South Island Holidays

Where is the South Island?
South Island lies between the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean and is the larger of New Zealand’s two main islands. There is a regular ferry service across the Cook Strait to North Island that takes three and a half hours. The main international airport is at Christchurch.

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New Zealand’s winelands
At the north-eastern tip of the South Island, you’ll find Marlborough, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated wine regions known for its outstanding Sauvignon Blanc. Tours depart from Blenheim and often include a visit to perhaps the region’s most famous winery, Cloudy Bay. From Queenstown, the vineyards of Bannockburn and Gibbston Valley in the central Otago wine region are within reach and can be visited for tastings. Here you will also find the largest underground wine cave in New Zealand.

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Beauty of the coast
Spend time soaking up the sun in blissfully secluded Abel Tasman, a superb coastal getaway. It’s a remote and picturesque wilderness reserve near the north-west tip of South Island, with deserted golden beaches, secluded coves and lush forests. Explore the spectacular Abel Tasman Coast Track, a long trail winding over beaches and across ridges – the headland at Separation Point is home to New Zealand fur seal colonies, and the adjacent Tonga Island Marine Reserve has little blue penguins, bottlenose dolphins and seals. The enchanting seaside town of Kaikōura is overlooked by majestic mountains and is a fantastic place to visit if you’re looking for a magical wildlife experience – its coastal waters are home to albatross, dusky dolphins and it’s also one of the best places to see sperm whales.

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Mountains and glaciers
Striking glaciers and towering mountains make the West Coast an unmissable destination on South Island. Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier are two of New Zealand’s most imposing natural wonders, and some of the most impressive and accessible glaciers in the world. These ice rivers descend down from the Southern Alps into temperate rainforest less than 300 metres above sea level. A great way to discover these superb ice formations up close is on a heli-hike, where you can admire the panoramic views from the air before walking through its icy terrain. New Zealand’s Southern Alps were named by Captain Cook in 1770 and the region is instantly recognisable as The Lord of the Rings territory, with its shimmering glacial lakes and rugged snow-capped mountains.

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Thrill-seeking adventures
The city of Queenstown is one of the most popular places to visit in New Zealand, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and overlooked by the majestic Remarkables Range. It’s famous for its exhilarating adventure sports; you can go sky diving, jet-boating, bungee jumping or face the heart-stopping Shotover Canyon Swing – a cliff jump with 60-metres of free fall. Head to the small town of Wanaka to enjoy a superb peaceful setting on South Island. It’s sheltered by the Southern Alps on the shore of its namesake, Lake Wanaka, and is the gateway to the spectacular Mount Aspiring National Park. Cycle along the lakefront, follow pretty walking trails, glide along crystal-clear waters in a kayak or head to the ski slopes at nearby Treble Cone.

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Towering fiords
The attractive lakeside town of Te Anau is gateway to the Fiordland National Park, home to some of the most spectacular natural landscapes on South Island. In Maōri legend, the Fiordland landscape was said to be created by a godly figure, who carved the fiords from the rock walls. The area is famous for the glacier-carved fiords, Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. Milford Sound changes with the seasons and can be stormy, brooding or peaceful – but always majestic and awe-inspiring, and Mitre Peak rising high out of its waters is a memorable picture to add to your Instagram collection. Doubtful Sound is remote, beautifully unspoilt and only accessible by boat. Both sites are utterly picturesque and great options for a day trip or an overnight cruise.

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South of the south
Head to the south-eastern coast to explore Dunedin, a city known for its Scottish and Maōri heritage as well as its Victorian and Edwardian architecture. It’s a great place to spend a couple of days; take a walk up (and up…) Baldwin Street, one of the steepest residential streets in the world. Visit nearby Larnach Castle, with its breathtaking views and manicured gardens. The Otago Peninsula is on the southern side of Dunedin Harbour and is known for its excellent walking trails and wildlife. Stop off at Victory Beach to see the Egyptian-looking rock formation known locally as The Pyramids, and head down to Allans Beach for the chance to see wildlife including fur seals, sea lions and rare, yellow-eyed penguins. Invercargill is the gateway to New Zealand’s beautiful Stewart Island, 20 miles below South Island and 85% national park. To really soak up the vibe and views, hike the Rakiura Track, one of the New Zealand Great Walks.

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