wild south wonder

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. 

The quaint west coast town of Franz Josef has a few hundred permanent residents, with numbers swelling during the holidays to around 2000 visitors per day. This is glacier country and Franz Josef glacier (after which the town is named) and Fox Glacier, some 23 kilometres further south, are the main attractions. The town offers a myriad of options for cozy accommodation, especially after the snow and ice activities on offer. Combine a helicopter tour with a guided walk on the glacial terrain to view ice caves, and spectacular crevasses and pinnacles. Helicopter tours over the two glaciers are also available, with a stop off at the head of either glacier so you can experience the frozen landscape up close.

Located on the southern shores New Zealand’s 4th largest lake, an hour’s drive from Queenstown, Wanaka is renowned for its village character and strong community spirit.

Wanaka is a small town that's big on the outdoors with plenty to keep you entertained. Embraced by the Southern Alps, Wanaka faces north, blessed with an incomparable alpine panorama in whichever direction you look.

There’s an unparalleled selection of walking and biking trails, short hikes, day walks and adventures including multi-day back-country journeys into the wilderness. If you’re looking for less adventure and more relaxation there are wildlife cruises to the lake’s island reserves, eco rafting trips on the Clutha River, winery tours and magnificent scenic flights around Mt Aspiring and to Milford Sound.

The neighbouring Mount Aspiring National Park, with its world-renowned hiking trails has its headquarters in Wanaka; Cardrona and Treble Cone ski resorts are both only a short drive from the town.

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. 

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 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 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.

Surrounded by the dramatic alpine landscapes of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, this spectacular destination is home to New Zealand’s highest mountain and longest glacier. Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Area, the region offers extraordinary wilderness experiences, from scenic walks and alpine adventures to glacier lake cruises and breathtaking stargazing beneath some of the world’s darkest skies. Explore the magnificent Hooker Valley, discover the Tasman Glacier or visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre to learn about New Zealand’s mountaineering heritage. With its towering peaks, glacial valleys and remarkable natural beauty, Aoraki / Mount Cook is one of the South Island’s most unforgettable destinations.

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.