New Zealand

Akaroa is a small town located on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, approximately 75 kilometers southeast of Christchurch. The town is situated in a picturesque harbor and is known for its French and Maori heritage, stunning scenery, and abundant marine life. Here is a guide to some of the top things to do in Akaroa and the surrounding area.

Take a harbor cruise: Akaroa is famous for its beautiful harbor, which is home to an abundance of wildlife including dolphins, penguins, and seals. Taking a harbor cruise is a great way to explore the area and get up close to these amazing creatures.

Visit the Giant’s House: The Giant’s House is a unique and quirky art gallery featuring the work of local artist Josie Martin. The house is full of colorful mosaics, sculptures, and paintings, and is definitely worth a visit.

Explore the Akaroa Lighthouse: The Akaroa Lighthouse was built in 1880 and is one of … Read the rest

Christchurch is a beautiful city located on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. The city is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, making it the perfect base for day trips to some of the South Island’s most popular attractions. Here are some of the top day trips from Christchurch:

Akaroa: Akaroa is a charming French-inspired village located about 75km from Christchurch. Visitors can take a scenic drive along the Banks Peninsula to reach Akaroa, which is known for its historic architecture, stunning views of the harbor, and opportunities for dolphin and whale watching.

Hanmer Springs: Hanmer Springs is a picturesque alpine village located about 130km from Christchurch. The town is known for its natural hot springs, which visitors can soak in at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in the surrounding area, including hiking, mountain biking, and skiing.

Kaikoura: Kaikoura is a small coastal town located … Read the rest

Lake Tekapo is a popular tourist destination located in the South Island of New Zealand. The stunning scenery, crystal clear waters, and rugged mountains make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Here’s a tourist information guide to Lake Tekapo:

Getting there: Lake Tekapo is easily accessible by road. The nearest airport is Christchurch International Airport, which is around three hours’ drive away. There are regular bus services available, and you can also hire a car to drive yourself.

Accommodation: There are plenty of accommodation options available in Lake Tekapo, ranging from backpackers’ hostels to luxury hotels. You can also choose to stay in a holiday home or a campsite.

Things to do: Lake Tekapo is known for its stunning natural beauty, and there are plenty of activities you can do here. Some of the popular activities include:

Stargazing: Lake Tekapo is home to the world-renowned Mount John Observatory, where you can go stargazing and explore … Read the rest

The Catlins is a stunning coastal region located in the southeastern corner of the South Island of New Zealand. It is a popular destination for tourists due to its natural beauty, wildlife, and outdoor recreational activities. Here is some useful tourist information about The Catlins:

How to get there: The Catlins is accessible by road from Dunedin or Invercargill. The nearest airport is Dunedin International Airport, which is about 100km away.

Things to see and do: The Catlins is known for its rugged coastline, waterfalls, and wildlife. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, bird watching, and wildlife spotting. Some of the top attractions in The Catlins include Nugget Point, Cathedral Caves, McLean Falls, and Purakaunui Falls.

Accommodation: There are a range of accommodation options in The Catlins, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, holiday parks, and camping grounds. It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season December to February).

Weather: The weather in The Catlins can be unpredictable, with … Read the rest

Marlborough Sound is a beautiful region located in the north-eastern part of New Zealand’s South Island. Here is some tourist information about the region:

Activities: Marlborough Sound is popular for water-based activities such as sailing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. You can also go on scenic cruises and wildlife tours to see dolphins, seals, and birdlife. The region is also known for its vineyards, so wine tasting and food tours are a must-do.

Accommodation: There are many options for accommodation in Marlborough Sound, including luxury lodges, hotels, motels, and holiday parks. Many accommodations offer spectacular views of the water and surrounding hills.

Attractions: Marlborough Sound has many attractions, including the Queen Charlotte Track, which is a popular hiking trail that spans 71 kilometers from Ship Cove to Anakiwa. You can also visit the Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park, which offers an informative insight into the history of the area. The Edwin Fox Maritime Museum is also worth a visit, as it is … Read the rest

Welcome to Marlborough, one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions located at the top of the South Island. This area is famous for its award-winning Sauvignon Blanc, as well as a range of other wine varietals, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris. Here’s a guide to help you plan your visit to the region:

Getting Here:
The easiest way to get to Marlborough is by flying into Blenheim airport, which has regular flights from major New Zealand cities. Alternatively, you can take a scenic drive from either Christchurch or Nelson.

Wine Tasting:
With over 30 wineries in the region, it’s impossible to visit them all in one trip. However, there are a few must-visit wineries, including:

Cloudy Bay: One of the region’s most famous wineries, known for their Sauvignon Blanc.

Allan Scott Family Winemakers: This family-owned winery is known for its friendly atmosphere and delicious wines.

Wairau River Wines: Located in the heart of the Wairau Valley, this winery … Read the rest

Kaikoura is a beautiful coastal town located on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, approximately 180 km north of Christchurch. Known for its stunning natural scenery and abundance of marine wildlife, Kaikoura is a popular tourist destination for visitors from around the world. Here’s a tourist information guide for Kaikoura:

Whale Watching: One of the most popular activities in Kaikoura is whale watching. There are several tour operators that offer boat tours to see the magnificent sperm whales in their natural habitat. Other marine wildlife such as dolphins, seals, and albatross can also be seen on these tours.

Swimming with Dolphins: Another popular activity in Kaikoura is swimming with dolphins. You can join a tour and swim with these playful creatures in their natural environment.

Walks and Hikes: Kaikoura has a range of scenic walks and hikes that offer stunning views of the coastline and surrounding mountains. Some of the popular walks include the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, Ohau … Read the rest

Fox Glacier is a stunning glacier located in the West Coast region of New Zealand’s South Island. It is one of the most visited attractions in the region and draws in tourists from all over the world. Here’s a tourist information guide to help you plan your visit to Fox Glacier:

Getting there: Fox Glacier is located on State Highway 6, which runs down the west coast of the South Island. The nearest town is Franz Josef, which is about 20 minutes’ drive away. You can either drive yourself or take a bus tour from nearby towns like Queenstown or Christchurch.

Accommodation: There are a variety of accommodation options in and around Fox Glacier, ranging from budget hostels to luxury lodges. Some popular choices include the Fox Glacier Top 10 Holiday Park, Distinction Fox Glacier Te Weheka Boutique Hotel, and the Fox Glacier Lodge.

Glacier tours: There are several tour companies that offer guided walks and helicopter tours of Fox … Read the rest

Welcome to Franz Josef Glacier, located in the stunning West Coast region of New Zealand’s South Island. Here is your tourist information guide to help you make the most of your visit to this beautiful area.

About Franz Josef Glacier:
Franz Josef Glacier is a 12-kilometer-long glacier located in the Westland Tai Poutini National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world, and visitors can take guided tours to walk on or around the glacier. The town of Franz Josef is a popular tourist destination, offering a range of accommodation, dining, and outdoor adventure activities.

Things to Do:

Glacier Hiking: Take a guided tour and hike on the glacier. These tours are available year-round and range from half-day to full-day trips. You will be equipped with all necessary gear and accompanied by experienced guides who will lead you safely over the ice.

Helicopter Tours: A helicopter tour is an excellent … Read the rest

Milford Sound is a world-famous tourist destination located in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island. It is a fjord that stretches for 15 kilometers and is surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls. Milford Sound is part of the Fiordland National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here is some tourist information about Milford Sound:

Getting There: Milford Sound is located approximately 4.5 hours from Queenstown and 2 hours from Te Anau. The only way to get to Milford Sound is by road, and the journey is considered to be one of the most scenic drives in the world.

Activities: There are many activities to do in Milford Sound, including boat cruises, kayaking, hiking, and scenic flights. The most popular activity is a boat cruise, which takes visitors on a journey through the fjord to see the waterfalls, wildlife, and stunning scenery.

Accommodation: There are limited accommodation options in Milford Sound, with most visitors staying in Te Anau … Read the rest

New Zealand’s South Island is a natural wonderland, filled with breathtaking landscapes, stunning mountains, turquoise lakes, and rugged coastlines. Here are some top attractions on the South Island that you should consider visiting:

Milford Sound located in Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is a breathtaking fjord with towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife.

Franz Josef Glacier an awe-inspiring glacier located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, where you can take a guided walk, helicopter or scenic flight.

Abel Tasman National Park a stunning coastal paradise filled with golden beaches, turquoise waters, and lush forests. It’s great for hiking, kayaking, and camping.

Queenstown known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including skiing, bungee jumping, jet boating, and skydiving.

Fox Glacier another impressive glacier on the West Coast of the South Island, which is best experienced through a guided hike or helicopter tour.

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park home to New Zealand’s tallest … Read the rest