New Zealand’s South Island is without doubt, one of the world’s most spectacular holiday destinations. There are so many things to see and do on the south island that you will probably need more than one visit to fit them all in. It is one of the best places imaginable for a campervan or motor home holiday and if you like skiing and snow boarding you will think you have died and gone to heaven, there are so many fabulous ski and snowboarding destinations to choose from. The alpine scenery here rivals anything available in the Swiss Alps or the American Rocky Mountains and the people are really friendly and helpful. Here is an island full of rich agricultural valleys farming some of the most delicious produce known to man. The South Island of New Zealand is also known as the adventure capital of the world and activities like jet boat riding and bungy jumping were invented here. The venues for these adrenaline pumping activities are absolutely spectacular. Most of the locations filmed in the Lord of the Rings trilogy were filmed on the South Island and some of these locations are absolutely awe inspiring.

Christchurch is the largest city and also the main arrival and departure point. Overseas flights from Australia fly in direct as do domestic flights from other New Zealand destinations. It is the best place to hire a vehicle or a campervan and set off to circumnavigate this magnificent island. In the North is the Marlboro Sounds district and the town of Nelson is the largest here. Many tourists come here to stay and sample the regions world famous wines or take a sailing holiday aboard a charter yacht through the protected bays and passages of the sounds. Travelling south along the east coast you will visit Kaikora where you can take a whale watching trip with a difference. This is one of the few places in the world where Sperm Whales are regularly seen. Hanmer Springs is another destination with fantastic alpine scenery merged with relaxing and therapeutic hot springs. Inland from Christchurch is the Arthurs Pass region and here is some of the world’s best alpine scenery and skiing resorts. Mt Hutt is the largest and is of international standard. The Tranz Alpine rail link from Christchurch to Greymouth on the West Coast is one of the great rail journeys of the world.

Further to the south are some unforgettable destinations. In the central alps is Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook which is New Zealand’s highest mountain. Queenstown, situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and Wanaka, situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka provide access to some of the best skiing and snowboarding resorts around as well as being the center of one of the most picturesque and most photographed regions in the world. Treble Cone and Cardrona are fantastic ski and snow boarding resorts only a short drive from Wanaka and Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are on the outskirts of Queenstown. This region is a fantastic destination for a week or a month and you will never tire of the sensational surroundings that you will find yourself in. Take a day trip to Milford sound, take a helicopter ride of the Franz Joseph or Fox Glaciers or visit the albatross colony at Dunedin. A day trip to see the sight of Invercargill is also a must do.

Most tourists and skiers who visit the South Island of New Zealand return here time and time again to relive their fabulous memories.

South Island