South New Zealand Holidays

With its rugged mountains, magnificent glaciers and sweeping landscapes of forests and lakes, you could hardly wish for a more picture-perfect location for a luxury holiday than South Island, New Zealand. This island really does have it all, and when you add its wondrous wildlife and excellent wines to the equation, it’s enough to make you want to return year after year.

Natural beauty

You’ll be spoilt for choice by the vast range of natural beauty on New Zealand’s South Island. Fiordland National Park is the largest in the country and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll find the world-famous Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and Mitre Peak. Whether you choose to explore this fantastic place on foot, by boat or kayak, you’re sure to be awestruck by the cascading waterfalls, swathes of lush rainforest and mountain scenery surrounding you.

In Aoraki National Park, you’ll find the country’s tallest mountain and its longest glacier, together with more than 300 types of alpine flora and 40 species of bird. Lose yourself in the endless, starry heavens as you take advantage of the world’s largest dark sky reserve. Visit the spectacular Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers on the western coast and explore the magnificent landscape of ice caves, crevices and pinnacles. The 51-kilometre Abel Tasman Coastal Track will take you through verdant forest, along craggy cliff tops and past secluded coves with fabulous views of the many remarkable rock formations, including Split Apple Rock.

Embark on a boat tour from the enchanting village of Kaikoura on the eastern coast to spot humpback and sperm whales, along with dolphins, fur seals and numerous bird species. You’ll be delighted by the range of wildlife on the Otago Peninsula, including the only mainland colony of albatross in the Southern Hemisphere, together with fur seals, sea lions and the rare yellow-eyed penguin. Don’t miss the breathtaking turquoise river of Hokitika Gorge in the west, or the fantastic Marlborough Sounds in the north where you can swim with dolphins.

Other attractions

Luxury holidays in South Island wouldn’t be complete without a visit to its largest city, Christchurch, which is home to many beautiful parks and gardens. Take a scenic ride on the city’s tram system or a leisurely boat ride along the tranquil River Avon. Enjoy a trip to the southern city of Dunedin with its Edwardian and Victorian architecture and climb the steepest street in the world. Be sure to visit one of the award-winning wineries in the Central Otago region too.

For adventure-lovers, a visit to Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in the Southern Alps is an absolute must. From bungee-jumping and jet boating, to whitewater rafting and skydiving, this resort really is a thrill-seeker’s paradise. For something a little less extreme, why not try your hand at rock climbing or take in the stunning alpine scenery as you hike some of the mountainous trails?

The sky really is the limit in this extraordinary part of the world. Book into one of our luxury hotels in South Island and discover this wonderful destination for yourself. Contact us today to find out more.