New Zealand’s South Island is a place of stunning natural beauty, with rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear lakes. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone planning a trip to New Zealand. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best places to visit when travelling around the South Island, including why each one is special.
1. Queenstown
Queenstown is a vibrant town nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps. It’s a world-renowned destination for adventure sports, with activities like bungee jumping, skiing, and skydiving on offer. The town also has a thriving food and drink scene, with many local restaurants and bars serving up delicious cuisine and world-class wine. Queenstown is a perfect base for exploring the surrounding natural beauty of the South Island.
2. Milford Sound
Milford Sound is one of the most famous attractions in New Zealand, and for good reason. It’s a stunning natural wonder, with towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can take a boat tour of the sound, go kayaking, or hike one of the many nearby trails. It’s a truly awe-inspiring experience that shouldn’t be missed.
3. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is home to the tallest peak in New Zealand, as well as many other stunning mountains and glaciers. The park offers endless opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities. Visitors can also explore the nearby Tasman Glacier, which is the largest glacier in New Zealand.
4. Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef Glacier is another must-see attraction on the South Island. It’s a spectacular glacier that stretches for 12 kilometres from the Southern Alps to the West Coast. Visitors can take a guided tour of the glacier, go hiking in the surrounding national park, or simply admire the stunning views from a nearby lookout.
5. Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman National Park is a beautiful coastal paradise with golden beaches, turquoise waters, and lush forests. Visitors can take a boat tour of the park, go kayaking, or hike one of the many trails. The park is also home to many unique species of wildlife, including seals and dolphins.
6. Kaikoura
Kaikoura is a small town on the east coast of the South Island that’s known for its stunning coastal views and unique wildlife. Visitors can take a boat tour to see whales and dolphins, go hiking in the nearby mountains, or simply relax on one of the many local beaches.
7. Mount Aspiring National Park
Mount Aspiring National Park is a rugged and remote wilderness area that’s home to some of the most stunning mountain scenery in New Zealand. Visitors can go hiking, camping, or skiing in the park, or simply enjoy the stunning views from one of the many lookout points.
8. The West Coast
The West Coast of the South Island is a stunning stretch of coastline that’s home to many beautiful beaches, forests, and mountains. Visitors can explore the many small towns and villages that dot the coast, or go hiking in the nearby national parks.
9. Nelson
Nelson is a beautiful small city that’s known for its sunny climate, vibrant arts scene, and stunning natural beauty. The city is home to many local galleries and exhibitions showcasing the work of local artists, as well as many outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.
10. Dunedin
Dunedin is a vibrant city with a rich cultural and architectural heritage. It’s home to many historic buildings, including the Dunedin Railway Station and the Otago University Clocktower Building. Visitors can also explore the city’s many museums, galleries, and cultural attractions, including the Otago Museum and the Dunedin Public Art Gallery.
11. Fiordland National Park
Fiordland National Park is a vast and remote wilderness area that’s home to many stunning natural wonders. Visitors can explore the many fiords, waterfalls, and forests that make up the park, as well as go hiking, kayaking, or simply take in the stunning views from one of the many lookout points.
12. Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo is a stunning glacial lake that’s known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain backdrop. Visitors can go hiking in the nearby national park, go stargazing at the nearby observatory, or simply relax on one of the many local beaches.
13. The Catlins
The Catlins is a remote and rugged area on the southern coast of the South Island that’s home to many stunning natural wonders. Visitors can explore the many waterfalls, beaches, and forests that make up the area, as well as go hiking, kayaking, or simply take in the stunning views from one of the many lookout points.
14. The Marlborough Sounds
The Marlborough Sounds is a network of stunning bays, inlets, and waterways that make up one of the most picturesque areas of the South Island. Visitors can explore the many small towns and villages that dot the coast, go hiking in the nearby national park, or simply relax on one of the many local beaches.
15. Wanaka
Wanaka is a beautiful small town that’s known for its stunning natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere. Visitors can go hiking in the nearby national park, go skiing at one of the nearby ski resorts, or simply relax on one of the many local beaches.
Whilst most of the south island is pretty remote, there are some more harder to reach areas:
1. Milford Track
The Milford Track is a 53.5 km hiking trail through Fiordland National Park, known as one of the finest walking tracks in the world. The track runs through valleys carved out by glaciers, across mountain passes, and alongside waterfalls and lakes. Due to its remote location, the Milford Track is accessible only by foot or boat, making it a true wilderness experience.
2. Dusky Track
The Dusky Track is a challenging 84 km hiking trail through Fiordland National Park. This multi-day trek passes through remote wilderness areas, across mountain ranges and rivers, and through dense forest. The trail is only accessible by boat, adding an extra layer of adventure to this already difficult hike.
3. West Coast Glaciers
The West Coast of the South Island is home to two of New Zealand’s largest glaciers, Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. These massive ice formations are only accessible via guided tours and helicopter rides, adding a sense of exclusivity and adventure to the experience.
4. Doubtful Sound
Doubtful Sound is a remote and isolated fiord in Fiordland National Park, accessible only by boat. The fiord is known for its pristine wilderness, with towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can take a multi-day boat tour or kayak trip to explore this stunning area.
5. Stewart Island
Stewart Island is a small, remote island located off the southern tip of the South Island. The island is home to a vast array of native wildlife, including kiwis, penguins, and sea lions. Visitors can take a ferry or small plane to reach the island and explore its rugged and wild landscape.
Overall, these hard-to-reach areas of the South Island offer some of the most remote and beautiful wilderness experiences in the world. While they may require a bit of extra effort to reach, the rewards are well worth it for those seeking a truly unique and unforgettable adventure.
In conclusion, the South Island of New Zealand is a place of stunning natural beauty, with rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear lakes. Visitors can explore the many small towns and villages that dot the coast, go hiking in the nearby national parks, or simply relax and take in the stunning views from one of the many lookout points. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or simply looking to unwind and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, the South Island of New Zealand is a must-visit destination.