{"id":2770,"date":"2017-06-08T15:46:45","date_gmt":"2017-06-08T19:46:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventurousretirement.com\/blog\/?p=2770"},"modified":"2019-12-13T16:09:09","modified_gmt":"2019-12-13T21:09:09","slug":"top-10-favorite-places-in-new-zealands-south-island","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventurousretirement.com\/blog\/top-10-favorite-places-in-new-zealands-south-island\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Favorite Places in New Zealand’s South Island"},"content":{"rendered":"

Top 10 New Zealand’s South Island <\/u><\/h1>\n

Want to know the best places to spend your time when in New Zealand’s South Island?<\/h1>\n

\"Lochmara<\/a>After completing\u00a0a trip of a lifetime, we are excited to share our favorites. Four and a half weeks in New Zealand\u2019s South Island, and we can show you\u00a0mountaintops, snow, beaches, oceans, wineries, seafood, varied history and culture.<\/p>\n

This is the first article in a series on the top places to visit in New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific South Seas. Since there is so much to share, this first article will give an overview of our top 10 favorite places in New Zealand’s South Island. It will be followed by more in-depth information and photos about each of the top places we recommend and others, as well as those to avoid that are over-hyped.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. \n

    Christchurch, Akaroa and Hanmer Springs<\/h2>\n

    \"Giant <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
    \"Botanical <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
    \"Christchurch <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
    \"Hiking <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
    \"Hanmer <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
    \"View <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
    \"Christchurch <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
    \"Lyttelton <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Landing in Christchurch, we saw a beautiful, creative, modern city rebuilding after a devastating 2011 earthquake, and quite innovatively coming back.\u00a0\"Front<\/a> Innovations like the temporary cardboard cathedral, and the shipping containers set up as a mall for temporary stores and eateries\u00a0are quite imaginative and worth a look when visiting New Zealand’s South Island.<\/p>\n

    \"Hanmer<\/a>Hanmer Springs <\/a>is a lovely town with a nice hike, overlooks, and a hot springs complex with many pools of different temperatures and sizes, a spa, a lap pool and water slides for the kids. You can spend a day relaxing, swimming, having fun or just a couple of hours to soothe your sore muscles from hiking.\u00a0 Take the beautiful hike to the top of the mountain overlooking the town and surrounding countryside.\u00a0 Hanmer Springs has some excellent restaurants, too. We ate at and loved Malabar<\/a>; although on the expensive side, they serve excellent creative Asian food well worth the price.<\/p>\n

    Hanmer Springs is just 90 minutes from Christchurch, so go as a day trip or stay overnight.\u00a0 Check it out: http:\/\/visithanmersprings.co.nz\/<\/a><\/p>\n

    Akaroa<\/a> is on the Banks Peninsula approximately 90 minutes from Christchurch; it was\u00a0 a French settlement on the eastern shore, south of Christchurch. \u00a0A quiet beach town, Akaroa<\/a>\u00a0is built on terraces around the harbour. \u00a0Its sea life, seafood, and scenery make it worth a visit.<\/p>\n

    You can do all 3 completely in 5 nights and 6 days –\u00a02 days in Christchurch,\u00a01 day in Hanmer Springs, 2 days in Akaroa, with 1 day for travel.<\/p>\n

    2. Southern Alps<\/h2>\n

    Other Countryside Views in New Zealand’s South Island<\/p>\n

    \"Southern<\/a>Exploring the countryside traveling through the Southern Alps by train in New Zealand’s South Island is a great way to see the gorgeous views; or you can see\u00a0the countryside while driving.\u00a0 We took the Kiwi TranzAlpine Railway<\/a> \u2013 great way to travel \u2013 to see the Southern Alps.\u00a0 See our next article to learn more about the Kiwi TranzAlpine Railway on New Zealand’s South Island. \u00a0Two to three nights is enough if you \u00a0are taking the TranzAlpine; stay in Arthur’s Pass 1 night and hike. \u00a0Then take the train to Moana and stay at Lake Brunner. \u00a0There are 2 choices from here, go on to Greymouth and rent a car or take a bus, or take the TranzAlpine back to Christchurch and continue your journey from there.<\/p>\n

    We also\u00a0drove through the north central part of the South Island, as well as around the coastal area.<\/p>\n

    Have a look:<\/p>\n

    \"Franz <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
    \"Haast <\/a> <\/div>
    \"Akaroa <\/a> <\/div>
    \"Makaroa <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
    \"Beach <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

    3. Abel Tasman \u2013 Harwoods Hole and the northern coast of New Zealand’s South Island<\/h2>\n

    What a pleasure to drive through the mountains of New Zealand’s South Island to Abel Tasman National Park from Christchurch, and treated to the incredible views.\u00a0 Abel Tasman National Park is one of New Zealand\u2019s biggest tourist destinations, for beaches, trekking, and water activities.\u00a0 It is adjacent to the Kahurangi National Park, another stunning place to hike or just take a short walk, and visit the overlooks.\u00a0 Some of the great films like Hobbit and Lord of the Rings had scenes filmed in these areas. Just enter the woods and imagine the scenes.<\/p>\n

    There is so much to do here if you love the outdoors, or just want to hang out on different beaches.\u00a0 We hiked in forests and along coastal tracks with great sea views, relaxed on the mountain sides, and dipped our toes in the icy fresh waterways and the crystal clear aqua ocean. \u00a0A visit to Abel Tasman should be 2-4 nights.<\/p>\n

    \"abel-tasman-hike-wendy\" <\/a> <\/div>
    \"Hawkes <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
    \"Abel <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
    \"Water <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
    \"Abel <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
    \"Source <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
    \"Abel <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
    \"Harwoods <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n
      \n
    1. \n

      North West Coast<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      New Zealand’s South Island West Coast is wet, wild and picturesque with seascapes, birds, and incredible rock\u00a0\"Operara<\/a>formations.\u00a0 Few people visit the northern west coast, as there is just 1 road in and out that is accessed from Westport, New Zealand.\u00a0 Travel there to be treated to wild oceanfront views on your way to the quaint town of Karamea<\/a>. \u00a0While visiting Karamea, there are several hikes from the ocean front and inland to the Oparara Basin, a natural beauty of a rock formation.<\/p>\n

      Going South from Westport, stop to see the beauty that is Pancake Rocks; take the short coast trail.<\/p>\n

      Then stop in quaint Greymouth <\/a>to go to the beach and visit local galleries for the Pounamu<\/a>, Greenstone or Jade of the indigenous Maori<\/a> people.<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. \n

        Franz Josef Glacier<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        \"Franz<\/a>While on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, spend a day and a night or two in Franz Josef<\/a>\u00a0or Fox Glacier<\/a> \u2013 a smaller area, see the glaciers, and partake in many of the sporting options in and around the glaciers. Some people head to Mount Cook<\/a>, another option, but it was too far off our route. Stay tuned for an upcoming post on the fabulous things to do in Franz Josef!<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. \n

          Haast and Mount Aspiring<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          \"Makaroa\"<\/a><\/p>\n

          \"Wanaka <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
          \"Wanaka <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
          \"Makaroa\" <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
          \"Makaroa\" <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

          Haast and Mount Aspiring are only 30 minutes apart, and present striking coastal and mountain views, offering various walks, hikes, waterfalls and more. \u00a0Staying between the two makes it easy to visit each by car. \u00a0Three nights will allow you to do many of the hikes around Haast, go to Jackson Bay, the fishing village at the end of the beach road, get in some trout fishing or visiting Wanaka and the lakes, and hiking in Mount Aspiring.<\/p>\n

          \"Fantail <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
          \"Moss <\/a> <\/div>
          \"Diamond <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
          \"Rocky <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
          \"Routeburn <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n
            \n
          1. \n

            Milford Sound<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            \"Milford<\/a>\u201cA fusion of spectacular natural features. [\u2026]Described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages.\u201d<\/p>\n

            We stayed in Te Anau, a small town about 1.5 hours from Milford Sound on New Zealand’s South Island.\u00a0 Trips access Milford Sound from Queenstown as well, which is 3 hours from Milford Sound, and much more crowded and touristy than Te Anau. \u00a0One to two nights is all that’s needed to see Milford Sound, and staying for three allows\u00a0more\u00a0time to visit the farms, lake, bird sanctuary, or just relax in the beauty of Te Anau.<\/p>\n

            \"Baby <\/a> <\/div>
            \"Queenstown <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
            \"Mirror <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n
              \n
            1. \n

              Stewart Island<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              Visit the southernmost land mass closest to Antarctica, New Zealand’s third Island, Stewart Island.\u00a0 Few people, including New Zealanders, ever go that far south to absorb the wild beauty.\u00a0 Over 85% of it is national park, and it is the place to go for birdwatching and hiking. \u00a0Some people go for 1 night, and 3 nights at a minimum is best to see the birdlife, go to Ulva Island, visit the beaches, do the hikes, and the overlooks.<\/p>\n

              \"Stewart <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
              \"Stewart <\/a> <\/div>
              \"Ulva <\/a> <\/div>
              \"Stewart <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
              \"Stewart <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n
                \n
              1. \n

                Catlins <\/a>and Otago<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                These two areas are\u00a0located on the southeastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island with scenic coastal landscapes, and endangered birds like the yellow-eyed penguin and the little blue penguin.\u00a0 Start in the Catlins from Bluff and drive north. After the Catlins, continue a bit further north to the Otago Peninsula, east of Dunedin, where you\u2019ll be treated to more natural beauty, hikes with incredible overlooks, giant sand dunes leading to wild ocean beaches with cathedral rock formations. See albatross and the little blue penguins in Otago. Four nights between these two areas provides time to see a lot, but six nights is preferred.<\/p>\n

                \"Niagra <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
                \"Otago <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
                \"Catlins <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
                \"Purakaunui <\/a> <\/div>
                \"Otago\" <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
                \"Catlins <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
                \"Otago <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
                \"Catlins <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n
                  \n
                1. \n

                  Picton<\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  Since the coastal road was closed due to the earthquake, we turned in our rental car and flew to Nelson from Dunedin. Nelson is on the North coast of New Zealand’s South Island.\u00a0 Nelson is a big town with lots to offer, but since we did not stay I can\u2018t comment on it.\u00a0 Once the road is open, I believe going to Kaikoura, on the northern east coast of the South Island would also be a highlight, but we skipped it due to the earthquake damage.\u00a0 An alternative to flying back to the northern coast of the South Island is a flight to Blenheim, which is closer to Picton.<\/p>\n

                  \"Marlborough <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
                  \"Marlborough <\/a> <\/div>
                  \"Salmon <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
                  \"Mussel <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
                  \"Mussels <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
                  \"Marlborough <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

                  Picton was our destination for the Marlborough Sound, Picton Seaside Town and the ferry to the North Island. \u00a0Driving from Nelson to Picton is Havelock and the famous Mussel Pot Restaurant and Cafe<\/a>.\u00a0 It was on my list, and a wonderful stop with great seafood!<\/p>\n

                  Picton is a picturesque coastal town in the Marlborough Sound region near the Queen Charlotte Track, and the base for the ferry services between the North and South Islands.\u00a0 With lots of sea related activities, and sea views, wineries, as well as forest and coastal hiking, swimming and seaside eateries, you\u2019ll have too many wonderful activities from which to choose \u2013 Dolphin eco tours, fishing, birding, beachcomber cruises, Mail Boat Cruise and Queen Charlotte Track hike, kayaking on the Marlborough Sound, wilderness tours, boat safaris, diving, and more. \u00a0Spending four or more nights between Nelson, Picton and Blenheim would make a nice holiday in this region.<\/p>\n

                  We spent 4.5 weeks on New Zealand’s South Island and it was not enough time to partake in all of the activities and see all the sights.\u00a0 Some people would say go to Queenstown and Nelson; go there if you prefer built up touristy expensive areas offering lots of extreme sports. We preferred the more natural environments in the sights listed above.<\/p>\n

                  Over the next 3 months, I will provide more in-depth information about each of the areas and the various activities, worthwhile trips and excursions to choose from.\u00a0 So travel with us vicariously or use our insights to help plan your own trip to New Zealand.\u00a0 Watch for our article next week on one of New Zealand\u2019s premier excursions, and one on accommodations (in the interim check out how we choose accommodations<\/a>).<\/p>\n

                  Subscribe to\u00a0this blog (on the top right corner of this page); don’t miss\u00a0the details of New Zealand’s South Island, North Island, Australia, Vanuatu and Fiji.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                  Top 10 New Zealand’s South Island Want to know the best places to spend your time when in New Zealand’s South Island? After completing\u00a0a trip of a lifetime, we are excited to share our favorites. Four and a half weeks … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3193,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[172,170,171,176,178,174,177,169,175,179],"tags":[189,190,191,187,639,205,188,198,194,184,204,203,193,46,60,88,195,18,192,200,209,182,196,197,206,207,201,208,26,183,199,185,186,202],"class_list":["post-2770","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-abel-tasman","category-akaroa","category-christchurch","category-franz-josef","category-hanmer-springs","category-karamea","category-milford-sound","category-new-zealand","category-operara-basin","category-picton","tag-abel-tasman","tag-akaroa","tag-christchurch","tag-cruise","tag-cultural-adventures","tag-diamond-lake","tag-dolphins","tag-dunedin","tag-franz-josef","tag-glaciers","tag-greymouth","tag-haast","tag-hanmer-springs","tag-hiking","tag-hot-springs","tag-international-travel","tag-karamea","tag-land-adventures","tag-maori","tag-milford-sound","tag-nelson","tag-new-zealand","tag-oparara-basin","tag-otago-peninsula","tag-outdoor-adventures","tag-pancake-rocks","tag-penguins","tag-picton","tag-sea-adventures","tag-south-island","tag-te-anau","tag-tramping","tag-walking","tag-wanaka"],"yoast_head":"\nTop 10 Favorite Places in New Zealand's South Island<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Want to know the best places to spend your time in New Zealand's South Island? 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