The Southern Regions of the South Island Tour (Part I)

From Christchurch follow the route to Lake Tekapo for approximately 3 hours. You can spend a night or two in Lake Tekapo Motels & Holiday Park, which is perfectly located just beside the picturesque lake. Start your itinerary visiting the renowned Church of the Good Sheperd located on the shores of Lake Tekapo. After a long drive from Christchurch you might want to sit back and relax at Tekapo Springs located at the base of Mt John. If you're traveling with the kids, there are Tubing Park, Water Slide and Skating Rink available in Tekapo Springs.

Explore Lake Tekapo by a boat cruise or grab your fishing gear and join a half day fishing trip. If you prefer inland activity, then take a guided hike or go on a horse trekking. Golf enthusiast may head over to Tekapo's MacKenzie Golf Club. At the end of the day, don't miss Mt John Observatory, one of best stargazing site in New Zealand. 

Proceed to the Historic Precinct that boast of its Victorian Steetscape with historic buildings, museums and Victorian pubs. Then head over to the nearby Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony that features the smallest penguin in the world. It is located few minutes from Historic Precinct, making it accessible for a short DIY walking tour. If you still have some time left, you can stroll along the Oamaru Public Garden then end your day with a good meal at a local restaurant or cafe.

Start your second day with a relaxing stroll along the Oamaru Public Garden. Then take a train ride via the Oamaru Steam& Rail that will take you back in time as the train runs along some of Oamaru's historic district. Just before dusk, follow the Bushy Beach Track to view the shy yellow-eyed penguins as they come ashore to feed their youngsters. Remember, these penguins are extremely shy, so make sure to stay off the beach. If you're not yet beaten out, you can end your day with a good show at Oamaru Opera House.

A trip to Dunedin is not complete without visiting The Larnach Castle,  New Zealand's only castle located few minutes away from the city centre. Learn about the castle's history or explore the Lanarch garden, which earned a title as a Garden of International Significance. When you get back at the city, stop by the famous Dunedin Railway Station and be amazed of its edwardian architecture. Looking for something unusual? Head for North East Valley and try walking at Baldwin Street, recognized by the Guiness Book of Records as the world's steepest street.