New Zealand holiday | Embark on an adventure on the diverse South Island

Steward Island is a destination south of the South Island, across the Foveaux Strait. Stewart Island is the southernmost and smallest of New Zealand's three main islands. More than 85% of the island is protected as the Rakiura National Park, making it a pristine paradise for tireless nature lovers. Explore the impressive three-day Rakiura Track that takes you past secluded beaches, lush rainforests and pristine coastlines. Bird watching, beachcombing, kayaking, fishing and diving are popular activities on this island. Ulva Island Te Wharawhara, a predator-free oasis in Paterson Inlet, is a haven for birds such as the charming Kākā and Weka, the colourful Kākāriki, the South Island Saddlebacks, little blue penguins, rare yellow-eyed penguins (Hoiho) and other native species. Don't forget to enjoy the otherworldly splendour of the Aurora australis (southern lights), which can be seen here.

Canterbury is a region on New Zealand's South Island, known for its rugged coastline, diverse wildlife and beautiful turquoise lakes. Canterbury's largest city, Christchurch, is the gateway for tourism on the South Island. Travellers come here for winter sports adventures, countryside walks, mountain tours, bungee jumping, horse riding and whitewater rafting. Those looking for a touch of luxury can spend their time enjoying regional wines, excellent food and high-quality local produce in excellent restaurants. The Tekapo Springs hot springs, overlooking Lake Tekapo and the Two Thumb Mountains, are a must-see attraction.

New Zealand is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, with vast landscapes and unique wildlife. The Southern Alps form a spectacular mountain range on the South Island, with peaks covered in snow and glistening glaciers. Fiordland National Park is home to majestic fjords, including the famous Milford Sound. The northern Bay of Islands offers beautiful islands, turquoise waters and opportunities for sailing and snorkelling. Rotorua on the North Island is famous for its geothermal activity, with bubbling mud pools and spouting geysers. Tongariro National Park is home to the active volcanoes Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Ruapehu, and offers epic hiking trails such as the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. New Zealand is home to unique native animals, including the iconic kiwi bird and the pukeko. Abel Tasman National Park presents golden beaches, crystal clear waters and one of the country's Great Walks. Queenstown is known as the adventure capital, with bungee jumping, skydiving and other exciting activities. The Te Papa Tongarewa Museum in Wellington offers insight into New Zealand's history and culture. Throughout the country, you will find warm hospitality and a deep-rooted Maori culture that contributes to New Zealand's unique charm.

On the rugged east coast of New Zealand's South Island lies the coastal town of Kaikoura, situated on a rocky peninsula jutting out into the sea, surrounded by farmland at the foot of mountains. This small coastal town has become a popular tourist destination, mainly because of its famous wildlife viewing opportunities. Now it is 'the mecca of nature lovers'. Few places have such a wide range of accessible wildlife. With whales, dolphins, fur seals, penguins and albatrosses often seen, this area is truly a nature lover's dream. Visitors can join the Art Trail to witness skilled local artisans at work in their own studios and galleries.

The larger of New Zealand's two main islands, the South Island encompasses incredible landscapes - from rainforests to snow-capped mountains, golden beaches and stunning glaciers. Many consider this the home of adventure tourism and adrenaline junkies will be spoilt for choice, with activities such as bungee jumping, kayaking and the six "Great Walks". Although much less populated than its northern counterpart, the South Island has a number of cities and towns worth putting on your itinerary: visit Christchurch for its beautiful parks and gardens; pass through Dunedin to encounter penguin, albatross and seal colonies; or stop by Kaikoura for some of the best whale watching in the world

The pristine West Coast region of the South Island stretches for 600 km between the Tasman Sea and the Southern Alps, encompassing lush rainforests, windswept bays, snow-capped mountains and imposing glaciers along the way. It is an extremely rugged area and one of the least densely populated parts of the country, home to Maori people who highly value the Greenstone (Pounamu) abundant here. The West Coast also includes the wilderness area of Fiordland - the location of the ever-popular Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, and Browne Falls and Sutherland Falls, which are among the highest waterfalls in the world. Besides plenty of opportunities for hiking, climbing and other outdoor sports, the TranzAlpine Railway, helicopter flights and light aircraft flights offer incredible encounters with the landscapes.

The west coast town of Franz Josef has a few hundred permanent residents, but the number rises to around 2,000 visitors a day during the holidays. This is glacier country, and Franz Josef Glacier (after which the town is named) and Fox Glacier, about 23 km further south, are the main attractions. The town offers numerous options for cosy accommodation, especially after the snow and ice activities on offer - combine a helicopter flight with a guided hike across the glacier terrain to see ice caves and spectacular gorges. Helicopter flights over the two glaciers are also available, with a stop at the head of both glaciers to experience the frozen landscape up close.

Conveniently located on Lake Wakatipu, the small mountain village of Glenorchy is an oasis of calm amidst enchanting natural landscapes. Glenorchy is the perfect, relaxed counterpoint to nearby vibrant Queenstown. Despite the number of visitors, Glenorchy has managed to retain its village-like atmosphere. This makes it an ideal base for travellers looking to enjoy some of the best hiking, horse riding, kayaking and jet boating experiences in New Zealand's breathtaking surroundings. If you are looking for a quiet retreat off the beaten track, this charming town is the perfect destination.

Christchurch, located on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island, is the island's largest city. Known as the 'Garden City', thanks to its many parks and gardens, the city combines a modern, multicultural atmosphere with historic Victorian influences. The city offers a fantastic range of activities, including punting along the River Avon, helicopter flights, ballooning and whale and dolphin spotting. Visitors can enjoy a walk through the beautifully sculpted parks, visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and browse various art galleries, followed by a visit to Pomeroy's for a craft beer and the neighbouring Victoria's Kitchen for a pub-style lunch.

The town of Te Anau is located in the southern region of New Zealand's South Island. Located on the eastern shore of Lake Te Anau (the largest lake on the South Island), this picturesque spot is known as the gateway to the unique geographical attractions of Milford Sound (with its rich marine life and spectacular views) and Fiordland National Park (with the excellent Kepler, Routeburn and Milford routes to enjoy). However, beautiful Te Anau has much to offer on its own and active travellers can enjoy water sports on the lake, such as kayaking, canoeing and sailing, while gentle boat cruises are a relaxing way to enjoy the fjords. Trout fishing is a popular activity in the area and Te Anau's incredible caves feature glow worms and an underground waterfall.

Tucked away in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, Lake Te Anau is a serene expanse of mirror-like waters framed by towering mountains and lush native forests. As the gateway to Fiordland National Park, it offers an unrivalled blend of tranquillity and adventure. Visitors can cruise along its glassy surface, exploring secluded coves and the glowworm-lit Te Ana-au Caves, or set off on renowned treks such as the Kepler and Milford Tracks, where misty valleys and cascading waterfalls create a living postcard. Wildlife is abundant, from playful black swans on the lake to kea in the surrounding peaks. With sunsets that set the mountains ablaze with fiery hues and the gentle lapping of the water at your feet, Te Anau embodies New Zealand’s wild, unspoilt beauty.

Wanaka, a town on the shores of Lake Wanaka on New Zealand's South Island, offers an abundance of natural beauty and adventure opportunities. With its shimmering turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the lake is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. Wanaka is a popular destination for activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing and sailing. The nearby Mount Aspiring National Park offers numerous hiking trails, ranging from leisurely walks to challenging mountain treks. With its relaxed atmosphere, breathtaking landscapes and abundance of outdoor adventures, Wanaka is an unforgettable destination for travellers.

Also known as Aoraki National Park, the 700-square-kilometre Mount Cook National Park covers 19 mountains higher than 3,000 metres, including Australasia's highest peak - the 3,754-metre Mt Aoraki. This impressive landscape is part of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Site and can be explored by rock climbing, hiking, skiing and even sightseeing flights. Above all, don't miss the Tasman Glacier; at 27 km long and 3 km wide, it is the largest glacier in the country - although it is unfortunately melting rapidly in recent years.

Lake Wanaka, called the world's first 'lifestyle reserve' by locals, has something of interest for every kind of visitor. The lake itself offers great fishing, boating and even gold prospecting opportunities, while the neighbouring Mt Aspiring National Park is home to glaciers, mountains and river valleys waiting to be explored. Wanaka, one of the fastest-growing towns in New Zealand, lies on the shores of the lake and attracts visitors with its relaxed atmosphere and activities such as horse riding, golfing, flying shows and air shows.

The southwestern corner of New Zealand's South Island presents the snow-capped Southern Alps that tower over massive, deep lakes and ocean-flooded valleys, coterminous with Fiordland National Park, a stupendous World Heritage Site. Of the 14 fiords that dramatically carve into 215km of coastline, Milford Sound is the most accessible and popular, while the more remote Doubtful Sound offers a wealth of marine life, including dolphins, penguins, and seals, to the occasional humpback whale. Take a boat charter or cruise, helicopter flip, or one of the many walking trails in the area. Lake Te Anau offers the perfect base to explore the largest national park in New Zealand, and if it's a family holiday, the kids will love the Discovery Centre underwater observatory and glowworm caves.

Spreading along the banks of the beautiful Clutha River in southern New Zealand, Clutha district is rural living at its finest, and a grand place to immerse yourself in the great outdoors. Explore the breathtaking turquoise river, the bright green forest, and cascading, glittering waterfalls of the enchanting Catlins; walk the rugged beaches along the east coast down to Nugget Point for jaw-dropping panoramas; and watch fur seals, sea lions, and rare penguins at play in the shallow waves. Plan a visit to the charming coastal town of Kaka Point, try your hand at gold panning in Lawrence, or take in the historic Clutha Gold Trail, a two-day cycling adventure. Colourful, cultured, and wild, Clutha provides an exciting destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and photographers alike.

Waitaki is primarily a farming district, covering the alluvial fan of the Waitaki River on South Island's east coast. The town of Oamaru is the largest in the area and is known as the home of the blue penguin colony, the smallest penguin species. Further south is the coastal town of Moeraki, with its trademark huge spherical boulders. Hiking, climbing, fishing and cycling the Alps 2 Ocean Trail from Mount Cook to the sea are popular activities in the area. Waitaki is also world-renowned for the excellent paragliding and hang-gliding, facilitated by the warm westerly thermals that blow here.

Catlins, located angs the southeast coast of New Zealand's South Island, is a region characterised by stark contrasts and spectacular natural beauty. Sparsely populated, remote and with extensive farmland, dense rainforests and long, sprawling beaches, this rugged region is a nature lover's dream. The region is home to an abundance of wildlife, including some of the world's rarest penguin and dolphin species, as well as seals and sea lions. The Catlins Forest Park offers impressive waterfalls, river valleys and native forests. Whether you surf some of the South Island's best and least crowded waves, hike to hidden waterfalls, or explore the villages along the coast, there is plenty to do to make your stay wonderfully varied and engaging.

Hanmer Springs, a charming town on New Zealand's South Island, is a popular tourist destination because of its relaxing hot springs. Surrounded by lush forests and majestic mountains, Hanmer Springs offers a range of activities, from soothing spa experiences to adventurous outdoor adventures. Besides enjoying the natural hot springs, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horse riding and quad biking in the area. The town itself also has quaint shops, cosy cafes and restaurants where visitors can enjoy local cuisine. With its serene atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings, Hanmer Springs is an idyllic destination for relaxation and exploration.

Hokitika or "Hoki" as locals have affectionately named this small town is idyllically situated on a beautiful driftwood-strewn beach on the west coast of New Zealand's South Island. Fronted by towering Mount Cook and the Southern Alps, this town acts primarily as a gateway to the South Westland World Heritage National Park, but the town itself offers enough to keep you blissfully involved. Known for its excellent local crafts, Hokitika has developed a fertile artistic community with an array of open studios and galleries showcasing skilled artisans in the process of, among other things, weaving, greenstone carving or glass blowing. It is a place of simple pleasures: explore the craft galleries, enjoy the fabulously fresh local seafood, or just take a relaxing picnic on the shores of picturesque Lake Kaniere surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains. Hokitika is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city to partake in a wonderfully relaxing indulgence.

Oamaru has two unique features: remarkable Victorian architecture and penguins. This is indeed an unusual combination, but then Oamaru is no ordinary town. Many of the recently renovated historic buildings in the town centre are home to a range of quirky galleries, wonderfully eccentric shops and trendy cafés, all run by a small, close-knit community of often rather eccentric, bohemian-style locals.
Oamaru’s biggest attraction is undoubtedly the chance to see colonies of blue penguins – the smallest and only blue penguin species in the world – as well as the yellow-eyed penguin, one of the world’s rarest bird species. Once you’ve ticked this highlight off your list, you can take a stroll through the well-preserved historic quarter, with its distinctive 19th-century limestone buildings that have earned Oamaru the nickname ‘The Whitestone City’. Add to that a surprisingly impressive culinary scene, and it’s no wonder this quirky little town is quickly building a reputation as New Zealand’s coolest city.

Oban is the largest settlement on Stewart Island (also known as Rakiura), the southernmost inhabited island of the New Zealand archipelago. Most easily reached by ferry from Bluff, this scenic destination on the shores of Halfmoon Bay makes an excellent base for exploring some of the island’s stunning natural attractions. Key activities include swimming and sea kayaking; birdwatching at the Ulva Island Open Sanctuary; chartered fishing trips; and a range of hiking and walking trails. As well as shorter tracks, this area is famous for its range of long-distance walks, including the Rakiura Track (36 kilometres, three days) and the North-West Circuit (125 kilometres, about 10 days). Finally, Oban is one of the few places in the world where you can see the aurora australis (or Southern Lights).