5 REASONS TO VISIT THE SOUTH ISLAND

Featuring dramatic glaciers, snowy mountains and glorious lakes, the South Island of New Zealand is full of adventure, fun and, of course, incredible food and wine. Here are 5 of the best reasons to include the South Island on your New Zealand itinerary.

1. Outdoor adventure

The South Island has every activity imaginable to keep the thrill seekers occupied – from skiing and snowboarding on the mountains, to bungee jumping, jet boating, hiking and downhill luging. If outdoor adventure is your thing, you will be spoiled for choice on the South Island. The west coast is wild with rivers and rainforests, as well as glaciers and other amazing attractions to explore. There are plenty of cycling trails to enjoy through the central region, while the southern areas are home to unique rock and boulder formations and rugged coastlines filled with nature walks.
2. Wine

It was a tough choice not to put this first, but if you love amazing wine, this should be your number one reason for visiting the South Island (no judgement from us). Home to the Central Otago and Marlborough wine regions – arguably two of New Zealand’s best – you’ll be filling your glass with world class wines wherever you go on the South Island. Bordering the Marlborough wine region, Nelson is worth a visit to try their Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris varieties.
3. World class events

It just so happens that the South Island is home to some of the best events on New Zealand’s calendar. Along with the big ticket annual events such as the Queenstown Winter Festival, the Christchurch Marathon, and the Audi Quattro Winter Games in Wanaka, there’s also an abundance of smaller arts, theatre, food and wine, film and cultural events held across the South Island all year round that celebrate the best the regions have to offer.
4. Spot rare wildlife

Home to rare birds, reptiles and mammals, New Zealand is full of unique wildlife. While you would be lucky to spot a kiwi – New Zealand’s national animal – in the wild, venture just off the coast of the South Island to Stewart Island, where you can spot around 20,000 of the flightless birds in one small place! Considered to be the number one bucket list item for visiting New Zealand, swimming with Hector’s Dolphins is another experience not to miss – with the rare mammals found only in the inshore waters of the South Island near Akaroa.
5. Get your foodie fix

The whole of the South Island is full of amazing foodie experiences from incredible seafood to farm fresh produce. Experience the local delicacy, Pāua (the Maori word for abalone), and of course, you can’t leave without trying the South Island’s signature dish – lamb – expertly served up at many of the restaurants around the country. If you love a good burger (let’s face it, who doesn’t?), make time for the taste sensations at Christchurch’s Bacon Brothers or Queenstown’s famous Fergburger. Join the queue that’s often leading out the door and up the main street of town – trust us, it’s worth the wait.