10 Must-Do Things in the South Island of New Zealand
Moving to the countryside like in New Zealand can be a huge adjustment in terms of lifestyle. I was a below-average outdoorsy type: walking (fine), running (yes), camping (does it still exist?), fishing (boring), and malling (sure!).
New Zealand is totally different from the bustle of big cities and the hustle in the third-world country where I came from. New Zealand has me relinquish my once fast-paced lifestyle. I feel just blessed to be living here, particularly on the South Island, where you can be pretty sure, most of the time, safe in doing fun things. Hence, I came up with a list of 10 Activities You Must Do In South New Zealand. Let's go!
New Zealand is totally different from the bustle of big cities and the hustle in the third-world country where I came from. New Zealand has me relinquish my once fast-paced lifestyle. I feel just blessed to be living here, particularly on the South Island, where you can be pretty sure, most of the time, safe in doing fun things. Hence, I came up with a list of 10 Activities You Must Do In South New Zealand. Let's go!
"This site contains Affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases of a product/service at no added cost to you." ^_^
Travel Tips
- For flights, Skyscanner is excellent for comparing the best airline deals.
- For accommodations, our family trusts Booking.com for reasonable prices.
- Organize your trips easily with a Travel Planner.
- For tried-and-true travel and hiking gear, check out our Amazon Storefront.
1. FISHING
Fishing is one of the Kiwi activities everyone can absolutely do in all parts of New Zealand. The common species you can catch are kahawai, snapper, monkfish, blue cod or red cod, etc. You will never get hungry here in NZ!
But one thing you might need to be mindful of is that there are *regulations to be followed in order to maintain the species and protect the lives of the sea creatures. You can either borrow fishing rods from friends, purchase your own or rent from the fishing farms around.
* https://fishandgame.org.nz/
Fishing in an open sea takes time. You are sometimes lucky to get one or more in an 8hr sitting with your rod! But hey, it is an experience! This is a perfect "me" time to contemplate and discern life and appreciate God's creations too.
Don't fret though, there is a salmon-fishing farm in Takaka, Golden Bay (South Island, of course) where you can easily catch fish in less than an hour with the help of bait. The place provides a fishing rod and pays whenever you could catch enough and choose from either fresh sashimi or smoked different types of flavor. I usually go there every year and in any season as they are open the whole year round!
I remembered my First catch was in June 2014. June 2018 was the last time I went there with my relatives. If you are Asian like me, it is alright to bring your own rice at no corkage fee, we usually take 1 fish per person anyways! 
Mt. Stokes Track overlooking Anakoha Bay and Forsyth Island 4-5hr Return
don't try this at home
Each chosen track needs to be planned ahead of time for the booking of huts and registration of names. https://www.doc.govt.
Luxmore Hut in Kepler Track (1st hut for the night of the 4-day Journey)
Camping in New Zealand isn't limited to having a tent and cooking your canned food. Most campsites offer many things for campers to do such as fishing on the coast or lakes, walking at a nearby track and kayaking to those who have their own trailer trucks.
on the way to Milford Sound, May 2018
on the way to Culverden (not the driver
)
if you get the chance along the road, take a pose
lemon posset at Wither Hills
Onsen Spa during Autumn May 2018
Okay, we have come to the end of my hand-picked list. There are tons of things that I wanted to add but these are so far my most recommended. I hope that you find this useful. Toodles!
2. FRUIT PICKING
Fruit picking during the summer season is so popular in both the North and South of New Zealand. And I could not be happier than to be living in Marlborough, South Island, where the orchards are just 15minute-drive away! The southern hemisphere NZ summer season happens in December-February. Starting late spring in November to early summer of December, summer fruits like berries and cherries proliferate around the country!
Cherryland in Blenheim, Marlborough
3. HIKING
Hiking is one of the common activities among Kiwis. They just love walking! And why not? It is one of the most venomous-free, snake-free countries in the world. In fact, there is not a place I saw where there isn't a single walking track.
Black Jack Track in Whites Bay 1hr Return
Wairau Lagoons Walkway (Waverley Shipwreck) 2-3hr Return
Mt. Stokes Track overlooking Anakoha Bay and Forsyth Island 4-5hr Return
4. TRAMPING/TREKKING
Tramping is the Kiwi term for bushwalking, hillwalking or trekking. I thought this was a worldwide word until I spoke to other nationalities abroad such as Americans and other Asians, they were boggled.
Every council makes an effort in making their trails walkable to both locals and tourists. They provide drinking fountains and toilets along the way. The ones listed as " Great Walks" would take about 3-6 days. However, this is not for the faint heart nor a luxury holiday. This is a real "adventure".
Tramping is the Kiwi term for bushwalking, hillwalking or trekking. I thought this was a worldwide word until I spoke to other nationalities abroad such as Americans and other Asians, they were boggled.
Every council makes an effort in making their trails walkable to both locals and tourists. They provide drinking fountains and toilets along the way. The ones listed as " Great Walks" would take about 3-6 days. However, this is not for the faint heart nor a luxury holiday. This is a real "adventure".
"Look ahead only once, take one step at a time"- my mantra while doing this challenge
don't try this at home
Each chosen track needs to be planned ahead of time for the booking of huts and registration of names. https://www.doc.govt.
reward yourself with a plank
Luxmore Hut in Kepler Track (1st hut for the night of the 4-day Journey)
5. CAMPING
Camping the same as hiking is one of the many hobbies among Kiwis. And nope, this isn't the girl guide/boy scouts kinda thing like how I thought it was; (you know) lighting up the fire from stones and setting up tent from bamboo and straws. Camping here is so first-world, so to speak, and is almost like "glamping", glamorous camping. It is like a family gathering which becomes very crowded during the summertime on school holidays. Bookings are needed to register at the campsites.
Camping in New Zealand isn't limited to having a tent and cooking your canned food. Most campsites offer many things for campers to do such as fishing on the coast or lakes, walking at a nearby track and kayaking to those who have their own trailer trucks.
Cooking fresh seashells has never been sumptuous like this. There are different types of campsites depending on your preference. You can choose somewhere near the lake, coast, forest or alpine.
camping at Momorangi Bay summer of 2016
6. MARATHON is an activity you can't miss while on the South Island. With its spectacular views: alpine, vineyard, off-the-road bushes or mountains surrounding the area, pictures on the run look super fantastic! Plus, the fresh and clean air of NZ doesn't give you foul-smelling sweat 
(at least don't forget your deodorant)
.
taking a photo before the run
2hrs plus-ish to finish, exhausting but rewarding!
7. ROAD TRIPS
Road trips are the most practical and efficient way to enjoy the stunning roads of the South in all seasons. Whether you prefer the spring blossoms, the golden color of tussock in summer, aligned vineyards, winter alps or the orangy reddish autumn leaves, everyone agrees that the South has it on the road!
Going around NZ is more convenient and efficient with driving. But then taking public transport such as buses or trains is equally a pleasant experience too.
Going around NZ is more convenient and efficient with driving. But then taking public transport such as buses or trains is equally a pleasant experience too.
take a tour bus and sit in front to get the best view
Whether a tour bus or just a normal public bus, the drivers/operators are well-trained in entertaining passengers both locals and tourists. They are also knowledgeable in every passing place.
on the way to Culverden (not the driver
KEEP LEFT ALWAYS
on the way to Kaikoura,
I stopped on the safest side for the photo.
with my cute backseat-mate
Driving gives you the liberty to go wherever your heart leads you. Spontaneity makes it fun. You can easily stop when you see something interesting for a photo or a shabby artsy cafe. However, foreign drivers should be careful with the laws regarding licensing and road codes/regulations. https://www.
if you get the chance along the road, take a pose
8. WINE AND DINE
For foodies and wine enthusiasts like me; skills which I acquired as I immerse in the Sauvignon capital- Marlborough, this is heaven! The local produce is fresh and abundant, hence, you always have a fine food experience.
lemon posset at Wither Hills
wine flight at Vines Village
Also check out: Venison meal at MIA
Also check out: Venison meal at MIA
* Apologies that I missed the photos I had during a wedding at the best restaurant in Blenheim ARBOUR. I would like to say that it is that delectable to ever think of a photo! *https://www.stuff.co.nz/
In other parts of the South especially Queenstown is a dish you can't miss in the world, the FERG BURGER. A burger person like myself has the impression that New Zealand has the best burger ever tasted. And yes, this monster is located exclusively in the South only.
In other parts of the South especially Queenstown is a dish you can't miss in the world, the FERG BURGER. A burger person like myself has the impression that New Zealand has the best burger ever tasted. And yes, this monster is located exclusively in the South only.
Ferg Gourmet Burger in Queenstown!
It would not be normal when there's no queue. https://edition.cnn.com/
9. HOT SPA
Hot Spa is much appreciated in the South due to its colder weather. There's nothing much pleasurable than doing it with great views.
Onsen Spa during Autumn May 2018
https://www.onsen.co.nz/hot-
As we all know, a hot bath or spa is a therapeutic method of relieving stress and body aches. It is also good at promoting sleep. Also, check out https://tekaposprings.co.
10. ADVENTURE RIDES
For extreme sports and adrenaline activities, the South Island of NZ has been popular for that. The famous company promoting AJ Hackett Bungy Jumping is what we see on social media.
had to be tipsy to toughen me enough to do this
Get the best capture of that adrenaline from the professionals, mate https://www.bungy.co.nz/
Of course, Queenstown is not the only option where you can get the best adventure rides. You have the choice to go somewhere off the beaten path like Christchurch, Nelson and Franz Josef.
Flying Fox at Happy Valley, Nelson
Flying Fox at Happy Valley, Nelson
https://www.
Take a quad bike for $10 and return in going instead of the van ride.
Take a quad bike for $10 and return in going instead of the van ride.
tandem comet line at Buller Gorge, Inangahua
Okay, we have come to the end of my hand-picked list. There are tons of things that I wanted to add but these are so far my most recommended. I hope that you find this useful. Toodles!
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Do you want more adventure?
Check out Europe for 2 weeks: Art Class in Paris, France then getting on a Hot air balloon ride at Siena, Italy, and relaxing by the beach at Amalfi, Coast with a side trip to Rome, Italy before flying back home.
Next Guest Blogger:
Meet Saul and Learn How to Enjoy Your Trip in Los Angeles, California.
Related articles you may find interesting:
No comments
Post a Comment