Experience Thrills and Adventures in
South Island New Zealand Cities

Akaroa — As New Zealand’s only French settlement, Akaroa New Zealand reflects French cultural roots through its architecture, coffee shops, streets, and restaurants. Landmark buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries as well as beautiful scenery at French Bay await travelers.

Arrowtown — Formerly a gold mining town, Arrowtown New Zealand is now a tourist destination and famous New Zealand historic site. See remarkably preserved historic buildings and enjoy fine wines, cafes, and restaurants.

Cardrona — One of New Zealand’s most popular winter resorts, Cardrona New Zealand is a great place to go for skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling adventures. The Cardrona Ski and Snowboard School will train skiers of all levels.

Christchurch — Christchurch New Zealand in Canterbury has it all: some of NZ’s best museums, the magnificent Christchurch Cathedral, the refreshing Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park, and the beautiful Avon River.

Dunedin — Dunedin New Zealand is known as the “Edinburgh of the South” and is famous for its distinctive Scottish heritage, its youthful culture, and the many natural wonders in the vicinity.

Fox Glacier — A remarkable glacier in Westland National Park, Fox Glacier New Zealand is surrounded by an astounding diversity of terrain. It stretches for 13 kilometers from the Southern Alps to New Zealand’s coast and terminates near a rainforest!

Hokitika — The Wildfoods Festival at Hokitika New Zealand features some of the world’s most unusual foods, along with eccentric clowns and skydivers. Wilderness adventures, including hiking and tramping through rugged forest and mountain terrain and water activities on Lakes Mahinapua and Kaniere are popular in the vicinity of Hokitika.

Kaikoura — A top destination for observers of whales, sharks, and dolphins, Kaikoura New Zealand is also home to 900-year-old Maori archaeological remains. Backpackers, hikers, mountain bikers, divers, and kayakers will also find plenty of opportunities for adventure at Kaikoura.

Kaiteriteri — New Zealand’s most visited kayaking destination, Kaiteriteri New Zealand is renowned for a coastline environment of astonishing beauty. It also features top swimming beaches, great places to surf, and friendly seals at the Tonga Marine Reserve.

Lake Wanaka — The crystal-clear glacial waters of Lake Wanaka New Zealand and the colossal Mt. Aspiring in the background make this one of the most delightful New Zealand vacation destinations; here, you can go hiking, skiing, mountain climbing, or just walking near the shore.

Le Bons Bay — A beautiful haven for New Zealand nature, Le Bons Bay is a peaceful, quiet place that encourages reflection and relaxation. Located near the French-influenced settlement of Akaroa, Le Bons Bay New Zealand offers plenty of opportunities for swimming and backpacking in the vicinity.

Marlborough Sounds — An excellent destination for water adventurers, Marlborough Sounds New Zealand is a collection of straits, undersea valleys, and picturesque islands. Observe colossal rock formations, sample quality New Zealand wines and Greenshell Mussels, and explore the numerous islands of Marlborough Sounds!

Milford Sound — The most famous fiord in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound New Zealand is a breathtaking geological wonder, and the journey to reach it is filled with amazing sights as well. The Milford Deep Underwater Observatory features a rare glimpse into the world of deep marine life.

Motueka — Motueka New Zealand is one of the nearest town to three great New Zealand national parks: Abel Tasman, Kahurangi, and Nelson Lakes. It offers fine fruit orchards, excellent cafes, and modern conveniences such as shops, supermarkets, and equipment rental.

Mount Cook/Aoraki — The tallest mountain in the Southern Alps, Aoraki Mt. Cook is a wonderful place to climb, hike, tramp, and take flights that give panoramic views of the Southern Alps and nearby glaciers. Breathtaking scenery and the thrill of being challenged by this great mountain await tourists at Mt Cook New Zealand.

Nelson — New Zealand’s tenth largest city, Nelson New Zealand is filled with cultural attractions like the Suter Art Gallery, the Miyazu Japanese Garden, and the Queens Gardens. Comfortable accommodations, great spas, quality foods, and great natural sights in the vicinity make Nelson a tremendously popular tourist destination.

Omarama — A top destination for hang gliders, Omarama New Zealand also offers numerous opportunities for adventure to helicopter riders, paragliders, and sailplane enthusiasts. It has exceptionally clear skies, hosted the 1995 World Gliding Championships, and was the place where numerous world gliding records were set.

Pleasant Point — An excellent vacation destination for railroad enthusiasts, Pleasant Point New Zealand features historic locomotives which tourists can ride, along with the world’s only operating Ford Model T railcar. Along with its Railway Museum, Pleasant point features an award-winning winery, a Maori rock drawing site, and facilities for golf, tennis, and bowling.

Pohara — Adventures await at Pohara New Zealand, one of the Golden Bay area’s most scenic destinations near Wharariki Beach; here, you can stay at The Nook - a fabulous, highly comfortable, extremely popular guesthouse.

Queenstown — Those who love thrills and outdoor adventures will find Queenstown New Zealand on the beautiful shores of Lake Wakatipu an absolute delight; here you can go jet boating, bungee jumping, or tramping - or you can enjoy a fine meal with a great view at the Skyline Gondola Restaurant.

Riverton — One of New Zealand’s southernmost towns, Riverton is also one of its oldest and most historically and culturally interesting. Located along the South Scenic Route, Riverton New Zealand has beautiful natural and manmade sights, fine cafes, and ample opportunities for relaxation.

St. Arnaud — A haven for those who delight in outdoor adventure, St Arnaud New Zealand is a great destination for tramping and hiking in the warm months and skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, and quality lodges and hostels are among the other prominent attractions of the area.

Takaka — A great place to begin exploring the Golden Bay, Takaka New Zealand is surrounded by a fascinating otherworldly landscape. It features numerous beaches, hotels, cafes, commercial areas, fun festivals, and attractions for thrill seekers.

Tarras — Surrounded by amazing landscapes that were used in filming the “Lord of the Rings” movies, Tarras New Zealand is a small agricultural village famous for its Merino wool. The hospitality, quality tea, and immense opportunities for backpacking adventures near the Southern Alps and Lake Wanaka make Tarras worth a visit.

Te Anau — Known as the “Walking Capital of the World,” Te Anau New Zealand is the gateway to the famous Milford walking track. It is a small, scenic, leisurely resort town with fascinating glowworm caves nearby, as well as opportunities for golf, fly fishing, extensive hiking, and observing the nearby area on overhead flights.

Continue your exploration of all that New Zealand has to offer by looking at some of the best South Island Areas of Interest.