First stop on the South island is Nelson. This often overlooked city is the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. This is an absolute must as it is home to a coastal track that is one of nine Great Walks in New Zealand. The 30 mile long coastal track is fairly easy and usually done over 3 days. You can book a walking tour where all the hassle of booking accommodation and meals etc are taken care of for you. As well as the trails you can kayak to hidden coves and visit seal colonies. This is a beautiful experience for those outdoor enthusiasts. Nelson is great as a base and features the incredible Nelson Market on a Saturday. 

Christchurch also known as ‘the garden city’ is a great city for a stroll. A very picturesque city with parks and green spaces. You could also hire a bike and explore the famous Botanic Gardens as well as cycle to the leafy suburb of Riccarton and explore two historic houses. You could take a one hour bus tour of the city and learn all about the important sites. Or you could take the gondola ride where you can admire the whole city with panoramic views. Or you could spend an afternoon punting on the Avon River. There is loads to do in Christchurch and the locals are also very friendly as well. 

From Christchurch you could drive to Franz Josef although getting the TranzAlpine train to Greymouth is highly recommended as it is a stunning train ride taking in some dramatic landscapes. From Greymouth pick up your hire car and take the coastal road to Frank Josef Glacier. A guided walking tour is recommended and you will learn about glacier geography and history. 

There is still much to do in the South Island. So read on to find out more…