Things to see and do South Island

Located at the foot of the Skyline Gondola, what was once an unofficial dump site is now a two-hectare sanctuary that you can visit in an hour or more and discover its various feathered residents, including the famous kiwis. For forty years, the Kiwi And Birdlife Park has also been helping to release specimens back into the wild. In addition to the bird species, the famous tuatara lizard and bees can also be seen. A souvenir store and a café are available in the park.

We have been coming here since 1992 to observe the Oamaru Blue Penguins by day, by night, or both, in their natural environment. If we are lucky, we can also come during the nesting period of the smallest penguins in the world. You can observe these marvels from a specially designed platform. Every evening, the center offers you to contemplate them returning home after their day of fishing at sea. All this is accompanied by comments from the guides.

A popular destination for nature lovers, Rakiura National Park was established on Stewart Island in March 2002. It is the fourteenth of New Zealand's national parks. Covering 165,000 hectares, it covers no less than 90% of the island and is home to the rare Brown Kiwi. Despite the introduced predators, one can enjoy lush forests composed of rimu, kamahi and giant ferns. Birds are plentiful and nearly 50 different species are present, including cormorants, white herons, wekas, wood pigeons, kakas, fantails, tuis, robins, etc. Not to mention the blue penguin and marine mammals, such as fur seals and dolphins (especially Hector's dolphin). With its fine sandy beaches and wide sand dunes, Rakiura is a paradise that begs to be explored thanks to its 280 kilometers of trails designed for the joy of hikers. Indeed, the park's hiking trails offer breathtaking views of the surrounding nature, including dense forests, wild coastlines and secluded beaches like Mason Bay where you are more likely to see kiwis. Without going for the big ten-day hike, the great walk Rakiura track is accessible to all travelers over three days (even one day if you have the courage). The surrounding waters also offer fishing, kayaking, and whale and dolphin watching opportunities. This national park offers an unforgettable travel experience.

The Haast Pass is a beautiful pass that you will have to cross on this privileged route. At 563 meters above sea level, it is located in the Mount Aspiring National Park and was used by the Maoris who went to the west coast to find jade. Surrounded by high peaks but rarely covered by snow, it is usually accessible in winter. You should take the time to admire the magnificent landscapes that this route offers and many stops are planned for this purpose. The waterfalls and green forests are particularly impressive.

Beachcomber Cruises offers boat cruises in the city of Picton. This cruise lets you experience the excitement of mail delivery day, as the captain delivers mail bags, groceries and goods to residents along the waterways of Queen Charlotte Sound. Each day, the route changes, covering a different area for mail delivery. The skippers provide an interesting and informative commentary, and the boat offers superb viewing areas to enjoy the view of the Queen Charlotte Sound waterways. Weather permitting, the boat will make a short stop at one of the waterways' beautiful spots. 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in summer, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter.

The DOC is located in the same location, to purchase the passes and find out about the nature reserve.

This bus company is visiting local attractions such as the colony of penguins, Parkside Quarry (limestone quarry), Vanished World, Maori Rock Art or the Moeraki Boulders. A number of artisans work in the old age. It is possible to see them in particular at the Red Sheds (next to the Blue Penguin Colony): wood sculptor (he made all sorts of tools for the Lord of the rings trilogy), a stone tailor, a blacksmith. You can access these workshops and visit them on board an old steam locomotive that leaves De Street every Sunday and public holidays ($ 5). On Tees Street, go to the small gallery and workshop of talented stone tailor (Te Pa Sculptor, tel: (03) 434 3336).

Here you need to buy passes for national park huts.

A nice walk down to the beach, accessing beautiful dunes occupied by sea lions.

It is here that the only continental colony of albatrosses in the southern hemisphere nests. The right of access is not free. However, if you are lucky, the albatrosses are visible on windy days. You will have to push the doors of the center to observe nesting and courtship. It is a magnificent viewpoint for little blue penguins, cormorants, royal spoonbills, red-billed gulls, petrels, shearwaters! No less than 10,000 seabirds have taken up residence here. Most of them are only tenants half of the year. Binoculars recommended!

A beautiful 40-minute walk on a hill giving a panoramic view of the entire peninsula and the surrounding islets. This mini trek is not very well known but is worth a visit.

Chasm/Lover's Leap loop is a pretty one-hour loop on a hill with a beautiful view of the surroundings, through sheep fields. Two beautiful views of the cliffs: The Chasm and Lover's Leap. For adventurers, a gentle path leads to Sandfly Bay through the dunes.

A small road leads you to the outskirts of this park, unfortunately no walking path to prolong the show but the detour are worth the same. The mountains and colours of the lake make it one of the most beautiful in the country. In summer, several activities are organized by the Lake Mahinapua Yacht Club.

Not far from Owaka, 200 m from the sea, is the Jack's Blowhole, a 55 m deep cave which, when the sea is strong, pulls water like a geyser.

Penguin Place is a private reserve connected to Penguin Place Lodge that is dedicated to the preservation and protection of yellow-eyed penguins (habitat restoration, research, care, rehabilitation, predator control). Also known as the antipodean penguin, it is the rarest penguin in the world. This sanctuary has become a must for those who enjoy the company of these penguins. You will discover their life thanks to competent guides and especially passionate about these animals. The 90 minute visit includes only small groups of fifteen people.

Set in the hills 30 minutes from Motueka, Ngarua Cave is an interesting stop-off point for discovering a cave with beautiful limestone formations. The three-quarter-hour visit reveals a wealth of beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, and even a moa skeleton! The view over Tasman Bay and the surrounding karst landscape is sublime. You can stay in the small café for a pleasant break. There's also a souvenir store with items made by local artists.

The Oparara basin is the starting point for a few trails, including that of the Limestone Arch (74 m), the highest arch in Autralasia. From the parking lot, the circuit is easy in 15 minutes.

A limestone cave that preserves the bones of some extinct bird species, such as the Moa or the Haast Eagle (the largest eagle in the world).

In addition to enjoying a beautiful sunset over the bay where the colors change every minute, trust the Pukekura Blue Penguins team to observe the world's smallest penguins, also called pygmy penguins (Kororā in Maori)! Before leaving to meet these local stars on Pilots Beach (Takiharuru in Maori), you will be treated to a very interesting history and geography lesson about New Zealand.

Along the road, some trails lead to small, refreshing waterfalls such as Barrs Falls and Purakaunui Falls.

Cannibal Bay was named after Dr. James Hector discovered human bones in the dunes. Today it's mostly a perfect spot for a lunch break.

Place of accommodation for some B & B, camping and backpackers, Surat bay has a huge white sand beach which often houses some sea lions that come here to take the sun and take a nap. Don't close too close, because these animals remain very fast on the ground.

Starting from Duntroon and the center, Vanished World is of archaeological interest. With full signage to guide independent tourists, it is an exciting self-guided tour with maps and explanations (booklet available at Vanished World). The most interesting sites are undoubtedly Elephant Rocks, where erosion has sculpted eloquent shapes in the limestone, and Earthquake, witness to a huge upheaval.

Proposes excursions to the Maori culture and nature in the bay with a waka, a Maori war canoe carved in wood.