The South Island must be included in your itinerary if you’re travelling to New Zealand. The South Island is a must-visit location for many tourists because of its breathtaking scenery, glaciers, fjords, and adventure activities. We’ll go over all you need to know to plan your South Island journey in this guide.
When to Travel
Although the climate on the South Island is generally mild, it can change depending on the area and the time of year. When organising your visit, keep the following things in mind:
• High season: The busiest and most expensive time of year is between December and February, when the weather is warm and bright. If you’re travelling during this time, make reservations for your lodging and activities far in advance.
• Shoulder season: September through November and March through May are considered the shoulder seasons. Although the weather is still pleasant, it is easier to deal with the crowds and the costs. If you want to travel while it’s both affordable and has beautiful weather, this may be a wonderful time to do so.
• Winter: From June to August is considered the winter season. Skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports are available on the South Island. However, it can get chilly and rainy, and some activities and roads might be closed.
Getting There
Depending on where you’re starting from and how much money you have, there are a number of options to get to the South Island:
• Fly: Flying into one of the South Island’s major airports, such as Christchurch, Queenstown, or Dunedin, is the quickest and easiest method to travel there. Direct flights as well as connecting flights from other foreign locations are available from major Australian and New Zealandan cities.
• By car: If you’re already in New Zealand, you may travel by car from Wellington in the North Island to Picton in the South Island via the Interislander or Bluebridge ferries. Another option is to rent a vehicle, such as a campervan, and travel from one of the South Island’s major cities.
Places to Stay
The South Island has a variety of lodging choices, from pricey hostels to opulent hotels. The following are some popular places to stay:
• Christchurch: The largest city on the South Island and a fantastic starting point for exploring the Canterbury region is Christchurch. Numerous lodging choices are available, ranging from boutique hotels to hostels for travellers.
• Queenstown: With activities like bungee jumping, skiing, jet boating, and more, Queenstown is New Zealand’s adventure capital. Considering that it’s a well-liked tourist site, anticipate increased pricing and crowds. From opulent hotels to backpacker hostels, there are numerous places to stay.
• Wanaka: Surrounded by mountains and trees, Wanaka is a picturesque village close to Lake Wanaka. Although it is a more sedate alternative to Queenstown, it still has a wide variety of outdoor activities and lodging options.
Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, two of the most stunning fjords in the world, are located in Fiordland, a remote area in the south-west of the South Island. There aren’t many places to stay in the area, but the Department of Conservation does maintain lodges, campgrounds, and huts.
Activities
Outdoor enthusiasts can play in New Zealand’s South Island. Here are some well-liked pursuits to try:
Trekking & Hiking
A lot of people know about the South Island’s amazing hikes and treks. There are numerous internationally recognised hikes to pick from, like the Milford Track and the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. Some of the best are as follows:
• Milford Track: This 33-mile hike concludes at Milford Sound after taking you through some of New Zealand’s most magnificent scenery, including Fiordland National Park.
• The 32-mile Abel Tasman Coastal Track provides breathtaking vistas of the ocean and trees as it winds through the national park.
The 20-mile Routeburn Track offers breathtaking vistas of alpine lakes and mountain ranges as it winds through the Southern Alps.
Snowboarding and skiing
Some of the Southern Hemisphere’s best skiing and snowboarding can be found on the South Island. Here are a few well-known ski areas to visit:
• Queenstown: With four top-notch ski resorts conveniently located nearby, Queenstown is a well-liked vacation spot for skiers and snowboarders.
• Wanaka: A fantastic location for fans of winter sports, Wanaka is home to the well-known ski resorts of Cardrona and Treble Cone.
• Mt. Hutt: One of New Zealand’s biggest ski resorts, Mt. Hutt is only 90 minutes from Christchurch.
Animal Encounters
There are many different types of unusual fauna on the South Island. Consider the following examples of experiences:
• Whale watching: A variety of whales, including humpback whales, sperm whales, and orcas, can be seen in the waters near Kaikoura.
• Viewing penguins: The Otago Peninsula and the West Coast are only two locations on the South Island where you can see penguins in their native habitat.
• Seal watching: Several seal colonies may be found in the South Island, including those in Kaikoura and Abel Tasman National Park.
Accommodations
The South Island offers a range of lodging options to fit every need and taste. Here are a few well-liked choices:
Resorts and Hotels
A variety of hotels and resorts, from affordable choices to opulent lodgings, are available in the South Island. Here are a few well-liked options:
• The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments is a five-star hotel with breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. It is situated in Queenstown.
• Heritage Hanmer Springs: This resort, which is situated in the charming alpine town of Hanmer Springs, provides a variety of lodging choices, including hotel rooms and self-contained villas.
• Edgewater Hotel: The Edgewater Hotel, which is situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka, provides breathtaking views of both the lake and the Southern Alps.
Backpackers and hostels
The South Island is home to a number of hostels and backpacker hostels for cheap lodging. Here are a few well-liked options:
• YHA Christchurch: This convenient hostel offers reasonably priced private rooms and dorm rooms, as well as a number of amenities like a common kitchen and lounge.
• Nomads Queenstown is a well-known backpacker hostel with a variety of lodging options, including private rooms and dorm rooms, right in the centre of Queenstown.
• Adventure Queenstown Hostel: Located in Queenstown, this inexpensive hostel has a selection of lodging choices, including dorm dorms, private rooms, and self-contained apartments.
For outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and anyone wishing to experience New Zealand’s breathtaking grandeur, the South Island of that country is a must-visit.