Although New Zealand is a small country, one of its' outstanding features is the variety of the landscape over three islands. The largest of these is the South Island. At the top of the South Island, the city of Nelson has one of the busiest airports, some of the best art, scenery, and adventure tours to be experienced anywhere in New Zealand. Arriving on the Picton ferry or via Tranzrail and the Picton Railway Station is where your South Island trip will begin. Picton is the gateway to Queen Charlotte Sounds and this spectacular drive to Nelson will take your breath away.
Stay a few days in Nelson and visit designer stores, art galleries and studios. Abel Tasman National Park, Maori experiences, tramping, kayaking, and swimming with the seals are just a few of the many fun adventures on offer. Kick back in one of the sunniest places in New Zealand and sample great beaches and succulent seafood of scallops, mussels and salmon.
Blenheim and the Marlborough Sounds is the cool-climate wine and boutique olive oil region of New Zealand. Drive a further three hours and go Whale watching in Kaikoura or check out the numerous surf spots, then on to Christchurch and Canterbury where you will be greeted by chequerboard patterns of farmland on the Canterbury Plains. A diverse vista of activities and destinations will entice you here from the bustling city centre and Cathedral Square, Arts Centre and Botanic Gardens to the seaside suburbs of Sumner and Brighton beaches. Hot air balloon over the city, visit the Air Force Museum or Wildlife Park and nearby ski fields.
Go across Arthur's Pass on State Highway 73 from the East side of the South Island and the heart of the Southern Alps, to the West Coast, a land for all seasons. Or alternatively take a one-way trip on the Trans-alpine railway, a journey that captures the essence of the land. Crisp mornings, blue skies and snowy mountains make the West Coast a must-see for all travellers. Take time to enjoy an epic voyage on easy-to-drive highways through some of the world's most spectacular coastline, mountains and rainforest. Enjoy caving, rafting or walks and heritage tours.
Heading further south is Greymouth and Hokitika. Two coastal towns where local hospitality and friendly West-coasters will 'see you right mate'. If you are in Hokitika in March, The Wild Foods Festival is incomparable fun and definitely worth staying for. Pounamu (greenstone), gold, river-stones and other raw materials inspire local artisans to create stunning art and jewellery pieces in Hokitika and the Bushman's Centre at Pukekora takes you back to the days of deer stalking and wild 'Coasters' tales.
Franz Joseph and Fox Glaciers are next. What can I say? Spectacular doesn't do them justice. These tongues of ice grind their way down through the rain forest to near sea level. Guided walks and climbing experiences are available. Waterfall walking tracks, stunning scenery and native birds accompany travellers through Haast Pass to Wanaka. (Puzzle World is another must-see attraction). Here the best lakes and skiing to be had anywhere in New Zealand are right at your doorstep.
The transition from coastal flora and fauna to the barrenness of Otago is staggering. Schist rock and tussock flow from Cromwell and Alexandra where the biggest clock in the Southern Hemisphere is located. It is right on the hillside overlooking the town and can be seen for many miles. A former gold mining region, Otago is home to some of the most productive vineyards and flavoursome characters.
Inland Central Otago boasts the highest in summer and lowest in winter temperatures ever recorded in New Zealand. Whatever time of year you are there, you are guaranteed to be welcomed and enjoy the southern hospitality. An hour journey will bring you to Queenstown. An action adventurer's paradise but at peak times it can be very busy. There is skydiving, mountain biking, jet boating, gondolas, lake cruises, skiing, snowboarding, river rafting, great restaurants and shopping.
From here, drive to an extraordinary region of dramatic grandeur and primeval beauty, Te Anau and the Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park. Te Anau is known as the walking capital of the south and has glow worm caves, overnight cruises on crystal clear water accompanied by dolphins in Doubtful Sound.
Take a trip via boat to Manapouri underground power station, the only one in South Island then on to Invercargill and Bluff. It's the gateway to Stewart Island and home of the delicious Bluff oyster. Slope Point is the southern most point of the South Island. Hmm, which way, towards the Equator or the South Pole?
Follow the Southern Scenic Route and fly-fish the rivers, (the area is famous for its brown trout), horse trekking, surfing, a round of golf or visit the local museum. nContinue onto the Catlins where the wildlife is extraordinary, the scenery is spectacular and the bush is sacred. It is home to rare and endangered species - yellow-eyed penguins, Hectors dolphins, native birds, seals and Hooker sea lions.
Travel up the East Coast to Dunedin heritage city where majestic Victorian and Edwardian architecture sits on the doorstep of the Otago Peninsula. The Dunedin Railway Station is one of the most photographed building in New Zealand and is a prime example of its' many historic buildings and houses. Almost one-fifth of Dunedin's' population are students and it boasts a place of creativity and a unique subculture.
From here to Oamaru and if you have time, turn inland to Omarama where the gliding championships take place or cruise the lakes of the McKenzie basin. Major hydro lakes were constructed in the 1970's and border the fringes of Aoraki, Mount Cook. As the tallest mountain in Australasia, she is a sight to behold. At the edge of Lake Tekapo, stands a quaint stone church, the Church of the Good Shepherd and heli-skiing or boarding on the Tasman's Glacier is an utterly unforgettable experience.
Head north through Christchurch where a turn off will take you through to Hamner Springs. In winter the thermal pools of Hamner Springs are fantastic when the steaming pools are surrounded by snow. Try Thrill-seekers Canyon for jet boating and bungy jumping. The beech-tree lined Lewis Pass Highway travels onto Murchison where you can pick up a rafting, kayaking combo on the diverse Buller River gorge. The challenging rapids are not for the faint hearted!
