New Zealand's South Island

by Tom Newbald

I can honestly say I would go back just for the 'fush and chups' not to mention the incredible scenery, clean air and friendly locals.

We left Sydney on a Friday night at the end of May and flew directly to Christchurch with Air New Zealand. As it's only a short 3-hour flight one has barely enough time to settle into Air NZ's ergonomically designed seats, have some dinner, a Steinlarger and watch a movie before landing. It's that easy.

To cut a long story short we spent 12 days travelling around New Zealand's South Island in a fully equipped campervan and had a fantastic time. If you're thinking of heading to NZ I can seriously recommend a fly / drive adventure. The country is very well set up to cater to the independent traveller. You'll also get to see and do what you want, when you want all at a reasonable price. Here are a few of the highlights from our 3,000km trip: Lake Tekapo - Located half way between Christchurch & Queenstown in the heart of Mackenzie country Lake Tekapo is a stunning turquoise-blue in colour and surrounded by snow capped mountains. The Church of the Good Shepherd on the shore of the lake offers spectacular views and is certainly worth a visit. The surrounding countryside is also breathtaking. Tom's travel.com.au Tip - Carry on in a Southerly direction from Lake Tekapo slow down when you pass Lake Pukaki, pull over when the lake comes in to view and you'll be able to see Mt. Cook in the distance. The Catlins - If you've got the time a trip through the Catlins Forest Park along the Southern Scenic Route is well worth the effort. Here lush green forests and rolling hills meet a rugged coastline that's home to a diverse array of wildlife including fur seals, yellow-eyed penguins and Hectors dolphins. Some of the highlights include Nuggett Point Lighthouse, Purakaunui Falls and Slope Point - the most Southerly point in New Zealand. Tom's travel.com.au Tip - Cannibal Bay, if you want to get up close to a Sea Lion this is the place to go. Milford Sound - Milford Sound lies at one end of perhaps the most famous walking track in the Southern Hemisphere, The Milford Track. If you haven't got 5 days spare to do the walk, don't worry you can drive to the Sound from Te Anau in about 2 hours. This is a dramatic road that takes you into the heart of Fiordland winding up and over mountains and eventually down to Milford Sound. There are a number of cruise operators in the Sound all offering 2 - 4 hour trips taking in the sights of Mitre Peak, Bowen & Fairy Falls and much more. Tom's travel.com.au Tip - Homer tunnel on the road from Te Anau to Milford Sound is amazing also look out for the Sound's resident dolphins. Wanaka - Queesntown is fantastic, but the quieter ski resort town of Wanaka is not to be missed. Situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka this sleepy alpine town is home to an array of coffee houses, cafes, bars and arts & crafts shops all combining to create a fantastic atmosphere. Tom's travel.com.au Tip - On the road into Wanaka from Queesntown you'll pass Puzzle World on your left hand side, continue for approx. 100 metres and stop in the lay by on the right. From here take the track that leads to the summit of Mount Iron for breathtaking views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains. Fox & Franz Joseph Glacier - The weather got the better of us at Franz Joseph glacier so unfortunately we weren't able to see as much as we wanted to. The glacier is the steepest in the world and forms the focal point of the Westland National Park and the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. Numerous guiding companies offer trips to the glacier or you can walk independently to the glacial face. Tom's travel.com.au Tip - Rug up, it's cold around here! If this is a must for you, allow a couple of days, as the weather can be unpredictable. Abel Tasman National Park & Coastal Track - Abel Tasman National Park in the North of the South Island is simply beautiful. In contrast to the rugged coastline that surrounds most of the South Island, Abel Tasman is a sheltered paradise with white sandy beaches, abundant wildlife and activities galore from sea kayaking to scuba diving. Tom's travel.com.au Tip - If you haven't got much time, the 14km walk from Tonga Bay to Torrent Bay is a great way to see the park and walk part of the coastal track. Blenheim - Blenheim located in the picturesque Marlbrough region is the perfect place for wine tasting. With some of New Zealand's most famous vineyards all located within spitting distance of the town you can easily visit quite a few vineyards on a day tour. Alternatively go to the tourist information office in town and they'll provide you with a detailed map of the area. Tom's travel.com.au Tip - Cloudy Bay winery is located just outside Blenheim, here you can purchase a bottle of their delicious Sauvingon Blanc straight from the cellar door. Also in the area The Clansman, 72 Main Road, Havelock serves great home cooked meals beside a roaring log fire. Kaikoura - The sleepy fishing village of Kaikoura is perhaps one of the best locations in the world for whale watching. Here you go out in search of Sperm Whale's, migratory Humpback Whales (June & July), Orca (summer months), Hectors dolphins, Dusky dolphins, New Zealand Fur seals and the Royal Albatross. Tom's travel.com.au Tip - The West Coast glaciers whale watching trips are subject to the weather, so if you're desperate to see a Whale perhaps set aside 2 days. Inland from Kaikoura is Hamner Springs thermal reserve, well worth a visit along with the Post Office restaurant, which is famous for its lamb and beef dishes.