South Island, New Zealand
New Zealand's largest island is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts looking to take in the country's breathtaking scenery. You'll see stunning scenery whether you're hiking around Lake Tekapo, bird-watching on the Otago Peninsula, stargazing from the University of Canterbury's Mount John Observatory, cruising the Milford Sound, or kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park. If you want to get away from nature, visit Christchurch's eclectic street art or Dunedin's 19th-century Larnach Castle.
Temperatures are cool on the South Island, especially in the mountain regions. You can go skiing in the Southern Alps in winter, test your limits by ice climbing Aoraki/Mt. Cook or helicopter into Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier and hike along their icy surfaces.
The South Island outperforms in terms of wine, owing primarily to the country's largest wine region, Marlborough. Located near the Marlborough Sounds, this region has around 65 wineries producing some of the best Sauvignon Blanc you’ll find anywhere in the world. Canterbury and the lake country around Queenstown also have plenty of wineries to explore and enjoy, but if you can only head to one winery during your trip, make sure it’s in Marlborough!
Kaikoura is where to purchase the best freshly-cooked lobster or cray and of course, New Zealand is most famous for its sheep and lamb dishes, and you’ll find no better spot to enjoy some Canterbury lamb than in Christchurch. Furthermore, when it comes to oysters, nothing beats Bluff oysters in South Island!
Rankings:
- #1 in Best Places to Visit in Australia and The Pacific
Location: The Pacific
