New Zealand’s South Island hosts the purest natural landscapes you’ll ever experience.
From wildlife to wineries, from glacial valleys to star-filled skies, nature's best flourishes against a palette of dramatic scenes.
Christchurch / Canterbury
Canterbury stretches from ocean to the Alps, and is land of plains and peaks. It is a place of variety and innumerable attractions.
Located in the middle of the South Island, Canterbury is easily accessible by air, land and sea. Within two hours of an international airport, you can ski, play golf, bungy jump, go whitewater rafting, mountain biking, wind surfing, whale watching, and visit world-class vineyards and gardens. Where else in the world can you do that?
A must-see is New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki Mount Cook. Go hiking in Arthur’s Pass National Park or just wander around the picturesque bays and villages of Banks Peninsula. And then there’s New Zealand's second-largest city Christchurch, known as ‘The Garden City', which around 340,000 people call home.
Christchurch, New Zealand is interwoven by two rivers linking parks, gardens and avenues. Bordered by the Port Hills and the Pacific Ocean, it is situated on the Canterbury Plains with the Southern Alps as a majestic backdrop. The award-winning Christchurch Botanic Gardens feature one of the finest collections of exotic and native plants found in New Zealand
You can explore the city by foot, on an open top bus, tram or even relax in a punt as you float down the Avon River on a punt. Experience polar life at the International Antarctic Centre, see the rare kiwi at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, dive into aviation history at the Air Force Museum or visit Orana Wildlife Park, New Zealand’s only open range zoo. Don’t miss visiting Christchurch.
Queenstown
Queenstown is the ultimate destination this summer. Experience exciting adventure activities amidst some of New Zealand's most spectacular natural scenery.
The town sits on the shore of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu among dramatic mountain ranges; this stunning location will blow you away.
Queenstown is suited to all kinds of adventures – especially throughout summer. Activities like paragliding, Zip lining, 4WD Driving, and kayaking are the perfect way to enjoy Queenstown’s beautiful outdoors. Other activities like skydiving, jet boating, river rafting and bungy jumping offer a fun and exhilarating day out.
If adventure isn’t your thing and you just need time to kick back and relax, there are plenty of rejuvenating experiences on offer. Explore one of the many beautiful walking and hiking trails, be dazzled on a scenic heli flight or indulge a luxury spa treatment. Treat yourself to some boutique shopping and be sure to experience the excellent local food and wine.
Just a short drive from Queenstown you’ll find the drama of Central Otago’s landscape unfolding around you. If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan you’ll recognisze many of the Middle‑earth locations here.
For an exciting and rejuvenating holiday, grab your friends or family and visit Queenstown this summer.
Dunedin
Dunedin is a region of unique landscapes and fascinating cultural history. Enjoy getting close to rare wildlife and soaking up the quirky city vibe.
Known as the Edinburgh of New Zealand, Dunedin is the country's city of the south, wearing its Scottish heritage with pride. Surrounded by dramatic hills and at the foot of a long, picturesque harbour, Dunedin is one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. The accommodation is good and plentiful; the nightlife buzzes with funky bars and delicious restaurants and the natural attractions are unique and fascinating.
Don't miss a drive up the Otago Peninsula - the views are endless and the beaches are beautifully rugged. Nestled at the foot of Taiaroa Head is the Royal Albatross Centre, the only place in the world on the mainland where you can view Northern Royal Albatross in their natural habitat. On Dunedin’s doorstep you will also find incredible wildlife including the world’s rarest penguin colonies.
Head further south, and you join the Southern Scenic Route, a must-do of the South Island that follows the wild coast down to Invercargill and then north-west to Manapouri and Te Anau.
Nelson
Nelson is a lifestyle; that's the best way to describe it. Situated at the top north-west of the South Island, it is the sunniest region in New Zealand.
Nelson's diverse geography captures everything from the long golden beaches to untouched forests and rugged mountains.
Perhaps it’s the sun, perhaps it’s the location, but Nelson, New Zealand, has long been a magnet for creative people. There are more than 350 working artists and craftspeople living in Nelson, traditional, contemporary and Maori. Visit their studios and find a unique piece to take home with you.
Walk the sun drenched sands of Golden Bay or head inland to Takaka and see the impossibly clear waters of New Zealand’s largest freshwater springs. Walk Nelson's Abel Tasman track – it’s a three to five day walk – or, for a different view, take a sea kayaking tour around the coast and see a seal colony and little blue penguins bobbing in the water.
Or just relax. Sit in the sun, sip a wine from one of the local vineyards, and dine on the famous Nelson Bay scallops.
Accommodation options in Nelson range from basic backpacker lodges to luxury spa retreats, and everything in between.