South Island holidays

If you’re planning a holiday to New Zealand’s South Island, you’ll probably fly into Christchurch. This modern city has a lengthy list of top-notch restaurants, laidback bars and trendy coffee shops. Enjoy a long lunch on a sun-soaked terrace by the Avon River, then catch a show at The Court Theatre. Or head to one of the many beaches near Christchurch, where you’ll find watersports, seafront cafés and coastal walks.

But Queenstown is the undoubtedly the most-loved city in the South Island. On the shore of Lake Wakatipu, this scenic city offers all kinds of water-based fun, including wake-boarding, jet-boating and white-water rafting. Adrenaline junkies will be in their element, too, as Queenstown is famous for its daredevil activities. You can brave New Zealand’s highest bungee jump, zoom down the steepest zip-line on the planet, and face up to the world’s highest cliff jump.

If history’s more your thing, though, make sure you visit Dunedin. This time-stamped city is home to Victorian buildings and New Zealand’s only castle, as well as plenty of museums, beaches and craft breweries.

During your South Island holiday, you’ll be able to see some of New Zealand’s most impressive natural sites. The Southern Alps run like a spine down the western side of the isle, so you’ll be greeted by snowy peaks and turquoise lakes around every bend. Westland Tai Poutini National Park is a must-visit. You can go kayaking on Lakes Matheson, and admire the jagged faces of Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier. If you want to get even closer, why not book a heli-hike? You can fly over your glacier of choice, before walking through its blue-tinged caves and tunnels.

Further south, Fiordland will take your breath away. Cruise across Milford Sound, taking in the surrounding mountains and waterfalls – and keep your eyes peeled for seals and dolphins. And, for a truly magical experience, visit the glow worm caves in Te Anau, where you’ll be able to see hundreds of twinkling glow worms.

But it’s not all about lakes and mountains. In the northwest corner of the South Island, Abel Tasman National Park is a mishmash of lush forests and sugary beaches. There are all kinds of ways to explore this beautiful area, from canoeing and horse-riding, to hiking and zip-lining.

Besides its stunning scenery, New Zealand’s South Island is best known for two things – delicious wine and incredible wildlife. The world-famous Marlborough region produces three quarters of New Zealand’s wine, namely its hugely popular sauvignon blanc. Why not take a tour of a few Marlborough vineyards, where you can try a variety of vintages and learn about the grape-to-glass process?

Elsewhere, there are plenty of opportunities for wildlife-watching. Visit Kaikoura to watch fur seals lolloping over the rocky beach, or head out to sea in search of orcas, dolphins and sperm whales. If you’re keen to see penguins on your South Island holiday, make tracks for the Otago Peninsula. This rugged headland is home to yellow-eyed penguins and little blue penguins – and there’s a colony of nesting albatross, to boot. Or you could journey even further south and travel to Stewart Island. This remote isle is a haven for native birds like kaka and weka, and kiwi birds outnumber humans by 50 to one.

Like the UK, New Zealand has four seasons – but, on this side of the world, they’re at opposite times. Summer lasts from December to February, while winter runs from June to August. Temperatures vary across the island, and it gets cooler the further south you go – you’ll notice a big difference between Marlborough and Queenstown, for example. Whenever you’re planning to go on holiday to the South Island, it’s worth packing plenty of layers as rain is always a possibility.

During summer, the days are sunny and warm, with temperatures hovering in the mid-to-high teens. You’ll have perfect conditions for outdoor activities, whether you’re hiking through Abel Tasman National Park or sailing across Milford Sound. But it’s worth bearing in mind that summer is peak season in New Zealand, so some attractions and walking trails can get busy.

If you’d prefer to explore when it’s quieter, consider planning your South Island holiday for spring or autumn. It will be cooler – especially in the very south – but you’ll be able to sightsee without the crowds. The views in April and October are particularly picturesque, as the highest peaks will be covered in a blanket of snow.