{"id":3267,"date":"2020-08-12T09:54:18","date_gmt":"2020-08-12T09:54:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tripfuser.com\/blog\/?p=3267"},"modified":"2025-01-05T15:07:55","modified_gmt":"2025-01-05T15:07:55","slug":"new-zealand-south-island-tour-travel-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/new-zealand-south-island-tour-travel-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Drive Away on Your New Zealand South Island Tour With This Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lakes so beautiful they could make your eyes water, snow-capped mountains and sparkling glacial valleys are just a taste of what the South Island of New Zealand offers. The addition of golden beaches, abundant wildlife and more adventures than you ever thought possible makes the South Island undoubtedly one of the most incredible destinations in the world.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Known as New Zealand’s ‘mainland’, like most of the country the South Island is anything but crowded. Just over a million people call the South Island home, which means there’s a slice of wilderness for everyone on this 151,215 square-kilometre island. The only trouble you might have is choosing which of the South Island’s diverse landscapes to cover; even natives who have called the island home their whole life are still struggling to tick off all its top spots.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When it comes to adventure, the South Island excels. Known as the world’s adventure capital, the South Island presents endless adrenaline-pumping possibilities including hiking, skiing, bungee jumping, heli-skiing, skydiving and even more for hardcore thrill-seekers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Between the beautiful covers of the Marlborough Sounds, the endless trails of the Abel Tasman National Park, several accessible glaciers and of course, the capital of it all, Queenstown, the South Island has it all.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Between the adventures, the island doesn’t fall flat. With a tantalising smorgasbord of cuisines, local produce and artisanal delights, New Zealand’s South Island’s regions combine for an epic food scene. On a self-drive New Zealand tour, it’s not uncommon to stop off at the roadside stalls to pick up local delights, from homemade relishes to fresh seafood and more, as you pass through each region. Add world-class restaurants and some of the world’s best wines to the mix and you’re set!<\/span><\/p>\n

With respect for the outdoors like no other country, the South Island’s jaw-dropping beauty has been appreciated since the Maori first settled around the 13th century. Maori culture and history are honoured with recognition and preservation through national parks established for their spiritual significance to indigenous people and school programmes to educate each generation. The South Island’s wildly diverse and distinctive inhabitants also come in the form of whales, dolphins, rare penguins, fur seals, parrots and of course, the shy kiwi.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you’re ready for your jaw to drop at every turn, then continue reading this guide to plan the ultimate New Zealand South Island tour;<\/span><\/p>\n

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