My top ten places to visit in New Zealand South Island for people that like to use their legs

the road to Glenorchy

I went for a clinic appointment today.

The nurse, who knows me quite well, was interested to find out how my trip to New Zealand had gone.

And even more interested to know which places I would recommend for a three week tour. She is off there soon.

Now I spent most of my time down under  in South Island ( some six months or more in total) over three visits. But I have also driven from the south to the north, so have been to some of the top sights in both islands.

If I had my time again, and I only had three weeks, then I would stick to South Island, for it is there that I find the spectacular scenery that I so love. The roads are quieter, and the hiking is lush and green, as the climate is wetter and cooler.

So for you, JA, and anyone else who is interested, here is a list of my top 10 places to visit.

Others may disagree; this is just my personal list of favourites.

• Queenstown

Queenstown beach

 take a climb up Queenstown Hill.

the view from Queenstown Hill and the basket of dreams

and if you are feeling really energetic, take the cable car up and climb all or some of the route to the summit of Ben Lomond.

•  from Queesntown dont miss one of the world's most scenic drives to Glenorchy at the top of Lake Wakitipu. From there a trip up the Dart River is a chance to get to the heart of Lord of the Rings Scenery

Glenorchy

Dart River at Paradise

• Doubftful Sound

Doubtful Sound

Swim or kayak with dolphins and catch your own fish for tea with Deepcove charters 

doubtful dolphins

Doubtful Sound is much less accessible and therefore much quieter than Milford Sound.

If you can't get to Doubtful then please go to Milford. It is also a truly wonderful place.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound

Milford Sound

Hollyford track

Hollyford track

• Hike the Hollyford Track or the Milford or the Routeburn. You will need to book with a guided trip but the landscape is worth the pain, and even the rain.

• Mount Cook and the Hooker Valley track passing Lake Pukaki enroute.

Lake Pukaki

Hooker Valley track

Hooker Valley track

• and not far from there the Rob Roy Glacier Track

Rob Roy glacier track

Rob Roy glacier track

Rob Roy glacier track

then head over to the West Coast for some more spectacualr coastline and glaciers, passing through Wanaka on the way.

Wanaka

• the glaciers Franz Josef or Fox

Franz Josef glacier

Franz Josef from a helicopter

hike along the West Coast

Abel Tasman

• Abel Tasman for a very different hiking experience along a coastal path in warmer waters ans sunnier climes

abel tasman

And I nearly forgot Stewart Island on the very south coast. The birdlife there is second to none as they have islands with no predators. You can get there by ferry or plane.

Stewart Island flights

go kiwi hunting on Ulva Island, and listen to the birdsong

 I love the song of the bellbird

we saw a Kiwi in broad daylight on Ulva Island

the robins are very friendly

Ulva Island

flying to Stewart Island

So I didn't quite get that all in a logical order, but you will be able to sort that out.

If not, I am happy to come along as your guide and photographer.

Queenstown sunset

crystal clear waters on the Routeburn track

On the road......from green fields to the mountains

the road to Mount Cook

I have finished my 3 months in Gore. I loved it there.

Every morning was a delight. I saw sunrises and sunsets like nothing that I have seen in London.

clouds over the Hokonui hills

I have said goodbye to the roses

Gore cemetery

and begun my journey homeward.

It started with a coach ride.

I learned how to take moving panoramas with my phone. I had five hours to practice. And I didn't master it.

They won't be winning any prizes.

But they do show the green colours of Southland

Add caption

I picked up a car  in Queenstown and headed north over the Lindis Pass.

The tussock grasses were not so green.

The car was not so good up hill.

tussock grasses, Lindis Pass

Lindis pass 

In Wanaka I strolled on the lakeshore, through sunlit trees and wished I had come prepared for a swim.

I was in the mood for soft focus. it seemed the only way to cope with the harsh sunlight.

I also tried some multiple exposure of the reeds on the lakeshore.

Wanaka 

Next up some tramping ( hiking).

The Hooker valley track.

I dutifully notified my 'adventure buddy' where I was going and when I would be back. I ticked the box on the adventure smart website that said I have a first aid kit, and then felt a little guilty, as all I have are some elastoplast and one dressing. Not much use if I break my leg or sprain my ankle. Still, it is an improvement on two years ago when I hiked in Paradise with not so much as a sticking plaster.

Turns out I needn't have worried, as most of New Zealand were on the track. Sunday is a popular day for tramping. I would not have been alone if I dropped dead or fell off the track. Someone else would be sure to have a bandage. A lady hiker got blown off the track 4 months ago; it is a very windy valley. You never know what might happen.....


The views on the track got better and better. I ate my apple in the shelter.

my apple

And the traditional New Zealand beef sandwich that comes laden with hard boiled egg.

I know not why.

5 years ago I ate my apple in the shelter, and it was cold and rainy outside. This was so much better.

Mount Cook is the star of the show.

Mount Cook

The river is wild and cloudy. Full of glacial sediment.

Hooker river

The boulders are big and shiny.

The return journey was suitably spectacular.

It is hard to beat the colours of a glacial lake in full sunshine.

Lake Pukaki and Mout Cook

Lake Pukaki

I had walked my 10,000 steps, and so much more.

Saying 'au revoir' to this beautiful country and its lovely people.