New Zealand Travel Blog

Akaroa is the jewel in Canterbury's bank peninsula's crown and just an hour and twenty over the hill from Christchurch. Highway No. 75 out of Christchurch to Akaroa is well signposted. At the end is Akaroa Village. It's on the waterfront and your starting point for harbour cruises, fishing trips, swims with Hector dolphin and close up experiences with other wildlife. Here, Orca may even cast a beady up at you!

The Arrowtown Choppers are a volunteer group dedicated to the removing of wilding pines above Arrowtown, and replanting with New Zealand native Beech, Ribbonwood and Totara, to enhance the biodiversity of the area and we love them! To Date 17,000 trees have been planted over 7 years and volunteer numbers as high as ever, it is making a huge difference to the region!

Without large scale funding and control within twenty years 20% of New Zealand will be covered with wilding pines. As wilding conifers spread across our landscapes they: reduce the numbers of plants and animals that are only found in New Zealand.

July is peak winter in the South Island, which means a lot of crisp, clear skies and plenty of lovely snow (in parts). It also means that it’ll likely be cold – but not everywhere. Read on for everything you need to know about what weather to expect in the South Island during July.

Winter weather is well upon the South Island in August, meaning plenty of opportunities for winter sports and other activities. With clear skies, picturesque snowfall, and plenty of sunshine

The weather in the South Island in September bridges the gap between winter and spring, with snow still hanging around at the beginning of the month in some parts, and balmy, summery temperatures having well and truly arrived by the end of the month in others. It’s a time with a lot going on, as people try to make the most of the weather at both ends!

Did somebody say spring is in the air? It certainly feels like it across the South Island in October, where temperatures are well on their way towards summer highs.

November is a wonderful time to visit the South Island. With spring well and truly sprung and summer knocking on the door, days are getting longer and nice, mild-to-warm temperatures are moving into most parts of the island.

Summer officially arrives in the South Island in December, along with lots of fun festivals and activities to celebrate. With long balmy evenings and warm days, December is a great time to plan a South Island holiday.

Some would call Arthurs Pass the main event on the Great Alpine Highway No.73. Read on to discover the history and travelers tips to making the most of your  Tranz-Alpine crossing by road.