Making the most of your trip is what you should be trying to do when you visit New Zealand. There is so much to do and so many different places to explore that it is often a matter of trying to fit everything you want to do in! Even if you only plan to see the South Island, there’s enough to keep you busy for at least a month. Having the right means of transportation and planning your adventure the right way can go a long way.
With so many small towns and every region of the country offering something a little different, booking accommodation anywhere you plan to visit can be a real hassle. Many find that South Island campervan hire works best as the transit and accommodation solution they need for a better Kiwi experience. When planning your visit, consider reserving an RV and be sure to check out some of these must-see places in the South.
Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers
The Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers are two of the most accessible in the world and are incredible works of nature that attract thousands of visitors every day. At the bottom of the west coast, they are not far from Hokitika or Wanaka. You are welcome to book with one of the guide companies operating on the glaciers to get on the ice yourself – the tours are a great learning experience and lots of fun.
Ski and Snowboard at Mt Hutt and Porters
Just an hour from Christchurch, both Mt Hutt and Porters are the ski fields to visit during the winter season. Porters is the closer of the two to Garden City, located at the bottom of the Cragieburn Ranges, with slopes catering for beginners to more experienced skiers. Mt Hutt is one of the most popular courses in the South Island, with beautiful views of the Southern Alps from the top. If you’re visiting during the colder months, skiing is a must, as New Zealand has some of the best runs in the world.
queenstown
The adventure capital of the world if public perception and sheer amounts of adrenaline, high-octane bungy jumping, thrills and adventure sports opportunities are anything to go by. Queenstown offers the most thrills of any city in the country: jump from New Zealand’s highest bungee jump, the AJ Hackett Nevis Bungy, which soars 134 meters over the River Nevis, speed through the Shotover Canyons on the Shotover Jet and even dare to jump out of a plane above the city with NZONE Skydiving. You can relax in the beautiful lakeside resort town at night, but during the day, Queenstown is all excitement and excitement.
Wine Tasting in Marlborough
The northernmost region of the South Island is home to some of the best award-winning wines in the world. The Marlborough name has become synonymous with the sauvignon blanc it is so famous for producing and wine lovers everywhere find their way to taste it. Book a wine tour through a professional operator or just find a couple of vineyards you’d like to visit in Blenheim while you’re there.
hanmer springs
The South Island’s answer to Rotorua, Hanmer Springs has built a strong reputation around its popular hot spring. Soak in the pools for a day, treat yourself to a therapeutic massage and pamper yourself – Hanmer Springs is the best place to relax. While it may not have all the geysers and mud pools of the North Island resort town, Hanmer does have a beautiful forest that’s great for bushwalking, mountain biking, and there’s even bungy jumping for the most adventurous.
So enjoy your time in the South Island; You’re guaranteed to come away with exciting stories your friends will love to hear!