10 Must-Do Things in the South Island of New Zealand
Moving to the countryside, like in New Zealand, can be a huge adjustment in terms of lifestyle. I was a below-average outdoorsy type: walking (fine), running (yes), camping (does it still exist?), fishing (boring), and malling (sure!).
New Zealand is totally different from the bustle of big cities and the hustle in the third-world country where I came from. New Zealand has made me relinquish my once fast-paced lifestyle. I feel just blessed to be living here, particularly on the South Island, where you can be pretty sure, most of the time, safe in doing fun things. Hence, I came up with a list of 10 Activities You Must Do in South New Zealand. Let's go!
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The garden side of Anatoki Salmon
1. FISHING
Fishing is one of the Kiwi activities everyone can absolutely do in all parts of New Zealand. The common species you can catch are kahawai, snapper, monkfish, blue cod, red cod, etc. You will never get hungry here in NZ!
But one thing you might need to be mindful of is that there are *regulations to be followed in order to maintain the species and protect the lives of the sea creatures. You can either borrow fishing rods from friends, purchase your own or rent from the fishing farms around.
*Read more: Fishing regulation
Don't fret, though, there is a salmon-fishing farm in Takaka, Golden Bay (South Island, of course) where you can easily catch fish in less than an hour with the help of bait. The place provides a fishing rod and pays whenever you catch enough, and you can choose from either fresh sashimi or smoked, with different types of flavor. I usually go there every year and in any season as they are open the whole year round!
I remembered my First catch was in June 2014. June 2018 was the last time I went there with my relatives. If you are Asian like me, it is alright to bring your own rice at no corkage fee; we usually take 1 fish per person anyway! 
Mt. Stokes Track overlooking Anakoha Bay and Forsyth Island, 4- 5 hr return
Don't try this at home
Each chosen track needs to be planned ahead of time for the booking of huts and registration of names. Read more: NZ Parks
Luxmore Hut in Kepler Track (1st hut for the night of the 4-day Journey)
On the way to Milford Sound, May 2018
With my cute backseat-mate
If you get the chance along the road, strike a pose
Lemon posset at Wither Hills
Onsen Spa during Autumn May 2018
I write when the condition is right, but always up for a chat over a cup of coffee. I have the personality of Pisces and the demeanor of the rabbit year, most of all, an ambivert. Discover more: Verma's YouTube Channel
Jan.2019 at Nelson with real fruit ice cream!
2. FRUIT PICKING
Fruit picking during the summer season is so popular in both the North and South of New Zealand. And I could not be happier to be living in Marlborough, South Island, where the orchards are just a 15-minute drive away! The southern hemisphere NZ summer season happens in December-February. Starting late spring, from November to early summer of December, summer fruits like berries and cherries proliferate around the country!
Cherryland in Blenheim, Marlborough
Black Jack Track in Whites Bay 1hr Return
3. HIKING
Hiking is one of the common activities among Kiwis. They just love walking! And why not? It is one of the most venomous-free, snake-free countries in the world. In fact, there is no place I have seen where there isn't a single walking track.
Wairau Lagoons Walkway (Waverley Shipwreck) 2-3hr Return
Mt. Stokes Track overlooking Anakoha Bay and Forsyth Island, 4- 5 hr return
4. TRAMPING/TREKKING
Tramping is the Kiwi term for bushwalking, hillwalking or trekking. I thought this was a worldwide word until I spoke to other nationalities abroad, such as Americans and other Asians; they were boggled. 
Every council makes an effort to make its trails walkable to both locals and tourists. They provide drinking fountains and toilets along the way. The ones listed as " Great Walks" would take about 3-6 days. However, this is not for the faint-hearted nor a luxury holiday. This is a real "adventure".
"Look ahead only once, take one step at a time"- my mantra while doing this challenge
Don't try this at home
Each chosen track needs to be planned ahead of time for the booking of huts and registration of names. Read more: NZ Parks
Reward yourself with a plank
Luxmore Hut in Kepler Track (1st hut for the night of the 4-day Journey)
5. CAMPING
Camping, like hiking, is one of the many hobbies among Kiwis. And nope, this isn't the girl guide/boy scouts kinda thing like how I thought it was; (you know) lighting up the fire from stones and setting up a tent from bamboo and straws. Camping here is so first-world, so to speak, and is almost like "glamping", glamorous camping. It is like a family gathering, which becomes very crowded during the summertime on school holidays. Bookings are needed to register at the campsites.
Camping in New Zealand isn't limited to having a tent and cooking your canned food. Most campsites offer many things for campers to do, such as fishing on the coast or lakes, walking at a nearby track and kayaking for those who have their own trailer trucks.
Cooking fresh seashells has never been sumptuous like this. There are different types of campsites depending on your preference. You can choose somewhere near the lake, coast, forest or alpine.
Camping at Momorangi Bay in the summer of 2016
6. MARATHON
Running a marathon is an activity you can't miss while on the South Island. With its spectacular views: alpine, vineyard, off-road bushes or mountains surrounding the area, pictures on the run look super fantastic! Plus, the fresh and clean air of NZ doesn't give you foul-smelling sweat 
(at least don't forget your deodorant)
.
taking a photo before the run
2hrs plus-ish to finish, exhausting but rewarding!
Take a tour bus and sit in front to get the best view
7. ROAD TRIPS
Road trips are the most practical and efficient way to enjoy the stunning roads of the South in all seasons. Whether you prefer the spring blossoms, the golden color of tussock in summer, aligned vineyards, winter alps or the orangy reddish autumn leaves, everyone agrees that the South has it on the road!
Going around NZ is more convenient and efficient by driving. But then taking public transport such as buses or trains is equally a pleasant experience too.
Going around NZ is more convenient and efficient by driving. But then taking public transport such as buses or trains is equally a pleasant experience too.
On the way to Culverden (not the driver 
)
KEEP LEFT ALWAYS
On the way to Kaikoura,
I stopped on the safest side for a photo.
With my cute backseat-mate
Driving gives you the liberty to go wherever your heart leads you. Spontaneity makes it fun. You can easily stop when you see something interesting for a photo or a shabby artsy cafe. However, foreign drivers should be careful with the laws regarding licensing and road codes/regulations.
*Read more: Driving in New Zealand
If you get the chance along the road, strike a pose
Lemon posset at Wither Hills
8. WINE AND DINE
For foodies and wine enthusiasts like me, skills which I acquired as I immerse in the Sauvignon capital- Marlborough, this is heaven! The local produce is fresh and abundant; hence, you always have a fine food experience.
Wine flight at Vines Village
Also check out: Venison meal at MIA.
* Apologies that I missed the photos I had during a wedding at the best restaurant in Blenheim, *ARBOUR. I would like to say that it is that delectable to ever think of a photo!
In other parts of the South especially Queenstown is a dish you can't miss in the world, the FERG BURGER. A burger person like me has the impression that New Zealand has the best burger ever tasted. And yes, this monster is located exclusively in the South.
It would not be normal when there's no queue. Totally worth the queue all the way from its gelato and bakery of the same Ferg! It is indeed a world-renowned food trip to Queenstown.
Onsen Spa during Autumn May 2018
9. HOT SPA
Hot Spa is much appreciated in the South due to its colder weather. There's nothing much pleasurable than doing it with great views.
As we all know, a hot bath or spa is a therapeutic method of relieving stress and body aches. It is also good at promoting sleep. Also, check out Tekapo Springs.
Had to be tipsy to toughen me enough to do this
10. ADVENTURE RIDES
For extreme sports and adrenaline activities, the South Island of NZ is popular for that. The famous company promoting AJ Hackett Bungy Jumping is what we see on social media.
- Get the best capture of that adrenaline from the professionals, mate: Bungy NZ
- Of course, Queenstown is not the only option where you can get the best adventure rides. You have the choice to go somewhere off the beaten path like Christchurch, Nelson and Franz Josef.
- Flying Fox at Happy Valley, Nelson
- Take a quad bike for $10 and return in going instead of the van ride.
Okay, we have come to the end of my hand-picked list. There are tons of things that I wanted to add, but these are so far my most recommended. I hope that you find this useful. Toodles! 
Meet Verma
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Do you want more adventure?
- Check out Europe for 2 weeks: Art Class in Paris, France, then getting on a Hot air balloon ride at Siena, Italy, and relaxing by the beach on the Amalfi Coast with a side trip to Rome, Italy, before flying back home.
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