New Zealand had been on my bucket list since quite some time now. Having heard about the wonders of the place and its people from animate and inanimate sources, I was quite eager to set foot there. My fascination for this adventure-filled destination finally drew me to this corner of the planet last January. I went there to spend a month on the roads of the New Zealand’s South Island or Aotearoa’s Te Wai Pounamu, as the original Maori would say. Undisputedly, it was the best month ever.
Whether you are a nature lover or an adrenaline junkie or just looking to chill and party, the south island is the place to be.
Here are some of the highlights of my trip in Oceania’s southern-most country, and experiences that made it unforgettable
On the road, Arthurs Pass
Go on an adrenaline overdose in Queenstown
Queenstown, being the adventure capital of the world, provides a variety of thrilling adventure activity options right from a basic zip trek and kayaking to the shit-in-your-pants scary canyon swings, shark boating (not diving with sharks but diving as a shark, literally) and river scuba diving. The most enthralling activity for me was the canyon swing and I would recommend you do the Pin Drop fall which involves you falling, nay jumping into the canyon. Since I hadn’t dirtied myself already, I went in for a second jump as well.
The Bottom-line is, if you have an adrenaline fetish and as long as it can be performed out in the public, Queenstown will definitely satisfy your every need.
Star gazing in Tekapo
Tekapo is famous for its star gazing and even though quite a lot of Lord of the Rings was filmed there, those are not the kind of stars I am talking about! Tekapo is known to have the world’s clearest night skies and can give you some of THE most stunning sights; provided the cloud gods are in your favour. You can see the Milky Way and look at t clusters of beautiful stars up-close through the observatory at Mt. John. If you are a photography buff like me, stop by at the Old Church of the Good Shepherd near Lake Tekapo, for a more relaxed sighting and definitely a more comfortable spot to click away.
Perching on a bench near Lake Tekapo with a beer, staring at the night sky with a million twinkling stars would make you wish that life had a pause button.
Also, as long as you are in Tekapo, go for a dip in the, extremely cold (3-4), pristine and exquisite waters of Lake Tekapo, and then sun bathe on the nearby rocks. It is considered healthy to be THAT relaxed.
Explore the Catlins
The Catlins is a coastal stretch on the South eastern end of the island and this region has absolutely everything you would look for in a travel destination; wild seascapes, less people (I can’t emphasise the importance of that enough), superb roads, spectacular sceneries, remote and luxurious hotels, adventure activities and most of all- some extremely beautiful and rare wildlife! You can find some of the rarest species here, with the Hectors dolphins being a permanent resident in some of the coves to the yellow eyed penguins, who return every year to the same spot to mate and breed. If you visit around January/February, there’s a high possibility that you would get to see them feed their chicks.
Another one of my favourite activities, I recommend – Go surfing in the turquoise waters! Hectors dolphins are known to be playful and they may just surprise you and swim alongside.
Cut off in the Sounds
Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, in Fiordland National Park, are two of the most breath taking places on the south island.
Doubtful Sound is cut off from every inch civilization and the fog, scenery and silence will take over your senses. While the wildlife in the area is magnificent, you can’t see much since the only way to access the area is through a guided tour. I would recommend an overnight trip to the Sound, as that and only that can give you the best experience.
Milford Sound on the other hand is fairly well connected and the drive from Te Anau (a gem in itself), can be one of the most delightful road trips you could take in New Zealand. On the way to the Sound, you will find gorgeous spots to stop by, hike or just have a lazy picnic. I would recommend the Mitre Peak hike in Milford Sound for its diverse scenery. Keep an eye out for the extremely naughty Kea, world’s only alpine parrot.
Cruise the high passes
These mountains in New Zealand provide shelter for some very diverse life forms on the planet; most of them-only found in this country! This is a reason, good-enough, to take at least a day trip through both the Passes on the Island-
Haast Pass
Arthurs Pass
Though making it through both of them would be tiresome given that they are quite extensive, I would still recommend it since they are unique and totally worth the trouble!! While on the road, stop by the scenic Castle Hill (LOTR), Lake Lyndon and the Bridal Veil Falls on the Arthurs Pass and the amazing Blue Pools, Gates of Haast Gorge and the Fantail Falls on Haast Pass. Do not forget to keep an eye out for the little passes and picturesque trails, as the breath-taking landscape unfolds around you!
Connect with the wildlife in Stewart Island
Stewart Island is a renowned National park & Wildlife preservation centre, providing home to a large population of NZ’s Kiwis. Luckily for the endangered Kiwis, most parts of the island are not accessible and the chances of seeing them in the wild are quite rare. Besides that you will get to see a variety or birds like the kakapo, different kinds of Albatrosses, penguins, petrels, the weka and you could even see some very rare species on the island. Not far from here is the Ulva Island, although accessible only through tours, is recommendable for a short trip.
Why Queenstown blew me away!
View of Queensown and Lake Wakatipu
I realize I’m talking about Queenstown again, but I just can’t stop myself since there are so many exciting things to do out in this part of the country that I just HAD to jot down a few
Relaxing by Lake Wakatipu – Grab some soup or gelato and go to the lake to spend an entire day. Lay on the grass, stretch your feet, close your eyes, breathe the fresh air and revitalize your soul. It is most likely, that at some point you will fall off to sleep but when you wake up, you will have realized that it was one of your best decisions to have taken this holiday.
Local Cuisine – Queenstown has come up on its gastronomical offerings and some of it is to die for
- Burgers at Fergburger (Double Fergburger with blue, swiss and brie cheese) (P.S. Open till the wee hours of the morning)
- Hearty meaty food at Cowboy QT
- Pies and Desert at Fergbaker
- Sandwiches and Burgers at Devil Burger
- Soup and Gelato at Lick Gelato and Slurp Soups
Underground Poker – Well technically Poker in Queenstown is legal. You may inquire at local bars because they do have pre-set days for certain places. Do not miss out on it because it is the best way to connect with the locals. FYI- if you do not mind the distraction, they have a poker day at the local strip club too.
Well, that mostly rounds up the highlights of South Island from my trip. There are some other exceptional and gorgeous places on the island and I’m listing a few to help you out –
Whale Watching – Kaikoura
White Shark Diving – Stewart Island
Blue Penguin Watching – Oamaru
Gloworm Caves – Te Anau
Te Waikoropupu Springs – Golden Bay
Pancake Rocks – Punakaiki, Paparoa National Park
Moeraki Boulders – Koekohe Beach, Otago (At Sunrise)
Tramping, Kayaking so simply driving – Akaroa Harbour
TranzAlpine Train – Christchurch to Greymouth (or vice versa)
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa – Hanmer
Mt. Cook and Tasman Glacier Walks – Aoraki
Walk the Abel Tasman Coastal Track – Abel Tasman National Park
Trek any of New Zealand’s Great Walks
Travel Tips for your self-guided New Zealand Trip!
Best way to get around – Self Driving (Apex Car Rentals)
Trip Planning – I would like to emphasise on the importance of not making a single booking apart from your first couple of nights in New Zealand. For me NZ has been such a place where you never know when you would like to stay back at a particular place for longer or go to a place that you just heard about from someone or read somewhere. Making bookings is very easy at the Visitors Centres that the Government has put up in each and every place. I would encourage you to travel without a plan. Given that New Zealand is the 4th most peaceful country in the world, there is absolutely no threat. (Visitor Center New Zealand)
Best Guide Book – Lonely Planet New Zealand
Best Local Tour Operator – Real Journeys
Must haves – Bug spray, all weather clothing and energy supplements.
In conclusion I would like you to start searching for dates to go to New Zealand.
Also, absolutely must read is this epic South Island road-trip itinerary [Read: Two Week New Zealand South Island Road-Trip | The Trusted Traveller]
P.S. For more of my photos on my travels across the globe, visit http://500px.com/mananhvora
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