Where to find fjords, glaciers, wine, wildlife, and adventure in Aotearoa.
November 8, 2024
New Zealand’s South Island is the dream destination for photographers, hikers, wildlife-watchers, and wine enthusiasts. While both islands are abundant in natural beauty, the South Island pips the North Island to the post for diversity. This is what the South Island of New Zealand has in store for travelers.
Fiordland National Park claims the southwestern corner of the South Island. Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound are the main points of interest where boat cruises skirt the sheer cliffs. Kayaking and scenic flights are popular activities in the smaller and more famous Milford Sound. Doubtful Sound requires a longer journey and it’s worth splurging on an overnight expedition cruise. Trips usually last for three days and two nights and are impossible to forget.
Beyond Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, New Zealand isn’t particularly known for its cities. However, Dunedin is one city worthy of a visit as part of a South Island itinerary. The harbor city fuses Maori and Scottish heritage with a buzzing contemporary atmosphere. Lan Yuan, Dunedin Chinese Garden, is a charming spot to enjoy a tea ceremony after scaling the world's steepest street – Baldwin Street!
Dunedin also serves as the jumping off point for wildlife-watching on the Otago Peninsula and touring Larnach Castle. The Royal Albatross Centre rehabilitates injured seabirds while seal colonies are sighted on the peninsula's beaches. Driving south brings you to the waterfall-studded forests of the Catlins.
Queenstown is the adrenaline capital of New Zealand where travelers partake in bungee jumping, canyon swings, and skydives over the mountains. Jet boating is an unmissable activity where powerful motorboats charge along the river bends at breakneck speeds. Rest assured, the drivers are highly skilled at what they do.
A stay in Queenstown can be supplemented with a drive to Glenorchy and Arrowtown. These two townships have shocking views of the mountains and featured as filming locations for the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. Arrowtown is a wonderful spot for shopping, golfing, and enjoying coffee culture.
Lake Pukaki grants unforgettable views of Aoraki (Mount Cook). Driving along the western edge culminates at the much-loved Hooker Valley trail. On windless days, the surface of Lake Matheson provides a mirror-perfect reflection of New Zealand’s highest peak. Lake Tekapo is home to lavender meadows and phenomenal astrotourism activities in its Dark Sky Reserve. Wanaka trends daily on account of a lone tree known internationally as #ThatWanakaTree.
Divided into the Wairau Valley, the Southern Valleys, and Awatere Valley, Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest wine region where Sauvignon Blanc headlines. Vineyards may be visited with a driver or by bicycle. Wine Tours By Bike offer some of the most comprehensive packages. Besides the bike and personalized itineraries, they provide a shuttle service and wine bottle collection.
Most of New Zealand’s glaciers emerge from the temperate rainforests fringing the verdant West Coast. Walking routes on Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier may be accessed by a short helicopter flight with luxurious options offering a longer loop. Tasman Glacier is visited by boat tour.
Stewart Island floats off the southern coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Ferries from Bluff take one hour and the reward is a small, tranquil island free from predators. Rakiura is one of the few places in the country where flightless kiwi birds roam freely after dusk falls. Tapping on a trip to Ulva Island carries the chance of seeing these endemic, nocturnal birds during the daytime.
Contact Darby at Darby’s Destinations when you are ready to book your adventure to New Zealand.
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