Making the most of your trip is what you should try when visiting 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! Even if you only plan to see the South Island, there is enough to keep you busy for at least a month. Having the right means of transportation and planning your adventure in 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 to have 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. Deep down on the west coast, they’re not too far from Hokitika or Wanaka. We invite you to book with one of the guide companies that operate on the glaciers to get on the ice yourself – the tours are a great learning experience and lots of fun.
Skiing and Snowboarding 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 from beginners to the most experienced skier. 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 slopes in the world.
queenstown
The adventure capital of the world if public perception and the sheer amount of adrenaline, high-octane bungy jumping, thrills and adventure sports opportunities are anything to go by. Queenstown offers the most excitement of any city in the country: jump from New Zealand’s highest bungy jump, the AJ Hackett Nevis Bungy, which towers 134 meters above the River Nevis, speed through the Shotover Canyons on the Shotover Jet and even jump out of a plane above the city with NZONE Skydiving. You’ll be able to relax in the beautiful lakeside resort town at night, but during the day, Queenstown is pure 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. Take a day dip in the pools, treat yourself to a therapeutic massage and pamper yourself – Hanmer Springs is the ultimate place to relax. While it may not have all the geysers and mud pools of the North Island resort town, Hanmer does boast a beautiful forest that’s great for bush walking, mountain biking, and there’s even bungy jumping for the most adventurous.
So enjoy your time in the South Island; You are guaranteed to come away with exciting stories that your friends will love to hear!