New Zealand’s South Island hosts some of the purest natural landscapes you’ll ever experience. From towering mountain peaks to pristine lakes and dramatic coastlines, this island paradise offers endless opportunities for adventure and exploration.
The diversity of terrain and experiences makes it a destination unlike any other in the world. Here is a list of 18 incredible spots that deserve a spot on every traveler’s South Island itinerary. Each location showcases a different aspect of what makes this island so special.
Milford Sound
The crown jewel of Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound features dramatic cliffs rising vertically from inky dark waters. Rain or shine, this natural wonder captivates with its breathtaking scale and beauty.
The deep, dark sound, presided over by the iconic Mitre Peak, is an epic slice of Fiordland where you can cruise or kayak on the inky waters, taking in the sheer cliffs and waterfalls that plunge into the sea. Many consider it the eighth natural wonder of the world, drawing visitors from across the globe to marvel at its pristine beauty.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Home to New Zealand’s highest peak, this alpine wonderland offers incredible hiking trails with panoramic mountain vistas. The Hooker Valley Track provides relatively easy access to glacial lakes and stunning views of Mount Cook. Within the national park, you can find stunning hiking trails, viewpoints, and adventure activities such as kayaking or even a scenic flight that includes walking on a glacier.
Many visitors claim this park delivers the most awe-inspiring mountain scenery in the entire country, making it a photographer’s paradise in any season.
Queenstown
Known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown delivers both adrenaline-pumping activities and peaceful natural beauty. The town sits on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the aptly named Remarkables mountain range.
For panoramic views, don’t miss a trip on the Sky Gondola up to Bob’s Peak, where you can see for miles over the lakes and valleys. As the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping, Queenstown continues to attract thrill-seekers and those looking to push their personal boundaries while surrounded by postcard-perfect scenery.
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Abel Tasman National Park
Located at the top of the South Island, Abel Tasman offers a perfect combination of golden beaches and lush coastal forests. Hiking the coastal track or kayaking along the shoreline reveals hidden coves and abundant wildlife.
It’s New Zealand’s smallest national park and known as a pristine destination for hiking and kayaking. The park’s crystal-clear turquoise waters rival those of tropical destinations, yet the backdrop of native forest creates an experience that is uniquely New Zealand.
Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers
These accessible glaciers provide a rare opportunity to experience massive ice formations in a temperate environment. Various viewing platforms allow you to appreciate their scale, while guided heli-hike tours let you set foot on the ice itself.
The two most popular attractions of the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island are, of course, the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. The surreal experience of walking on ancient ice while surrounded by rainforest just a few miles away is something that few other places on earth can offer.
Wanaka
This charming lakeside town offers a relaxed alternative to Queenstown while still delivering stunning alpine scenery. The famous Wanaka Tree, growing seemingly impossibly from the lake, has become an iconic photography spot.
Wanaka is such a cute town with a lively atmosphere and friendly locals who embrace the outdoor lifestyle. The challenging Roy’s Peak hike rewards the determined with one of New Zealand’s most famous viewpoints, overlooking the azure waters of Lake Wanaka framed by mountain ranges.
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Kaikoura
This coastal town is world-renowned for marine wildlife encounters. Whale watching, dolphin swimming, and seal colonies make Kaikoura a paradise for animal lovers. This little seaside town teems with marine wildlife and seabirds.
The unique underwater topography creates an ideal environment for sperm whales and other marine mammals, allowing visitors to observe these magnificent creatures against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
Marlborough Sounds
An intricate network of sea-drowned valleys creates this stunning coastal wonderland. Marlborough Sounds boasts 1,500km of New Zealand coastline with secluded bays, historic sites, marine reserves, and precious island sanctuaries which foster kiwi and other native species.
The Queen Charlotte Track offers multi-day hiking through this maritime paradise, with accommodation options ranging from basic campsites to luxury lodges accessible only by boat.
Blue Pools
Located along the Haast Pass, these crystal-clear pools showcase water so intensely blue it seems almost artificial. This unique attraction takes visitors on a short walk across two suspension bridges to arguably the bluest river in New Zealand.
The vibrant color comes from glacial minerals suspended in the water, creating a natural phenomenon that appears enhanced by photo filters but is entirely real and even more striking in person.
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Christchurch Botanic Gardens
The heart of the Garden City, these historic gardens offer a peaceful retreat with stunning seasonal displays and mature trees. Set on its own tongue of land framing Queenstown Bay, this pretty park is the perfect city escape right within the city.
Dating back to 1863, the gardens reflect Christchurch’s English heritage while also showcasing native New Zealand plants and serving as a symbol of the city’s resilience and regrowth following the devastating earthquakes.
Stewart Island
Though technically separate from the South Island, this remote paradise is accessible by ferry from Bluff. This small predator-free island is one of the best places in New Zealand to spot a wild kiwi.
Their population numbers on the island actually outnumber humans. With over 240 kilometers of walking tracks, Stewart Island offers wilderness experiences that range from easy coastal strolls to the challenging multi-day Rakiura Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.
Doubtful Sound
Less visited than Milford but equally impressive, Doubtful Sound offers a more secluded fiord experience. Its sheer scale and tranquility create an atmosphere of peaceful isolation amidst natural grandeur.
The larger Doubtful Sound has been increasing in popularity as a slightly less-crowded alternative. The journey to reach it is an adventure in itself, typically involving a boat trip across Lake Manapouri followed by a bus ride over the Wilmot Pass before finally boarding a cruise vessel on the sound.
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The Catlins
This often-overlooked coastal region between Dunedin and Invercargill features stunning waterfalls, fossilized forests, and abundant wildlife, including penguins and sea lions. The rugged beauty and relative lack of crowds make it ideal for nature lovers seeking solitude.
Nugget Point Lighthouse standing sentinel over rocky islets, Cathedral Caves accessible only at low tide, and the perfectly symmetrical Purakaunui Falls are just a few of the natural treasures waiting to be discovered in this unspoiled region.
Larnach Castle
Near Dunedin, this architectural treasure stands as the only castle in New Zealand. Built by William Larnach in 1871, the Larnach Castle is the only one of its kind in New Zealand with a 3,000 square foot ballroom, a tower with sweeping views of the Otago Peninsula, and stunning Victorian-style gardens.
The castle and its creator offer a fascinating look into Dunedin’s history, with tales of triumph, tragedy, and even political intrigue that add a layer of human drama to the architectural splendor.
Lake Tekapo
Famous for its striking turquoise waters and backdrop of snow-capped mountains, Lake Tekapo is also part of a Dark Sky Reserve, making it perfect for stargazing. The Church of the Good Shepherd on its shore creates one of New Zealand’s most photographed scenes.
In November and December, the surrounding fields burst into color with blooming lupins, adding another layer of visual splendor to an already magnificent landscape.
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TranzAlpine Railway
This scenic train journey between Christchurch and Greymouth traverses the stunning Southern Alps. The TranzAlpine is a long-distance train between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other.
During the four-and-a-half-hour journey, passengers witness an ever-changing landscape from the Canterbury Plains through the heart of the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass, then descending through lush beech rainforest to the wild west coast.
Hokitika Gorge
Just a short drive from the West Coast town of Hokitika, this gorge features milky blue-green water surrounded by lush native forest. Relish the sight of milky blue waters at Hokitika Gorge, a dreamy landscape nestled within the forest.
The surreal color comes from ‘rock flour,’ fine rock particles suspended in the glacial meltwater that reflect light in a way that creates the striking turquoise shade that seems too vibrant to be natural.
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
These limestone caves house a magical display of glowworms that illuminate the darkness. Visiting the Te Anau glowworm cave lasts just over 2 hours and includes a cruise across Lake Te Anau where you’ll see thousands upon thousands of glowworms lighting up a magical underground world.
The experience combines the ethereal beauty of the bioluminescent display with the raw power of underground waterfalls and streams that have carved these caves over thousands of years.
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Nature’s Masterpiece
The South Island’s diversity ranges from alpine heights to coastal wonders, creating an unparalleled destination for nature enthusiasts. What makes these destinations truly special isn’t just their beauty but how accessible they remain despite their wild character.
Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures or peaceful natural retreats, the South Island delivers experiences that will remain etched in your memory long after your journey ends. These landscapes have been shaped by geological forces over millions of years, yet they feel somehow timeless — as if they’ve been waiting just for you to discover their secrets.
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