top of the south discovery

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.

Located on New Zealand’s South Island, the Abel Tasman National Park is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters. The incredibly scenic, unspoilt landscapes make the park a popular destination with locals and tourists alike. It is home to an array of wildlife including a variety of birdlife, bottlenose dolphins, seals and the Little Blue Penguin, the smallest of the species. Hop on a scenic boat tour, enjoy fantastic hikes, or camp under the star-studded night sky. Other popular activities include swimming, snorkelling, as well as kayaking, which is said to be the best way to discover the park’s spectacular natural treasures. Don’t miss the opportunity to hike along one of New Zealand’s ‘Great Walks’, the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, traversing rugged headlands, lush forests and pristine beaches.

The oldest city on New Zealand’s South Island, Nelson, lies on the eastern shore of Tasman Bay. With more than 2500 hours of sunshine a year, it is also considered the country’s sunniest city and is a perfect setting in which to enjoy an array of adventure and leisure activities – biking, horse trekking, rock climbing, wine-tasting at local estates, or simply enjoying the golden beaches and superb views of the Tasman Bay. 

If you’re a food and wine lover, Blenheim is the place for you!

The area holds international acclaim for being one of the finest wine regions in the world producing amazing sauvignon blanc while Blenheim has many superb restaurants providing a wide variety of cuisine. Relaxed lunches and dinners at the regions wineries are not to be missed either – having a driver for the day or taking part in a guided group is well advised!

A collection of ancient sunken river valleys filled with the waters of the Pacific Ocean, The Marlborough Sounds are where forested hills rise steeply from the sea around an intricate coastline of sheltered inlets and sandy bays.

With three main bodies of water – Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorous Sound, there are over 50 reserves in this scenic playground and includes the famous Queen Charlotte Track. Enjoy long sheltered inlets, clear waters and sandy bays. Hike through the forest or kayak around the headlands to discover a fresh location each day.

Where mountains meet the sea and wildlife takes over civilisation, Kaikōura is best known for its vast coastline which hugs the Pacific Ocean. Kaikōura is a year-round destination featuring some of the most memorable experiences that New Zealand has to offer including Whale Watching and one of our all-time favourite activities in New Zealand, Swimming with the Dolphins.

Add in a visit to the local seal colonies, watching the incredibly graceful Royal Albatross, a walk around the Kaikōura Peninsular, a visit to the museum and simply taking in sun rising over the Pacific; there’s lots to do here.

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.