South Island Travel Information

The larger of the two islands, the South Island is home to such famous icons as Milford Sound, the West Coast glaciers, Aoraki/Mount Cook – the country’s highest peak, beautiful Christchurch and adventure playground Queenstown. For nature and adventure lovers alike, this is the place to be.

The South Island was originally named ‘Te Waka a Maui’ (Maui’s canoe) by the Maori as, according to legend, the South Island was the canoe that Maui used to fish the North Island out of the sea. Interestingly however, the South Island has never been the main location of the Maori population.

In the early stages of settlement in New Zealand, gold rushes meant that the South Island was more populated than the north by Europeans. In the early 20th century, the population of the North Island started to overtake the South.

Lovers of nature won’t know where to go first on the South Island, renowned the world over for its spectacular natural beauty. From the stunning stretch of coastline in Abel Tasman National Park, dazzling turquoise Southern Lakes and the wild landscapes of the West Coast, to the deep fiords, cascading waterfalls and spectacular wildlife of the Fiordland, the South Island is simply breathtaking.

Keep your eyes peeled for New Zealand’s unique bird life, including the only true alpine parrot, the kea, which has a healthy appetite for windscreen rubber and other detachable car parts! There are 76 species of whales and dolphins in the world, and New Zealand is lucky enough to be home to a whopping 35 of these. Kaikoura is particularly blessed, with nearly half of that number of whales and dolphins spotted off its shores.

The South Island is renowned as a natural theme park, in particular Queenstown – not known as the ‘Adventure capital of the world’ for nothing! Scream with delight as you weave through the canals on a thumping jet boat ride, leap from a bridge on a bungy jump, get the best views around on a tandem skydive, go whitewater rafting, hang gliding, parasailing and more.

Other outdoor pursuits on the South Island include glacier hiking, caving, canyoning, climbing, abseiling and off-road four-wheel driving in Wanaka. Venture out to deserted bays, beaches and islands by kayak in the famous Abel Tasman National Park. Then take a cruise and swim with the seals on Milford or Doubtful sounds, or challenge yourself to the famous Milford, Routeburn and Hollyford tracks.

Of course, we can’t forget skiing. The ski fields of Queenstown (Coronet Peak and the Remarkables), Wanaka (Cardrona and Treble Cone) and Canterbury (Mount Hutt) offer some of the world’s best and most scenic snow sport opportunities. For something different try a heli- skiing adventure or go night skiing at Coronet Peak – it’s like skiing with your eyes almost shut!

On the South Island you can expect a culinary adventure at every turn. While in Marlborough, be sure to sample the region’s world-class wines and gourmet delicacies. Further south, stop for the famous Kaikoura crayfish, ready cooked and bought from fisherman on the side of the road.

Christchurch is filled with dining options, from food courts to fine dining. Don’t miss a meal in the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant, combining great cuisine with a trip down memory lane.

There are more than 150 places to grab a feed in Queenstown, but don’t leave without visiting the Cow in Cane Lane, an institution that serves up delicious hand-rolled pizzas and wonderful spaghetti dishes.

Christchurch is a shopper’s dream, with an international selection of stores and services and no big-city parking hassles! Enjoy the specialty shops and craft studios in the Arts Centre, buy the latest in fashion in High Street or City Mall or grab your All Blacks souvenirs at Champions of the World in Worcester Street.

Another nice choice is to spend a lazy Saturday morning browsing the Lyttelton Farmers’ Market to the tune of live music.

In Queenstown you’ll find international labels sitting alongside locally run boutiques. And this is the place to buy traditional wool and sheepskin products as well as pounamu (greenstone) jewellery and carvings. You’ll also find a great range of adventure outfitting stores, surprisingly enough!

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While in Wanaka, pop into the curious Cinema Paradiso, a very casual movie experience where you can choose to sit on old living-room-style sofas or in the front seats of a Morris Minor car! Grab a meal and glass of wine or savour some homemade ice cream and cookies during intermission. Hot tip: arrive early to book the best couch!