Explore the South Island

Some say the South is a bit more rugged than the North, a magnet for adrenaline-hungry young backpackers, nomadic thrill seekers, wine lovers, Great Walkers, and every other kind of adventure traveler or disciple of majestic landscapes.

The variety of attractions, towns, and landscapes in the South Island is incredibly diverse. Here you can trek some of the country's most impressive Great Walks - through awe striking fiords and waterfalls on the Milford Track or deserted beaches on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. You can trace the famous green lipped mussels and crayfish to their sources, sample some of the best wine in the world in Waipara or Marlborough, or have yourself an adventure bender diving out of the sky over Queenstown. If you're after something a bit slower, you can opt for a slow paced holiday retreat in beautiful, French Akaroa or in the natural hot baths of Hanmer Springs.

The last thing you want to do here is rush through Fiordland or miss the stars above Lake Tekapo because you are too crunched for time. The magic of New Zealand's South Island lies in what you didn't know was here. So be flexible, keep your eyes open, smell the air, stay curious and take your time.