Whitney Kirkpatrick is a student at Berry College and an ISA Featured Blogger. She is studying abroad with ISA in Dunedin, New Zealand.
New Zealand’s South Island is home to grand mountains, pristine beaches, beautiful trails, and breathtaking views, so what better way to see it all than with PB&J?! I went on an epic road trip around the South Island for my mid semester break and found some great views for my sandwich breaks. Follow my “PB&J with a view” story for some must-see places around the South Island.
Mt. Cook
Mt. Cook is New Zealand’s tallest mountain, and it is located in the Mt. Aspiring National Park. There are many walks that lead to different views of Mt. Cook, and this picture was taken at Mueller Glacier lake at the end of the Hooker Valley Track. The peak of the mountain is usually hidden behind the clouds, but if you are lucky you can catch a view of its full magnitude on a clear day.
Abel Tasman National Park
If you are looking to soak up the sun, Abel Tasman National Park is the place for you! This area is located on the northern end of the South Island and has the most sunshine hours of anywhere in the country. Sea kayaking is a popular activity here and a great way to see some of the sites along the coast such as the iconic Split Apple Rock. The Abel Tasman Coastal Track is one of New Zealand’s nine Great Walks and leads you through lush, green forests with great coastal views.
Haast Pools
The short Blue Pools Track will lead you across this swinging bridge where you can get a view of the glacier-fed, blue water of the Makarora River. The walk continues into the forest and leads to the crystal clear blue pools.
Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki
This picture may not be a “PB&J with a view” picture, but we had to have pancakes on the Pancake Rocks! The Pancake Rocks are an area of highly eroded limestone that look like stacks of pancakes, and the sea bursts through several blowholes during high tide.
Wharariki Beach
The northwestern coast of the south island is a great place to spend an afternoon, and Wharariki Beach is a destination you will not want to miss. Here you will find big waves, big cliffs, and big caves. Seal pups also enjoy playing in the pools.
Arthur’s Pass National Park
Huge mountains, rivers, and waterfalls make Arthur’s Pass a great location for scenic drives and exploration. This national park is in the heart of the Southern Alps, and the park has many different peaks. The village at Arthur’s Pass is a great starting place for walks. You are likely to see kea birds in this area, which are the world’s only alpine parrot!
These are but a few of the many breathtaking views that New Zealand has to offer!
Want to travel around the South Island like Whitney has? Of course you do! Explore your options to study and intern abroad in New Zealand.