The gorgeous South Island of New Zealand has some of the most expansive, uninhabited spaces, spectacular glaciers, beautiful fiords, and breathtaking scenery. Known for its snow sports and adrenaline-pumping activities.
The South Island is the largest of the two main islands of New Zealand. The Southern Alps are the location of New Zealand’s highest mountain – Aoraki or Mount Cook standing at 3,724m-high.
Separated from the North Island by Cook Strait, the South Island hosts the purest natural landscapes you’ll ever experience. There is so much to do and see, from wildlife to wineries, glacial valleys to star-filled skies, and offers adventure in all its forms. With so much on offer, you can explore just one region, or road trip from Nelson or Picton all the way down to Dunedin or The Bluff.
If you’re catching the ferry from the North Island to the South Island, the first part of the island you’ll see is the lovely Marlborough Sounds with its many hidden inlets and sheltered bays. Kayak, cruise around or hike through this peaceful region, and sample the seafood or follow the wine trail with a choice of over 40 cellar doors to visit.
Take a helicopter ride over the remarkable Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers or hike across the awe-inspiring frozen landscape, amongst turquoise coloured ice caves, pinnacles and seracs. From the quaint alpine town of Wanaka, you can take a scenic flight or hike in the breathtakingly beautiful Mount Aspiring National Park, with its 100-plus active glaciers. Wanaka and picturesque Queenstown are the adventure capitals of the South Island and are also where you’ll find the best slopes for skiing and snowboarding. Take a Shotover Jet ride or Canyon Swing, skydive, bungy jump, go white-water rafting - or do it all for a once-in-a-lifetime thrill-seeking adventure!
Explore the dramatic wilderness landscapes of Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound for crystal clear lakes, dense rainforest, jagged mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and bush clad islands. Known as the Edinburgh of the South, endearing Dunedin is known for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture, for the Taieri Gorge Railway, as the home of Speight’s Brewery and where you’ll find New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle.
These are just a few of the many things the South Island offers. No matter where you choose to explore on this long, mountainous island, you'll find yourself enchanted by the incredible scenery.
WHY NOW?
Spectacular glaciers, beautiful fiords, and breathtaking scenery. Known for its snow sports and adrenaline-pumping activities. The South Island has it all no matter what you are looking for in your holiday!
