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Category: South Island

The South island is the largest of New Zealand's islands. Divided by the Mountainous Southern Alps which can rise as high as 3000m. West of the Alps are mountainous jungles, to the east are the Canterbury plains - formed by rivers flowing from the mountains. In the South you'll find huge lakes and untouched forests. Explore what the South Island has to offer. See our National parks and World Heritage Milford Sound. Adventure seeking travelers should be sure to check out Queenstown - the 'adventure capital of the world'.

Blenheim The largest town in the Marlborough region, Blenheim is the region’s main commercial centre and hub of the famous Marlborough wine district. View Details

Christchurch Christchurch is the largest city of the South Island, situated in the stunning region of Canterbury. The city is ideally located, being close to beaches, rivers, wineries, and in winter, providing easy access to nearby ski fields. This city is often referred to as New Zealand’s “English City”, due to the many gardens and graceful buildings around the city, and the Avon river which winds through the central city. If you have time, travel along the river on a punt, an activity unique to Christchurch, which will give you the chance to relax and enjoy a unique view of the city. View Details

Fox Glacier Located 25km south of Franz Josef, Fox Glacier offers similar activities to those available in Franz Josef - walks, hikes, scenic flights, but if you have enough time it is interesting to stop off and visit this town also. The Magic coach will also take you to one of New Zealand’s most iconic views - Lake Matheson. The image of this lake is used all around the world due to its spectacular reflection of the Southern Alps in the lake and the surrounding native forest. View Details

Franz Josef Located in the Westland National Park, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers offer some of New Zealand’s most unique and stunning scenery. Both towns are located just 5km from each glacier and just 6km from the seacoast, a situation found nowhere else in the world. View Details

Geraldine Situated in the heart of Canterbury, an hour from Tekapo and surrounded by majestic mountains Geraldine is a tranquil, rural town with a friendly village atmosphere. The town and its surrounding district has something for everyone and at a pace to suit each individual’s needs. View Details

Greymouth Greymouth is the largest town on the West Coast and was founded by the Maori as a trading post for greenstone.Greymouth’s population temporarily boomed as a result of the gold rush in the 1800’s. Nowadays the town is the commercial centre of the region, and the starting point for passengers who have travelled from Christchurch on the TranzAlpine train. View Details

Hokitika Hokitika, the gateway to the South Westland World Heritage National Park, is a small friendly town sandwiched between surf and river, with the mighty Southern Alps as a backdrop, Hokitika embraces the very essence of West Coast hospitality. View Details

Invercargill Invercargill, the capital of New Zealand’s southern most province, Southland is known as ‘the City of Water and Light’. The settlement, named after William Cargill who was a high profile Scottish settler, was created to support the port in Bluff - established to help the settlers import stock from Australia. View Details

Kaikoura According to Maori mythology, Kaikoura is the point from where Maui fished up the North Island from the sea. The name “Kaikoura” in Maori means “meal of crayfish”, which is one of the many examples of the plentiful sea life in the area. View Details

Lake Tekapo Join Magic in discovering the wonders of Lake Tekapo. The township is set next to the lakeside, which gains its unique colour from fine minerals from the rocks being held near the surface of the water, reflecting the sunlight. View Details

Makarora Located close to the Mt Aspiring National Park, Makarora offers a wilderness stopover with some awe-inspiring scenery. View Details

Milford Sound No visit to Queenstown would be complete without taking the day trip to Milford Sound. This is one of the most spectacular journeys that you will take either in New Zealand or in fact anywhere in the world. One of the best things about this trip is that it is amazing in any weather in fact, the more rain the more amazing the waterfalls are! View Details