Top Reasons to Go to Upper South Island and the West Coast

Mountains, Glaciers, and Rain Forest: Hiking, climbing, short rain forest and coastal walks, glacier walks and scenic flights, are all popular West Coast activities.

Beaches: Golden beaches and forest-fringed bays ring Upper South Island.

Wildlife: The Marlborough Sounds and Abel Tasman coast are home to several island sanctuaries where New Zealand seals and other rare native wildlife is protected. At Kaikoura, whales, dolphins, and ocean-traveling albatross come close to shore to feed.

Wine: In Marlborough and Nelson the sunny-day–cool-night climate means grapes come off the vines plump with flavor.

Mining Legacy: Marlborough, Murchison, Reefton, and the West Coast all have a strong legacy of mining, for gold and coal. This rich history comes alive in such places as the Denniston Mine near Westport.