Jules Knob

About

On South Island, Jules Knob sits on Summit Road, Tai Tapu 7672, on the hills above the surrounding landscape. The viewpoint is known for its outlook over the surrounding landscape, with the Southern Alps running down the South Island behind it.

First-time visitors should expect an exposed hilltop spot rather than a developed attraction, so windproof layers and sturdy footwear suit the trip. A 4.8 out of 5 average from 32 reviews gives the viewpoint a strong reputation among those who have made the climb. Queenstown, Christchurch, Dunedin, Nelson, Blenheim, Wanaka, Te Anau and Kaikoura are the main towns on the island, with Tai Tapu sitting close to Christchurch.

Traffic drives on the left across New Zealand, and hire cars are the usual way to travel on the larger islands, so Summit Road is best reached by car. Tūī, kererū and other native birds are common, and dolphins, fur seals and seabirds are seen around the coast.

Hāngī, a meal cooked in an earth oven, and the pavlova dessert are both part of New Zealand food culture, so a stop in Tai Tapu pairs well with a longer day out.