South Island Destinations

Getaway To The Adventure Capital Of The World!

The South Island of New Zealand is known as the Adventure Capital of the World; a well-deserved accolade given the vast range of activities available. It is also one of the most scenic countries in the world, offering visitors diversity within close-proximity.

The South Island is the largest of the two main islands of New Zealand however it has only 30% of the population and offers visitors far more diversity than the North Island.

The largest city and International Gateway to the South Island is Christchurch; a sophisticated city offering visitors an impressive line-up of events and festivals, cafes, bars and entertainment options. Located on the East Coast mid-way up the island Christchurch is the perfect place to start and end your New Zealand holiday. Backpackerscars.com has two locations in Christchurch – one near the city and the other close to the International airport.

Detailed information and suggested itineraries can be provided by the team at Backpackerscars.com however to assist your planning the following regions are worth inclusion:

Kaikoura – stunning coastal alpine scenery coupled with eco-tourism activities such as whale watching, swimming with dolphins and seal snorkelling ensure you will be talking about your time at this East Coast village for years to come.

Nelson - known for its year-round sunshine, golden beaches and national parks.

Marlborough – repeatedly blessed with highest sunshine hours in New Zealand not to mention an award winning Sauvignon Blanc or two!

West Coast – an extreme mix of rivers and rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures the treasure of the West truly has to be experienced.

Canterbury – abundant farming lands create a patchwork quilt effect best viewed from a hot air-balloon at sunrise. Skirted by mountains on the West and ocean on the East the Canterbury plains are picture perfect.

Mt Cook – the highest point of the Southern Alps which run along the West Coast, at 3,754 metres they truly are majestic.

Queenstown – the true 'Adventure Capital of the World', this premier alpine resort town has activities to suit all ages and budgets from extreme sports to pamper packages ; Queenstown is a must.

Wanaka – just up the road from the resort town of Queenstown; this piece of paradise offers visitors a tranquil lake and awesome sunsets.

Otago – the landscape here has inspired many artists and is home to some of the Island’s best wineries.

Dunedin - New Zealand's oldest city is a hub of cultural activity and can also claim the steepest street in the world!

Fiordland – this dramatic and beautiful landscape has to be seen to be believed; the sheer size of the cliffs and the plunging waterfalls are breathtaking.

Southland – the most Southern region of New Zealand and the access point to the New Zealand’s third island – Stewart Island, which is just 75kms long and 45kms wide and is home to some spectacular wildlife.

Climate
New Zealand is affectionately known to the locals as the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’; a title given to the country by the Maori people. The close proximity of mountains to sea ensures a changeable climate but temperatures are generally mild with many hours of sunshine; despite moderately high rainfall levels across most of the country.

The South Island’s diverse geography and climatic conditions are closely related; it is not unusual for people to be surfing the breaks on either coast, whilst others are skiing the slopes of the Southern Alps just a few hours away.

Winter sports are popular from June to August however the most popular months to visit are December, January and February (Southern Hemisphere summer). In the Summer the average maximum temperature range is 20-30ºC, while in Winter temperatures will only reach 10-15ºC.

For detailed weather information please visit the New Zealand Met Service website.