South Island - Places To Go

Fiordland Marine Reserves

Fiordland’s ten marine reserves border the Fiordland National Park and are a fantastic example of protected natural environments. Read the story . . .

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Things to do

Long Island/Kokomahua Marine Reserve

Tucked away in the Marlborough Sounds, Long and Kokomohua islands are nestled inside the entrance to Queen Charlotte Sound. Read the story . . .

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Natural attractions

Kahurangi Marine Reserve

North of Kahurangi Marine reserve is a remote wilderness visited more by seals than humans. Read the story . . .

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Things to do

Horoirangi Marine Reserve

The beautiful Horoirangi Marine Reserve lies north of Nelson city, along the eastern side of Tasman Bay. Read the story . . .

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Road trips

Campervanning: the spontaneous way to travel

If the idea of a guided tour brings you out in spots, you’ll be wanting to bring yourself to the spots you most want to see. Read the story . . .

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Natural attractions

Take in the spectacular beauty of the Cook Strait crossing

Enjoy the 70-kilometre rite of passage for any Kiwi through the Roaring Forties and one of the world’s most unpredictable stretches of water to the spectacular beauty of the Marlborough Sounds. Read the story . . .

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Activities

Queen Charlotte Track: camp, bike, walk... if you can tear your eyes away from the views

Walk or bike between Queen Charlotte and Keneperu sounds in this slice of paradise. Read the story . . .

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Natural attractions

Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve: enchanting rocky gorge

Explore this enchanted, rocky gorge, an easy drive between Blenheim and Nelson, with its crystal clear river and towering, ancient forests. Read the story . . .

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Natural attractions

Te Waikoropupū Springs Scenic Reserve: spectacular freshwater springs

There is near-optically pure water at the sacred ‘Place of the Dancing Sands', the largest freshwater springs in the southern hemisphere. Read the story . . .

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Activities

Kayaking the Abel Tasman: sheltered coves, crystal streams and exquisite beaches

The sand is a colour you simply have never seen before. The water is so blue it doesn’t actually look real. Read the story . . .

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Food and drink

The Nelson market: homemade with heart and skill

Visit this pure, heartfelt celebration of the creative endeavours of the people of the region and their fine local produce. Read the story . . .

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Activities

Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers: monuments to nature’s power and beauty

Experience Fox and Franz Josef – two of the 140 glaciers that flow from the Southern Alps. Read the story . . .

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Natural attractions

Pancake rocks and blowholes: 30 million years in the making

At Punakāiki, walk into an ancient world of pancake-shaped rock formations 30 million years in the making, along with mighty blowholes and a terrific surge pool. Read the story . . .

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Natural attractions

The Lake Matheson walk: a photographer's dream

Lake Matheson is a photographer’s dream, where the waters reflect a near-perfect image of snow-capped Aoraki Mount Cook. Read the story . . .

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Natural attractions

Ōkārito Lagoon: wonderful wetland wilderness

Explore the lagoon and river channels by kayak and journey through this divine wetland wilderness into the heart of the rainforest. Read the story . . .

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Heritage and history

Denniston: a real ghost-town experience

Take a detour back in time to Denniston, a near-deserted mining town on a bleak, windswept 600-metre plateau, home to the infamous 45-degree Denniston Incline. Read the story . . .

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