island a south sojourn

Try this self-drive tour around New Zealand’s most stunning South Island locations

A South Island sojourn Hit the road in New Zealand

fnewew places are as enticing as

Zealand’s South Island for a scenic drive. Throw the esky (chilly bin, as Kiwis say) in the boot, pack a few picnic essentials, and the rest will come your way on the road.

CHRISTCHURCH

The South Island’s largest city, Christchurch is the perfect place to begin your drive. From arts, food and seaside markets, to hip shopping districts and lush urban parks, it offers the perfect blend of modernity and history. The surrounding Canterbury Region (home to the fictional Edoras in the Lord of the Rings movies) is blessed with snowcapped mountains, verdant forests, and beautiful ocean coastline.

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Enjoy some gorgeous botanic garden scenery as a punter gently guides your flat-bottomed boat down the Avon River.

DUNEDIN

From the South Island’s largest city, to its second largest, your coastal journey continues south to Dunedin. Known for its eye-catching Victorian and Edwardian-era architecture, visit Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle, admire the intricate design of the 1906 Dunedin Railway Station, and experience what Edwardian life was like at the impeccably preserved Olveston mansion.

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Take advantage of the various hiking and biking trails on the Otago Peninsula, or take in the mountain scenery on the Taieri Gorge Railway.

TE ANAU The gateway to the stunning fjords of Milford Sound, Te Anau is the perfect starting point for a national park adventure. Hike the Milford Track where you’ll find lush forests, deep lakes, cascading waterfalls and granite cliffs. Go by boat across Lake Te Anau for a stop at the 12,000-year-old glow-worm caves before your drive to Milford Sound.

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Book a Milford Sound sightseeing cruise for incredible fjord scenery and local marine residents like dolphins, fur seals, and penguins. QUEENSTOWN From jet-boat tours on the Shotover River and bungee jumping, to more relaxing sightseeing exploits like star-gazing tours, Queenstown has something for everyone. If you love nature and the outdoors, Queenstown will not disappoint. Regarded as one of the best views in the world, the Skyline Gondola ride up to Bob’s Peak is breath taking.

Don’t miss:

Visit the Central Otago wine region with more than 200 cellar doors.