Southern Alps Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide to Southern Alps in New Zealand. Discover the best places to visit, cultural attractions, natural wonders, hiking routes, food and drink scene, and more.


Introduction to Southern Alps

Southern Alps is a mountain range located in the South Island of New Zealand. Spanning over 500 km, this breathtakingly beautiful mountain range boasts snow-capped peaks, glaciers, crystal-clear lakes, meandering rivers, and verdant forests. Southern Alps is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, nature lovers, and photographers.

List of Places to Visit in Southern Alps

There are many places to visit in Southern Alps. Here are some of the must-visit destinations:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Te Ana Maori Rock Art Centre
  • Hokitika Museum
  • Shantytown Heritage Park
  • West Coast Historical Museum

Natural Attractions of Southern Alps: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Franz Josef Glacier
  • Fox Glacier
  • Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
  • Milford Sound
  • Abel Tasman National Park
  • Haast Pass
  • Arthur’s Pass National Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Alps

Southern Alps is a hiker’s and biker’s paradise. With the breathtaking surroundings and fresh air, hiking and biking in Southern Alps is one of the best ways to explore the region. Some of the most popular hiking/biking routes in Southern Alps include:

  • Queen Charlotte Track
  • Abel Tasman Coastal Track
  • Kepler Track
  • Milford Track
  • Routeburn Track
  • Heaphy Track
  • Old Ghost Road

Best Things to Do in Southern Alps: Activities and Tours

Southern Alps offers endless activities and tours for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. Here are some of the best things to do in Southern Alps:

  • Bungee jumping
  • Skydiving
  • Helicopter tours
  • Kayaking
  • Whitewater rafting
  • Jet boating
  • Horseback riding
  • Glacier hiking
  • Scenic flights

Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Alps

Here is a week-long itinerary for Southern Alps that covers some of the must-visit destinations.

Day Destination
Day 1 Christchurch
Day 2 Arthur’s Pass National Park
Day 3 Franz Josef Glacier
Day 4 Fox Glacier
Day 5 Wanaka
Day 6 Queenstown
Day 7 Milford Sound

Food and Drink Scene of Southern Alps

Southern Alps has a vibrant food and drink scene that is influenced by the region’s natural bounty. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Roast lamb
  • Green-lipped mussels
  • Kiwi burgers
  • Paua fritters
  • Whitebait fritters

Local Beverages

  • Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
  • Pinot Noir from Central Otago
  • Speight’s beer

Where to Stay in Southern Alps: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Southern Alps offers a plethora of accommodation options for all budgets. Here are some of the best hotels, hostels, and guesthouses:

  • The Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
  • Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef Glacier
  • YHA Queenstown Lakefront Hostel, Queenstown
  • Wanaka Homestead Lodge & Cottages, Wanaka
  • The Stations Inn, Hokitika

What to Buy in Southern Alps: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Southern Alps has many unique and locally made products that make great souvenirs. Here are some of the best things to buy in Southern Alps:

  • Greenstone (Pounamu) jewelry
  • Manuka honey
  • Merino wool clothing
  • Sheepskin products
  • Handcrafted pottery

Local Culture and Customs of Southern Alps

The Maori culture is an integral part of New Zealand’s identity and is prevalent in Southern Alps as well. Visitors are encouraged to respect the local customs and traditions, such as removing shoes before entering a marae (Maori meeting house) and treating the land with respect.

Best Time to Visit Southern Alps

The best time to visit Southern Alps is during the summer months (December to February) when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the winter months (June to August) offer an opportunity to experience skiing and snowboarding in some of the best ski resorts in the world.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Alps

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and traditions.
  • Stick to designated walking tracks and biking paths.
  • Dress appropriately for the weather and outdoor activities.
  • Take out travel insurance to cover any emergencies.

Don’t:

  • Leave any garbage or litter in the natural areas.
  • Enter any private property without permission.
  • Harass or disturb any wildlife.
  • Drink and drive.

Safety and Health

Safety in Southern Alps

Southern Alps is a safe destination, but visitors should take necessary precautions, such as:

  • Checking weather and trail conditions before heading out on a hike or bike ride.
  • Carrying a first aid kit.
  • Taking proper safety measures while participating in adventure activities.

Health in Southern Alps

Visitors to Southern Alps should be aware of the following health concerns:

  • Ultraviolet radiation is high in New Zealand, even on cloudy days. Using sunblock and wearing protective clothing is recommended.
  • Be prepared for changes in weather and temperature.

Getting to Southern Alps: Transportation Options and Logistics

Southern Alps is well connected to the rest of New Zealand through multiple modes of transportation. Here are some of the options:

Airports Near Southern Alps

  • Christchurch International Airport
  • Queenstown Airport

Bus Stations Near Southern Alps

  • Intercity Bus
  • Kiwi Experience

Other Options

  • Car rentals
  • Campervan rentals
  • Private transfers

How to Get Around in Southern Alps

The best way to get around in Southern Alps is by renting a car or a campervan. These options offer flexibility and freedom to explore the region at your own pace.

Where to Go Next from Southern Alps: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Southern Alps is surrounded by many other beautiful destinations that are worth exploring. Here are some of the nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Christchurch
  • Wanaka
  • Queenstown
  • Mount Aspiring National Park
  • Fiordland National Park

Conclusion

Southern Alps in New Zealand is a destination that should be on every nature lover and adventure seeker’s bucket list. The region offers breathtaking scenery, unique culture, adventure activities, and much more. With this comprehensive travel guide in hand, visitors can make the most of their time in Southern Alps.



    Arthur's Pass National Park