2020-01-23 01:33
Want to catch the best view of the Lake Wakatipu sunset? Follow the crowds to the beachfront. Want to dine in one of Queenstown’s best restaurants? Join the waiting list for a sought-a… Read More
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Southern Discoveries Blog
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Keep up to date with the latest trends and news with our blogs on Queenstown & Milford Sound.
2020-01-17 03:12
Milford Sound is one of the most breathtaking places to visit in New Zealand. This huge glacier-carved fiord is famous around the world, and it only takes a quick glance to see why.
Th… Read More
2019-12-19 01:49
Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year in Queenstown. The days are long, the weather is warm, and there is so much to see and do.
For Queenstown locals, the holiday season i… Read More
2019-12-12 22:03
New Zealand’s South Island is a paradise for those looking to enjoy a breathtaking scenic drive. Regardless of where you go, there is plenty to enjoy as you cruise along windy roads wi… Read More
2019-11-29 01:39
Located in the South Island of New Zealand, Queenstown is surrounded by the Southern Alps and situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu. So, it’s no surprise that this small to… Read More
2019-11-22 01:52
Milford Sound is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand and one of the most popular destinations for tourists. But it wasn’t always a place for visitors. In fact, Milford Soun… Read More
2019-11-15 02:23
Summer is fast approaching and as the last of the snow disappears, the bike trails around Queenstown are getting warmed up. Biking has become super popular in Queenstown and it’s fast… Read More
2019-11-07 20:38
Exploring Milford Sound is arguably one of the best things to do in New Zealand. This ancient, glacier-carved fiord is often referred to as the unofficial eighth wonder of the world. So… Read More
2019-10-24 22:11
You can’t go all the way to Milford Sound and not go on a cruise! Milford Sound is known as the eight wonder of the world and for most it’s a once in a lifetime visit, so choosin… Read More
2019-10-18 02:26
We all want to protect our beautiful planet and its inspiring natural environments and species for future generations, but what actions can we take when travelling to make a difference? Here… Read More
2019-10-04 02:21
A day trip to Milford Sound from Queenstown or Te Anau is a “must-do” when you’re visiting New Zealand. For starters, Milford is known by many as the 8th Wonder of the Worl… Read More
2019-09-27 01:01
As the days get longer and warmer it means one thing – spring is here! Spring is arguably the best season in Queenstown!
For one, the scenery is particularly gorgeous. The mountains su… Read More
2019-09-20 03:49
Going on a Milford Sound cruise is a must do in New Zealand, but knowing what Milford Sound tour to choose can be a tricky decision! With a few different companies operating in the area as w… Read More
2019-09-13 00:23
With Conservation Week starting this Saturday, we want to celebrate by shedding some light on a little-known project making big changes in Milford Sound! That project is called the Sinbad Sa… Read More
2019-08-30 03:21
Fiordland National Park is an adventure lover’s paradise. This pristine environment is unlike any other in New Zealand and one of the best ways to explore it is on foot! Hiking in Fior… Read More
2019-08-23 00:34
As rainbow flags and posters begin to pop-up all over town, we’re reminded that it’s that time of year again – Winter Pride! This annual 10-day festival includes a series o… Read More
2019-08-09 00:46
New Zealand is known all around the world for many things; snow-covered mountains, dramatic landscapes, black sand beaches, unique birds, the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and sheep. Yes, sheep… Read More
2019-08-08 23:07
Milford Sound is often the highlight for many visitors in New Zealand. The breathtaking glacier-carved fiord is far from ordinary and deserves an extraordinary visit.
At Southern Discoveries… Read More
2019-08-01 21:00
It’s no secret Milford Sound is one of the most beautiful places to visit in New Zealand. Within a quick glance, you’re welcomed with stunning scenery and a landscape unlike any… Read More
2019-07-25 21:00
Driving overseas can be a daunting experience. To say the least, New Zealand has some interesting roads. They navigate through impressive landscapes and although beautiful, they d… Read More
2019-07-18 21:09
Te Anau, a beautiful little town in the deep south, is most commonly known as the gateway to Milford Sound. It’s not only the closest town but is also the starting point of the only ro… Read More
2019-07-18 03:01
We hope you enjoyed your experience with us and we’d love to see photos and videos of your Queenstown or Milford Sound adventure. Tag Southern Discoveries @southerndiscoveries in any p… Read More
2019-07-11 00:24
In winter, Queenstown is known as one of the top destinations in New Zealand for skiing and snowboarding. There are four nearby ski fields to choose from making it an ideal place for those l… Read More
2019-07-04 05:34
Visiting Milford Sound is one for the bucket list! Getting there along the Milford Road is just as much a part of the experience as visiting Milford Sound itself! Along the road to Milford… Read More
2019-06-28 02:00
Queenstown’s stunning backdrop is one of the many draw cards that bring visitors from all over the world to its shores. Arguably the most beautiful part of that backdrop is the mountai… Read More
2019-06-21 02:12
Fiordland National Park is one of the most loved national parks in New Zealand. Every year thousands of tourists travel to this remote region in search of stunning views and breath-taking sc… Read More
2019-06-13 22:59
Conservation is a hot topic right now, but it’s something we’ve always believed in. So when Southern Discoveries got the opportunity to get involved with the Sinbad Sanctuary Pro… Read More
2019-06-07 02:39
Milford Sound is hands-down one of the best places to visit in New Zealand. The beautiful scenery is sure to leave you breathless.
But don’t bank on blue skies while you’re there… Read More
2019-05-30 04:26
It’s that time of the year again, when we’re all getting ready for another great winter in Queenstown, that means the LUMA Southern Light Festival is back. The LUMA festival has… Read More
2019-05-24 00:05
Stunning mountain peaks, alpine lakes, gorgeous beaches and huge glaciers – New Zealand’s South Island is one of the most picturesque and interesting places to travel in the worl… Read More
2019-05-16 03:54
Queenstown is one of the most popular towns in New Zealand for tourists and holidaymakers. It’s filled with so many amazing places to visit, things to do and bucket list activities to… Read More
2019-05-10 03:30
There are so many exciting things to see and do in Milford Sound and a great way to see and do it all is by staying the night at the Milford Sound Lodge. With an extended overnight trip to M… Read More
2019-05-01 21:24
A boat cruise in Milford Sound is one of the best experiences you can have in New Zealand. Taking in the breathtaking scenery, getting showered by a waterfall, and even spotting wildlife are… Read More
2019-04-15 22:08
School holidays are an exciting time in Queenstown. With kids off school, it gives families an excuse to get out and have some fun. No matter if you’re a local or a visitor to Que… Read More
2019-04-08 04:58
Milford Sound is one of the most popular and arguably the most beautiful tourist destinations in New Zealand. It is one of the best places for New Zealand sightseeing known for its towering… Read More
2019-04-03 02:49
Queenstown’s huge mountain peaks, breathtaking lake, and deep canyons make it an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. From hiking trails, to ski slopes, to skydiving, there is no short… Read More
2019-03-18 03:38
Top 10 things to do in Queenstown on a budget
Visiting Queenstown on holiday can be daunting for some travellers because let’s face it, Queenstown isn’t the cheapest place… Read More
2019-03-08 01:03
Milford Sound is arguably the most famous tourist attraction in all of New Zealand. Every day, thousands of excited visitors embark on a once in a lifetime bus journey from Te Anau or Q… Read More
2019-02-28 21:44
Many visitors who come to Queenstown do so alone. Travelling solo comes with its perks – you can be completely selfish and decide where you want to go and what you want to do yourself… Read More
2019-02-19 21:48
Get Outdoors Week (or GO Week) is a New Zealand wide initiative that aims to get people outdoors to safely explore this beautiful country. All over New Zealand, there will be events held to… Read More
2019-02-19 21:48
Get Outdoors Week (or GO Week) is a New Zealand wide initiative that aims to get people outdoors to safely explore this beautiful country. All over New Zealand, there will be events held to… Read More
2019-01-24 01:33
Milford Sound is the wettest place in New Zealand and one of the wettest places in the world! Many visitors are shocked to know that this true world wonder actually measures its rainfall in… Read More
2019-01-10 22:46
For many of Queenstown’s visitors, this vibrant town becomes a base to explore the breathtaking landscapes in the surrounding area. From Queenstown, there are endless places to see and… Read More
2018-12-20 00:11
Lake Wakatipu is Queenstown’s crown jewel. Upon arriving in Queenstown, you will undoubtedly notice the huge lake the town sits adjacent to. Back in the day, it was used as one of the… Read More
2018-11-29 03:29
Milford Sound is one of the most beautiful places to visit in New Zealand. Its soaring cliffs, unique wildlife, and spectacular scenery leave its visitors in awe. Without a doubt, the best w… Read More
2018-11-22 22:36
Mountain biking is one of Queenstown’s most popular activities and in the past few years the trails on offer have grown and grown. There is something for everyone; steep and technical… Read More
2018-11-14 20:51
Thousands of people visit Milford Sound ever year, coming for its spectacular scenery including its hundreds of waterfalls! However, it can sometimes surprise visitors during their visit to… Read More
2018-11-07 00:41
If you love waterfalls, then Milford Sound is the perfect destination for you! ‘Chasing waterfalls’ in Milford Sound is easy because there are just so ma… Read More
2018-10-25 00:03
Queenstown is one of those places that is guaranteed to steal your heart almost immediately upon arrival. In fact, you will probably already be sold on Queenstown as you fly into the airport… Read More
2018-10-03 03:59
Milford Sound is one of the most visited places in New Zealand. The towering cliffs, endless waterfalls, and wildlife are just some of the spectacles that give Milford its claim to fame as t… Read More
2018-09-21 04:33
New Zealand is filled with endless activities and experiences to tick off your bucket list; a Milford Sound Nature Cruise, jet boating on Lake Wakatipu or bungy jumping to nam… Read More
2018-09-11 03:41
Sometimes there is nothing better than escaping the hustle and bustle of our day to day lives by getting out and enjoying nature. The most refreshing holidays are the ones that really let yo… Read More
2018-08-29 00:59
Queenstown is one of the most scenic places in New Zealand. It’s famous for many things including the huge mountain peaks that surround it, but there’s one thing that really make… Read More
2018-08-23 02:18
Visiting Milford Sound is likely to be one of your most memorable moments in New Zealand. The stunning landscapes, towering mountains, giant waterfalls and of course the famous reflections o… Read More
2018-08-13 00:01
A visit to Milford Sound will without a doubt be a highlight of any trip to New Zealand. The amazing scenery is unlike anywhere else in the world and therefore the memories you hold of explo… Read More
2018-07-23 01:44
If you’re planning a visit to Queenstown this winter and your time is limited, we’ve got the perfect itinerary for you.
First tracks at Coronet Peak
Start your day early and get… Read More
2018-07-09 04:13
You’ve just spent the day shredding up the mountain and it’s time to give the legs a break and quench your thirst.
With so many après ski spots to choose from, we ha… Read More
2018-06-28 23:42
Milford Sound is known as the eighth wonder of the world, and it’s no wonder with its dramatic cliff faces that rise from the Tasman Sea. For many, it’s a once in a lifetime expe… Read More
2018-06-27 02:30
New Zealand is fast becoming a hot spot for tourists from all over the world, with Queenstown and Milford Sound in particular being some of the most photographed destinations. In preparation… Read More
2018-06-18 02:33
While Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, it boasts a wide range of activities and caters to all needs and wants so there really is something from everyone. Here are… Read More
2018-05-21 01:00
Milford Sound is one New Zealand’s most popular destinations, renowned for its towering mountains, lush rain forest and incredible wildlife. Adjoining Milford’s iconic Mitre Peak… Read More
2018-04-20 04:00
Queenstown is breathtaking year-round, but we do count ourselves exceptionally fortunate at this time of the year. We are treated to autumn yellows, oranges and reds, a colour palate that wo… Read More
2018-04-20 04:00
Queenstown is breathtaking year-round, but we do count ourselves exceptionally fortunate at this time of the year. We are treated to autumn yellows, oranges and reds, a colour palate that wo… Read More
2018-03-23 04:24
Experiencing the best of your own backyard is something we think all Kiwis should do.
We’ve complied two adventure-packed itineraries on how to discover Milford Sound and Queens… Read More
2018-01-25 01:31
Queenstown is known for many things, among them being New Zealand’s adventure capital. Beyond the activities that make your heart beat right out of your chest, there are experiences th… Read More
2018-01-23 01:15
The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever (Jacques Cousteau; explorer and conservationist, 1910 – 1997).
Piopiotahi Marine Reserve occupies almost 7… Read More
2018-01-09 01:00
Milford Sound is one of the most spectacular places to visit in New Zealand. Towering cliffs and peaks that rise from 16 kilometres of dark water leading out to the open sea. Waterfalls plun… Read More
2018-01-06 02:07
Planning to visit Queenstown? If it is your first time, you have plenty of things to do, see and experience during your stay.
What to Visit
Arrowtown is a noteworthy day trip from Queensto… Read More
2018-01-02 23:40
Discovered by the Māori more than a thousand years ago, the early stories of Milford Sound are steeped in myth and legend that talk of its magnificent creation. According to the storie… Read More
2017-12-12 03:50
New Zealand is often hailed as the adventure capital of the world, and no other town comes close to Queenstown when it comes to the variety and range of adventure activities. There is someth… Read More
2017-12-12 03:31
They say it’s the wettest place in New Zealand – with almost 7,000mm of rainfall across 182 days of the year. That means in the course of 24 hours, Milford Sound gets as much as… Read More
2017-12-08 01:07
A New Zealand trip wouldn’t be complete without seeing Milford Sound. Located on the southwest of South Island, it is in Fiordland National Park. The 16 kilometre length from the head… Read More
2017-12-06 04:05
A trip to the gorgeous and ever-popular Milford Sound can only be made more enjoyable by preparing for it properly. Reaching Milford Sound can be done as a day long road trip from Queenstown… Read More
2017-08-20 23:18
While Queenstown is world-renowned for its adventure activities, many flock to this little gem in the South to appreciate nature’s beauty and to have an epic relaxing and rejuvenating… Read More
2017-08-02 10:34
A trip to the gorgeous and ever-popular Milford Sound can only be made more enjoyable by preparing for it properly. Reaching Milford Sound can be done as a longer trip with an overnight stop… Read More
2017-07-17 15:58
In 2015, New Zealand outranked every other country in the world as the world’s top film tourism destination. The wonderful Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy had much… Read More
2017-07-01 04:52
One of the great things about Aotearoa New Zealand is the ease of travel. Being a small country, nowhere is too far and everywhere is easy to reach. There are many ways to get from A to B, o… Read More
2017-06-26 08:05
October 1999 marked the beginning of the transformation of our quiet little country into a wild rumpus, a runaway marriage of literature and film technology which became Middle Earth. With t… Read More
2017-06-05 02:06
While the British and Irish Lions Tour that starts in June will already take you to some of the most marvelous places around New Zealand, there are some destinations that you just can’… Read More
2017-06-01 00:56
Get to Know Your Lions Tour Host Cities
One of the most exciting sports events happening in New Zealand this year is the Lions Tour. It isn’t just an amazing rugby event for athletes a… Read More
2017-05-23 04:58
The British and Irish Lions Tour in New Zealand is the most exciting sports event happening in the country this year. It all kicks off on 3 June at the Toll Stadium in Whangarei. The to… Read More
2017-04-05 00:57
New Zealand has some of the best tramping tracks in the world. It really does. And they are virtually all in reach of many of our major cities. The Milford Track, starting at the northern t… Read More
2017-03-21 01:16
To see Fiordland and Milford Sound/Piopiotahi from a helicopter is a whole new kind of awesome. From above, the mountain ranges open out into the lush southern plains to the east and stretch… Read More
2017-01-29 21:09
There are plenty of good reasons why Mitre Peak is one of the most photographed mountains in Aotearoa New Zealand. Any visitor to the area can, and usually will wax lyrical abou… Read More
2017-01-16 23:29
Aotearoa New Zealand is a little dot on the world map, yet it has been, and still is, home to some of the biggest creatures ever to have lived.
Dinosaurs
While the dinosaurs which were commo… Read More
2016-12-11 21:15
As an alternative to hotels and motels, bed and breakfast accommodations tend to be warm and welcoming options. Often run by the owner in their home, the rooms are usually typical of the loc… Read More
2016-12-05 21:02
Harrison Cove, in Milford Sound Piopiotahi, is a unique and lovely area. Shaped like the head of a roaring lion, with the magnificent Harrison River pouring into its throat, this is one of A… Read More
2016-11-10 01:29
For the ultimate high country experience, it’s hard to beat Mt Nicholas Station. Set on the edge of Lake Wakatipu near the mouth of the Von River, the working cattle and sheep station… Read More
2016-10-04 00:05
New Zealand is proud of its clear blue skies and fresh, clear air. The southern climate is said to be as crisp as the apples grown in the Deep South, with fresh-to-freezing nights and clear… Read More
2016-09-23 03:18
Driving the scenic road from Queenstown to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi is an unforgettable experience. There are few places where you will find such a diversity of scenery in a relatively small… Read More
2016-09-16 04:14
Thousands of endurance runners are expected to turn out for the third Queenstown International Marathon this November. This relatively new event is taking off in the running world, with peop… Read More
2016-09-04 22:16
If your idea of a relaxing holiday includes hooking a few local beauties – trout that is – then head on to Queenstown. With an abundant stock of rainbow and brown trout and Chino… Read More
2016-08-26 04:08
The impressive Southern Alps mountain range forms New Zealand’s great divide, a geological, geographical and politic boundary between the east and west coasts. The Alps are the largest… Read More
2016-08-15 22:13
Naming the fiords of Fiordland
Nestled inside Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site, which gives it similar status to the Grand Canyon and pyramids of Giza, Fiordland is home to a number of gla… Read More
2016-08-04 23:35
If you want to leave the stress of your daily routine behind, the serene elegance of Fiordland will soon have you forgetting that you have left your responsibilities at home!
Fiordland Natio… Read More
2016-08-01 03:35
Staying over in Milford Sound Piopiotahi
The surreal beauty and untouched majesty of Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) has seen it named, at various times, the eighth wonder of the world, the world… Read More
2016-07-28 22:47
“There is a waterfall in every dream. Cool and crystal clear, it falls gently on the sleeper, cleansing the mind and soothing the soul.” (Virginia Alison, author).
For centu… Read More
2016-06-20 04:16
Bring out your fabulous for the most colourful, quirky event down south – Gay Ski Week, where the slopes are packed with hairy bears, lovely lesbians, divine divas and queens on skis… Read More
2016-06-13 00:49
Rising sharply beside Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables Mountain Range is an attractive and rugged area close to Queenstown. The highest peak is Double Cone, which towers 2,319 metres over the… Read More
2016-06-03 02:40
At the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu, less than an hour’s drive from Queenstown, sits the small town of Glenorchy, population 363. With panoramic views of lush beech forest, rugged mou… Read More
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