New Zealand South Island

I’ve spent some time in Queenstown and the surrounding area.
I’ll list out some of the things we really enjoyed:

Milford sound flight and cruise:
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Note on the flight-you need good weather or they will push your flight so be flexible. But this was THE BEST thing we did in NZ.

Te Anu Glow Worm Caves
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Walter Peak High Country Farm & TSS Earnslaw Cruise. (We did this at dinner time on a rainy day and it was fabulous).
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The Onsen Hot Pools are fantastic if you want to relax
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The Luge at Skyline Queenstown is a blast!
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The Dart River Wilderness Safari took us to where Lord of the Rings and Mission Impossible were filmed. We also got to explore the river and wilderness area via Jetboat.
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If you are a thrill seeker, there are so many places to bungee jump, paraglide, skydive, etc.

Make sure you get a Fergburger.


Hope these help!

I was there a month ago. This reminded me to make a trip report and I started that. I will try to post it tomorrow so you can get more info.

While you're in Nelson, try to check out Abel Tasman National Park. They have water taxis that can ferry you to beaches and the coastal hiking trail. Also see if you can get a tour of the Marlborough Valley wine country from there. It's really nice. (I skipped the glaciers and headed east towards Picton, Christchurch and then down to Mt. Cook - but it's your trip)

Try to do an adventure activity in Queenstown - whatever you can manage. And eat a Fergburger (if you're willing to wait an hour in line - and the bakery next door is really good too and no line there.). The Cow is another good place to eat. You can ride the Gondola up to the skyline lookout where they have a restaurant. When you get up there hike the Ben Lomond track as far up as you want for some great views.

I'm going to disagree with one of the other recs above about flying to Milford Sound. If you have the time, spend a few days in Te Anau. There's amazing scenery and great hikes in that area. Don't fly over it (or take a bus tour) - go there and explore. You can see more in my trip report.

You're going to love it. Queenstown is my new favorite place on earth after a December visit. If you want something more than a burger, wife and I loved Blue Kanu. Be nice to Larry the bartender (American)!