New Zealand's Southern Island

New Zealand's third-largest city boasts an array of architectural styles, landmarks of cultural significance, and many green areas.

With a variety of alcoves - including rose and herb gardens, as well as a fernery - this botanic garden promises a nice afternoon.

Lined with shops, eccentric cafes, and historic buildings, Christchurch's central streets echo many European cities with its grace.

Christchurch's largest park boasts sprawling lawns and abundant greenery, perfect for strolling, picnicking, or just to read a book.

A wildlife and nature reserve preserving local ecosystem and native fauna, such as kiwi, takahe, tuatara, and others.

An open-range zoo housing over 400 animals, offering close encounters with diverse wildlife, including lions, rhinos, and giraffes.

With the largest ski area in New Zealand's South Island, Mount Hutt is a popular attraction for winter sports enthusiasts.

Set in a Gothic Revival mansion, this museum houses exhibits on Maori culture, history, geology, natural history, art, and more.

Take the cable car to the mountaintop, where panorama of the whole area awaits you. Enjoy the cafe or hike to the nearby lookout.

This museum traces the history of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, exhibiting an array of aircraft, a simulator, weapons, and more.

A memorial consisting of 185 unique chairs, each representing a life that had perished in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.

Offering a range of walking and hiking trails of all difficulty levels, this forest park also features heritage sites and camping.

Featuring a number of hikes and treks of varying difficulty, this breathtaking park boasts mountains, rivers, lagoons, and more.

Constructed with cardboard, wood, and steel, this church boasts a modern design and a lovely stained-glass window front.

Housed in a fascinating construction of steel and glass, this major museum houses exhibits by local and international artists.

Take a tour of the house to view original 19C decor, explore the grounds, or come on a Saturday for the Christchurch Farmers' Market.

Dedicated to New Zealand's history of earthquakes, this museum presents Maori legends, personal accounts, artifacts, and films.

Named the "Spiritual Center of the Universe" by the Dalai Lama, this gorgeous hill features massive boulders that resemble castle ruins.

Experience authentic New Zealand farming and learn about the history of farmig dating back to French pioneers.

With fascinating history, superb cultural venues, and a rich architectural legacy, this lively university city will charm you.

Walk along the central streets with its variety of shops, admiring local street art and lovely historic buildings.

Hike through farmland and through a tunnel to this beach, famed for its sandstone arch and caves riddling the looming cliffs.

Take a tour through one of New Zealand's most favored breweries, learning about its history, preparation process, and various tastes.

Tracing the history of the region from its early Maori settlers, this museum houses vehicles, portraits, and interactive exhibits.

This narrow headland is home to a diversity of wildlife, lush natural landscape, and several historic sites.

If you walk along the Koekohe Beach you'll encounter these uniquely smooth boulders strewn along the coast.

The world's only mainland breeding center of albatross is also home to a historic fort, and other birds such as blue penguins.

Boasting traditional Chinese architecture, this garden features a lake, a teahouse, and a wealth of atmospheric charm.

The oldest botanic gardens in New Zealand boast a variety of gardens, several notable statues, playgrounds, a pond, and more.

Dunedin's largest public art museum holds New Zealandian and international artworks, including an exhibition of decorative arts.

One of the most famous land formations in the region can be admired from a viewpoint at the end of an easy 20-minute ling trail.

Take a tour through this beautiful private reserve, home to a colony of endangered yellow-eyed penguins. Be sure to book in advance.

This quiet southern city boasts an array of architectural styles, nice parks, and some notable restaurants.

Spend your afternoon exploring this wonderful park, featuring sports grounds, a few museums, an aviary, and a botanic garden.

Housed in a large pyramid building, this wonderful museum exhibits modern and historic art, Maori culture, and natural history.

Admire the Renaissance and and Gothic buildings lining the major streets of this city, taking in the mellow ambiance.

An extensive collection of vehicles, cars, and trucks, this facility also offers interactive exhibits and playgrounds.

Home to an array of indigenous birds including penguins, owls, and parrots, visitors also have a chance to see the Aurora Australis.

Boasting 26km of fine sand, this beach is the perfect retreat for lovers of solitude and sun, offering nice views and great swimming.

Feel like you're exploring a small town from the past at this unique exhibit, uniquely made up of scraps from demolished buildings and recycled items.

One of the most famous land formations in the region can be admired from a viewpoint at the end of an easy 20-minute ling trail.

This scenic region is known for its breathtaking views, gorgeous nature, and idyllic beaches.

The best starting point for your exploration of the Fiordland National Park, this town is surrounded by marvelous natural features.

Stock up on snacks and water before heading off to explore nearby lakes and mountains, enjoying the fresh air and friendly locals.

A route leading you through lush nature strewn with native trees, featuring a trout-fishing lake for children, and biking trails.

These aviaries are home to many interesting native birds, including the iconic takahe that is highly elusive in nature.

One of New Zealand's favored natural attractions, this fiord is riddled with waterfalls and offers breathtaking scenery year-round.

A resort town offering a plethora of thrilling activities among gorgeous landscape, as well as a fine galleries, eateries, and more.

New Zealand's largest national park features breathtaking fjords, lush valleys and lakes, several gorgeous hiking trails, and more.

One of New Zealand's famed fjords boasts a unique marine ecosystem, picturesque scenery, and many beautiful waterfalls.

Delve into the belly of these limestone caves, trailing through elaborate stone formations to a cavern full of colorful glowworms.

Pack up your gear and head out to an adventure through Fiordland National Park on this wonderful 4-8 day track.

A resort town offering a plethora of thrilling activities among gorgeous landscape, as well as a fine galleries, eateries, and more.

Webbed with walking trails and full of native flora, this botanic garden also hosts a rose garden, an ice rink, and other amenities.

Explore the streets, visit one of the fine galleries, or head to the lake for some breathtaking panorama of the bay and the range.

Take an uphill gondola ride to enjoy breathtaking views of the city. At the top, enjoy hiking trails, restaurants, and more!

Set in a natural alcove in downtown Queenstown, this wildlife sanctuary is home kiwi, tuatara, kea, and a variety of other birds.

One of New Zealand's favored natural attractions, this fiord is riddled with waterfalls and offers breathtaking scenery year-round.

A large popular lake, Lake Wanaka is a beautiful location full of fun activities for all ages, including hiking, fishing, and more.

Surrounded with beautiful scenery, this lively market is brimming with fresh produce, handcrafts, souvenirs and a great atmosphere.

With a variety of pools, water slides, hot pools, and a lazy river, this aquapark offers something for all ages.

Pack up your gear and head out to an adventure through Fiordland National Park on this wonderful 4-8 day track.

Travel from Queenstown to Dunedin, driving along the southern coast and enjoying the best of New Zealand's natural landscape.

Towering at over 3,000m, Mount Aspiring is the heart of this gorgeous national park, home to a wealth of fun nature activities.

This picturesque lake is the longest and third-largest lake in New Zealand, offering nearby ventures for lovers of active leisure.

Popular among hikers, this gorgeous gorge is also known for extreme sports such as bungee jumping off the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge.

Spanning 32km, this famous hiking track crosses two stunning national parks, snow-capped mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and more.

Trailing up the Ben Lomond mountain, this track is steep and trying, yet the panorama from the peak is well-worth the effort.

The best starting point for your exploration of the Fiordland National Park, this town is surrounded by marvelous natural features.