{"id":959,"date":"2020-04-30T16:34:31","date_gmt":"2020-04-30T16:34:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/detouron.com\/blog\/?p=959"},"modified":"2020-11-13T19:01:52","modified_gmt":"2020-11-13T19:01:52","slug":"south-island-new-zealand-things-to-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/detouron.com\/blog\/south-island-new-zealand-things-to-do\/","title":{"rendered":"South Island New Zealand: Things to do"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

New Zealand comprises two main landmasses, the North Island and the South Island, and around 600 smaller islands. In this article, we’ll discuss things to do on the South Island<\/a> of New Zealand. If you’re headed to the North Island, check out our article about things to do in the North Island<\/a> of New Zealand. Before heading out to New Zealand for the first time, read our article about all the things you need to know<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a few vast differences between the North and South Islands. We list them in our article about things you should know before visiting New Zealand <\/a>for the first time. Of course, you can visit both islands in one trip. Ideally you\u2019d take a month to do all of this. Just beware that your trip will feel rushed if you only have limited time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introduction to the South Island of New Zealand<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Skip to list of things to do<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The South Island is a narrow stretch of land divided lengthwise by the Southern Alps. In fact, two-thirds of the island is covered by mountains. Only three roads traverse this mountain range, connecting the east and west coasts. These roads may close at any time due to adverse weather conditions. This means that commuting between the coasts may prove to be a challenge, depending on the time of year you visit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will most likely start your trip with a rental vehicle <\/a>either in Christchurch or Picton. Christchurch has the biggest international airport on the South Island, so flights<\/a> will probably be cheaper and faster to get to than Queenstown or Dunedin. Picton is the port of arrival for the Cook Strait ferry from the North Island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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