Southern Connections Ltd
Unit 6 35 Riccarton Road
P.O. Box. 80139
Christchurch
South Island, New Zealand
Phone: (64) 3 379 9260
Fax: (64) 3 379 9425
The South Island of New Zealand has a well deserved reputation as a land packed with magnificent awe-inspiring mountains, wild coastlines, ancient forests and crystal glacial lakes.
Amongst all this spectacular natural beauty are the world-famous wineries of Marlborough and Nelson, the floral beauty of Christchurch, known as the Garden City and Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. It its thrill seeking you are after, there is no where else quite like this town of adrenal junkies.
Travel down the Southern Alps to the glaciers of the Fox and Franz Josef regions and gaze upwards at New Zealands highest mountain, Mount Cook, the scene of so many triumphs and tragedies.
Queenstown is also the gateway to the World Heritage Fiordland National Park which has the internationally famous Milford Sound and Milford Track.
The South Island of New Zealand offers a great range of scenic experiences in a still unspoilt, sparsely populated environment.
Your Southern Connections tours take in several iconic New Zealand towns including
Akaroa a small town with a decidedly French heritage thanks to early French settlers. Nestled at the foot of hills created by volcanic eruptions the area boasts numerous secluded coves and desolate beaches. There are great opportunities for walking, hiking, mountain biking or horse trekking. Also swim with or watch the worlds rarest dolphins, the Hectors Dolphin or just soak up the caf environment.
Arrowtown a quaint mix of historic buildings and quiet charm this is an authentic gold mining town that is as famous for the illusive rocks as it is for the golden colours of the autumnal leaves. Just 20 minutes drive from Queenstown, its the perfect alternative for the less adventurous. It was a location for many of the scenes in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Christchurch English settlers have left Christchurch with a deeply English heritage including some spectacular Gothic revival buildings. The city is within driving distance of everything from hot-air ballooning, skiing and whale watching. Take a trip on the tram or visit one of the restaurants on the Strip for a meal and later one of the nightclubs for some unforgettable entertainment.
Dunedin This is a city with a strong Scottish heritage. It is also one of the most preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the southern hemisphere. It is close to the home of the worlds rarest penguins and is the only mainland breeding colony of the Royal albatross.
Franz Josef Glacier walk almost right up to the face of this giant tongue of ice that stretches down to just 250 m above sea level.
Invercargill this is New Zealands southernmost city and is the gateway to several iconic spots, including Stewart Island, Fiordland and the Catlins. The city is surrounded by parks and walking tracks in some of New Zealands most wild scenery.
Nelson Famous for having the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand, Nelson is also the bohemian artistic capital of the country. Among the beaches, bush and mountains is a vibrant arts and craft scene. There are three national parks on Nelsons doorstep Abel Tasman National Park is a coastal wonderland with captivating golden beaches, Nelson Lakes National Park offers lakeside tracks and tramping and skiing, and Kahurangi National Park, has with 400,000 hectares of wilderness bordering the iconic Farewell Spit.
What is the weather like in New Zealand?
In New Zealand we have four distinct seasons, since we are in the Southern hemisphere mid-summer is December 22 and mid winter is June 22. New Zealand is a maritime climate (South Pacific island surrounded by the southern oceans), as opposed to the continental climate of larger land-masses. This means the weather can be very changeable at any time of the year. Bring warm clothes, a jacket that is both wind & waterproof, as well as, a warm polar fleece type jacket to wear under it.
