and its altitude is also relatively low. Due to these factors, these glaciers
are some of the most convenient glaciers to visit all around the world. How
amazing is that?
- Lake Matheson
- Fox Glacier Valley Walk
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Haast Pass, New Zealand
The drive that you’ll be embarking to get into Haast Pass is a really spectacular journey, not to mention historic, since this was the route that was used by the Māori’s in search for pounamu or jade. This is a famous mountain pass in New Zealand’s Southern Alps and it was named after Julius von Haast.
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Lake Hāwea, New Zealand
Lake Hawea is a scenic drive from Wanaka which you’ll pass by on the way to
Wanaka from Blue Pools. It’s a great spot for a quick day trip. This place is
filled with mountains and fishing spots, if you’re ever into fishing. If you’re
not, then there are other water sports that you’ll be able to enjoy just like
boating, kite surfing, kayaking, swimming or simply just sunbathing. In simple
terms, this is the perfect go-to spot in the summer.
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Wanaka, New Zealand
Another spot that’s perfect for any recreational and outdoor activities is none
other than Wanaka. This is a great town that’s filled with alpine vibes and it’s
perfect since it’s super close to Mount Aspiring National Park. If you’re
looking to see more of New Zealand’s nature, then Wanaka is the perfect place
for you to be. This town is famous for its outdoor activities like skydiving,
canyoning, mountaineering, hiking and so much more! There are also lakes here
that boast of its natural beauty, making it ideal for any water sports in the
summer. Worry not though if you’re a fan of winter sports, since they’re well
known for the ski spots, Treble Cone and Cardrona!
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Cromwell, New Zealand
Cromwell might seem like such a modern town, but it actually is a very
historical city. It could even be one of New Zealand’s most historical cities
since its roots can be traced all the way back to the 1800s. Although, if you’re
running short on time, Cromwell is a town you can probably skip.
- Roaring Meg Sports Bar & Bistro
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Arrowtown, New Zealand
Another great spot to check out if you have extra time is Arrowtown. This
actually is a gold mining town that’s full of history in the Otago Region of New
Zealand. If you’re keen on learning how mining shaped the country of New
Zealand, then Arrowtown is a must see for you.
- Kawarau Suspension Bridge
- Arrow River Track
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Queenstown, New Zealand
We’ve all heard of Queenstown since it’s one of the most popular towns in all of
New Zealand. Did you know that this city is actually nestled on the shores of
Lake Wakatipu? There really are a lot of things to do in Queenstown, and you’ll
surely have the best time in this bustling town!
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Te Anau, New Zealand
Most people have probably heard of Milford Sound, since it’s one of New
Zealand’s most popular fjords and tours that depart from Queenstown. It has a
lush rainforest and waterfalls like the Stirling and Bowen Falls. Milford Sound
is home to a few seal colonies, penguins and dolphins. However, not many people
have probably heard of Te Anau. Well, you’re going to pass by Te Anau if you
want to go to either Milford Sound or to Fiordland National Park since it’s
known as the gateway to these places. Te Anau is actually home to different
takahē birds which are endangered so they’re really trying their best to keep
them safe here. If you’re interested in seeing a bit of takehē birds, then
definitely check out Te Anau.
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Milford Sound, New Zealand
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Glenorchy, New Zealand
If you’ve got a bit more time, I highly suggest you make a day trip from
Queenstown to explore Glenorchy. Now, this is a small settlement in the northern
end of Lake Wakatipu. You can reach Glenorchy by going either by car or by boat
from Queenstown. It’s one of the most underrated, beautiful small settlements
around the vicinity, especially during lupin season.
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Alexandra, New Zealand
A quaint town that you should visit when you ever end up in New Zealand’s South
Island is Alexandra. It’s a town that lies on the banks of Clutha River, and it
has one of the most picturesque views of the water. This town is so thinly
populated that as of June 2020, there are only 5,790 people living here. Can you
even imagine living in a town with as little population as that? If you’re
looking for a peaceful hideaway, this is the place to be!
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Dunedin, New Zealand
If you’re looking to head over to a city that boasts of a mixed heritage, then
Dunedin is the place to be. Dunedin is a city that takes pride in both its
Scottish and Māori heritage. The city itself also has great Victorian and
Edwardian architecture that’s spread out all around the place, so it’s as if
you’re travelling back in time. If you’re wanting to do a bit more outdoor
adventure, Dunedin also has great spots for hiking and cycling. Moreover, this
city’s the home of New Zealand’s rare yellow-eyed penguins… How cute are those?
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Moeraki, New Zealand
To all of you who are fans of fishing or simply seafood in general, then Moeraki
is a town that you simply shouldn’t miss! This town’s history dates back to
1877, and it was once the location of a whaling station.
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Omarama, New Zealand
Another quaint town that’s a must see in New Zealand’s South Island is Omarama.
This is a town that’s very near the famous Mackenzie Basin, so if you’re wanting
to go there, then Omarama is a nice spot to stop by.
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Mount Cook, New Zealand
Mount Cook or Aoraki (as the locals call it) is the highest mountain in all of
New Zealand. For that reason alone, this is a spot that you simply shouldn’t
miss. Mount Cook stands tall at 3,754 metres above sea level and it lies in the
country’s Southern Alps. If you’re an avid mountaineer or simply a leisure
mountain climber, then this is a mountain you want to conquer. Otherwise, just
passing by and taking in the view of the majestic mountain is worth the trip
itself!
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Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Another quaint town in New Zealand’s South Island that you simply should check
out is Lake Tekapo. It’s located in the southern end of the actual Lake Tekapo
and it has a population of 558 as of 2018. Yes, that’s not even a thousand! How
crazy is that?
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Christchurch, New Zealand