Backpacking Through New Zealand’s South Island: Ultimate Guide for Travelers

South Island is a paradise of the backpackers, adventure seekers as well as nature lovers in New Zealand. Through its breathtaking landscapes that include mountain ranges that soar up to the clouds and lakes that are crystal clear, and calm and peaceful beaches with forests, it is one of the most diversified areas in the world. The UAE travelers should apply to New Zealand visa in Dubai before they begin to plan their adventure. When you are ready to explore the South Island you can do so in full potential as you have your visa with you.

The South Island is a great place to see the natural beauty of the country in a more personal manner as well as maintaining a flexible and affordable trip. The South Island is more outdoors compared to the North Island which has more urban attractions. It is a retreat of hikers, bicycle riders, animal sightseers and most importantly those who are tired of the busy city life.

The South Island and its Reasons why it is the perfect destination to be a backpacker.

It is like you have a sense of freedom when you are on South Island walking or in the camper van. Each twist opens a new horizon: high mountains of the Southern Alps, foggy fjords, glittering rivers, immense open plains. Queenstown and Wanaka are the towns with activities to do and places to relax, and the more isolated parts of the country include Fiordland and the West Coast where one can enjoy nature without any distractions. The wide range of experiences renders the South Island paradise of any backpacker with adrenaline-based adventures and peaceful retreats.

The best time to go to the South Island.

The timing of your trip may have a significant impact. The most popular season is summer between December and February, long days and usually pleasant weather, which is perfect when hiking and outdoor activities are involved. Also, in the autumn, it is cooler and crowds are smaller, and so, it will be a more relaxed trip. During winter, it is ideal to ski or snowboard in such places as Queenstown and Wanaka, whereas spring is the months of blooming landscapes and rich landscapes, but even higher-altitude routes can be covered with snow. There is a different appeal of every season, and, therefore, you can decide what type of adventure you want.

The South Island: Must-Visit Spots.

A trip through the South Island would not be filled with backpacking without its iconic places. Queenstown is well known as the adventure capital of New Zealand and has all activities such as bungee jumping, sky diving, relaxing lake tours and hiking. Towns like Arrowtown and Glenorchy are closer by and offer a less busy more relaxed setting.

The next tourist spot is the Fiordland National Park, which boasts of the renowned Milford sound and Doubtful sound. Climbing Milford Track or sailing through the fjords gives the travelers the chance of seeing some of the purest and the most dramatic landscapes in the nation. ABEL Tasman national park is the ideal location to visit on the northern coast to have a coastal walk and kayaking experience of the golden beaches and the turquoise waters which is an unforgettable site.

Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are the ideal location of a glacier enthusiast due to guided hikes and helicopter tours which take you close to the ancient ice formations. In the meantime, in town of Wanaka the situation is less tense, and the tourists are able to have fun by hiking, cycling, and playing in the lake. Royals peak, a neighboring peak, is among the most breath-taking peaks in the South Island and attracts all the backpackers to witness the view.

Low-Budget Backpacking Advice.

The South Island allows one to backpack without foregoing the experience. Taking buses or a commuter service between the cities may save a lot of money, but staying in a hostel, lodging or camp sites is also a relatively cheap way to stay. Eating out on your own or dining at the local cafes rather than dining out in the tourist restaurants also stretches your budget. Additionally, most of the natural sites including hiking tracks, lakes and beautiful viewpoints do not require much money and you get to have the best of New Zealand without spending a lot of money.

Safety and Travel Advice

Although the South Island is generally safe to travelers, one should be ready. The weather is subject to rapid change particularly in mountainous areas and reviewing the weather before going out is very important. Adequate amount of water, food stuffs and simple safety equipment are always advisable during long hikes. Being considerate of wildlife, using trail directions and letting a person know what you are doing in the wild makes all the difference and will guarantee that the trip is safe and pleasant.

Things to Do in San Francisco

Travelling South Island by backpacking is not only sightseeing the island but it is an experience in itself. The spectacular views of Tekapo with Dark Sky Reserve are simply amazing. Kaikoura will be the destination where wildlife lovers will enjoy viewing seals, dolphins and whales. Vineyards are available to the wine lovers and hikers get amazing views on the well known trails in the country. Scattered around the South Island, natural hot pools present a relaxing escape following exhausting day of sightseeing which contributes to the beauty of the region.

Conclusion

New Zealand’s South Island is the ideal place to explore the country on a backpacking trip. It is possible to enjoy this amazing place with proper planning and selection of the season and routes. In the case of the UAE natives, it is necessary to have your visa sorted out in advance. Your New Zealand visa can be applied at Dubai through Go Kite Travel and thus your travels can be completed without any problem and nothing can be in the way to enjoy the scenic views of the South Island.