New Zealand – South Island

Arrive in the New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington.  Take a day to get your bearings, get over your jetlag and look around.  A lovely city set on the water with a lovely atmosphere.  Enjoy the city for a day or two before moving on.  

Why not hire a car and then take the ferry across the water to boat to Nelson.  A beautiful coastal town full of artists and craftsmen from wood carvers to glass blowers and artists, and spend a few days sightseeing in and around the city.  Hogland glass blowing studio is worth a visit.  Arrange visits to the artists in their studios and the galleries, have dinner alfresco, at one of the charming waterside restaurants, such as the Boat Shed.  Try some watersports while you’re there – everything from kayaking and windsurfing to surfing is on offer.  There are some interesting wineries in the area should you feel like sampling some of the local fayre.

If you have time, maybe take a scenic drive over the mountains to Christchurch, or round the coast via Blenheim, stopping on the way to take in the view, stretch your legs and go for a walk.  If you’re in a hurry, organise a helicopter flight over the beautiful South Island landscapes.  On arrival in Christchurch, enjoy the beautiful city, newly emerging  from the devastation of the recent earthquakes.  The city is bright and airy with lots of green spaces and is wonderful to walk around.  Enjoy the buildings, the parks and gardens, the restaurants, cafes and stores.  If you feel like enjoying some outdoor activities, why not head to the Christchurch Adventure Park, just a few miles from the town centre.  You have the choice of walking, biking, taking the  high speed chairlift up the hillside.  There are some great restaurants offering the wonderful fresh produce that you have come to expect from New Zealand.  Why not head to the wonderful food market on Fridays in Cathedral Square.   If you feel like relaxing on the beach, that is possible too.   Head to Sumner, Corsair, or Scarborough beaches which are nearby.   

Head next to the stunning Franz Josef Glacier.  Take a helicopter ride up to the glacier.  Depending how adventurous you are, you can take a short stroll, or do some more strenuous ice climbing, glacier hiking – all with an experienced guide.  Return to terra firma and warm yourself up in the glacier hot pools, before sampling some delicious and a well-deserved dinner.   Fox Glacier is also worth a visit.

ou can drive down the coast to Queenstown, through the Mount Cook National Park, with New Zealand’s highest peak, and then on through another beautiful National Park, Mount Aspiring National Park.  The scenery is proper Lord of the Rings stuff and dramatic too.  On arrival in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, you have the choice of some lovely luxury properties.  From here, you can sign up for adrenaline rush after adrenaline rush – skiing and snowboarding if the season is right, or bungee jumping and powerboating, or for something a little more sedate, a round of gold on a beautifully landscaped course.   Or perhaps try some fishing on one of the lovely rivers or lakes – it doesn’t matter if you’re a complete beginner – they can provide you with all the kit you need and enough tuition to get you started.  Biking and horse riding are also ways to see the area, otherwise take a relaxing cruise for a few hours on the lake.  The choice of spa treatments is endless, and the quality very good.  If you enjoy art and learning about the local heritage, there are options here too.  Like the rest of New Zealand the quality of the food and wine is excellent, especially the fish.

Make your way back to Christchurch for your onward trip to Australia or your return trip home.