South Island

Mountains, fjords and forests meet in the raw beauty and quiet majesty of South Island

A land of staggering contrasts, nature reigns supreme across New Zealand’s South Island. From snow-dusted peaks to serene turquoise lakes, wild coastlines to lush vineyards, it’s a place that captures the imagination and soothes the soul. Adventure and tranquillity coexist here: hikers trace alpine trails through Fiordland and Mount Cook National Park, while travellers linger in charming towns like Nelson and Arrowtown, where creative energy and heritage abound. Every view feels cinematic, every journey infused with a sense of wonder.

Things to do

LANDMARKS
Begin your exploration in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, where bungy jumping, jet boating and alpine trails offer thrills amid breathtaking scenery. Head north to the mirrored waters of Lake Tekapo, crowned by the Church of the Good Shepherd and the glittering expanse of the Dark Sky Reserve. Witness the grandeur of Milford Sound, where waterfalls tumble from mist-shrouded heights. Explore the otherworldly glowworm caves of Te Anau or venture to the Fox Glaciers – a river of ice that flows almost to the rainforest’s edge. The Marlborough Sounds invite quiet cruising, kayaking and dolphin spotting amid its maze of emerald bays.

FOOD & DRINK
The South Island’s flavours reflect its landscapes – pure, vibrant and deeply rooted in place. In the fertile regions of Marlborough and Central Otago, vineyards yield crisp Sauvignon Blancs and silky Pinot Noirs, best enjoyed with platters of local olives, nuts and artisan cheeses. Coastal towns such as Kaikoura serve fresh seafood straight from the ocean – crayfish, green-lipped mussels and the famous Bluff oysters. In the high country, farmers’ markets brim with seasonal produce, while plant-based cafés in Nelson and Christchurch bring creativity to every plate. Dining here is an immersion in freshness and simplicity – a celebration of the land and sea that sustain it.

HISTORY
The South Island’s story begins with the Maori, whose legends tell of the demigod Maui fishing the island from the sea. Their presence endures in sacred sites, carvings and storytelling woven into the land. European settlers followed in the 19th century, drawn by whaling, gold and the promise of new beginnings – their influence still visible in the colonial architecture of Dunedin and heritage streets of Arrowtown. Today, the island’s identity is a tapestry of cultures and eras, where tradition meets innovation, and wilderness continues to shape the rhythm of life. To travel through the South Island is to journey through time itself – from ancient landscapes carved by glaciers to communities built on resilience and adventure.