The New Zealand Supreme Pie Awards has been skewed toward North Island pies in recent years, with the location of the awards among several disadvantages perceived by South Island bakers. We’ve been travelling the South Island for years, trying many pies along the way, and finally feel qualified to wade into the great New Zealand … Read more
With rivers, lakes, fiords, sounds and straights to explore it’s no wonder some of the South Island’s most iconic tours involve boat trips. Keen to leave dry land behind for a while? Keep reading our list of the top 12 boat trips in the South Island. Māpua Ferry The Māpua Ferry is one of the … Read more
This list of top 12 natural wonders in the South Island showcases the best scenery Te Waipounamu has to offer. I reckon it’s a compelling document to show potential visitors to New Zealand and locals alike the beauty of this special place — the most beautiful island on Earth! Gorges There are heaps of impressive … Read more
You don’t need to climb to the tops of mountains to see amazing views in New Zealand — a hill will often do! Our top 12 hills in the South Island include big hills you can drive over, small ones with incredible views and one very special suburban hill in Dunedin. Also check out our … Read more
If you’re a fan of this blog you might have already seen our Top 12 Cities / Top 12 Towns in the South Island posts. Those contain towns and cities that have multiple places to eat, drink and sleep — places you’re likely to spend a night or two. This post is a little different. … Read more
The Southern Alps, with its snowy peaks and glistening lakes and rivers, is the star attraction for nature loving visitors to the South Island. Full of hiking trails below, over and around mountains of all shapes and sizes, the Southern Alps has 11 entries on our top 12 mountains in the South Island list, the … Read more
The South Island is better known for its above-ground natural wonders, but head into its shadowy depths and you’ll find plenty of interesting caves to explore. Our top 12 caves in the South Island include sea caves, glow worm caves and heaps more! Wharariki Beach Caves There are a few small caves at Wharariki Beach, … Read more
New Zealand’s South Island is a paradise for people who love getting up close to nature — mountains, rivers, beaches, lakes and waterfalls (and so much more). We’ve been exploring this island for over six years now and have finally whittled down our favourite waterfalls to a top 12. Our list of the top waterfalls … Read more
There are lots of interesting rock formations in the South Island, from boulders lying on beaches to clay cliffs, organ pipes and a rock that looks like a split apple. For maximum ease most are named after what they look like. Check out our top 12 rock formations in the South Island, New Zealand! Cathedral … Read more
Most of the South Island’s charm lies outside of its towns and cities, but if you’re travelling around the island you’ll find plenty of interesting urban areas. Our top 12 cities and big towns in the South Island are all great places to spend a few nights and are close to heaps of incredible natural … Read more