5 Things to Do on the South Island of New Zealand
Queenstown
Head to Queenstown for a rip-roaring, thrill-seeking holiday destination. Queenstown is popular with travellers looking to dip their toe into the world of extreme sports, with a wide range of activities to fill your itinerary and get your heart racing. Enjoy skiing and snowboarding in The Remarkables, go jet-boating, or cure your fear of heights and try bungee jumping off Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge.
Milford Sound
Take a trip to the south-west of the island to see the awe-inspiring Milford Sound. Located in Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is a breathtaking fiord known for its lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls and the 5,560 feet tall Mitre Peak. Walk the Milford Track, enjoy a boat cruise through the serene waters, or try your hand at kayaking through the dramatic landscapes.
Lake Tekapo
Take in the sights of the calming Lake Tekapo. Characterised by its turquoise waters and the striking mountain range of the Southern Alps. Stay the night at Tekapo Dark Sky Reserve to get a unblemished view of the sparkling night sky and the Southern Lights. Perfect for nighttime daydreaming, camping at the park is a great way to top off your time at Lake Tekapo.
Franz Josef Glacier
The Franz Josef Glacier is known as one of the most popular tourist spots in New Zealand. The most famous of the West Coast Glaciers, experience the natural beauty of the Franz Josef Glacier on a guided ice walk, fly over the area to get an aerial view, or heli-hike across the glacier. Warm up in the hot pools once you're done hiking to put the cherry on the top of a great day out!
Mount Cook
Mount Cook, or Aoraki as it's known in Maori, is the highest mountain in New Zealand. Standing at 3724 metres tall, Mount Cook is a truly remarkable sight. Part of the Southern Alps, explore Mount Cook along a range of alpine walks, glacier skiing or put your climbing skills to the test on an extreme mountaineering adventure. You don't need a permit to climb, however it might be prudent to fill out a trip intentions form at the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre.
New Zealand is such a beautiful and captivating country. There is certainly no way to see, do and experience everything on offer during a single visit. Once you have a taste for New Zealand, you're sure to return for more of the country's amazing views and fantastic attractions.
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