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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.
Mt Hutt Lodge
Canterbury, South Island, New ZealandMount Hutt Lodge is only an hour from the city of Christchurch. The lodge looks out across the glistening waters of the Rakaia River and the spectacular snow-capped Mount Hutt Mountain Range. Surrounded by tranquillity and natural beauty, this comfortable and modern resort takes full advantage of its hilltop position, and guests will enjoy views that are both stunning and tantalising, in equal measure.<br /><br />Mt Hutt Lodge units are fully self-contained and sleep four. All have spectacular river and mountain views. There is a children's playground, a pool, and beautiful vistas wherever you turn. Waking up to the majestic Southern Alps, Rakaia Gorge and the Pacific Ocean make this an awe-inspiring place to stay. Start the day with a dip in the outdoor pool before heading off to explore. Whether you saddle a horse or take to the skies in a hot air balloon, you'll discover a new appreciation for Mother Nature's craftsmanship. It's something you can reflect on later as you enjoy a delicious meal in the restaurant.<br /><br />Mount Hutt not only has the longest ski season in the Southern Hemisphere, it is also blessed with most reliable snowfall. It's excellent for skiers, snowboarders and apré skiers of all levels. But there's more to the area than fun in the powder. There are hikes through breathtaking scenery, first-class golf courses and, of course, salmon fishing. You're also convenient to Springfield Station, where you can board the Transalpine Express, one of the world's great railway journeys. It's a must do!<br /><br />Combine a breathtaking location with warm hospitality and you have the Mt. Hutt Lodge - vacation perfection!
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.
The Ridge Resort
Queenstown, South Island, New ZealandQueenstown lies in a sheltered cove on Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand's most popular year round resort. The Central Otago region has a colorful history, with signs of the gold rush days still present. New Zealand's largest mountains are found in this region and offer good slopes and modern chairlifts for snow skiing. In the summer, hang gliding, canoeing, windsurfing, rafting, speed boating and trout fishing are popular. Tours by boat, plane, helicopter, and four wheel drive can be booked to sight see this unique area.