Travel Report New Zealand South Island

Once to the other side of the world! Once to be as far from home as possible - New Zealand! The island nation in the South Pacific is almost 12,500 miles away from the United States and combines an indescribable natural diversity on its relatively small area of the North and South Islands.

On my way to Australia, I explored the South Island of New Zealand in nearly two weeks with the Kiwi Experience bus (and I totally regret not having more time to visit the North Island as well). In two weeks, I saw the main highlights of the South Island - albeit in a fast-paced manner.

If you have more time: Check out Mandy's tips for The Catlins in the south of New Zealand's South Island.

In this map, I've marked the places I've visited. It makes it easier for you to get an overview.

Those who land on the South Island almost always arrive in its largest city, Christchurch, on the east coast. After two major earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, the cityscape still suffers greatly from the destruction at that time. At the same time, the city is undergoing significant change.

Perfect for arriving and acclimating is a stroll through the Re:START Mall, an outdoor complex consisting of modern container buildings with cool pop-up stores, bars, and plenty of street food.

A visit to Quake City is also worthwhile; here, multimedia stories about the severe earthquake and the city are told.

In good weather, the Botanical Fruit Garden invites relaxation.

Tip for accommodation in Christchurch: YMCA Christchurch

The village located 2.5 hours north of Christchurch makes the hearts of water sports enthusiasts and adventure fans race, including mine! The diverse underwater world is best explored while snorkeling and diving in the ocean.

You will also find plenty of hiking trails leading along the coast. If you're lucky, you might spot a whale or dolphin. Seals are pretty much found in Kaikoura 'like sand on the beach'!

My personal highlight of the trip was swimming with wild dolphins on the second day in New Zealand. Admittedly, at under 50 degrees Fahrenheit air temperature and similarly low water temperature, it was quite a leap of faith. But it was worth it!

At sunrise and with solid waves, geared up with wetsuits, snorkeling gear, and fins, we went out to the open sea. We eagerly looked at the water, searching for the pod of dolphins that usually stays near the bay in Kaikoura at this time. And finally, after half an hour, they emerged close to our boat: about 60 dolphins!

Then everything happened quickly. We were allowed into the water. It didn't take long before the first curious animals swam right by us. They emerged from the depths of the ocean seemingly from nowhere, briefly leaping above the surface of the water or swirling around us. So close you could touch them!

The initial unsettling feeling - at 5:30 in the frigid, deep open sea, surrounded by wild animals - soon faded, replaced by the fascinating experience of watching dolphins in the wild in such an unforced manner, wow! I booked my dolphin tour at encounter ...Kaikoura.

Tip for accommodation in Kaikoura: Lazy Shag Backpackers

Arriving in the north of the island, there is a lot to discover in and around Abel Tasman National Park. For example, the Split Apple Rock, a huge granite rock about 50 meters off the coast, which you can circumnavigate by kayak. In warm temperatures, the beach, which is one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in New Zealand, is inviting.

Then leap out of a plane like I did from 13,000 feet! The flight takes 10 minutes, during which the propeller plane climbs into the sky, and you can enjoy the view over the island. Then it happens quickly, and before you realize it, you're plummeting for 45 seconds in free fall at speeds of up to 124 mph, enjoying breathtaking views over the South and North Islands, before the parachute suddenly opens and safely brings you back to earth. It's possibly the most indescribable feeling ever!

I did my skydive with Sky Dive.

Tip for accommodation in Kaiteriteri: Kaiteri Lodge

The town on the west coast has more sunny days than the rest of the South Island and is thus predestined for the coolest surf spots and the most beautiful beaches on the island. Ideal if you need a breather after so much adrenaline! In the evenings, many campfires invite you to chill on the beach. A day couldn't end better.

Tip for accommodation in Westport: Bazil's Hostel

The path there also has a lot to offer: wild nature pure! High cliffs where the crashing waves hit, green meadows, rocky paths. And all of this almost in one spot.

Famous for its more than 12-kilometer-long glacier, Franz Josef attracts almost every visitor to New Zealand. The peculiarity: The Franz Josef Glacier is the only glacier in the world that lies less than 984 feet above sea level and is therefore surrounded by a moderate climate and rainforest.

A hike to the foot of the glacier is exciting; however, if you like even more action, you should definitely take a helicopter flight to the glacier in good weather. Local providers will supply you with the necessary gear, including warm jackets, for the ice hike.

Tip for accommodation in Franz Josef: Rainforest Backpackers

Picturesquely located by Lake Wanaka, Wanaka is the ideal place to gear up for wild party nights in Queenstown. Bars and restaurants right by the lake give the town a certain flair. For the sporty: Biking tours around the lake in summer or skiing trips not far away will suit everyone.

Tip for accommodation in Wanaka: Altamont Lodge

No wonder this little town by Lake Wanaka is the undisputed Adventure Capital of the World! During a leap into the abyss, you can trace the origins of Bungee.

The largest swing in the world can also be found here. Swinging across the Nevis River at 120 km/h from a height of 525 feet is guaranteed to push any adrenaline junkie to their limits.

Before you dive into the wild nightlife of Queenstown with its countless bars and clubs, make sure to fuel up with a delicious Fergburger. It's worth it!

For all early risers, I recommend the incredibly beautiful sunrise by the lake. And during the day? How about a view of Queenstown from above? A hike up the surrounding mountains is definitely worth it!

It's peaceful here. The Church of the Good Shepherd is one of the most photographed attractions in New Zealand. A special tip: The stars shine particularly bright and clear over the lake at night. I recommend a guided night hike, which is worthwhile not just for romantics (provider of my tour).

Everything you need to know before your trip for planning is summarized here: New Zealand Travel Tips, everything you need to know.

The South Island generally has a harsher climate than you will find on the North Island. In Wanaka, there is a real winter with great ski slopes.

In the American winter (December to February), it is summer in New Zealand. Then, it is the warmest and there is little rain. You should know that the weather on the east coast is better than on the west coast. It is drier and less humid and windy.

The main travel season is December and January, as that is summer vacation in New Zealand!

For skiing, you should choose the months of June to August. A friend lived in Wanaka for 2 years and really made me jealous with his snowboarding pictures.

Before my trip, I purchased the Dumont Picture Atlas New Zealand and the Baedeker New Zealand. Especially for the South Island, I highly recommend New Zealand - South Island: 50 Highlights off the Beaten Path.

New Zealand is really great at providing tourist information on the spot. In the so-called i-Sites (information centers), you can get free maps and tips for tours, activities, and lodging.

At the entrances to national parks, you'll find the Department of Conservation (DOC). These facilities also provide great information for the parks and maps. They offer tips for hikes and activities. Sometimes, free ranger-guided tours are also available.

The second important institution is the Department of Conservation (DOC). It manages the many national parks in New Zealand and has valuable information regarding activities in nature.

New Zealand is not large. And especially not densely populated. There are only 16 people per square kilometer. Even though Kiwis drive on the other side of the road, traveling by camper van or RV is not difficult and, with a bit of routine, it's no problem.

If you do not want to drive yourself, or are traveling alone, you can join bus tours with Kiwi Experience or Stray Bus.

Tour operators often get better rates; a prior search on the Internet is also helpful. Many activities can be booked directly in hostels or hotels for good rates, but they also receive a small commission, so you often have to pay more here.

During the high travel season, popular excursions are often fully booked. Therefore, I recommend booking some days in advance. Although many activities are not particularly cheap, you should treat yourself to a few while on your New Zealand trip-the opportunity may not come around again soon.

Hostels in New Zealand are usually clean and safe. Sometimes breakfast is even included in the price. If traveling by bus, hostels are often recommended and you will be directly picked up and dropped off there, which can mean that these are often full during the peak travel season.

If you're traveling by car or camper, you are more flexible.

I always book accommodations via booking.com or sometimes through Hostelworld. Both are trusted platforms for finding accommodations worldwide.

In New Zealand, Wi-Fi access in accommodations is often chargeable. Most places have hotspot boxes that offer free internet access via Wi-Fi. Alternatively, you can also buy a prepaid SIM card at the supermarket for a reasonable price.

So you don't forget anything, I have created a Checklist for Your Road Trip.

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