South Island, New Zealand

New Zealand

The South Island offers breathtaking landscapes from majestic mountains and glaciers to stunning coastlines and pristine lakes. It's a paradise for adventure seekers with activities like hiking, skiing, bungy jumping, and exploring national parks, offering an unparalleled natural beauty experience.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay10 days
Budget$50/day
Mid-range$100/day
Luxury$1000/day

Known For

Te Wai PounamuSouthern AlpsFiordlandQueenstownChristchurchDunedinTasman SeaPacific Ocean

🇳🇿 Country Information: New Zealand

CapitalWellington
CurrencyNew Zealand dollar ($)
Language English , Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
Phone Code+64
Electricity230V (Type I)
Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

  • Tipping is not customary in New Zealand, and is not expected for most services, including restaurants, cafes, and taxis
  • For exceptional service, you can leave a small tip, but it is entirely at your discretion

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas
  • Credit cards are widely accepted, particularly Visa and Mastercard
  • Bringing some cash is advisable for smaller purchases or remote areas, but New Zealand is largely cashless
  • There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

  • Remove shoes when entering someone's home, especially Māori homes
  • It is considered polite to say "kia ora" as a greeting
  • Punctuality is valued, especially for appointments and social gatherings
  • Eating on public transport is generally frowned upon

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. New Zealand is generally considered very LGBTQ+ friendly. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013, and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is prohibited by law.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • Legal drinking age is 18
  • Cannabis is illegal for recreational use, though some discussions are ongoing about potential changes to drug laws
  • Penalties for drug offenses can be severe

Special Laws

  • It is illegal to litter, and fines can be substantial
  • Freedom camping (camping outside of designated campsites) is allowed in some areas, but strict rules apply and fines are issued for non
  • compliance
  • Respect for Māori culture and customs is important, especially when visiting marae (Māori meeting grounds)

Common Phrases

HelloKia ora (kee-ah oh-rah)
Excuse meAroha mai (ah-roh-hah my)
Thank youNgā mihi (ngah mee-hee)

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

New Zealand Fish and Chips must_try

A classic take on the deep-fried dish, often using local fish varieties and served with a generous portion of thick-cut chips. It is a popular takeawa

Cheese Roll regional_speciality

Often called 'Southland sushi,' this specialty is a simple yet comforting snack consisting of grated cheese mixed with onion soup powder or mustard, s

Hokey Pokey Ice Cream dessert

A distinctly New Zealand flavor of vanilla ice cream embedded with small, solid lumps of sponge toffee (hokey pokey). It is an extremely popular sweet

Whitebait Fritters seasonal

A simple omelette-like dish featuring small, juvenile fish (whitebait) caught seasonally, typically pan-fried and served with lemon. This delicacy is

Pavlova dessert

A meringue-based dessert with a crisp crust and a soft, marshmallowy center, typically topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. While its origins ar

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Great Walks (Huts, Campsites, or Lodges) Accommodation
Book 3–6 months in advance, especially for the summer season

Great Walks capacity is strictly limited, and huts and campsites often sell out immediately upon release for the peak summer season.

Inter-island Ferry (Picton-Wellington) Transport
Book 1–3 months in advance

Vehicle spaces, especially for rental cars/campervans, on the Cook Strait ferry are limited and sell out, particularly around holidays and peak season.

Rental Cars/Campervans logistics_other
Book 2–6 months in advance

Vehicle supply on the South Island, especially campervans, is finite and often sells out completely during peak months, leading to high prices if booked late.

Fun Facts

Ready to explore South Island, New Zealand?

Create a personalized day-by-day itinerary with AI

Start Planning Your Trip