South Island Travel Guide

Your comprehensive guide to exploring the stunning South Island of New Zealand. Discover the top attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, local culture and more.


Introduction to South Island

Known for its natural beauty, South Island is the largest of New Zealand’s two main islands, located in Oceania. Its diverse scenery ranges from glaciers, lakes, and mountains to sandy beaches and lush rainforests. South Island is also home to a rich Maori culture and history.

List of Places to Visit in South Island

Here is a list of must-visit places in South Island:

  • Fiordland National Park
  • Milford Sound
  • Mount Cook National Park
  • Queenstown
  • Abel Tasman National Park
  • Kaikoura
  • Dunedin
  • Akaroa
  • Wanaka

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

South Island has plenty of museums and historical places that showcase the region’s rich Maori culture and colonial history. Here are some of the top attractions to visit:

  • Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand
  • Canterbury Museum
  • Otago Museum
  • Akaroa Museum
  • Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Natural Attractions of South Island: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

South Island’s diverse landscape provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures and breathtaking views. Here are some of the top natural attractions to explore:

  • Fox Glacier
  • Franz Josef Glacier
  • Milford Sound
  • Marlborough Sounds
  • Lake Tekapo
  • The Remarkables
  • Abel Tasman Coast Track

Hiking/Biking Routes of South Island

South Island is a hiker’s and biker’s paradise, with plenty of trails and routes that cater to all levels of experience. Here are some of the top hiking and biking routes to explore:

  • Heaphy Track
  • Kepler Track
  • Queen Charlotte Track
  • Otago Central Rail Trail
  • Old Ghost Road

Best Things to Do in South Island: Activities and Tours

South Island offers a variety of exciting activities and tours for all ages and interests. Here are some of the best things to do in South Island:

  • Helicopter tour over Milford Sound
  • Whale watching in Kaikoura
  • Bungee jumping in Queenstown
  • Wine tasting in Marlborough
  • Skydiving in Wanaka
  • Jet boating in Shotover River

Week-Long Itinerary for South Island

If you have a week to explore South Island, here is an itinerary that covers the top attractions:

Day Itinerary
1 Explore Christchurch
2-3 Queenstown adventure activities
4 Visit Milford Sound
5 Drive to Mount Cook National Park
6 Visit Fox Glacier
7 Relax in Wanaka

Food and Drink Scene of South Island

South Island has a thriving food and drink scene, with plenty of restaurants and cafes that offer fresh local produce and seafood. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Whitebait fritters
  • Paua (abalone) patties
  • Venison burger
  • Fresh seafood
  • Kiwi meat pie

Local Beverages

  • Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough
  • Pinot Noir from Central Otago
  • Craft beer from local breweries

Where to Stay in South Island: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

South Island has plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. From luxury hotels and holiday homes to affordable hostels and guesthouses, here are some of the top places to stay:

  • Hotel St Moritz
  • Hulbert House
  • YHA Queenstown Lakefront
  • Base Backpackers Wanaka
  • Kinross Cottages

What to Buy in South Island: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

South Island offers a variety of unique souvenirs and local products that make great gifts or keepsakes. Here are some of the best things to buy in South Island:

  • Greenstone (pounamu) jewelry
  • Merino wool clothing and accessories
  • Manuka honey
  • Kiwiana-themed gifts
  • Local wine and craft beer

Local Culture and Customs of South Island

South Island’s Maori culture is an important part of the region’s identity. Visitors should respect the Maori traditions and learn about their customs and values. The locals are friendly and welcoming, but it’s important to be mindful of local customs and manners.

Best Time to Visit South Island

The best time to visit South Island depends on what you want to do. The summer months (December to February) are ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the natural attractions. The autumn months (March to May) are great for wine tasting and viewing the fall foliage. The winter months (June to August) are perfect for skiing and snowboarding, while the spring months (September to November) are ideal for hiking and biking.

Do’s and Don’ts of South Island

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while traveling in South Island:

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and traditions
  • Drive on the left-hand side of the road
  • Bring comfortable shoes for hiking and walking
  • Try the local food and wine
  • Keep the environment clean

Don’t:

  • Play loud music or make noise in public places
  • Smoke in public places
  • Leave valuables in your car
  • Ignore weather warnings
  • Disturb the wildlife

Safety and Health

South Island is a safe place to travel, but visitors should take common-sense precautions to ensure their safety and well-being. Here are some tips:

Safety in South Island

  • Follow safety guidelines for outdoor activities
  • Keep your valuables safe
  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
  • In case of emergency, call 111

Health in South Island

  • Stay hydrated and use sunscreen
  • Wear appropriate clothing for the conditions and activities
  • Be aware of food and water hygiene
  • Take precautions against insect bites

Getting to South Island: Transportation Options and Logistics

South Island is easily accessible by plane, bus, or car. Here are some transportation options and logistics:

Airports Near South Island

  • Christchurch International Airport
  • Queenstown International Airport
  • Dunedin International Airport

Bus Stations Near South Island

  • Intercity Coachlines
  • Atomic Shuttles
  • Kiwi Experience

Other Options

  • Rental cars and campervans
  • Trains (TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific)

How to Get Around in South Island

South Island is easy to navigate, with well-maintained roads and signposts. The easiest way to get around is by renting a car or campervan. Alternatively, there are also bus and shuttle services available.

Where to Go Next from South Island: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time to explore, here are some nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Wellington (North Island)
  • Abel Tasman National Park (Nelson/Tasman region)
  • Marlborough Sounds (Marlborough region)
  • Catlins (Otago region)

Conclusion

South Island is an adventure lover’s paradise with stunning landscapes and unique Maori culture. With this comprehensive guide, you’re now ready to explore the best that South Island has to offer. Remember to be respectful to local customs and traditions and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety and well-being.

Christ Church Cathedral, Nelson Christ Church Cathedral, Nelson Pancake Rocks, Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, Punakaiki Hiking in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park Hiking in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park The road to Lake Pukaki and Mount Cook The road to Lake Pukaki and Mount Cook With beautiful lakes, sprawling mountain ranges, cherry blossoms and alpine forests, Queenstown has some of the most stunning scenery in the world. With beautiful lakes, sprawling mountain ranges, cherry blossoms and alpine forests, Queenstown has some of the most stunning scenery in the world. Craigieburn Valley is one of the South Island's many ski fields. Craigieburn Valley is one of the South Island's many ski fields. Jetboating near Queenstown Jetboating near Queenstown


    Canterbury
    Marlborough
    Nelson Bays
    Otago
    Queenstown-Lakes
    Southern Alps
    Southland
    West Coast