New Zealand’s South Island is a great place, here are our top 10 best places to visit.
After living in Christchurch for 3 and a half years and taking every opportunity on weekends to visit every corner of the South Island, we want to share with you our favourite 10 places. Some of them are very famous and others might not be; but if you are visiting or living in New Zealand all these places are highly recommended!
1. Kaikoura
This small town by HWY 1 is a great place to have fish and chips, crayfish and paua. In summer you can find BBQ on the side of the road selling this food; the crayfish could be a bit expensive but if you like seafood this is must try while in New Zealand.
Swimming with the dolphins is also a very popular activity in Kaikoura. The Hector dolphins are very small and curious dolphins endemic of New Zealand. Whale watching is also a popular attraction in this part of the island. Both of these activities can be a bit expensive, however look for discounts using GrabOne.
Near Kaikoura you will find one of the biggest seal colonies in the country. Driving north of Kaoikoura you will find Ohau Bay where hundreds of seals are sunbathing by the side of the road. If you are visiting in winter, heading to Ohau Falls to see the the seal pups playing in the pool is a must do. Remember to drive safely on this stretch of highway, there might be the odd seal that wants to cross the road, specially at night.
2. Lake Pukaki
This blue water color lake is without a doubt our favourite lake in the South Island. In a clear day you will see Mount Cook and the Southern Alps in the horizon. A popular stop along HWY 1 which could be crowded, however if you drive along the lake you can find a nice quiet area just to yourself.
3. Katiki Point
This place is off the beaten path in the South Island. The yellow eyed penguin called this small natural reserve home. We visited this place at different times of the year and were never disappointed. Look carefully under the bushes going down to the observation point, you might be lucky to find a lovely couple. Not so popular yet with the massive tourist buses due to the gravel road access.
4. Abel Tasman Great Walk
Many people come to New Zealand to enjoy one or several of the 9 Great Walks which recognized for their natural beauty. The Abel Tasman Great Walk is a 3 or 4 day with special views of golden sand beaches and cristal clear waters.
5. Akaroa and Flea Bay
Akaroa is a very popular destination for locals and tourists specially in the summer time. Its proximity to Christchurch makes this small town a desirable destination for a weekend getaway.
Flea Bay is a secret place… well, a little bit; where you could enjoy a beach all to yourself. Look carefully in the rocks crevasses for the small blue penguins and remember to keep an eye on curious seals. There is a sign recommending to use a 4WD to access Flea Bay, however you can reach it in a normal car if it is not raining; we drove there several times in our beloved Lucy without any issues.
6. Mount Hutt
The view of the Canterbury Plains from Mount Hutt will take your breath away. Regardless if you visit in winter or summer you can appreciate the magnitude and size of the plains. It is recommended to drive a 4WD specially in winter; however in summer a normal car will take you up there. We went up a few times in without any issues in our camper van Lucy.
7. Te Anau
Te Anau and the glow worms cave is another activity that although it could be a bit expensive it is a must do. There is also the Waitomo Caves in the North Island where you could see the glow worms. Plan accordingly to make sure you witness this natural spectacle. Remember to check GrabOne for any discounts that might be available.
8. Milford Sound
Milford Sound is one of the most popular destinations in the South Island and for good reasons. This place has incredible views that we are sure you will remember for the rest of your life. Visiting early in the morning can reward you in many ways; the first cruise is always cheaper, the weather can be better than later in the morning and you will beat the crowds. If you cannot make it in the morning, visiting after 2:00pm when the organized tours leave is also a good option.
If you are driving there, you can plant to sleep at one of the Department of Conservation campgrounds (DOC – Department of Conservation) located several kilometres before Milfor Sound. Remember that there is only one hotel in Milford Sound so if you are planning to sleep there make sure reserve ahead of time.
9. Queenstown
For the adrenaline junkie Queenstown is the perfect destination. Anything from bungee jumping, skydiving, speed boat, etc can be found in this city. We only had the guts to do skydiving and the speed boat (Shotoverjet). Both experiences are unforgettable.
10. Catlins
The Catlins is an area located between the Otago and Southland provinces in the south part of the island. Waterfalls, hiking and beautiful landscapes and beaches can all be found in the area. The resident dolphins at Curio Bay love to play with the waves; make sure you keep an eye for them, it can be very entertaining. We visited the area at the beginning of the winter and the morning frost provided a special touch to the landscape.
These are our favourite places, if you feel that there are other must do places that should be included please let us know in the comments.
Maybe you know of a secret place you want to share with us, leave us a comment!