|
SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND North Island
Christchurch Dunedin Invercargill Nelson Queenstown
Picton Blenheim Kaikoura Hanmer Springs Greymouth/Franz Joseph
PICTON - a pleasant small town at the north of the South Island (SI). Its main claim to fame is as the SI terminal for the inter-island passenger ferries from Wellington. It is also host to the EDWIN FOX MARITIME CENTRE. This is adjacent to the ferry terminal and is highly recommended as a 30-60 minutes stop.
EDWIN FOX is the 9th oldest ship in the world, a former East Indiaman. Admission to the maritime museum allows access to the ship and also the Graving Dock she is housed in. She is described as being " the last surviving Crimean War troopship, last surviving Australian convict ship and last surviving wooden New Zealand immigrant ship"
There are a number of accommodation options in Picton.
Other activities include the scow ECHO, the local museum, boat trips into the Sounds etc. There are a number of scenic drives around the area, and Picton is close to some excellent (r) excellent Marlborough vineyards.
Find accommodation in Picton
BLENHEIM
A short drive south from Picton. A variety of accommodation options and very well situated as a base to 'do' the Marlborough vineyards.
Find accommodation in Blenheim
KAIKOURA
Renowned for whale watching tours (by boat or by air) and the quality of the seafood.
There is a wide variety of accomodation options but it pays to book early, especially in summer.
Find accommodation in Kaikoura
HANMER SPRINGS
About 1.5 hours easy drive north from Christchurch, Hanmer Springs is a delightful place for a relaxing stay.
The Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa offers 7 open air thermal pools, 3 sulphur pools and 4 private thermal pools. Winter is a popular time in Hanmer Springs. Sitting in an open air warm mineral pool with snow all around has to be expereinced to be believed!
The area also boasts 40km of biking tracks, 56km of walking tracks for the outdoor enthusiast, as well as a number of restaurants and cafes.
Hanmer Springs is surrounded by hectares of native and exotic forests.
Find accommodation in Hanmer Springs
GREYMOUTH
This river city is a good base for the Punakaiki (Pancake) Rocks (Columns of limestone resembling stacks of pancakes. When sea conditions are right - much of the time - seawater is forced upwards through blowholes.). Other attractions include the historic port area, Shanytown Museum as well as nature walks etc. It is an easy drive through to Reefton and Westport, the Franz Joseph glacier etc.
Find accommodation in West Coast/Franz Jospeh Glacier area
Back to the Top
|