Wilderness Wonders

 Exploring the South Island’s National Parks by Road

A South Island road trip in New Zealand promises breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences, especially when focusing on iconic national parks like Fiordland, Aoraki/Mount Cook, and Westland. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect, along with other activities to consider:

National Park Highlights:

• Fiordland National Park:
  • This is a land of dramatic fiords, towering peaks, and lush rainforests.
  • Milford Sound: A must-do! Take a cruise to witness the stunning fiord, waterfalls, and wildlife. Kayaking is also a fantastic option.
  • Doubtful Sound: A deeper, longer fiord, offering a more secluded and immersive experience.
  • Hiking: The Kepler, Routeburn, and Milford Tracks are world-renowned multi-day hikes, but there are also shorter day hikes available.
  • Te Anau: The gateway to Fiordland, offering lake activities and glowworm cave tours.
• Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park:
  • Home to New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook, this park is a haven for hikers and mountaineers.
  • Hooker Valley Track: An accessible and incredibly scenic hike leading to views of Aoraki/Mount Cook.
  • Tasman Glacier walks: Explore the terminal lake and icebergs of the Tasman Glacier.
  • Stargazing: The clear, dark skies make this an ideal location for stargazing.
  • The Hermitage Hotel: A great place to stay, with amazing views.
• Westland Tai Poutini National Park:
  • Known for its glaciers, including Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.
  • Glacier hikes: Take a guided hike onto the glaciers for a unique experience. Helicopter tours offer breathtaking aerial views.
  • Lake Matheson: Famous for its mirror-like reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook.
  • Coastal scenery: The drive along the West Coast is stunning, with rugged beaches and rainforests.
  • Pancake rocks: At Punakaiki, these unique rock formations are a must see.

Other South Island Activities:

• Lake Tekapo:
  • Famous for its turquoise waters and the Church of the Good Shepherd.
  • Stargazing at the Dark Sky Reserve.
• Queenstown:
  • The adventure capital of New Zealand, offering bungee jumping, jet boating, white-water rafting, and more.
  • Scenic gondola rides and hiking.
  • Central Otago wine region.
• Wanaka:
  • Beautiful lake scenery.
  • Roy’s peak hike.
  • That Wanaka Tree.
• The Catlins:
  • A remote and rugged region with stunning coastal scenery, waterfalls, and wildlife.
  • Nugget Point and Purakaunui Falls are highlights.
• Kaikoura:
  • Whale watching and dolphin encounters.
  • Seafood experiences.
• Abel Tasman National Park:
  • Beautiful golden sand beaches, and great hiking and kayaking.

Road Trip Tips:

• Allow plenty of time: The South Island is vast, and you’ll want to savor the scenery.
• Be prepared for changing weather: Mountain weather can be unpredictable.
• Book accommodations and activities in advance, especially during peak season.
• Consider renting a campervan, for great flexibility.
• Driving in New Zealand is on the left side of the road.