Christchurch & South Island Things to Do

Playfully billed as “The Sound of Silence,” the sheltered waters of Doubtful Sound were not always held in such heralded esteem. In fact, the name of the sound is actually derived from when Captain Cook opted not to enter the area given that he was “doubtful” of the chances it could be navigated safely.

After an event-filled wedding, one thing that honeymooners never really want to be a part of is crowds. Luckily for those looking to honeymoon on New Zealand’s South Island, however, finding a quaint corner to skirt the crowds is never really much of an issue.

Anyone who knows about New Zealand wines knows that the South Island is famous for its Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. This classic grape of New Zealand’s South Island is used in wine which most frequently finds its way on to international wine menus and in foreign cellars. Those who have been wine tasting on the South Island of New Zealand will tell you, however, that there is far more to South Island wines than just the well-known vineyards of Marlborough.

Trying to choose between adventure activities in Queenstown is like trying to choose a show on Broadway; with so many options it can be difficult to know where to begin.

Besides being one of the world’s best-named mountain complexes The Remarkables also offers some of the best skiing found anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere. With a season that kicks off in June and runs through mid-October, The Remarkables ski area is set only 45 minutes outside of the adventure sports capital of Queenstown and offers groomed runs and a terrain park suitable for the entire family.

New Zealand’s most celebrated walk, the Milford Track, is located in the southwest of the South Island in Fiordland. Starting at the head of Lake Te Anau, the track winds for several days through thick temperate rainforest and ends when you arrive at New Zealand’s most famous tourist attraction, Milford Sound.

So what is Milford Sound exactly? And why would you wish to hike for several days to get there?