New Zealand’s South Island Travel Guide

Southern Wonders: a travel guide of New Zealand’s South Island Adventures

In an area about the size of the State of Illinois (and about half the size of the UK), New Zealand’s South Island packs in some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth ! Fiordlands, alps, glaciers, lakes and beaches; wine country and untouched wilderness all here in jaw-dropping proportions. With New Zealand’s South Island set to get closer to the US than ever before (with the recent announcement of American Airlines new LA – Christchurch service kicking off from October 2020), we’ve put together a collection of some of our favourite Southern Wonders:

Marlborough Wine Touring

Sample some of the world’s finest Sauvignon Blancs and cruise the picturesque Marlborough Sounds (.. ask about our exclusive Cloudy Bay experience for a completely indulgent foraging and feasting tour of the Marlborough region)

Hiking in the Abel Tasman National Park

Sail, kayak or snorkel between sweeping sands and hike over granite boulders and through coastal bushland to discover secluded coves and sublime serenity. Little blue penguins, bottlenose dolphins and seals are also big fans of this region’s stunning blue waters and sandy beaches.

Choose your own adventure in Queenstown

Hiking or mountain biking, jetboating or bungee, fishing or golf, scenic drives, luxury cruising and heli-just-about anything, Queenstown has it all ! .. and best of all, you will also be spoilt for choice with luxury lakeside lodgings and countless places to eat out in style.

Star Gazing in the Southern Lakes

The Lindis Pass weaves its between majestic lakes and valleys, under some of the clearest skies on earth. Stay in one of the Lindis’ new luxury pods for the ultimate star gazing experience under Southern skies.

Conquer Mt Cook – New Zealand’s tallest mountain

Aoraki Mt Cook National Park’s skyscraping peaks and glistening glaciers have long been the playground for keen mountaineers – including the legendary Sir Edmund Hillary. With 19 peaks over 3000m, this rugged land of ice and rock boasts a collection of spectacularly scenic drives, hikes, rides and climbs.

Helitouring over the sounds of Fiordland

This is the edge of the world as we know it ! Heli through the majestic fiords and sounds to land on a private motor cruiser for a secluded night of luxury feasting on fresh seafood in the fresh air ! .. or head to a remote alpine lake to paddleboard the tranquil waters, pack raft down mountain rapids or hike across ancient glaciers. These jaw-dropping corners of the planet and breathtaking adventures will be yours alone.

Marvel and the marine-life in Kaikoura

Spot whales, swim with seals and ride the waves; hike the coast, sample the crays (fresh local lobsters) and dive with dolphins in Kaikoura. Long pebbly beaches, framed by snow-capped peaks are the backdrop for a collection of marine adventures from surfing to game-fishing.

 

From Marlborough to Milford, New Zealand’s South Island will take your breath away ! Wines, Wilderness, Walks and Wildlife, complemented by a collection of luxury lodges and some of the finest regional cuisine.

Contact your Southern Crossings Travel Designer – nzdesign@southern-crossings.com – to tailor an adventure in New Zealand’s South Island just for you.

And read on for more inspiration to help you know which New Zealand Luxury Lodge accommodation is just right for you.