The South Island overflows with exceptional activities justifying a minimum of 8-14 days.
In Christchurch, classic departure point: visit the Botanic Gardens, the Canterbury Museum (excellent Māori collection and natural history, free), the Cardboard Cathedral (Shigeru Ban's temporary cathedral after the 2011 earthquake), Quake City (earthquake memorial museum). Make an excursion to Akaroa (1h30 from Christchurch, Banks Peninsula, former French colony with streets named Lavaud, Balguerie, Hector dolphin cruise — endemic species).
In Aoraki/Mt Cook, walk the Hooker Valley Track (10 km round trip, 3 h, easy trail along the glacial river to Hooker Glacier — one of the country's most beautiful walks). Book the boat excursion on Tasman Glacier Lake (NZD 175, 2h30, navigation among icebergs). Experience the starry night — Aoraki/Mackenzie is one of the 3 International Dark Sky Reserves in the world.
In Queenstown, world capital of adrenaline: Kawarau Bridge bungee (43 m, the historic AJ Hackett bungee from 1988, NZD 235), Nevis Bungy (134 m, NZD 320), NZONE skydive (jump from 9,000, 12,000 or 15,000 ft, NZD 299-539), Shotover jet boat (NZD 169), Skyline luge. Beyond adrenaline: Skyline gondola to Bob's Peak, TSS Earnslaw (1912 steamer to Walter Peak, NZD 90-150), Central Otago vineyards (tours NZD 150-250/person — Felton Road, Mt Difficulty, Akarua), historic Arrowtown (1860 gold rush, particularly beautiful in autumn), Routeburn Track Great Walk.
Milford Sound is visited on a 2 h cruise (NZD 80-120 with Real Journeys, Mitre Peak Cruises, Southern Discoveries). Alternatives: scenic flight (NZD 350-500/person), kayak (NZD 200-280/person).
On the West Coast, experience Franz Josef Glacier on a heli-hike (Franz Josef Glacier Guides, NZD 595/person, 3-4 h on ice). Continue to Fox Glacier and Lake Matheson (1 h round trip, perfect mirror on Aoraki/Mt Cook in calm weather). Further north, the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.
In the north of the island, the Abel Tasman National Park is discovered by sea kayak (Abel Tasman Kayaks, NZD 100-180/day) or by hiking (Great Walk Abel Tasman Coast Track, 60 km).
In the south, Dunedin and the Otago peninsula offer yellow-eyed penguin watching (endangered endemic species — Penguin Place NZD 65, Royal Albatross Centre NZD 60), the world's steepest street (Baldwin Street).
Read also
- Queenstown — World capital of adrenaline: bungee jumping, jet boat, skydive, base for Milford Sound.
- Milford Sound — Iconic fjord of Fiordland National Park, UNESCO, must-do cruise.
- Aoraki/Mount Cook — Country's highest summit (3,724 m), Tasman glaciers, Dark Sky Reserve.
- New Zealand — Complete country guide: 2 islands, NZeTA formalities, budget, best period.