This remarkably sunny and rather sleepy little town is most commonly used as a base for exploring the town’s surrounding winelands which are home to some of New Zealand’s most fertile and venerated vineyards. The area boasts over 40 excellent wine farms, many of which are conveniently located within a 10km radius of Blenheim. In and around Blenheim you’ll find an impressive array of tempting cafes and restaurants, charming craft shops, artisan food outlets and some world-class golf courses. The nearby Marlborough Sounds provide an ideal setting for a variety for water sports, from kayaking to swimming with dolphins. Popular attractions include the fascinating Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, home to a well restored collection of World War I planes, as well as the Marlborough Museum which showcases a variety of interesting local historical artifacts and also houses Beavertown, a replica street scene based on features of Blenheim around 1900.
Located on New Zealand’s South Island, the Abel Tasman National Park is the smallest park in the country. This coastal paradise 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 such as: a variety of birdlife, bottlenose dolphins, seals and the Little Blue Penguin, the smallest of the species. Visitors can 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 tiny township of Punakaiki on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island is primarily used by visitors as a base for exploring the nearby Paparoa National Park. The park is best known for its dramatic blowholes and the distinctive Pancake Rocks. These picturesque limestone formations look curiously like stony stacks of pancakes which funnel blasts of water up to 15 metres into the air as the waves crash into the caverns below the rocks. Visitors can explore the sub-tropical rainforests, horse ride along the spectacular coastline, paddle a canoe down the tranquil Pororari River, or climb the remarkable limestone formations for which this area is known. The town itself offers some delightful cafes and restaurants and is home to many jewellers, carvers, painters and potters.
Banks Peninsular crowns the scenic east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. Stretching over 1150 square kilometres, Banks Peninsula encompasses numerous harbours, glistening bays, and secluded coves, which dot the peninsula’s perimeter, as well as ancient volcanoes in the interior. The natural beauty of Banks Peninsula attracts visitors from all corners of the globe with its unique volcanic terrain and picturesque vistas. The Peninsula offers visitors a wide range of attractions including scenic walking trails, wildlife viewing, historic sites, and a thriving artisan culture. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful drive around the edge of ancient volcanic craters along the famous Summit Road, spot the rare Hector’s dolphins in the deep coastal waters, or visit the charming historic French-character town of Akaroa.
Resting in the heart of New Zealand’s awe-inspiring South Island, in the subregion of Canterbury, Mackenzie Country is known for its spectacular unspoilt wilderness. This exceptionally scenic area features beautiful glacier-fed turquoise lakes, pristine starry night skies, emerald pastoral grasslands and the jagged snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps. Visitors can look forward to a wide selection of fantastic activities such as alpine hiking in the remarkable Mount Cook National Park, skiing or snowboarding on the uncrowded Ohau Snow Fields, and soaking up the breathtaking views of the majestic Mount Aoraki/Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain. Don’t miss Lake Tekapo Village and the scenic Lake Tekapo, a must-see destination. Other popular activities include glacier skiing, fishing, biking, stargazing, wining and dining.
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 (high tea is served at 3 pm every day); 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.
Catlins, spreading along the southeastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, is a region characterised by striking contrasts and spectacular natural beauty. Sparsely populated, remote and encompassing lush farmland, dense rainforests, and long, sweeping beaches, this rugged area is a nature enthusiast’s dream. The area plays host to an abundance of wildlife, including some of the world’s rarest species of penguins and dolphins, as well as seals and sea lions. The Catlins Forest Park boasts phenomenal waterfalls, river valleys, and native forests. Whether surfing some of the south island’s best and least crowded waves, hiking to breath-taking hidden waterfalls, or exploring the quaint rural townships dotted along the coast, you will find plenty to keep you blissfully engaged during your stay.
As the larger of New Zealand's two main islands, the South Island encompasses incredible landscapes – from rainforests to snow-capped mountains, golden beaches and stunning glaciers. Many consider this the home of adventure tourism, and adrenalin junkies will be spoilt for choice, with activities that include bungee jumping, kayaking and the six "Great Walks". Although far less populated than its northern counterpart, the South Island boasts a number of towns and cities worth putting on your itinerary. Visit Christchurch, a vibrant urban centre known for its beautiful parks and gardens. Pass through Dunedin to encounter penguins, albatross and seal colonies, or stop by Kaikoura for some of the best whale watching in the world.
