South Island Off The Beaten Path

  Moeraki Boulders
by Robmj
 
  • Moeraki Boulders
      Moeraki Boulders
    by Robmj
  • New Zealand fur seal basking on Tonga Island
      New Zealand fur seal basking on Tonga...
    by JohanIsWeg
  • An easy walk to the Pyramides, Otago Peninsula.
      An easy walk to the Pyramides, Otago...
    by Kakapo2
  • Always a refreshing walk home in Dunedin
      Always a refreshing walk home in Dunedin
    by cannedbeets
  •   The Catlins
    by bsfreeloader
 

Most Viewed Off The Beaten Path in South Island

1.

Port Hills   Christchurch

Port Hills, Christchurch

 18 Reviews  Gethsemane Gardens If you would like to visit a wildly romantic garden with a Christian theme, then this is it! St. Cecilia Chapel is an enchanting little trellis structure in the heart of Gethsemane... 

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2.

Arrowtown   Queenstown

Arrowtown, Queenstown

 9 Reviews  Arrowtown was well publicised as ..... New Zealand's only living historic gold mining town , so we decided to go for the short 20 minute drive on a wet day, and check it out. Arrowtown is an old... 

 See All 59 Off The Beaten Path in Queenstown

3.

Port Chalmers   Dunedin

Port Chalmers, Dunedin

 2 Reviews  Port Chalmers is located on the north shore of Otago harbour and is the deep water port for Otago. A short, 15 minute drive from Dunedin, and we were here! We found a nice lookout here, where my... 

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4.

Lake Tekapo   Christchurch

Lake Tekapo, Christchurch

 9 Reviews  New Zealand's most famous sheep stealer, James McKenzie owned a dog named Friday. Both the Mackenzie County and the pass are named after him. McKenzie was apprehended at the Mackenzie Pass by an... 

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5.

Wanaka   Queenstown

Wanaka, Queenstown

 3 Reviews  Wanaka is a small town situated at the southern end of Lake Wanaka and was originally settled during the gold rush excitement of the 19th century. It is the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Parkand... 

 See All 59 Off The Beaten Path in Queenstown

6.

The Catlins   Dunedin

The Catlins, Dunedin

 1 Review  Waipapa Point is one of several places along the Catlins Coast where it is possible to see Hooker’s Sea Lions. These endangered animals are found mostly at the sub-Antarctic Auckland Islands, but a... 

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7.

Lyttelton   Christchurch

Lyttelton, Christchurch

 11 Reviews  and lots of charm. With its brightly painted houses tumbling down the steep hills and narrow stairs to go up and down, Lyttelton reminded me of the Chilean port of Valparaiso way across the other... 

 See All 121 Off The Beaten Path in Christchurch

8.

Milford Sound   Queenstown

Milford Sound, Queenstown

 4 Reviews  Milford Sound is a stunning body of still dark waters from which rise forest covered sheer cliffs to a height of up to 1,692 metres. The township itself is fairly unimpressive despite the grandeur... 

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9.

Mount Cargill.   Dunedin

Mount Cargill., Dunedin

 1 Review  If you have a car, then a drive to the summit of Mount Cargill, northeast of the city, is a must. The views from here are expansive and you can see the entire Otago Peninsula and harbour. To the north... 

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10.

New Brighton Pier..   Christchurch

New Brighton Pier.., Christchurch

 4 Reviews  The pier was built originally in 1894 and was demolished in 1964. $4 million was raised by the council and community funds to build a new pier, and in 1987 it was opened. You can get good views of... 

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11.

Kawarau River   Queenstown

Kawarau River, Queenstown

 2 Reviews  Even if you don't dare to do a bungy jump, you can walk around the Bungy Centre with exhibitions on the history and equipment used for bungy jump. The surrounding is very beautiful. You can take... 

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12.

Taiaroa Head   Dunedin

Taiaroa Head, Dunedin

 1 Review  The Albatross has long been a creature of reverence and superstition. Well before Coleridge penned his 'Rime of the Ancient Mariner', seafarers believed that when their captains died their souls took... 

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13.

Akaroa   Christchurch

Akaroa, Christchurch

 6 Reviews  Akaroa was orginally set up by the French in their attempt to claim the local area for King & country. While the original 63 French settlers were at sea, sailing towards what they believed was a small... 

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14.

Larnach Castle   Dunedin

Larnach Castle, Dunedin

 1 Review  On the Otago Peninsula, Larnach Castle is open daily for both guided and independent tours and has a huge collection of New Zealand antiques, situated within 35 acres of gardens and grounds. The... 

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15.

Sumner   Christchurch

Sumner, Christchurch

 3 Reviews  We wanted to go to the cinema on our last night in Christchurch but the film we wanted to see was only showing at one place - Hollywood Masters in Sumner. "Where's that?" we asked. "Right across... 

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16.

Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens.   Dunedin

Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens., Dunedin

 1 Review  Glenfalloch means 'peaceful valley' and this place is indeed just that. The gardens are free (donations welcome) and there is plenty of parking. They are only a short drive from Dunedin along the... 

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17.

Hermitage Hotel   Christchurch

Hermitage Hotel, Christchurch

 4 Reviews  Mount Cook National Park is where you will find New Zealand's tallest mountain, Mt Cook (or Aoraki). The area also has the largest glacier in the country, Tasman Glacier. At the foot of the mountain... 

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18.

Orana Wildlife Park Set on 80...   Christchurch

Orana Wildlife Park Set on 80..., Christchurch

 1 Review  Orana Wildlife Park Set on 80 hectares of land within the McLeans Island recreational area, 18 kilometres or about 30 minutes drive from Christchurch's Cathedral Square, Orana Park has been designed... 

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19.

Arthur's Pass   Christchurch

Arthur's Pass, Christchurch

 2 Reviews  We booked a tour with Motorcyclesnewzealand.co.nz The route: Christchurch, Arthur's Pass, Portsmouth, Havelock, Kaikaroa, Hanmer Springs back to Christchurch Good roads, Great guide. Comfortable... 

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20.

Methven   Christchurch

Methven, Christchurch

 1 Review  Not exactly off the beaten track but close to Christchurch is the town of Methven (about 1.5 hours drive). Methven is the gateway to the Famous Mt Hutt ski field, the highst in the Southern... 

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

The curling capital of New Zealand

by TheWanderingCamel

When gold was discovered in in 1863.in a valley in the foothills of the Mt Ida Range in Central Otago it wasn't long before the town now known as Naseby quickly began to grow as prospectors followed their dreams. The field here proved to be so rich and extensive that the town ended up being moved as the workings grew and grew. The little town retains much of its charm with so many buildings remaining from this era that virtually the whole of the centre of the town dates from gold rush days. The newer buildings are sheltered by the trees of the Naseby forest and there are many interesting walks in the area that take in well-preserved and documented workings and other remnants of the gold-rush days. The little Settlers museum is also worth a visit. Naseby is popular holiday territory for New Zealanders when the permanent population of less than100 can grow to to over 4000 as the cribs...

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Dunedin - Larnach Castle Gardens

by amandajayne81

We only paid to tour the gardens. The handout that is provided is extremely informative and we had a great time. Would highly recommend. The following info is off the websiteGardens & Grounds Only (self-guided) Entry to the Castle's gardens and grounds, ballroom cafe, historic stables and outbuildings. Informative garden and native plant trail brochures and maps provided to assist with exploring the gardens and grounds. Pre-bookings not required. Adult $10.00 Child (5-14) $ 3.00 Child (0-4) Free Season Pass (12 months from date of issue) $30.00

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Scenery during the drive

by amandajayne81

The day we drove from Fox Glacier to Haast we passed some awesome scenery down the West Coast. This place was called Knight's Point Lookout and was great to spend a few minutes admiring before heading off on our way. Like most things in NZ it had a little parking area and info boards that explained what you were looking at.

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Thunder Falls

by amandajayne81

We drove from Fox Glacier down to Haast and were constantly stopping at touristy signposted places and having to walk just a minute or two before being confronted with another gorgeous sight. Unfortunately often there was also a tourist bus full of people there too. This one was great.

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Gold Fever

by TheWanderingCamel

For a short time in the 1860s, Otago was in the grip of a fabulously rich gold rush. People flocked here from all over the world and towns sprang up wherever a rich supply gold was found. Some survived the end of the rush and went on to become permanent townships. Others emptied as the gold failed and there was nothing else to keep people there. Macetown was one such town and now all there is of a once thriving community is some stone buildings, scores of exotic trees planted by long-gone townsfolk and boards telling the story of the town.Macetown is only accessible by 4WD. You can drive yourself. Alternatively, tours up to Macetown run out of Arrowtown. Hotel pickups from Queenstown can be arranged. The four hour trip takes you through the rugged and beautiful Arrow Gorge, crossing and recrossing the river as you go. On the way you'll have the chance to pan for gold yourself in the...

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go Bush

by pepples46

great hiking and walking trekks in the South Island, nature galore, getting away from it allAbel Tasman,Mt Aspiring, Westland and Heaphy track and the smaller Keplar track at Milford Sound to name some

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Dansey Hotel

by pepples46

great Lunch and fine Accommodation, I loved the Breakfast too.a very importand stopover for the Horsecarriages in the 19th century. changeover for the Horses and a bite for the Drivers. nowadays our 4X4 does the drip easy in a couple of hoursthere are wonderful walkways around the Hotel..enjoy!

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Fruit and wine ...

by TheWanderingCamel

... are what Cromwell is all about. Set on the banks of the huge Clyde Dam - the town was actualy moved when the dam was built and its central area flooded - the area around the small town is the centre of New Zealand's orchard industry and the fastest growing wine production region in the country.Like nearly all the towns in Central Otago, it was gold that first brought people here. Nowadays, changing seasons see the slopes and valley bright with the golden leaves of autumn colour after the harvest of the stone fruit and grapes that bring their own gold to the orchards and vineyards - and the bank balances of those who grow them. Tourism is bringing more wealth to the region. When the old town was flooded a small group of buildings was able to be saved to become Old Cromwell Town, a place for local craftspeople to work, cottage industries to find a home and special events to be...

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The Roaring '60s

by TheWanderingCamel

This little building was the Gold Office in St Bathans, a wee (favourite NZ word that) town in Central Otago. Once a thousand people lived here and there were more than 40 business establishments in the town - all due to the gold that was discovered here in 1862. Now the population is no more than 10 , only the post office and the pub (the Vulcan -which claims to be haunted) remain in business and the police station and gaol are a let out as a holiday cottage. It's been a long time since a prospector brought gold to the bank, and the pit that the miners created when they completely dug away a 120metre hill and kept digging to a depth of nearly 70 metres is now a lake of the most amazing blue as a result of the minerals that leach into its waters.Folk come to swim and jet-ski, the Vulcan serves a good pint and tasty pies and you could do worse than spend a night or two here, using the...

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St Bathans in Otago

by kiwi

New Zealand doesn't have a long history, however what little we have is worth visiting. Here in the midst of Central Otago is an old gold mining hotel, from the 1860's.St Bathans is inland from Oamaru in the South Island. You need time to visit this area, and you need a vehicle. If you have both, then be sure to call at the Vulcan Hotel. They say it has a ghost!!

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Unique Places in South Island

Top 3 Hotels in South Island

Copthorne Hotel Commodore Christchurch Airport  Christchurch

 6 Reviews and 321 Opinions  Prior to the earthquakes, I have always stayed in town at some renowned hotel chains. When I was... 

 Hotels in Christchurch

Browns Boutique Hotel  Queenstown

 1 Review and 187 Opinions  Within stroling distance from the main town. Welcoming and homely. A warm cozey room admist the cold... 

 Hotels in Queenstown

858 George Street  Dunedin

 2 Reviews and 61 Opinions  We spent 3 nights staying here. The two rooms we had (1 twin and 1 double) were spacious,... 

 Hotels in Dunedin

887 Hotels in South Island
 
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Reviews and photos of South Island attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for South Island sightseeing.

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Off The Beaten Path: Cities in South Island
  1. Christchurch Off The Beaten Path
  2. Queenstown Off The Beaten Path
  3. Dunedin Off The Beaten Path
  4. Milford Sound Off The Beaten Path
  5. Akaroa Off The Beaten Path
  6. Kaikoura Off The Beaten Path
  7. Arthur's Pass National Park Off The Beaten Path
  8. Timaru Off The Beaten Path
  9. Hanmer Springs Off The Beaten Path
  10. Wanaka Off The Beaten Path
  11. Arrowtown Off The Beaten Path
  12. Franz Josef Glacier Off The Beaten Path
  13. Lyttelton Off The Beaten Path
  14. Lake Tekapo Off The Beaten Path
  15. Oamaru Off The Beaten Path
  16. Greymouth Off The Beaten Path
  17. Invercargill Off The Beaten Path
  18. Nelson Off The Beaten Path
  19. Te Anau Off The Beaten Path
  20. Hokitika Off The Beaten Path
  21. Mount Cook National Park Off The Beaten Path
  22. Picton Off The Beaten Path
  23. Blenheim Off The Beaten Path
  24. Fox Glacier Off The Beaten Path
  25. Abel Tasman National Park Off The Beaten Path
  26. Glenorchy Off The Beaten Path
  27. Westport Off The Beaten Path
  28. Bluff Off The Beaten Path
  29. Lake Pukaki Off The Beaten Path
  30. Twizel Off The Beaten Path
  31. New Brighton Off The Beaten Path
  32. Queen Charlotte Sound Off The Beaten Path
  33. Fiordland National Park Off The Beaten Path
  34. Punakaiki Off The Beaten Path
  35. Mount Cook Off The Beaten Path
  36. Takaka Off The Beaten Path
  37. Riverton Off The Beaten Path
  38. Kaiteriteri Off The Beaten Path
  39. Omarama Off The Beaten Path
  40. Haast Off The Beaten Path
  41. Lake Ohau Off The Beaten Path
  42. Sumner Off The Beaten Path
  43. Clyde Off The Beaten Path
  44. Cardrona Off The Beaten Path
  45. Gore Off The Beaten Path
  46. Waimate Island Off The Beaten Path
  47. Geraldine Off The Beaten Path
  48. Alexandra Off The Beaten Path
  49. Reefton Off The Beaten Path
  50. Kekerengu Off The Beaten Path

More Cities in South Island

 

Popular Regions in South Island

Canterbury Off The Beaten Path  Otago Off The Beaten Path  West Coast Off The Beaten Path  Southland Off The Beaten Path  Nelson/Tasman Off The Beaten Path  Marlborough Off The Beaten Path 

More Regions in South Island

Questions and Answers

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Q:  Hi Everyone, I was reading through the forum on the trans alpine train and am yet unable to decide as to what i should be... 

21traveller profile photo

A: hi i think if you are worried about the cost....drive the distance and i think you will not miss much. The drive is as safe as any of our main highways. You can chose... 

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