Archives for South Island category
Posted under South Island |
Dunedin is a gracious city of grand 19th century buildings and beautiful gardens set at the head of a spectacular harbour in a beautiful corner of the country. The city, undisputedly different with a rich heritage, was once the largest in New Zealand, being the main centre for commerce and finance.
Public buildings are a feast for the eyes with Victorian, Edwardian and Flemish Renaissance reflected in the spires, turrets, towers and gables and the practical mixed with the whimsical; the imposing with the quaint. The Historic Places Trust lists 24 buildings worthy of permanent protection, including the Municipal Chambers, the railway station, St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, the Law Courts and Otago Girls High School. The ornate stonework of New Zealand’s first university campus (The University of Otago Clocktower) is home to thousands of students who give the city its lively atmosphere while providing a great pub scene.
If touring stately homes such as the Jacobean-styled Olveston or Glenfalloch hold no appeal, perhaps Dunedin’s stately railway station will. Not only is this stunning building a fascinating example of Edwardian architecture, complete with stained glass windows and Royal Doulton tiled floors, but it is the departure point for one of this country’s most spectacular rail journeys on the “Taieri Gorge Railway”. This unique experience lets you marvel at the tale of human endeavour which unfolds as you travel over the stone and iron lattice bridges that span the viaducts and rugged terrain.
As well as gaining an insight into the region’s Maori and European history, its geology, flora and fauna you’ll view stunning scenery which simply can’t be seen by any other means.
The Otago Museum which specialises in natural history and Maori and Polynesian heritage and the Otago Early Settlers’ Museum are also worth a visit.
There is plenty of Dunedin accommodation for all tastes and budgets, including apartments, bed and breakfasts, backpackers, hotels, motels, and lodges.
Posted under South Island |
These ‘Pancake Rocks’ at Punakaiki, (956km south of Westport) were created by both the sea and rainwater attacking the joints of a huge coastal outcrop of limestone rock; producing these weird carved shapes. There are a couple of pretty impressive blow holes, when the tide and weather are right. The underlying limestone rock is covered with luxuriant native Bush, and is part of the Paparoa National Park.
The whole area around Punakaiki is noted for its many easy walks (middle image), its long stretches of scenic and empty beaches (maintained that way by very diligent sand flies), and for being the southern-most reach of any palm species (the native Nikau palm).
Across the road from the Pancake Rocks track, (which has over 300,000 visitors annually), the Nikau Palms Cafe is situated near the DoC Visitors centre; and serves light meals and snacks. The DoC Centre is full of geological and botanical information; and for souvenirs, the Art and Craft Gallery next door is good value. For a completely ‘away from it all’ stay, the Te Nikau Retreat is highly recommended.
Punakaiki itself is a small seaside holiday village; there are a couple of motels such as the Paparoa Park Motel and a DoC Youth Hostel. Even though the Pancake Rocks are a popular tourist attraction, Punakaiki is very low key, as most of the tourists just drive through after visiting the Rocks, rather than stay. The beaches are long, silvery, and empty. But, as stated before; that’s how the sand flies like it!
Posted under South Island |
This relaxing port town is just a ferry ride away from Wellington on North Island. Along the waterfront, visitors will find a new museum and the restored ship Edwin Fox. Cruises on the sound are also available; they stop at some of the many little lodges hidden away on the small islands in the sound (the quality of these lodges varies considerably, so inquire locally for recommendations). A great deal of fun can be had at the small bay near Picton, watching regattas of boats, some sailboats, some powerboats, some being rowed.
Picton accommodation includes a range of Apartments, Bed and Breakfasts, Backpackers, Holiday Houses, Homestays, Lodges, and Motels.
Rent a vehicle or take a minibus tour to see the wine country to the south near Blenheim. You can see whale migrations along the coast throughout the year. The best place for viewing the sperm whales and orcas is off the Kaikoura Peninsula (82 mi/132 km south of Blenheim). There are also boat tours from Kaikoura which will take you in for a closer look.
Posted under South Island |
South Island, New Zealand is considered by most travellers to be the more scenic of the two islands. There are so many things to do and see in the southern part of NZ.
If you’re a wine-buff you will head for the north-western end of the South Island and the vineyards of Marlborough, the wine region that produces ‘Cloudy Bay’. This sensational Sauvignon Blanc is rated by many international experts as the finest white produced in the Southern Hemisphere, and perhaps the best of its kind anywhere.
But, of course, you don’t visit the South Island just for the wine. No trip to New Zealand is complete without visiting Christchurch and the nearby tourist haven of Queenstown. You can drive down the east coast to Christchurch, or fly down directly from Wellington.
Most people fall in love with Christchurch at first sight. By far the most English of all New Zealand towns - right down to the Town Crier - Christchurch is also home to the country’s most avid gardeners. Picture-postcard gardens are the norm, and if those who are familiar with Australia see a similarity between Christchurch and Adelaide, this is no coincidence. Colonel Light, son of the famous administrator of Penang, was involved in the planning of both towns when he was working for the Administration of both cities at different times.
A relaxed, laid-back lifestyle is par for the course in Christchurch. A large central park through which the River Avon lazily meanders, splendid churches, old hotels, souvenir shops, restaurants, art galleries, and peaceful walking areas, combine to create a home for 300,000 contented Christchurch inhabitants.
For a journey back in time, visit Lyttleton via a strategically-placed mountain tunnel. When sailing ships made the regular run from England to Lyttleton during the Gold Rush days, many sailors were so enthralled with Lyttleton that they decided to settle there. Turn-of-the-century wooden houses line the hillside, bearing a great resemblance to their counterparts in San Francisco. They were built by ships carpenters who were excellent craftsmen but of limited architectural imagination. These small, beautifully-maintained wooden houses have a charm of their own, looking exactly as they did when they were first built.
The short flight from Christchurch to Queenstown takes you into yet another world. Queenstown is one of the most picturesque, colourful and exciting tourist destinations. This small town is set on a magnificent lake with the nearby snow-capped ‘Remarkables’ as a mountain backdrop. For an overvall view take the Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak that towers 450 metres above Queenstown.
Experience a trip on the TSS Earnslaw, a beautifully-restored steamer that cruises Lake Wakatipu, brave the Shotover River by jetboat or raft, bushwalk and climb along the Lomond Crescent Track, visit sheep stations, deer farms and the Kiwi and Bird Life Park (the other sure-fire alternative to Auckland Zoo for Kiwi viewing). The nearby Motor Museum is one of New Zealand’s best.
There’s a Sound and Light Museum that gives you a ‘feel’ of what life was like for early settlers, but if you have the time, take a day-trip to nearby Arrowtown. Its main street portrays life as it was during the Gold Rush days. The trip will probably include a visit to the ski slopes of Coronet Peak, New Zealand’s premier ski resort and Kawarau Bridge. Here, those tired of life or short on brains jump off at the end of a rubber rope in a New Zealand-invented lunacy known worldwide as ‘Bungy Jumping’.
After Queenstown there are still a few ‘must do’s’ in the South Island. The first is to fly to Mount Cook, the spectacular mountain that gives you access to New Zealand’s sensational Tasman Glacier. This is one of the world’s few glaciers on which one can actually land in a light aircraft, and ski planes do so regularly, flying up the breathtakingly-beautiful glacial valleys in the process.
Mount Cook offers comfortable accommodation from which to explore and perhaps, if the weather is right, hike, this spectacular region. Whether you sightsee on foot or by aircraft, it’s an experience you will never forget.
Last but not least, don’t forget Milford Sound. With topography and scenery to equal the best of the Norwegian Fjiords, Milford Sound, with Mitre Peak looming in the distance, is nothing short of sensational. Almost-vertical, often tree-studded cliffs frame magnificent high-rise waterfalls, while at water level contented-looking seals sun themselves on rocks after feasting on the Sound’s plentiful fish. No wonder the seals all look as if they’re smiling!
Here, too, is the beginning of one of the greatest bushwalking experiences - the Milford Track. To describe this fully would take another article, but suffice to say that during the season, bushwalking enthusiasts from the world over arrive here each day, for ‘The Track’ is on the mandatory list for anyone taking this activity seriously.
So those are some of the highlights for the first time visitor travelling to South Island, but there’s much more to do and see in New Zealand. It would be worthwhile also reading the article Exploring North Island New Zealand. Like most visitors if you can’t stay for a month or two, the above guide is a pretty good start. Chances are, however, that your first visit to the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ won’t be your last.
Posted under South Island |
Canterbury Museum, located in Christchurch it’s one of New Zealand’s finest heritage institutions. Half a million people a year - school children, local residents, and international tourists - visit the displays, see the exhibitions, and study the collections.
The Museum was founded in 1870, and the buildings themselves are now regarded as being of outstanding historic and architectural significance. More than 2 million priceless items of New Zealand’s cultural and natural heritage are presented and preserved for the people of today and the generations yet to come. The Museum collections cover a wide range of topics :
- Canterbury’s first people
- The Moa hunter Maori
- Later Maori descendants
- The European settlers
- Cultural backgrounds and economic developments
- Family and local history
- Arts of Asia
- The discovery and exploration of Antarctica
- New Zealand birds
- Mammals, insects, rocks, minerals, and fossils
- and much, much more!
Canterbury Museum opened its doors to the public in October 1870, in a building financed by the Provincial Government and public subscription.
Now, over 120 years later, the original building has been supplemented by five major additions. The principal collections, of national and international importance, cover the human history and natural sciences of the greater Canterbury area, as well as New Zealand, the Antarctic and Subantarctic regions. The Museum also holds valuable material relating to Africa, America, Europe and the ancient world and has outstanding collections of Chinese and Japanese decorative arts.
Location and Hours:
The Museum is located on Rolleston Ave, adjacent to both the Arts Centre and the Botanic Gardens. It is open daily, except for Christmas Day, from 9 am to 5 pm (extended hours during daylight saving).
Admission to the Museum is free, except for special exhibitions, as listed.
The Museum’s address is:
Canterbury Museum
Rolleston Ave
Christchurch
New Zealand
Telephone and fax : (03) 366 8379
Exhibition Galleries
The Museum has a number of special exhibition galleries which house permanent collections and temporary exhibits.
- Iwi Tawhito-Whenua Hou/Ancient People-New Land (Gallery of Moas and Moa Hunters)
- Nga Taonga Tukuiho O Nga Tupuna/Treasures Handed Down To Us By the Ancestors (Gallery of Maori Culture - opening late 1995)
- Hall of Canterbury History 1840s to 1860s - temporary exhibits
- Edgar Stead Hall of New Zealand Birds
- Hall of Antarctic Discovery
- Gallery of Asian Arts
- Hall of Geology and Natural Sciences
- Mountfort Gallery of Applied Arts and Costumes (opening April 1996)
Other services :
- Library and Archives: open to researchers Monday to Friday, 1.00-4.30pm.
- Pictorial Archives: open to researchers Monday to Friday, 1.00-4.30pm; photographic copying service available.
- Gift shop and coffee shop.
Posted under South Island |
The Christchurch Gondola is the city’s number one tourist attraction attracting thousands of travellers to this destination every year. It’s located on the crater rim of an extinct volcano and is only about a 15 minute drive from Christchurch CBD, offering a 360 degree panorama view making it one of the most dramatic attractions in the world.
Visitors can enjoy unparalleled views over the Canterbury Plains to Mt. Hutt and beyond to the spectacular Southern Alps. The view north takes in the full sweep of Pegasus Bay and the Pacific Ocean to the distant Kaikoura Peninsula. To the east and south, the picturesque scenery of Lyttelton Harbour and bays unfold across to Lake Ellesmere.
The 945 metre gondola ride carries passengers in the comfort of a four person cabin to the summit of the Port Hills some 500 metres above sea level. Unique views of Christchurch, the Garden City unravel as you climb gently to the summit complex.
Montebellos Restaurant, situated at the top is open daily for lunch and dinner, and offers impressive menus featuring superb dishes from Canterbury and the South Island specialising in seafood.
The Gondola complex also features a walkthrough audio-visual “Time-Tunnel” depicting the history and geography of the region.
Location
10 Bridle Path Road, Heathcote, Tel: +64 3 384-0700, Fax: +64 3 384-0703
Getting there
Free Shuttle bus from Visitor Centre, or catch the Explorer Bus or No 28 Lyttelton bus.
Posted under South Island |
Today almost 27,000 people live in the city situated on the rolling hills that overlooks Caroline Bay, a popular holiday destination especially for the annual Christmas and New Year Carnival. Holidaymakers stroll along the Caroline Bay beach overlooked by Timaru.
Development of this artificial harbour began in 1877, and today the port is the main port for South Canterbury, servicing the frequent international fishing fleets as well as providing a gateway for exports and imports.
Getting here?
By Rail - Timaru is on the main train line that runs between Christchurch and Dunedin. Head off to Back on the Tracks for more information.
By Air - Fly in by the short-hop daily flights from Christchurch and Dunedin.
By Road - You could always hire a rental car in Christchurch and take a little more time to stop along the way as you travel through South Canterbury
Don’t forget to check in with the local Timaru Information Centre.
Accommodation
Timaru accommodation includes a range of comfortable motels.
Things to do in and around Timaru
Richard Pearse Airport
Timaru’s airport at Levels is named after farmer Richard Pearse of Waitohi, New Zealand first official aviator who became airborne in March 1903. Flights from Wellington and Christchurch arrive and depart on a daily basis.
Phar Lap Raceway
Timaru racecourse at Washdyke just north of the city is named after New Zealand’s best known galloper. A total of 13 race meetings are held annually at the course. A statue of the famous Phar Lap stands in the paddock where he was born at Seadown.
Windsurfing
Try windsurfing on Caroline Bay. Suits: Slalom/wavesailing/longboarding. Beginners/Advanced.
Other attractions
You can also visit Caroline Bay over the Summer Holidays in December/January. Holiday makers flock to the annual Christmas/New Year Carnival. Concerts in the Soundshell, fairground rides, games and competitions contribute to the summer carnival atmosphere. The large recreational area, formed as a result of harbour development, is well utilised with children’s playgrounds and sports fields used all year.
Posted under South Island |
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is New Zealand’s premier wildlife park, showing one of the most complete selections of native and introduced wildlife in their natural environment, as well as a wonderful exotic display.
Experience New Zealand’s largest and most unique Kiwi viewing area.
The park places an emphasis on spacious surroundings and animal contact. Combine the Willowbank Wildlife Experience with a great lunch for a special day out.
Night time in Willowbank
New Zealand’s most unique wildlife viewing concept - Wildlife by Night, shows kiwis and New Zealands other nocturnal animals and birds in their natural environment for the first time. Guided tours for this wonderful night time experience are available at Willowbank - don’t forget you can also dine at the Colonial Restaurant located at Willowbank.
Combine buffet dinner with a guided walk through the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. After dinner, the tour guide show the guests through the New Zealand experience which features the Kiwi, Weka, Kea and other native birds. There are seven Kiwis at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve that are shown in a open natural viewing area. The Kiwis on show range from the age of 6 months to nine years of age.
Posted under South Island |
Lake Tekapo is on State Highway 8 and is a destination many traveller’s stop off at on their journey from Christchurch to Queenstown.
The village (home to the stunning turquoise-blue lake) comprises of about 350 locals, and provides an ideal place for either an overnight stop, or better still, spend a week relaxing here. There’s no need to rush at all there is so much to do!
Getting here?
Hire a rental car in Christchurch and head south via Geraldine and Fairlie.
Accommodation
Lake Tekapo accommodation includes comfortable Bed and Breakfasts, Backpackers, and numerous Hotels and Motels.
Things to do in and around Lake Tekapo
There is plenty of activities to do in and around Lake Tekapo Village.
In summer, it’s a popular spot for travellers to waterski, sail and, if they’re really adventurous, swim in the lake. In winter, Lake Tekapo attracts many skiers which attack the slopes of the Ohau and Mt Dobson snow fields. Other skiing choices near Lake Tekapo also include Fox Peak (80 minutes drive from Lake Tekapo), and Tasman Glacier (60 minute drive).
Other activities include:
Bird watching - observe the Black Stilt and Crested Grebe in their natural habitats at Lake Alexdrina. Contact the Department of Conservation in Twizel.
Play golf at Balmoral Gold Course, New Zealand’s highest 9 hole course.
Great fishing - Trout fishing at one of the high country lakes - Lakes Tekapo, Alexandrina, McGregor as well as the hydro canals.
Hiking/Walking - there are a number of short walkways near the village, or the Mackenzie High Country Walk and Ball Pass with Alpine Recreation.
Air Safaris also offer spectacular flightseeing at its best - glaciers, the razorback Southern Alps, and Mt. Cook - all from the comfort of your window seat.
Posted under South Island |
Hanmer Springs is a stunning alpine village featuring a unique style of its own. It’s just a 90 minute scenic drive north of Christchurch.
The picturesque semi alpine village is surrounded by 17,000 ha of indigenous and exotic forests and makes it ideal for walks and wheelchair walks.
Getting there from Christchurch?
Got your own wheels? No? Rent a vehicle, and allow a little extra time to stop along the way.
Accommodation
Hanmer Springs accommodation includes comfortable bed and breakfasts, homestays, hotels and motels.
Things to do in and around Hanmer Springs
Unique to the South island, Hanmer Springs Alpine Thermal Village area lies at the base of the pristine Amuri Mountain range.
Stop at the Waimakariri River for a jetboat trip - turn off northern motorway to the right directly after the Waimakariri River Bridge, only 15 minutes from the city. Bookings are essential.
Continue north onto Kaiapoi and sail down the Kaiapoi and Waimakariri Rivers to the edge of the South Pacific Ocean onboard the MV Tuhoe, a fully restored historic ship. Bookings are essential, sailings on timetabled days or by charter.
Possible stops also at Amberley Cider Garden, Pegasus Bay and Waipara Springs vineyards as you continue north. Leave the Canterbury Plains behind and travel through Weka Pass from Waipara. For rail enthusiasts a visit to the Weka Pass Railway in Waipara is a must.
Arriving at Waikari, stop at the top of the hill opposite the Star & Garter Hotel and spend 1 1/2 hours viewing local Maori cave drawings, 45 minutes walk each way.
Another 12 kms towards Hanmer Springs lies the Historic Hurunui Hotel - worth a quick look. Travel across the Amuri Plains, an area that has recently developed with the arrival of agricultural irrigation.
At the main turn off to Hanmer Springs lies Thrillseekers Canyon where bungy jumping, jet boating and rafting are the main attractions with great cafe facilities and views for spectators. Bookings are not generally essential.
Once into the Hanmer Springs village a dip in the thermal pools is a must. The relaxing atmosphere in this recently redeveloped complex is charming amongst a landscape of rocks, trees and mountains.
Experience one of the many, many walkways in local exotic forestry or climb Conical Hill for a great view of Hanmer plains (half hour each way). Explore the historic Molesworth High Country Station on a four wheel drive safari.
If you are a golfer don’t forget to enjoy Hanmer Springs excellent 18 hole course. Call into the local Visitor information office for further activities which include horse trekking, mountain biking, fishing in the Waiau and Clarence Rivers or hunting for deer, chamois and wild pig in the nearby ranges.