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South Island travel tips

South Island Recommendations

Dunedin

Mt Cargill

Scenic viewpoint looking out over the whole Dunedin area. Short drive from the CBD

https://www.dunedin.govt.nz/community-facilities/walking-tracks/skyline-walks/mt-cargill

Long beach

Stunning coastal town and dramatic beach. Has a massive sea cave at one end of the beach.

https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/purakaunui-waitati-area/things-to-do/long-beach-walk/

Aramoana

Another stunning coastal town with massive sand dunes, and a breakwater extending into the ocean, normally featuring lots of seals.

https://dunedinattractions.nz/aramoana/

Taiaroa Heads/ Albatross colony

Rugged coastline at the mouth of the Dunedin Harbor. Has an albatross colony which you can visit

https://albatross.org.nz/

Portobello Acquarium

Marine research labaoratory on the way to the Albatross colony

St Clair Beach

Great spot for coffee and brunch next to the ocean. 10min from the CBD.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Attraction_Review-g255119-d11875789-Reviews-St_Clair_Beach-Dunedin_Otago_Region_South_Island.html

Larnach Castle

Classic Scottish castle with rich histroy and beautiful gardens. Castle tours do cost money though

https://www.larnachcastle.co.nz/

Octagon

Centre of the CBD. Beautiful architecture and great spot for food and drink


Te Anau

The Catlins

https://www.catlins.org.nz/

Curio bay

Gorgeous beach for surfing and dolphin watching

https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/catlins-coastal-area/curio-bay-porpoise-bay/

Petrified forest

Petrified forest, just next to Curio Bay

Lighthouse at Nugget point

Scenic lookout, lighthouse, and rugged coastline.

https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/catlins-coastal-area/things-to-do/nugget-point-tokata-walks/

Slope point

Southern most point of the South Island

https://southlandnz.com/the-catlins/natural-attraction/slope-point

Cathedral caves

Natural sea caves. Make sure your visit coincides with low tide

https://www.cathedralcaves.co.nz/


Milford Sound

Can drive, take a bus tour, seaplane, or flight from Queenstown. The ocean cruise is a great option if you have time. Also short walks, and kayaking tours that you can do in Milford.

Seaplane: https://www.wingsandwater.co.nz/ Queenstown flight: https://www.glenorchyair.co.nz/

Doubtful Sound

As beautiful as Milford, but more remote. Milford is a better option if you're pressed for time.


Queenstown

Mt Crichton track

2 hr loop walk through native forest, ridgelines, lakes, and waterfalls

https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/queenstown-area/things-to-do/mt-crichton-loop-track/

Moke Lake

Loop walk round a hidden lake in the heart of the mountains

https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/queenstown-area/things-to-do/moke-lake-loop-track/

Queenstown hill

Short 2hour walk above the Queenstown CBD. Incredible views - make sure to go all the way to the summit.

https://www.newzealand.com/nz/feature/queenstown-hill-time-walk/

Wye creek track

Short (but steep) walk up the side of the mountain (on the drive from Te Anau to Queenstown) Great views

https://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/stories/post/lower-wye-creek-walking-track/ NB: The track to the lookout is much shorter than this one. I can draw you a map.

Arrowtown

Historic mining village. Great for a wander and a coffee

Skyline gondola

Looks out over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu - great for lunch or dinner. Awesome scenery.

https://www.skyline.co.nz/en/queenstown/

Dart river funyaks

Incredible full day trip into the heart of the mountains, via jetboat and canoe. HIGHLY RECCOMEND :)

https://www.dartriver.co.nz

Skippers canyon jet

Remote jetboating in the heart of the moutains, through ancient gold mining sites. Impressive and scenic drive in.

https://www.skipperscanyonjet.co.nz/

TSS Earnslaw dinner / lunch cruise

Vintage steamship, and gourmet buffet at a remote high-country station

https://www.realjourneys.co.nz/en/experiences/cruises/tss-earnslaw-lake-cruises/

Scenic flight

Any scenic flight out of Queenstown will be breathtaking. Heli is more expensive but allows for snow / glacier landings

https://glenorchyair.co.nz - Plane https://www.flynz.co.nz/ - Heli


Twizel / Mt Cook

Blue pools walk

20min walk to look over the Tasman Glacier and terminal lake. Full of icebergs. Very cool.

https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/aoraki-mount-cook-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/blue-lakes-and-tasman-glacier-walks/

Hooker valley walk

Short walk in the depths of Mt Cook's beautiful scenery

https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/aoraki-mount-cook-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/hooker-valley-track/

Tasman glacier heli hike / Skiplane flight / Glacier landing

Numerous options for scenic flights depending on budget. All of them will be breathtaking :)

https://www.helicopter.co.nz/english/heli-tours/view/tasman-glacier-heli-hike

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