How many days do you need to see South Island New Zealand?
14 days
The short answer is 14 days as a minimum time frame for visiting both the North Island and South Island of New Zealand.
What should I not miss South Island NZ?
11 must do experiences in the South Island
- Marvel at Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain.
- Visit New Zealand’s only castle.
- Go native bird spotting on Rakiura/Stewart Island.
- Discover the majestic Milford and Doubtful Sounds.
- Explore the Marlborough Sounds.
- Go on a street art trail in Christchurch.
How long does it take to drive around NZ South Island?
The South Island is marginally larger at 840km, taking up to 14 hours in perfect driving conditions, from the ferry port of Picton to the appropriately dubbed Bluff, balancing on the bottom edge.
What is the best time to visit New Zealand South Island?
The best time to visit New Zealand is during the summer months of December to March, which bring long, bright and sunny days and temperatures of 16°C to 24°C. They’re ideal for visiting the lovely beaches or enjoying the many outdoor activities available, such as hiking and mountain biking.
Is New Zealand North or South Island better?
Generally speaking, if you want to engage with city culture or explore Maori history, the North Island is for you. If you want to deep-dive into nature, the South Island has plenty of lakes, mountains, fjords, and glaciers to discover.
What’s the best time of year to visit New Zealand?
The best time to visit New Zealand is during the summer months of December to March. Expect long, bright, sunny days and temperatures between 61°F and 75°F. It’s an ideal time to visit the lovely beaches or enjoy the many outdoor activities available, such as hiking and mountain biking.
What can you do in South Island for free?
Lonely Planet’s 18 best free things to do on New Zealand’s South…
- Canterbury Museum. Grant Matthew.
- Eastern Southland Gallery.
- Victorian Precinct.
- Five-dollar gigs at the Mussel Inn.
- The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit film sets.
- Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park Visitor Centre.
- Catlins Wildlife Tour.
- Climb Avalanche Peak.
What is South Island New Zealand known for?
The Island is well-known for its lakes, glaciers and lush green mountains. The Southern Alps can be found here as well as many national parks and reserves. New Zealand’s South Island is now booming because of all the wonderful opportunities that it offers to its tourists.
What is the most beautiful part of New Zealand?
10 Most Picturesque Places in New Zealand
- Bay of Islands. Photo: photo.eccles / Adobe Stock.
- The Coromandel. Another beautiful beach area on the North Island is the Coromandel Peninsula.
- Hobbiton.
- Tongariro National Park.
- Wellington.
- Mount Aspiring National Park.
- Queenstown.
- Milford Sound.
Is it easy to drive in South Island NZ?
Absolutely! It truly was much simpler than we thought. There is only one route which connects one town to another, so navigating and driving in New Zealand is not difficult. There also aren’t that many cars on the road, so you can drive at your own comfortable speed.
What is the cheapest time to go to New Zealand?
High and low season in New Zealand
The shoulder seasons (Mar–May and Sept–Nov) offer good value and accommodation discounts apply. The low season (June–Oct) is the cheapest time to travel, however prices remain high at resort towns with ski fields.
Which is better north or south New Zealand?
Which part of New Zealand is most beautiful?
What is the nicest city in New Zealand?
10 Best places to live in New Zealand
- Queenstown. View from the top of the Skyline Gondola in Queenstown.
- Napier. Coming in at number two on our list is Napier.
- Rotorua.
- Auckland.
- Tauranga/Mt Maunganui.
- Wellington.
- New Plymouth.
- Christchurch.
Is New Zealand north or South Island better?
Is Queenstown New Zealand worth visiting?
Queenstown is without a doubt New Zealand’s most popular tourist destination, and as I’ve mentioned, close to 1.5 million tourists visit annually. There are plenty of luxurious hotels with stunning views and excellent restaurants as well as other more relaxing activities for those who just want a chilled-out vacation.
Which New Zealand island is most beautiful?
South Island
New Zealand’s South Island is larger than the North Island and generally considered more beautiful. It also has a gorgeous coastline, but it is best known for the many mountains and fjords that define its inland.
Which is more beautiful North or South Island NZ?
New Zealand’s South Island is larger than the North Island and generally considered more beautiful. It also has a gorgeous coastline, but it is best known for the many mountains and fjords that define its inland.
Is north or south New Zealand better?
The North Island experiences more of a warmer climate so you can enjoy warmer weather activities such as sunbaking on the beach, whereas the South Island is a bit colder, perfect for snow activities such as skiing and snowboarding.
Can I drive in New Zealand with UK licence?
If you hold a current UK driver’s licence then yes you can drive in New Zealand for up to one year without needing to do anything else. You must carry your licence with you at all times while driving. If you are planning to stay in New Zealand for over one year you will need to apply for a New Zealand licence.
Is it safe to drive at night NZ?
Is it safe to drive in New Zealand at night? Absolutely! We were initially afraid to drive at night for fear of poor light conditions, but New Zealand’s road markings are reflective – in the sense that they reflect light from your car.
Who is the best airline to fly to New Zealand with?
Qantas. Australian flag carrier Qantas is consistently named one of the best airlines in the world, particularly in safety. The carrier flies to New Zealand, the Americas, Asia, South Africa, and Europe. Qantas was also named the world’s best regional carrier by AirlineRatings.
Which is better New Zealand North or South Island?
Which is better north or South Island NZ?