My recommendations for traveling around the South Island of New Zealand.
Map
Sections
4
Christchurch
Dunedin
Queenstown
Invercargill/Bluff
Christchurch
Christchurch was hit with a pretty destructive earthquake and is still recovering. Even still a lovely town.
Was recommended this museum by several people in Christchurch. Gives a great history of the city before during and after the earthquake that absolutely devastated the city.
Quake City
Hub of really good restaurants and lively atmosphere. Had one of the most delicious cookies of my life here (maybe a bit dramatic but it was good)
Riverside Market
5.8 mile trail, fairly easy and definitely worth the view. Beautiful.
Godley Head Loop Track Carpark
Free to enter and absolutely beautiful. Rose gardens, native and exotic plants. The Avon river runs through the garden and Hadley Park surrounds the Garden
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Dunedin
Dunedin was surprisingly one of my favorite towns in NZ. I stopped there last minute and ended up coming back again later. It’s supposed to be similar to Edinburgh. Since University of Otago is there it has a college town feel but is still relatively...
Honestly one of the best beaches I’ve been to and that says a lot from someone that has lived in both California and Australia
St Clair Beach | 100% Pure New Zealand
The Winter Garden Glass house is gorgeous and the gardens are beautiful to stroll through.
Dunedin Botanic Garden
NZs oldest history museum. Telling the history of Dunedin and covers many different subjects. Really interesting!
Toitu Otago Settlers Museum
An amazing scenic view of Dunedin. You can drive there or take the 2 hour uphill walk like I did (😭).
The Big Easy Signal Hill Track to Signal Hill Lookout, Otago, New Zealand
Queenstown was the most densely populated area I visited in NZ. There are many activities for thrill seekers and the swimmable lake with the snow capped mountains in the background was picturesque. However definitely felt like a tourist town and I di...
The infamous gondola in Queenstown. You can also take the luge down the same mountain although I opted not to do so.
Skyline Queenstown
Very educational and interesting. Saw a real kiwi! Highlight of my time in Queenstown
Kiwi Park Queenstown
Right in the center of town and great for a nice swim
Lake Wakatipu - An Inland Lake - Queenstown
There’s a bus in Queenstown that takes you all the way to arrowtown. Super quaint town with lots of little shops and a museum.
Arrowtown New Zealand, Things to Do, See, and Experience
This is in Arrowtown but I thought it deserved its own post. Super cool cinema, bar and bookshop
Dorothy Browns cinema, bar and bookstore
I took a coach/cruise from Queenstown to see Milford sound and it was probably the highlight of my NZ trip. Pricy but worth it. Stunning.
Visit Milford Sound in New Zealand | Best Tours and Cruises
Invercargill/Bluff
Large beautiful park featuring gardens massive trees, a playground, and even a cafe. Make sure to stop by the animal reservation to check out real life Tuataras!
Scenic point in bluff about 30 minutes from Invercargill.
Stirling Point
Cute little boat museum
Bluff Maritime Museum
I happened to be in Invercargill when this was going on. I am NOT a motorcycle fan/enthusiast but could see this being fun for the right person. SO many motorcycles
