Two Weeks in Paradise: My South Island Escape
I’ve just returned from what might be the most incredible two-week holiday of my life and I’m still buzzing with the memories. The South Island of New Zealand is everything they say it is and more. Think wild coastlines, towering mountains, turquoise lakes and tiny pockets of absolute luxury tucked away in nature. One of those special places was Birds Ferry Lodge where I spent three blissful nights soaking up West Coast charm and natural beauty.
My trip started in Queenstown with its postcard-perfect lake and adrenaline-packed energy. I hiked Ben Lomond, sampled local Pinot Noir in Gibbston Valley and even found the courage to leap off the Kawarau Bridge. From there I made my way up through Wanaka and the Haast Pass, stopping constantly because every bend in the road revealed another jaw-dropping view.
By the time I arrived at Birds Ferry Lodge I was ready for a slower pace and some serious pampering. The lodge is tucked away just North of Punakaiki and feels like a secret retreat nestled between bush and ocean. It’s the kind of place where you exhale the moment you arrive. Watching the sunset while soaking in warm water of the hot tub and listening to the birds was easily one of the most peaceful moments of my entire trip.
During my stay I walked the private tracks through regenerating forest and down to a hidden waterfall that felt like something out of a fairytale. I took a day trip to the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes and explored the wild coastline nearby. Another day I joined a local guide for a walk in the Paparoa National Park where we crossed swing bridges and spotted native orchids in bloom.
Back at the lodge each evening I was treated to delicious meals made with fresh local produce. One night we had lamb cooked to perfection with a glass of Central Otago red. Another evening it was wild-caught fish and a salad straight from the garden. Everything was thoughtful, relaxed and just the right mix of luxury and down-to-earth hospitality.
After three nights at Birds Ferry I felt grounded again. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and reconnect not just with nature but with yourself. I could have stayed a week easily. But the road was calling and I carried on up the West Coast to Abel Tasman National Park where I kayaked through golden bays and walked barefoot along empty beaches.
Two weeks was barely enough to scratch the surface of what the South Island offers. But it was the perfect amount of time to fall in love with this wild and beautiful place. Birds Ferry Lodge was a highlight not just for the comfort and scenery but because it reminded me how good it feels to pause and just be.
I’ll be back. Next time for longer.
