For many Australians when we think of a New Zealand South Island getaway, the lure of snowy mountains and a Fergburger in Queenstown is too strong. And trust me — I get it. I once inhaled Fergburger for all three meals on a single day. I’m not sure if that’s a proud accomplishment or a shameful overshare.
But having just returned from an unforgettable week across the ditch, I’m going to share my top seven recommendations for your next adventure.
Lake Tekapo
Truly one of the most visually stunning places I’ve ever visited. The sparkling water is Gatorade blue (sounds more appealing than dishwashing detergent blue). Breathe in the fresh air surrounded by snowcapped mountains and make sure you stop at New Zealand’s most photographed Church. My pro tip is to view Lake Tekapo from above at Mount John. This place is heaven. It’s like Lake Como for those of us not on George Clooney’s annual salary.
Drive. Drive. Drive!
Road tripping the South Island is simply spectacular. Every twist and turn presents a new feast for your eyes. Here are some of my snaps from the backseat…
Hector Blacks
Us Aussies are a pretty quirky bunch, but I feel New Zealand would have us covered at the Quirky Olympics. Hector Blacks is a bar in Timaru named after a taxidermy dog who sits proudly on display by the fireplace. Funnily enough, that’s not even the quirky part. The bar is home to an actual pigeon racing club and on Tuesdays they play “Bird Poo Bingo”. Yes, it’s exactly what you think it is.
Brand new stadium
One NZ Stadium officially opened this month and is a symbolic step forward in the recovery of beautiful Christchurch after the 2011 earthquakes. It’s a world class sporting venue and already has some big-name concerts locked in for later this year (Robbie Williams & The Foo Fighters). Fun fact; it’s one of two stadiums on the South Island with a permanent roof. Which makes my job as a weatherman redundant. Cheers bro.
Stargazing at Mount Cook Dark Sky Reserve
Dark Sky Reserve is almost totally free from light pollution. This makes it one of the world’s most renowned stargazing locations. Normally taking a photo of stars on your iPhone just doesn’t translate … but … in fear of placing myself in the same category as people who film fireworks on their phone and upload it to YouTube — here is a photo of the stars I took on my iPhone! It’s that clear!
Cocktail with glacier ice
They say a trip to the South Island will change you. And it certainly has changed me. I will now ONLY drink cocktails that include a piece of glacial ice that is hundreds of years old.
Echo
The Christchurch Arts Centre has so much to offer, but my personal highlight is “Echo” by Neil Dawson. Essentially, it’s a floating wire house, but the canvas is whatever the Christchurch sky is doing on that day. Something I will happily predict as a very important and necessary weatherman.
