New Zealand is one of the most peaceful and beautiful countries I've ever been to, and the South Island (even in the middle of Winter) shouldn't be missed.
The cheapest (not necessarily the easiest) way to get there is to fly into Christchurch International Airport. We were trying to save money so we flew on Air Asia, the worlds top rated Low Cost Carrier for the past 3 years. We got the flight from Tokyo's Haneda Airport to Kuala Lumpur LCC Terminal in Malaysia, had a fun 2 day layover exploring the city, and took the next flight from KLIA to CHC.
Australian Outback!
If you don't have the time and have loads of cash to spare, Air New Zealand flies from Narita to Auckland directly, where you can connect to just about anywhere else in the country using Air New Zealand or Jetstar, another popular low cost airline.
The easiest way to get around the South Island is by rental car. New Zealand is full of inexpensive rental agencies, you just have to be prepared to take a car that's 1 or 2 generations old. Pictured below is our Subaru Lancaster from the "Rent-a-dent" agency outside Christchurch Airport. It cost about $600NZD for just over a week and included chains, awd, and full insurance.
When driving through the south island, remember that the maximum speed is 100kph outside towns and cities and that it does take a while to cover long distances over 2 lane roads. During winter, many roads and passes require chains and officials will stop your car and update you about any serious road conditions that lie ahead. That being said, the roads were in excellent condition, and traffic for the most part was very light.
The route we did was essentially a circle around the South Island that went something like this:
Christchurch, Queenstown via 79 and 8, Te Anau (Milford and Doubtful Sound, Fijordland National Park), West Coast (Fox and Franz Joseph Glaciers), Arthur's Pass, Christchurch.
Outside Christchurch, State Highway 8
Lake Tekapo
Queenstown
Outside the Homer Tunnel, Avalanche "Safe" Zone
Milford Sound (Cruise from 50 to 75 NZD)
Doubtful Sound (Day Tour from Te Anau 150 NZD in Winter)
West Coast, usually very rainy though
Franz Josef Glacier, in poor weather
A Kea who flew to meet us outside Franz Josef
Upon arrival back in Christchurch we found that the city centre is still blocked off to the public due to safety and demolition concerns. Coming from Japan where buildings didn't fall or collapse due to the actual Tohoku Earthquake, it was a bit of a shock to say the least.
Don't let this put you off though. The country has a lot to see and do, especially if you love the outdoors.
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