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South Island is a complete contrast to North Island. Where the North Island is fairly industrial and the climate warmer the South Island is where the scenery is found, and the climate much cooler.

ARRIVING AT SOUTH ISLAND

The main two ways to arrive at South Island are either by Inter-Island ferry that takes around 3hrs 30 mins from Wellington to Picton, or you can fly into South Islands main airport at Christchurch. Other airports are also served from Wellington/Auckland to South Island.

As a rough guide from Wellington to Picton as a foot passenger costs around NZ$80 (GB£34/US$46). For full details of the Interisland Ferry facilities CLICK HERE

SOUTH ISLAND: THE ROUTE

I returned my rental car to the rental company in Wellington and rehired another car once I arrived in Picton. Below is my planned itinerary through South Island. The car rental companies worthy of consideration are Rentalcars.com, Autoeurope.com and Snaprentals.

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SOUTH ISLAND: PICTON

The picturesque seaside town of Picton is the South Island base for the Inter-Islander ferry service that links the main islands of New Zealand.  

If you decide to travel on the ferry Picton will be the first town you greet as the ferry navigates the waters of the Cook Strait (named after the British explorer Captain James Cook).   

Picton is built around a very sheltered harbour. The town has an attractive seafront dotted with cafes, restaurants and various types of galleries. There’s also a floating maritime museum and an aquarium. Local operators can take you cruising, fishing, dolphin watching or sea kayaking.

NELSON

Getting there: From Picton the drive along the Southern State highway will take you around 1hr 45mins taking you through Richmond Hill Forest Park. There is a bus service with Intercity Coachlines that serves this route and costs around NZ$35 (GB£18).

Nelson is a small but really cool town. The town is filled with excellent cafes, restaurants and pubs.  While the town itself is super small, the area is surrounded by wonderful mountains and beaches plus it also serves as the gateway for Abel Tasman National Park.  There’s not much to do here but it makes for a great base in which to explore the area. ​

A couple of days in Nelson is all that is needed unless you plan to make it your base for several days hiking. Whilst in this town there are two sights you must do. 

NELSON MARKET

operates all year round in the Montgomery Square car park on Saturdays, stalls overflow with local fresh organic vegetables, fruit, and flowers, locally farmed salmon, and many kinds of crafts including silk painting, jewellery, pottery, weaving, and wood turning

THE CENTRE OF NEW ZEALAND

on Botanical Hill is one of Nelson’s most popular walks. The starting point is the Botanical Reserve, over a footbridge from the end of Hardy Street, or you can start at the Nelson Visitor Information Centre and follow the Maitai Walkway to the Hardy Street footbridge. 

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To conquer the Centre of New Zealand, you better prepare for a 40-minute trek that tests your mettle. Once you reach the summit, claim your throne, indulge in the breathtaking view, and dissect Nelson’s geography with the information panels like a true explorer. Feeling adventurous? Take the plunge down one of the treacherous tracks on Botanical Hill, or boldly venture along the rugged hillside to Walters Bluff.

GREYMOUTH AND ARTHUR’S PASS

Getting there: Take State Highway 6 South from Nelson hugging the West coast of the island. Greymouth was literally an overnight stop to break up the drive from Nelson to Franz Josef, and on towards Fox Glacier – it’s just a little too far. Don’t stay here any longer. There isn’t much to do or see. What you will discover South Island has very hilly terrain and driving is slow especially off the State Highways.

Greymouth is quite a handy spot to connect up with Arthur’s Pass; A road that snakes 151 miles (243 kms) through Arthur’s Pass National Park, climbing up through the mountains, and continuing towards Christchurch, on the East coast. The drive from Greymouth to Christchurch takes just over 3 hours.

There is a train service that connects the two places cutting through Arthur’s Pass operated by KiwiRail. The journey takes around 4hrs 20mins and costs roughly NZ$246 (GB£120).

If you prefer to take a scenic train journey with Great Journeys of New Zealand trains from either town and alight at Arthur’s Pass, there is that option available. Prices are roughly NZ$219 (GB£115). This rail company additionally offers other cross country scenic train journeys.

FRANZ JOSEF AND FOX GLACIER

Getting there: Head South on the Harihari Highway 6 from Greymouth towards Whataroa. The drive hugs the West coast until you reach the town of Ross then the road begins to climb towards the Southern Alps.

Franz Josef is a popular jumping off point for all the glaciers in the area. The Glacier was first explored in 1865 and is about 3 miles from town and a 20 minute walk will take you to its face.  This area is one of the major highlights of the South Island and a great opportunity to walk across a glacier and explore a variety of ice tunnels.  

Be prepared though. The weather conditions can change here in the blink of an eye. One minute it’s sunny, the next overcast.

If you have the money and the fitness levels do the full day hike so you get the most of it. The full day tour will also allow you to explore some of the ice tunnels that are around. Expect to pay around NZ$119 (GB£62) for a glacier walk. Use this link as a guide.

Fox glacier is a little further towards the Southern Alps mountain range. The incline at Fox glacier is a shallower incline whereas at Franz Josef glacier the landscape is steeper which means the glacier here in moving faster.

QUEENSTOWN

Getting there: From my itinerary, the drive from Franz Josef glacier took just under 5 hours, heading South passing Lake Hawea, Wanaka and Arrowtown. These places are all road signed. That said, there are no train services from Greymouth. Everything goes via Christchurch, and that being a coach service with Intercity NZ. Adult prices one way are roughly NZ$92 (GB£47), however the duration is almost 11 hours. If you can afford to fly then Air New Zealand offer their commuter services for NZ$230 (GB£119) one way.

Everyone loves Queenstown.   Really, everyone;  and it’s no surprise why! It is a phenomenal little city.  It is surrounded by mountains, has an amazing lake, tiny pedestrian streets, great food, a cool nightlife and is the focal point for dozens of adventure activities.  There is such a great vibe and energy.  

People usually end up spending more time here than originally intended. I planned for two days and ended up staying twice as long.  It’s a city that lives up to all the hype. Queenstown is the perfect place to call ‘base’ and explore the area.

Ride the Shotover Jet Boat

This ultrafast speed boat whips around the local rivers at neck breaking speed. Sometimes the water is so shallow you think you are going to crash. You want the adrenaline rush? You got it! There are a couple of companies that offer this tour. I chose Shotover Jet Tours. Adults tickets are NZ$179 (GB£75/US$102)

Nevis Bungy Jump

If you have ever considered bungy jumping and have not done it Queenstown is the place to do it!  It’s home to the worlds highest bungy jump. Nevis Bungy offers a few thrilling experiences around Queenstown and will reserve a seat on a commuter bus, if required to escort you to the venue. Expect to pay around NZ$395 (GB£168/US$225) for a jump. For me this was too much and participation only went as far as spectating others!

Bob’s Peak

Now this is more my style! The easiest way to ascend Bob’s Peak mountain is to step aboard the Skyline Gondola.  Priced at NZ$46 (GB£24) the Queenstown Gondola is the steepest in the Southern hemisphere and ascends 1475 feet (450m) above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu for some stunning panoramic views.

Food Recommendations: If you’re looking for somewhere to eat and drink I strongly recommend two venues.

‘Stratosfare’ located at the Skyline viewing area at the top of Bob’s Peak offers great food with beautiful views.

‘The Grille‘ located at 2 Marine Parade. It’s a rustic looking bar/hotel with wood cladding interior walls and open copper piping.

MOUNT COOK AND TWIZEL

Getting there: Drive North out of Queenstown passing beautiful Lake Dunstan towards Omarama and up to the town of Twizel. The drive will take around 2hrs 30mins. You can drive from Christchurch to Twizel in approx. 3hrs 30mins. Intercity Coaches offer a service from Christchurch but takes over 4hrs for a basic fare of NZ$46 (GB£23), and from Queenstown (3hr duration) NZ$40 (GB£20).

The town of Twizel is literally just a a place to call ‘base’. There is nothing there, nor is it a particularly pretty place. It reminded me of a highway service station. You can get around the town in 10 minutes but the location for Mount Cook is ideal! You can overnight in Mount Cook Village even closer to the mountain but if finances dictate and you have the freedom of a rental car then keep to Twizel.

Mount Cook National Park is home of the highest mountains in New Zealand all set against alpine background with skyscraping peaks, glaciers and permanent snow fields.

 

There is a legend here:  Aoraki and his three brothers were the sons of Rakinui, the Sky Father. While on a sea voyage their canoe overturned on a reef.  When the brothers climbed on top of their canoe the freezing South wind turned them to stone.  The canoe became the South Island (Te Waka o Aoraki); Aoraki and his brothers became the peaks of the Southern Alps.

From Twizel to the base of Mount Cook is a short 25 mins drive along the fringes of Lake Pukaki. Don’t expect to climb Mount Cook but you can take short hikes along its base.

DUNEDIN

Getting there: From Twizel the 3hrs drive to Dunedin begins to take you from the centre of South Island out towards its East coast. Head East along Georgetown-Pukeuri Road – Dunedin is signposted along the route. The terrain begins to flatten out as the Southern Alps become more distant from the rear view mirror. From Christchurch the drive is roughly 4hrs 30mins, and from Queenstown about 4 hours. There is no train service to Dunedin from Christchurch so you will need to endure a long bus journey.

CHRISTCHURCH

If you’re travelling to South Island the chances are you’ll pass through Christchurch. It’s pretty hard not to.

Getting there: Christchurch is the largest city on South Island and the New Zealand’s second largest city.

Fly: from Auckland and Wellington (taking 1hr 15mins/45mins respectfully) as well as international flights from Australia (Melbourne/Sydney 3hrs), and Asia (Singapore 9hrs).

Road: Driving from Picton via Blenheim and Kaikoura takes 4hrs 20mins. Intercity Buses offer a 6hrs journey from Picton.

Train: Christchurch is served by the Coastal Pacific Train Service from Picton (6hrs) and stops at Blenheim (5hrs), Kaikoura (3hrs) and Rangiora (35mins).

Christchurch is often the second point of entry into New Zealand by international travellers.

Known as “The Garden City,” Christchurch boasts beautifully sculpted parks and gardens very reminiscent of Victorian England.

 

The city has a lively student population, is multi-cultural, and is a popular backpacker destination. Though severely damaged by a few earthquakes in the last few years the city is slowly being rebuilt and the city is moving forward.   It’s still a wonderful place to see and the people there are super amazing and friendly.

Whilst in Christchurch why not check out the following?

THE ANTARCTIC CENTRE

This has to be one of my favourite interactive museums I have ever been to. This tourist attraction near the airport is worth considering if you are interested in Antarctica. There is a lot of information on the environment and wildlife of the continent. It features a simulated Antarctic environment and you can even ride in a Hägglund Antarctic vehicle. General admission tickets are NZ$74 (GB£31/US$42).  

Inside the experience is a snow room that is cooled to the temperatures found at the Antarctic. Tourists dress in warm clothing where you can enjoy igloos and a slide.

RIVER PUNTING

Why not pass some time relaxing on a river Avon in a gondola that offers excellent views of the city centre and surrounding areas.  Adults ride for NZ$28 (GB£15).

CATHEDRAL SQUARE AND TRAM CARS

This is the main centre of town where all the markets are found and where locals hang out.  During the weekend there is usually an event occurring. The main square has to be one of the most beautiful I have ever seen – truly magical!

The tram station is found here too. Why not take a tramcar tour of the city? The tramway makes its way past numerous stops including the Canterbury Museum, Hagley Park, Victoria Square and New Regent Street.

A day-long ticket allows you to get on and off as often as you like and the Tramway Restaurant (closes Wintertime April-October) has a scheduled daily departure at 7pm from Cathedral Junction.

Some trams offer commentary were you’ll learn some history of the city and the sadness of the 2011 earthquake. The trams are very well maintained and are really quite beautiful.

ORANA WILDLIFE PARK

If your itinerary allows it make time for Orana Wildlife Park located 15mins from Christchurch. If you haven’t any transport then the park will arrange a shuttle pick-up service. The park is a great place to get up close to various animals and the parks main attraction feeding the shy native Kiwi birds. General admission for adult tickets are NZ$39.50 (GB£17/US$23).

CHRISTCHURCH GONODLA

Located South of the city Christchurch Gondola’s offers sweeping views of the city and surrounding landscape. The ride lasts around 10 minutes and covers almost 1km. Once you get to the top there are hiking and biking trails, a cafe, souvenir shops, and attractions for kids. Adult fares are NZ$42 (GB£18/US$24).

DUX BAR

Take a recommendation. Check out Dux Central for craft beer and great bar food.

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GETTING AROUND CHRISTCHURCH

Public transport: Buses are the most common way of navigating the city. Cash fares start at NZ$4.20 (GB£2.00) for a single ticket. If you obtain a prepaid Metrocard fares on public transport are discounted.

Metrocards can be purchased around the city and cost NZ$10 (GB£5.20) You’ll make a significant saving if you plan to use public transport over a few days.

Taxi – Taxis are expensive and should be avoided. like I always advise if you have Uber use this service. Far cheaper than street cabs.

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for NZ$40 (GB£19.40) p/day. That said you only need a car if you’re planning on leaving the city. Christchurch is small and easy to navigate on foot or by bus.

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There really is an awful lot to see and do in New Zealand and everyone will have their own ideas and itineraries in mind. My two blogs on NZ were based on my subjective plans.