South Island: The Real Heartland of New Zealand

With striking mountains, picturesque lakes, crystal clear rivers, and pristine forests, New Zealand’s South Island’s landscape is nature at its best. The place offers a plethora of incredible experiences - from the rugged coastline of the south to the golden beaches of the north. The New Zealand dream comes true, here, in the South Island.

The Christchurch International Airport is the primary gateway to the stunning holiday destination with well-connected flights from Australia and Asia. Tourists can avail of an array of travel options to get around the place. The rolling countryside, majestic fiords and beautiful lakes make for an action-packed experience.

In the south, the Nelson Tasman region boasts of three National Parks with a continuously changing landscape: from wide sandy coastlines to alpine lakes. It’s also the place to indulge in some New Zealand seafood. Mussels, clams, and scallops are among the favorite delicacies.

South Island is host to innumerable historic towns and settlements. Moreover tourists can experience art, wildlife, and food rarely found anywhere. From succulent lamb and fresh seafood delicacies, to crafted beers and wines, you can enjoy the delights as you embark on the wonderful South Island journey.

Tourists also visit a number of distilleries spread across the South Island. One of the world renowned offerings from the South Island is the “South Island Single Malt 25YO.” A must-try for tourists is this whisky– aged in American Oak as well as Ex-Bourbon barrels for nearly 25 years. The drink is made from 100% malted New Zealand barley in the Willowbank distillery, Dunedin.

The most important thing you need is time when exploring South Island, as every district offers a unique experience just waiting to be discovered.

Visit the ‘Home’ of Chivas - Strathisla Distillery

The oldest Scotch distillery in the world, Milltown— now known as Strathisla, was established by Alexander Milne and George Taylor in 1786. It was purchased by Jay Pomeroy in 1940, and later acquired by James Barclay of Seagram, through its main subsidiary, the Chivas Bros Group, in 1949.

Cruising Along Campbeltown: Whisky Lover's Eden

Resting at the foot of the winding Kintyre Peninsula, Campbeltown was once famous as the whisky capital of the world. Flanked by Loch Campbel, this deceptively tiny township had as many as 34 distilleries strewn across its length and breadth. But, those are days of yore. The count may have dipped to just three distilleries in the recent years, but Campbeltown, with its rich heritage of making malt whisky is a dream destination for whisky lovers. Of all things that this petite town has to offer, distillery tours are right up the ally of whisky aficionados.

The Niche Whisky Fringe Festival at Edinburgh

Edinburgh Whisky Fringe is in its sixteenth year now. Over time it has gained the reputation of being one of the most remarkable attractions in the list of global whisky events. The tickets for the three day festival are limited to four hundred and fifty each day. This allows only a significantly small number of lucky people, to experience the beauty and grandeur of Mansfield Traquair, and sample two hundred and fifty whiskies spread over twenty eight stands.