hidden treasures of the south

Situated on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, the vibrant city of Christchurch is the largest city on the island. Dubbed the 'Garden City', it is known for its many lush green spaces and possesses a multicultural charm with an added dash of Victorian flair.

The city offers a fabulous array of activities, including punting down the Avon River, helicopter tours, hot air ballooning, whale and dolphin watching. Enjoy a stroll around the beautifully sculptured parks, visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and browse numerous art galleries. 

Rated by many as one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, the West Coast route is stunningly beautiful, an untouched wilderness with breath-taking landscapes and steeped in pioneering history.

Consisting of for a 600km section of New Zealand’s South Island coastline, the West Coast is bordered to the west by the Tasman Sea and to the east by the mighty Southern Alps, the South Island’s backbone.

The region consists of 5 National Parks, is home to glaciers, mountains, lakes, wetlands and rainforests which, in some places, reach down to the coastline. As well as being famous as Glacier Country with both Fox and Franz Josef glaciers easily accessible off the main road, there’s so much more to do. Hiking, cave rafting, jet boats, bird watching, 4WD tours, flying, relaxing hot pools; there’s something for everyone. Visit Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone as well as being a centre for creative and artistic talents. For beer lovers perhaps stop for a beer at the infamous Monteiths Brewery in Greymouth, the hub of the region, a town settled originally by gold miners.

Along the Maruia River on New Zealand’s South Island, Maruia lies within a broad valley framed by mountain ranges of the Southern Alps. Pastures and forested hills stretch across a landscape shaped by glacial rivers, where quiet rural roads wind through farmland and pockets of native beech forest. The clear river attracts anglers, while walkers explore tracks through nearby conservation land that lead to elevated viewpoints and open river terraces. A short drive away, the geothermal pools of Maruia Springs provide mineral bathing beside the river, contrasting with the valley’s cool mountain air. Travellers crossing the Southern Alps often pause here to hike, fish, or simply follow the valley’s winding road through open countryside.

Idyllically situated on the southern shore of New Zealand just 75 kilometres from the city of Christchurch, Akaroa is a historic French and British settlement resting in the heart of an ancient volcano. The town is known for its picturesque harbour, colonial architecture, and French cuisine. Visitors can take a lovely harbour cruise to spot rare Hector’s dolphins, penguins and fur seals, or explore the waters by kayaking or going stand up paddleboarding.

The French and English heritage have remained strong in Akaroa which is highly evident in the wealth of well-maintained French and English buildings, and the abundance of French-focused restaurants and cafes. The award-winning Barry’s Bay Cheese has even continued with original methods of cheese-making for more than a century, which can be witnessed through their gallery window during milking season.

Set in the picturesque Waitaki Valley on New Zealand’s South Island, Kurow is a peaceful rural town renowned for its vineyards and dramatic landscapes. Surrounded by rugged hills and the glacial-fed Waitaki River, it forms part of the celebrated Waitaki wine region, known for producing elegant pinot noirs and aromatic whites. Travellers are drawn here to savour local wines and artisanal produce, cycle sections of the renowned Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, or cast a line in the pristine rivers and nearby lakes. Heritage buffs can explore early hydroelectric schemes and historic stone buildings, while nature lovers will find endless walking trails and scenic lookouts. With its blend of rich history, outdoor adventure, and fine wine, Kurow offers an inviting taste of authentic South Island charm.

The second-largest city on the South Island, Dunedin (Celtic for Edinburgh) overlooks the Otago Harbour and Peninsula. There’s no urban sprawl here, instead, you’ll find impressive historic architecture, parks, and natural beauty in abundance. More than 20 beaches can be reached within 30 minutes and stunning, unspoilt coastlines make for excellent hikes and sunset shots. You’ll want to visit Gothic-revival Larnach Castle, known for its colourful history, a resident ghost and impressive treats, Speight’s Brewery for tours, tastings and hearty meals, glorious St Paul’s Cathedral and the Ice Stadium to watch a game or two of curling. Art lovers should make sure to explore the impressive street art trail through the historic buildings of the Warehouse Precinct.

Take a step back in time to a simpler, slower lifestyle; where birdsong and crashing waves are a constant reminder of the natural world around us. Stewart Island is a unique New Zealand treasure just waiting to be discovered!

So often overlooked, just 30km across the Foveaux Strait from Bluff, this tiny paradise represents the last piece of New Zealand’s third island is remote and untamed, the last piece of modern civilization before you hit Antarctica. The Island’s Maori name, Rakiura, means “glowing skies” which is a reference to the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) which can sometimes be seen from the island, just one more reason to visit.

Stewart Island is also a bird watcher’s paradise, it teems with many of New Zealand’s native and endangered species – kiwi outnumber humans by 50 to 1. The Stewart Island Brown Kiwi – or Tokoeka – is active during the day and night, with numbers estimated at 20,000.

Nestled on the shores of Lake Te Anau, the South Island’s largest lake, this picturesque town is the gateway to the spectacular wilderness of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. Surrounded by towering mountains, ancient rainforests and pristine waterways, Te Anau offers a wonderful blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Explore the renowned Milford, Kepler and Routeburn Great Walks, enjoy scenic lake cruises, kayaking and trout fishing, or discover the magical underground world of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Visit the Punanga Manu o Te Anau bird sanctuary to encounter some of New Zealand’s remarkable native birds, including the rare takahē. With its peaceful lakeside setting and extraordinary surrounding landscapes, Te Anau is an ideal base for exploring Fiordland.

The southwestern corner of New Zealand’s South Island presents a picture of incredible contrasts – the snow-capped Southern Alps towering over massive, deep lakes, and ocean flooded valleys, it’s breathtaking. Of the 14 fiords that dramatically carve into 215km of coastline, Milford Sound is the most accessible and popular, with the more remote Doubtful Sound offering a wealth of marine life.

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 for your exploration of this acclaimed World Heritage Site, and if it’s a family holiday, the kids will love the Discovery Centre underwater observatory and glowworm caves.

Nestled in picture postcard fashion on the shores of the Lake Wakatipu, and with a reputation as the adrenalin capital of the Southern Hemisphere, Queenstown is a sophisticated resort destination like no other.

The gateway to the Fiordland National Park, the town is surrounded by mountains, glaciers, fiords, backcountry fly fishing rivers, Lord of the Rings film scenes, deserted gold mining settlements and a host of exciting tour options. 

Idyllically located on Lake Wakatipu, the mountain village of Glenorchy is a place of blissful tranquility, swoon-worthy natural landscapes, and middle earth magic! Glenorchy is the perfect laid-back counterpoint to nearby busy and bustling Queenstown.

Despite a fair amount of visitors, Glenorchy has managed to preserve its quaint, small village atmosphere while providing a petrol station, a grocery store, a post office and a few quirky pubs and cafes to travellers seeking some of New Zealand’s finest tramping, horse trekking, kayaking and jet boating in the astonishingly picturesque surrounding area. If you are seeking a quiet retreat off the beaten track, this rustic town might be just the destination for you.