What advice would you give a fellow traveller embarking on a road trip of the South Island of NZ?

Question

What advice would you give a fellow traveller embarking on a road trip of the South Island of NZ?

Answer 1

Yes a warm coat is advisable in some areas, even all year round...I'm not sure when you are coming, but its variable..

FYI...the East coast of the South Island is MUCH drier than the west (about 600mm a year in many places...mainly north of Timaru...The west gets up to 9meters of rain...generally further south you go)....so keep that in mind...it mainly rains around the spring/summer time on the West Coast.

The west coast has milder winters and summers than the east/central areas too.

I will give a couple of websites which may help you chose places etc to go...The roads are not huge and will be windy (ie have losts of bends) and are often gravel...

Scenery is stunning and varied...there are so many places to see etc you should have a great time!!!

Just the comment on racism....NZ is becoming less white as a nation...we have more than10% native Maori, with a significant portion asian/pacific islanders as well as many immirgrants that come from a variety of places...its very multicultural....albeit mainly in urban centres and the North Island has some towns with much higher Maori populations

Answer 2

Take your camera, and a rain jacket for the West Coast.

Answer 3

Whatever else you do , or where ever else you drive to, make sure you stop in Kaikoura and swim with the dolphins. It is a life experience ! Even in winter !

Answer 4

What about the Racism?  What is the Racism like in NZ?  This traveler looks like a person of color and NZ is primarily white.

Answer 5

Bring your warm woolies with you, stay away from the sheep, locals get very jealous, remember the roads can be icy and slippery, No sheep jokes, bring a good sense of humour, no need to research, every where is just bliss, and prepare your self for the best food and wine in the world. Oh, and don't bring your love interest, temptation is too great!

Happy travelling.