In our last article, we looked at the North Island as a potential visitor hot spot. In part 2, it is the South Island’s turn. With picturesque settings through all seasons, you’re spoilt for choice. Like last month, we’ve done the hard work and highlighted some of the key features that you can expect in the South Island. So let us know what you want to experience and we’ll create the trip of a lifetime for you.
When you consider the South Island and compare it to the North Island, you instantly think vistas and scenery, Queenstown and adrenaline.
Vistas and Scenery
One small paragraph does not do the scenery of the South Island justice. From the beautiful beaches and waterways of the Marlborough Sounds and the Abel Tasman National Park, to the flat lands of the Marlborough region with vineyards, to the magical heights and sheer wonder of the Fiords – namely Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, to the all natural shaping of the Moeraki Boulders or the Punakaiki Rocks (Pancake Rocks).
As you move from region to region within the South Island, the vistas change with it bringing new sensor excitement around every turn and bend. They say a picture is worth a thousand words – well here is the thesis!
Need more? A great site to view the South Island in all its beauty is distractify. No matter where you go in the South island, be sure to have the camera handy.
Queenstown
Potentially the tourism mecca of New Zealand is Queenstown. Queenstown has something for everyone – leisure, pampering, winter vistas and sports, summer scenery, attractions galore, food and restaurants, shopping and two casinos.
During the winter months, the local ski-fields are a buzz and a hive of activity. This destination is covered in white and nestled within the Wakatipu Basin. During the summer months, the town is just as picturesque, nestled amongst the towering ranges and crystal blue lake.
Queenstown activities are numerous. There are a range of outdoor activities for all fitness levels. Activities include:
- Walking, trekking and mountain biking around the ranges and hills surrounding Queenstown
- Water activities such as sailing, jet skiing, swimming and boating on Lake Wakatipu and the Frankton Arm
- Winter skiing and snowboarding
- Watching both regional and national teams in both rugby and cricket at Queenstown’s sporting venues
Tourism-based attractions available include:
- Gondola and luge
- Guided tours
- Mini-putt
- A trip on the TSS Earsnlaw steamship across the lake
- Sheep station visits and clothing opportunities
- A short drive to view some of the relics of the goldrush era of the 1860s
- Casinos
- Dining and retail within the main centre of the township.
Adrenaline
Queenstown (or QT as known by the locals) is noted as the Adventure Capital of the world – not just New Zealand or the South Island.
Home to the first AJ Hackett Bungy, Queenstown has been throwing people off bridges for over 26 years! In relation to bungy cords and rope, you can also experience Zip-lining and a ledge swing.
If you love the blood pumping through the veins, be sure to take on one of the jet-boat rides around some on Queenstown’s surrounding waterways. You’ll be thrown around corners, manipulated between natural barriers and the water drenching 360O turn.
And if the jet boat seems to fast, how about white water activities? Don the wetsuit, and take in the scenes via a guided white water experience – either via raft or board.
If heights are your thing, there are a couple of must do activities. Go Tandem Paragliding or Hang Gliding and take in the 360O views of the Wakatipu Basin. Your take off is the highest commercial take off point for Queenstown gliding activities – the winter take off is twice the height of the QT Gondola!
No matter your destination, North or South Island, you’re spoilt for choice and a new adventure lies around each new corner of the fabulous country. With the South Island, you can experience the extremes of adrenaline rushing risk right through to a relaxing pampering at some of the regions hot springs. Don’t forget to give us a call – we’re more than happy to talk through some of the multiple activities that we can squeeze into your visit no matter your motivation for opportunities – or your destination, North or South.
