South Island
The South Island is known for being rugged, remote and far less populated than the North Island. With that being said, it is no doubt my favorite of the two. (Sorry in advance to my friends up north). They are both equally diverse in their own way but the south island is where you will find the Southern Alps. And some of the most breath taking views in the world. Not to mention the friendliest, most down to earth people you will ever meet.
To give you an idea of the kind of place this is…The first time I had to fill my car with gas, I walked in and told the attendant “I need $40 on pump three”. He gave me puzzled look and said “Sir, you pay for the gas AFTER you pump it…..”. Not where I come from, I thought to myself.
Aoraki / Mount Cook
Aoraki, also known as Mount Cook is situated in the Canterbury Region and is New Zealand’s tallest peak at 12,218′. The drive to the park is an experience in itself. You will pass alongside the bank of Lake Pukaki, the blue lake I have ever seen. When you arrive at the village you will be surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers. There are plenty of hikes to chose from, as well as a small climbing museum. I would suggest the Sealy Tarns Track. Dubbed the “stairway to heaven”, due to the 2200 make-shift steps you must conquer before reaching the top. I assure you, the view is worth every step of the way. The Hooker Valley Track is also popular but will be more crowded due to the relative ease.
Be sure to check out the Tasman Glacier while you are there as well.
Queenstown
Queenstown, the adventure capitol of the world and not surprising, my favorite New Zealand town. Located at the base of the Remarkable Mountain range on the edge of Lake Wakatipu this lively place truly has it all. Each time I visit I end up staying much longer than planned, it just has a way of drawing you in. Queenstown offers jet boat rides, bungy jumping, parasailing, world class hiking, skiing and much more. There is no question it is a thrill seekers paradise. However, there are plenty of lake side resorts and over 150 restaurants, cafes and bars nearby. It creates an incredible nightlife experience that cant be found anywhere else. Just be warned no one in Queenstown, is actually from Queenstown, everyone you meet will be from elsewhere in the world.
Being from Texas, I might be slightly biased but I recommend checking out Cowboys Bar. As far as I know it is the only place in New Zealand you will find a mechanical bull, which makes for a interesting show.
Milford Sound
Milford Sound, described by Rudyard Kipling as the “8th wonder of the world” is a must do when visiting New Zealand. The fjord was created by glaciers during the ice age and is now one of the countries most visited sites. It is a remote, four hour drive from Queenstown if you dont stop. It will take much longer if you are anything like me and stop at every lookout to take in the views and snap a few pictures. Once you reach the sound and your boat departs, you will soon be surrounded by snow capped peaks and towering waterfalls. Chances are high you will also see plenty of seals and if your lucky a few dolphins!
Be sure to check out Lake Gunn and Mirror Lake on the drive back also!
Wanaka
Wanaka is located across the crown range an hour north of Queenstown. It is the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park and the scenic west coast. By far one of the most stunning places I have ever seen and a place I often dream of retiring to. During the summer months people have ample opportunity to go hiking or take a dip in the crystal clear waters of Lake Wanaka. Then when winter arrives the town is transformed into a mecca for skiers and snowboarders. Most afternoons you will find locals and travelers alike mingling at the Lake Bar, it is a great place to relax after a day of exploring.
I did did quite a few hikes but Mount Isthmus is my favorite, similar to the famous Roys Peak but far less crowded.
Abel Tasman
Abel Tasman may be New Zealand’s smallest National park but it packs a punch. Located on the northern tip of the south island near the coastal town of Nelson. It is the most visited park in the country but to be honest it had never caught my attention. Until I met two girls at the hostel who recommended that we not only visit Abel Tasman but we run the trails while were there! I was sold.
The next day we headed to Kaiteriteri to take the ferry to the park. We decided to get off at Awaroa Beach and run twelve miles south to Torrent bay, where we would make our rendezvous with the ferry. For the most part the trail rolled through dense forest but every so often there would be an opening and we come to a sudden stop to take pictures like the ones above. Each of us fell at least once (multiple times for me) but we made it back to the ferry and even had time to relax on the beach. All in all the park exceed my expectation and I will undoubtedly be back to run the rest!
Not to mention my favorite hostel is located nearby in Nelson, Prince Albert’s Backpackers, Bar & Restaurant.
Honorable Mention: Arthur's Pass National Park
The route to Arthur’s Pass National Park is one of my favorite stretches of road in New Zealand. The main reason I detoured to the park was for the Cave Stream, a 1800′ long underground stream that is accessible to brave visitors. When I arrived I was the only car in sight but I quickly made my way down the hill, to the bottom of the cave. I waded into the darkness until I was waist deep in the frigid water before deciding to turn around. It felt like a smart choice, considering I have zero caving experience. Not to mention if something bad did happen, no one would be coming to look for me (downside of traveling solo). However, not fully discouraged, I made my way around to the mouth of the cave to see if it was more accessible.
As I approached the entrance, I could hear water roaring and knew it wasn’t going to be accessible. I did see fixed, rungs down the side of the cave, proving that it was possible to make it through. But there was no way I was crawling down into the dark abyss with all that water rushing down. I wasn’t even sure my flashlight was water proof, so I opted to go back to the car to dry off and warm up. Which ended up being the second smart choice for the day.
Pictured below is the bottom end of the cave.
I hope you have enjoyed! Click HERE to see the North Island Top 5
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