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5 REASONS TO VISIT THE SOUTH ISLAND
Featuring dramatic glaciers, snowy mountains and glorious lakes, the South Island of New Zealand is full of adventure, fun and, of course, incredible food and wine. Here are 5 of the best reasons to include the South Island on your New Zealand itinerary.
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1. Outdoor adventure
The South Island has every activity imaginable to keep the thrill seekers occupied – from skiing and snowboarding on the mountains, to bungee jumping, jet boating, hiking and downhill luging. If outdoor adventure is your thing, you will be spoiled for choice on the South Island. The west coast is wild with rivers and rainforests, as well as glaciers and other amazing attractions to explore. There are plenty of cycling trails to enjoy through the central region, while the southern areas are home to unique rock and boulder formations and rugged coastlines filled with nature walks.
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2. Wine
It was a tough choice not to put this first, but if you love amazing wine, this should be your number one reason for visiting the South Island (no judgement from us). Home to the Central Otago and Marlborough wine regions – arguably two of New Zealand’s best – you’ll be filling your glass with world class wines wherever you go on the South Island. Bordering the Marlborough wine region, Nelson is worth a visit to try their Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris varieties.
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3. World class events
It just so happens that the South Island is home to some of the best events on New Zealand’s calendar. Along with the big ticket annual events such as the Queenstown Winter Festival, the Christchurch Marathon, and the Audi Quattro Winter Games in Wanaka, there’s also an abundance of smaller arts, theatre, food and wine, film and cultural events held across the South Island all year round that celebrate the best the regions have to offer.
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4. Spot rare wildlife
Home to rare birds, reptiles and mammals, New Zealand is full of unique wildlife. While you would be lucky to spot a kiwi – New Zealand’s national animal – in the wild, venture just off the coast of the South Island to Stewart Island, where you can spot around 20,000 of the flightless birds in one small place! Considered to be the number one bucket list item for visiting New Zealand, swimming with Hector’s Dolphins is another experience not to miss – with the rare mammals found only in the inshore waters of the South Island near Akaroa.
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5. Get your foodie fix
The whole of the South Island is full of amazing foodie experiences from incredible seafood to farm fresh produce. Experience the local delicacy, Pāua (the Maori word for abalone), and of course, you can’t leave without trying the South Island’s signature dish – lamb – expertly served up at many of the restaurants around the country. If you love a good burger (let’s face it, who doesn’t?), make time for the taste sensations at Christchurch’s Bacon Brothers or Queenstown’s famous Fergburger. Join the queue that’s often leading out the door and up the main street of town – trust us, it’s worth the wait.
Featured Resorts
Club Lavaud
Akaroa, South Island, New ZealandDiscovered by Captain Cook in 1770, Banks Peninsula protects Akaroa Harbour, home to Club Lavaud. In 1840 Club Lavaud's namesake, Captain Charles Lavaud, led 63 emigrants to settle the area and, through the Treaty of Waitangi, pronounced British sovereignty. However, these hearty French nationals remained to settle Akaroa. In 1850, many British joined the French settlers and so helped establish one of New Zealand's main whaling and fishing ports. Besides rich history, guests will find great relaxation and recreation in the area. Experience the beach, tennis, horseback riding, and golf, all within easy reach of the resort.
Club Pacific Queenstown
Queenstown, South Island, New ZealandWith New Zealand's Southern Alps forming the backdrop, Club Pacific Queenstown has the perfect setting for a mountainside getaway. Club Pacific Queenstown is a timeshare resort situated at the head of the Frankton Arm of Queenstown's Lake Wakatipu. From a position just across the road from the lake shore you can look up the length of the lake to the spectacular Thompson Mountains - a view to die for. The resort is at a crossroads leading to the Remarkables Ski Field, Lake Te Anau, the Wanaka basin and Cromwell.<br /><br />Club Pacific Queenstown offers one-bedroom, self-service accommodations that can sleep up to four people and are positioned to take full advantage of the spectacular views. Each of the townhouses is fully self contained. Club Pacific Queenstown is a five-minute drive from the heart of the town centre. The resort offers bicycles to enable you to enjoy some of the fabulous cycle tracks that follow the shore of the lake. <br /><br />You can explore the extensive range of wineries in the famous Gibbston Valley, travel aboard the beautiful steamship the TSS Earnslaw, or drive through to Arrowtown and try your hand at panning for gold at a working gold mine.<br /><br />The resort's stunning mountain scenery has a distinct seasonal beauty. In winter, visitors can ski the nearby ski fields. Summer is popular with the lake and rivers providing a wide variety of water sports. It's a holiday you'll never forget.
Edgewater Club
Wanaka, South Island, New ZealandYou will love the magnificent alpine vistas.as you relax in the spacious open gardens of the Edgewater Resort. Go boating or fishing or simply go for a leisurely stroll around the lake. There's also tennis, a spa, a sauna, whirlpool/hot tub, and a playground for the kids. Dining options include Sargoods Restaurant, a long time Wanaka favorite. At the heart of the Wineglass Café is a cozy fire providing a warm welcome, and alfresco dining can be enjoyed on the surrounding terrace area. In the heart of Central Otago, at the foot of the Southern Alps, lies Lake Wanaka, home of Edgewater Club. This bustling vacation destination is popular year-round. Two of the best ski areas, Treble Cone and Cardrona, are a short drive away. Or take a breathtakingly beautiful helicopter ride from the helicopter pad. At these ski fields, both the expert and beginner will find what they are looking for. During summer days, water activities abound. From rafting and jet boating, to waterskiing and trout fishing, Wanaka becomes a huge aquatic playground.
Queenstown Mews
Queenstown, South Island, New ZealandJust a few minutes walk from the beautiful Queenstown Botanic Gardens and a 5 minute walk from the main shopping precinct of Queenstown, the Queenstown Mews is ideally suited to enjoy the superb range of shopping opportunities Queenstown has on offer. Queenstown's retail areas are compact and easy to get around and offer small boutique shopping where you can find a wide range of international labels, along with a selection of some of the best local products available anywhere. Most of the stores are open 365 days of the year for much of the day, with some stores open well into the evening. <br /><br />Surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is New Zealand's premier four season lake and alpine resort. Whatever your interest or style, Queenstown will feed your imagination, fuel your passions and revitalize your spirit. Summer here is characterized by long, leisurely days with daytime temperatures between 20°- 30°C (mid 70s - 90F). It's 45 south latitude means daybreak as early as 5:00am with days that linger on until 10:00pm The longer days and evenings are perfect for getting outdoors and enjoying the many world-class adventure activities: hiking and biking trails, golf courses, wineries, cafes, bars and restaurants, art galleries, heritage trails, and other events that the region is famous for. In winter, Queenstown transforms again into a popular spot for downhill skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, tubing, bundled with an apres-ski nightlife that's as exciting as the slopes!
Pines Resort
Wanaka, South Island, New ZealandPines Resort is an oasis of tranquility at the foot of New Zealand's Southern Alps. Carved by glaciers and surrounded by statuesque mountains, Lake Wanaka is stunningly beautiful. At times, the reflections on the mirror-like surface of the lake simply take your breath away.<br /><br />Sitting on the southern shores of the lake, the resort boasts incredible views of the snow-capped peaks of the Mount Aspiring range. Relax by the resort's heated indoor pool, play a set or two of tennis, or borrow a bike and head into town. You'll find a number of great restaurants and cafes serving delicious local produce.<br /><br />During the winter, guests can enjoy hiking, mountain sightseeing (by plane) and breathtaking glacier walks. With three world-class ski fields on its doorstep, this small mining town has become a winter sports haven. If you haven't tried it, heli-skiing is a must-do. In summer, the lake becomes an aquatic playground, the air buzzing with the hum of outboard motors as water sports enthusiasts take to the lake. There's everything from jet boating, rafting and trout fishing, to water skiing and windsurfing. If that's not enough to keep you busy, there are also horseback riding and hiking.<br /><br />However, the real hero of your holiday at The Pines Resort will always be the scenery, forming a spectacular tapestry of vivid colours and rich textures into which your holiday adventure is woven.