Baby, it’s cold outside, but not in the southern hemisphere where New Zealand is located. It’s summer and the warm sunlight is enough to beckon thousands of Kiwis to step outside to explore the natural playground that is their backyard. This country of endless coastline, a myriad of inland lakes, rivers and mountain streams means water-based activities are aplenty this time of year as well. The best way to explore the majesty of New Zealand is with a road trip across the South Island.
A quick six-day or longer itinerary allows for ample time to hike through Arthur’s Pass National Parkin Christchurch, take a scenic heli-flight over the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, and bike around Mt Cook Village and Lake Tekapo.
Pencil in adrenaline-filled activities as well by malting a necessary stop in Queenstown — bungee jumping, skydiving, ziplining and white-water rafting are just some of the activities available. For animal lovers, stop by Oamaru as well to visit the Blue Penguin colony where 200 of these birds make their daily pilgrimage from the water to dry land for the night.
MAKE IT HAPPEN
Fly to Christchurch on South Island on Qantas Airways from Singapore with one stop in Brisbane, Australia first. Flights from Kuala Lumpur include an additional stop in Singapore (from US$713; qantas.com). For a similar six-day itinerary, check newzealand.com for their detailed South Island road trips.
Road trip like the locals and hire a campervan for a real outdoor living experience. Most campervan rental companies include accessories like gas cookers, bedding, tents and more. Escape Campervan Rentals has one of the most comprehensive packages with pick-ups and drop-offs in both Auckland and Christchurch (from US$95 per day before tax; escaperentals.co.nz).
