What Should I do while im in New Zealand South Island?

Question

Going in April for 1 week with 3 other students. What do I HAVE TO SEE / DO?

Answer 1

1 week isn't very long. It takes a long time to travel around New Zealand as the roads are all quite winding and narrow etc. If you could stretch your trip to 10 days minimum, you'd be able to get round the main part of the South Island (albeit very quickly!). However, you might want to look at one of the following options:

Option 1) Just pick one place and stay there for a week. Queenstown is a good bet. There are a lot of activities on offer. You could do skiing, bungee jumping, skydiving, helicopter ride, day trip to Milford Sound (recommended for stunning scenery), jetboat ride, hill walking, horse riding, boat trip on the lake, white-water rafting, visiting a lot of "Lord of the Rings" filming locations, cable-car ride and so much more. The night life is great and it's a lovely place for a group of friends to hang out and chill. You could take a side-trip to Wanaka for a couple of nights.

Option 2. Get an organised bus trip around the island. This will allow you to see a lot of  different places but you will only get a whistle-stop tour of the island in a week. See weblinks below. I recommend Magic and Kiwi Experience for heavy party-goers (18 year olds on a gap year between school & uni!). Stray is a bit more mature (mid 20s +).

Answer 2

Definately go to Queenstown - the adventure capital of NZ. Plenty of things to do. Bungy jumping, skiing, jet boating... plenty of things to see and do. Check out our beautiful scenery!!! Queenstown is definately the place to go. Take lots of warm clothes, its not exactly warm in the south island..

Answer 3

SKI unless you are from Whistler or Colorado. The skiing is the best in the southern hemisphere except for maybe Chile.

Rent a campervan and do a drive and hang out with the locals.

Go hiking (or tramping in NZ). There are *plenty* of hills that will test you out.

Go see a game of Rugby. The Kiwi's are mad for it and you'll get a real sense of the national psyche if you see a big game.

If you are into wine the Kiwi's make great Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot at Marlborough. There are many vineyards worth a visit.

Answer 4

well i havent really been much around the south island. if you like chocolate theres a cadbury factory in dunedin =)