New Zealand Travel Blog

You've heard of Around the World in 80 days, well this is Around the South Island in 21! It's a pretty good analogy, as New Zealand is said to be the best features of a bunch of countries all rolled into 1 and that's what you'll see here. Majestic mountains, stunning lakes, wild waterfalls, deep fjords, abundant wildlife, huge forests, mighty glaciers and friendly locals everywhere.

Gidday, welcome, get ready and be warned ! You're about to embark on a love affair that'll mark you forever. They say New Zealand is a bunch of countries in one and they're right. You're about to be torn in all directions as your senses rush to keep up with the incredible experiences the South Island Explorer has to offer on a 14 Day Vacation.

Last Friday, armed with gardening gloves and good intentions, our office team stepped away from their desks and onto a tree planting site on Coronet Face (just below one of our ski fields - Coronet Peak) to help plant 6000 juvenile beech trees in support of our local volunteer organisation, Arrowtown Choppers.

Discover the unparalleled beauty of New Zealand's South Island on a self-drive vacation. From the towering peaks of the Southern Alps to the crystal-clear waters of Milford Sound, this itinerary will take you to the heart of the country's most iconic sights. Experience the charm of quaint towns and the thrill of outdoor adventures, all while surrounded by some of the world's most spectacular landscapes.

Every trip through New Zealand is a real voyage of discovery and this part of the country is often called the jewel in the crown. Expect high rugged mountains, charging jet boats through deep river gorges, vineyards with wines to put a tilt in yer kilt, people leaping off things, first class shopping, ohistoric buildings with stories seeping from their rock coatings, world class golfing and skiing opportunities and locals as vibrant and busy as you’ll find anywhere. Destination is Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. Hold onto your frillies and get set for the ride of your life.

We're heading south from Omarama on State Highway 8 towards Queenstown. While it's not a huge haul at 170kms distance, it's a journey through time. The long straight road out of town heads towards rolling hills beyond a flat barren landscape. This is the very southern end of the vast Mackenzie country before entering the twists and turns of the Lindis Pass and its distinctive geology.

The weather is beautiful around the North Island of New Zealand throughout February, the height of “true summer” in New Zealand. For many kiwis, February is the best time of year, with peak temperatures, beautiful long evenings, relatively low rainfall, and smaller holiday crowds than in December and January.

For specifics on what to expect in terms of temperature, rainfall, sunshine, and anything else to do with the weather in New Zealand’s North Island during February, read on to help you plan your own perfect North Island itinerary.

As a classic “shoulder season” in New Zealand, April is, typically, mild across the entire North Island, with the arrival of autumn bringing cooler periods than in the previous few months, and a bit more cloud and scattered rainfall.