What should I not miss on the South Island of New Zealand?
Add some of these must-do’s to your South Island itinerary.
- Marvel at Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain.
- Visit New Zealand’s only castle.
- Go native bird spotting on Rakiura/Stewart Island.
- Discover the majestic Milford and Doubtful Sounds.
- Explore the Marlborough Sounds.
- Go on a street art trail in Christchurch.
What is the best time to visit New Zealand South Island?
The best time to visit New Zealand is during the summer months of December to March, which bring long, bright and sunny days and temperatures of 16°C to 24°C. They’re ideal for visiting the lovely beaches or enjoying the many outdoor activities available, such as hiking and mountain biking.
How long does it take to drive around the South Island of New Zealand?
The South Island is marginally larger at 840km, taking up to 14 hours in perfect driving conditions, from the ferry port of Picton to the appropriately dubbed Bluff, balancing on the bottom edge.
How do I plan a South Island road trip?
Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary
- Day 1 – Christchurch.
- Day 2 to 3 – Lake Tekapo/Mt Cook.
- Day 4 to 5 – Fiordland.
- Day 6 to 7 – Queenstown.
- Day 8 – Wanaka.
- Day 9 to 10 – Franz Josef.
- Day 11 to 12 – Nelson/Abel Tasman.
- Day 13 to 14 – Kaikoura.
What is the most beautiful part of New Zealand?
The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in New Zealand
- Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Natural Feature, Ski Resort.
- Piha Beach. Natural Feature.
- Cape Reinga. Natural Feature.
- Lake Tekapo. Natural Feature.
- Milford Sound. Natural Feature.
- Coromandel peninsula. Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark.
- Mount Taranaki.
- Hokitika Gorge.
Which is better New Zealand North or South Island?
Generally speaking, if you want to engage with city culture or explore Maori history, the North Island is for you. If you want to deep-dive into nature, the South Island has plenty of lakes, mountains, fjords, and glaciers to discover.
Which is better north or south New Zealand?
New Zealand’s South Island is larger than the North Island and generally considered more beautiful. It also has gorgeous coastline, but it is best known for the many mountains and fjords that define its inland. Generally, the North Island is warmer, as its northernmost regions are subtropical.
How many days do you need to see South Island New Zealand?
The short answer is 14 days as a minimum time frame for visiting both the North Island and South Island of New Zealand. That’s roughly one week’s travel time for both islands and is just long enough for any visitor to experience the best of the country.
What is there to see between Te Anau and Queenstown?
11 Best Places to Stop Between Queenstown and Te Anau
- Jacks Point. Jacks Point Golf Course.
- Wye Creek Track. The most underrated viewpoint in Queenstown!
- Devil’s Staircase Lookout. Not a bad place to stop, check out the windy road!
- Kingston.
- Xtreme Off Road.
- Garston Hunny Shop.
- Athol.
- Five Rivers Café and Art Gallery.
Is New Zealand North or South Island better?
New Zealand’s climate gets warmer the further north you go, so the North Island is generally much warmer than the South. Head north of Auckland to the subtropical Bay of Islands and you’ll stays warm even in the winter months!
