Inspiring guides for your holiday to the South Island
There’s so much variety in the South Island, that it’s hard to know where to start. Do you enjoy exciting adrenalin-fuelled activities in Queenstown, or spend time exploring stunning fiords?
Our guides below will help you begin creating your dream New Zealand adventure.
Discover the best of the South Island
The South Island offers a variety of things to see and do from beautiful landscapes, wonderful hiking spots, majestic mountains, whale watching to adrenaline fuelled adventures in Queenstown. Read on for more information to inspire your next New Zealand adventure.
A beginner’s guide to self-drive holidays in New Zealand
A self-drive tour through New Zealand is a trip of a lifetime. Driving's the best way to see the country's spectacular scenery as you can do it all at your own pace, take photos whenever you want and explore places you might not get to see otherwise.
Head out on one of these day trips from Christchurch
Christchurch is the centrepiece of, and gateway to the Canterbury region, renowned for its spectacular natural landscapes, wineries and range of winter and summer attractions. View our rundown of our favourite day trips.
Top 10 things to do in Christchurch
South Island's vibrant and largest city, lies by the Pacific Ocean and majestic Canterbury Plains. Despite recent earthquake damage, subsequent regeneration efforts by residents has revealed ingenuity and fortitude in rebuilding the ‘Garden City’.
Planning for an incredible New Zealand adventure
Travelling to New Zealand can be the adventure of a lifetime, and when it comes to planning this dream holiday, there’s a lot to consider, but we’ll provide all you need to know to make it happen.
Top 10 things to do in Queenstown
These top 10 things to do in Queenstown are sure to get you started in creating an itinerary for a New Zealand holiday that you’ll never forget – from gentle nature walks and exceptional dining experiences to extreme outdoor adventures and “Lord of the Rings” scenery, this is a place that truly offers it all.
Head out on one of these day trips from Queenstown
Queenstown is New Zealand’s adventure capital, with something to keep outdoor-lovers happy all year round, from skiing, cycling and rafting to hiking, bungy jumping and sky diving. Use this base for day trips to historic gold mining towns, national parks and scenic sounds.
Head out on one of these day trips from Wellington
Wellington's a compact capital city with a diverse mix of European and Maori culture, shopping, food and a bustling harbour. And a great base for day trips to islands, nature reserves, vineyards and beaches.
Road tripping New Zealand's South Island
Wide open roads with a varying backdrop of snow-capped mountains, sweeping vineyards, sugary beaches and rugged shorelines – a road trip through New Zealand’s South Island will be one to remember.
Exploring Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Fiordland National Park is one of New Zealand’s most legendary parks, and, and its largest national park, covering 4,286-square-miles in the southwest corner of the South Island. Here you’ll discover extraordinary scenic beauty, with 14 fiords, including the one of the country’s most famous, Milford Sound.
Tailor-make the ultimate New Zealand holiday experience
New Zealand ranks highly in top travel spots, with lush rainforests, beautiful mountains and beaches, abundant wildlife and hot springs. Aim for three to four weeks, with options to tailor-make a perfect trip.
New Zealand holiday options: From self-drive, motorhome camping to escorted tours
There are multiple ways to explore the spectacular country of New Zealand. No matter which you choose, a self-drive excursion, exploring by motorhome or an escorted tour, it’s bound to be an experience of a lifetime.
Exploring New Zealand's South Island regions
Prepare for a majestic mix of rugged coastlines, sparkling glaciers, forested mountains, arresting national parks, fabulous vineyards, and adrenaline-fuelled activities in New Zealand’s South Island - an outdoor wonderland roughly half the size of the UK.
From north to south - an unexpected journey in New Zealand
If you’ve been inspired to take a Tolkien-themed holiday to New Zealand, then you’ll be pleased to know that there is a wealth of locations and other points of interest running the length of the country that can be visited.
Exploring New Zealand's Maori culture
Visiting New Zealand? To really understand the country, learn about the indigenous Maori people who settled over 700 years ago. Here’s more about the culture and where to experience it in New Zealand.
