From forest-fringed beaches to soaring mountains, the South Island’s spectacular scenery provides an unforgettable backdrop to both adrenaline-pumping adventure and indulgent relaxation.

The South Island of New Zealand has all the variety you could imagine – and more. Renowned for natural beauty, the South Island is an untamed paradise dominated by a rugged and unspoilt landscape.

There’s no need for your clients to forgo the comforts of civilisation though, because South Islanders like to balance the wilderness of their surroundings with the best of fine food, wine and accommodation. Whatever your clients’ budget, there is a multitude of accommodation options scattered against the wild backdrop.

Outdoor adventure aficionados will find themselves well served in the South Island. In the north the theme is maritime. Sheltered coves invite exploration by kayak, while the forest nudging the beach is ideal for a scenic walk. In the northeast, Blenheim is the centre of a renowned wine-producing region, while Kaikoura is a base for whale watching. Canterbury, with its wide-open plains, is unlike any other place. Here visitors will find Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island, where modern culture blends with historic atmosphere. Further south, the picture-postcard Mackenzie region is dominated by mountains and blue lakes. In the Southern Lakes resorts of Queenstown and Wanaka, visitors can dine in a world-class restaurant with a panorama of mountains spread before them. In winter, the mountains offer fantastic skiing and snowboarding.

Dunedin, the other major city of the South Island, is set on a harbour where wildlife lives side-by-side with people. This is a city with strong roots in the past: stately historic buildings, including New Zealand’s only castle, are a must-see. A visit to Stewart Island, the smallest of New Zealand’s three major islands, is an opportunity to see an abundance of wildlife, including the nation’s iconic bird, the Kiwi. To truly experience the untamed beauty of nature, any visit must include the West Coast.

Top of the South

Marlborough Sparkling inlets, pristine forest and renowned wineries bathed in abundant sunshine. Nelson Three National Parks, golden beaches and turquoise water make this a natural paradise.

West Coast

West Coast A wild and pristine landscape bursting with remarkable scenery and rare native wildlife.

Christchurch & Canterbury

Christchurch & Canterbury Outdoor adventures in a rugged landscape and the rich heritage of a vibrant city. Alpine Pacific Triangle Unforgettable marine life, a picturesque alpine spa resort and vineyard-draped valleys. Mackenzie & South Canterbury Beautiful alpine and rural landscapes dotted with tranquil country towns.

Otago & Southland

Waitaki Renowned historic architecture and wildlife encounters along a surging coastline. Dunedin & Coastal Otago Intriguing cultural history in a quirky university town famous for wildlife encounters. Central Otago A rugged landscape, rich with gold-mining history, now dotted with excellent wineries. Southland & Stewart Island A remote and beautiful region of rolling hills, rugged coastline and sparkling rivers.

Southern Lakes & Fiordland

Queenstown An outdoor adventure playground against a stunning backdrop of lake and mountains. Wanaka Spectacular lake and mountain views on the doorstep of Mt Aspiring National Park. Fiordland Astonishing scenery and wilderness experiences in a remote region.

Highlights

National Parks The South Island has ten National Parks: Arthur’s Pass, Mount Cook, Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes, Kahurangi, Paparoa, Westland, Fiordland, Mount Aspiring and Rakiura. Outdoor activities The South Island offers an unparalleled diversity of outdoor activities. Visitors can ski, play golf or bungy jump, or go rafting, mountain biking, wind surfing or whale watching. Extreme landscapes The South Island landscape is nothing short of astounding, from sandy beaches and sun-bleached plains to rugged mountains and dense rainforest. Particularly awe-inspiring features include the forest-fringed beaches of Nelson and Marlborough, the glaciers of South Westland, the lakes of Mackenzie Country and the fiords of Fiordland.