Wildlife, rugged clifftops, and wonders of nature dominate the coastal drive from Dunedin to Christchurch in New Zealand. While this South Island road trip could be completed in half a day, you would miss so much. From a historical perspective, you will travel from the Scottish influence of Dunedin, through the Victorian era in Oamaru, …
New Zealand’s South Island lives up to its reputation for magnificent scenery, wide-open landscapes, and for being a photographer’s paradise. Waterfalls, glaciers, fjords, wine growing regions, ski slopes, and reflective lakes are just the beginning.
The wildlife on the South Island contains many endemic and endangered bird species. Take it slow, and enjoy every minute of this magical land sometimes referred to as Middle Earth.
The main cities of the South Island include Christchurch, Dunedin, and Queenstown. While they are each exciting in their own right, we like to also explore those areas a bit off the beaten path. The good news is that wherever you go on New Zealand’s southern island, it will be wonderful.
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Enjoy our South Island of New Zealand-based articles:
Things to Do in Lake Tekapo: Scenic Days, Starry Nights
With the Southern Alps as a backdrop reflecting onto the deep turquoise waters, the picturesque views at Lake Tekapo New Zealand are exceptional. Add to that the aurora australis (southern lights) dancing in skies so clear they are recognized as an International Dark Sky Reserve. Lake Tekapo is one of the most spectacular places in …
Vibrant Hokitika: Gorge, Sunsets and Greenstone
Hokitika Gorge, on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand, is one of those magical places I will remember forever. Hokitika Gorge The turquoise waters of the gorge is a must-see if you are on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. The Hokitika Gorge walk is an easy trail that …
39 Things to Do in Christchurch Five Years After The Quakes – Should I Visit?
Christchurch New Zealand is a blank canvas, a vibrant and dynamic garden city taking full advantage of the opportunity to reinvent itself. I was apprehensive about our recent visit. My fond memories of this elegant city were just that, memories. In 2010 and 2011, two significant Christchurch earthquakes devastated portions of the city, and I …
Christchurch Gondola for Panoramic Views and Hiking
Rising above the city, a ride on the Christchurch Gondola offers picturesque aerial views of the Banks Peninsula, Lyttleton Harbour, the Southern Alps (on a clear day), and the Canterbury Plains. Once at the top of Mount Cavendish there is more to do than we had realised when we began our ascent. Often called cable …
Christchurch Street Art Uplifts NZ’s Post-Quake City
Christchurch Street Art is a colourful distraction from the vacant lots and surviving earthquake damaged buildings that seem to plague much of the downtown area. It’s as though New Zealand’s third largest city is a blank canvas to be painted. NZ street artists have flocked here to take on the challenge of revitalising and brightening …
Enjoy the Christchurch Botanic Gardens by Punting on the Avon
A gentle breeze wafted the fragrant aroma of azaleas our way and drew us into the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. We walked through, on our way to our real adventure, punting on the Avon River. Normally, an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, today the tranquil gardens are also an escape from the …
Wildlife Encounters at Orana Park in Christchurch New Zealand
If you think all zoos are alike, you haven’t yet been to Orana Park in Christchurch. Here, at New Zealand’s only open range zoo, endangered animals live in open enclosures emulating their natural habitat. The wildlife encounters are close up and personal, with safety being paramount. Imagine looking into the eyes of a white rhino while …
Things to Do in Oamaru: New Zealand’s Steampunk Capital
As if stepping out of a time machine, we entered the Oamaru Victorian Precinct, and it was 1870. Not literally, but there is an overriding feeling that this is a town Father Time forgot. From the Victorian architecture to the steampunk ambience, there are plenty of things to do in Oamaru. We had arrived late …
New Zealand Penguins and Seals at Katiki Point Lighthouse
There are only a handful of spots remaining where one can see endangered yellow-eyed penguins in their natural habitat. Katiki Point Lighthouse, about an hour north of Dunedin on the South Island, is one of them. Binoculars in hand we began our walk. Turning a corner, these beautiful New Zealand penguins caught us off guard …
25 Things to Do in Dunedin New Zealand
The variety of things to do in Dunedin New Zealand is only surpassed by the city’s varying reputations. Depending on who you are, the city’s name will conjure up different images. Horticulturists think of the city’s many gardens. University students either know it for exceptional educational opportunities or as the country’s party capital. People of …
Distinction Hotel Dunedin Review: Best Sleep in New Zealand
The Distinction Hotel Dunedin is a refurbished masterpiece. A classic building occupying an entire city block, this former 1937 chief post office sat empty since the 1990s. Now restored with elegance, it reflects the heritage of this New Zealand city. Ideally located, incredibly comfortable, and a quiet escape, the Distinction Hotel Dunedin is the perfect South …
Dunedin Chinese Garden: Authentic Tranquil Beauty
Stepping across the bridge between the outside world and the tranquil beauty of the inside world, we entered the Dunedin Chinese Garden. It is a place of peace and reflection. Somehow, time slows down here. We soak it all in as our guide slowly walks us through. It is one of a handful of authentic …
Royal Albatross Centre: Tiny Penguins and Huge Seabirds
As the Northern Royal Albatross spreads its massive wings, I thought this day couldn’t get any better. Then, our second Royal Albatross Centre tour brought us to a beach that is now a Little Blue Penguin habitat. Here, we witnessed 95 fairy penguins return from the sea, waddle across the sand, and climb the rocks …
Moeraki Boulders Legend – A New Zealand Mystery
New Zealand is full of mystery, wonder, and spectacular scenery. Moeraki Boulders, the huge spherical rocks on Koekohe beach on the east coast of the South Island combines all three. There are several different theories as to how these giant rocks ended up here ranging from a Moeraki Boulders legend to a conspiracy theory. Even …
