Top 9 Places To Visit On The South Island Of New Zealand

If you are looking for those typical New Zealand sceneries, you will find most of them on the South Island.

The mountains, glaciers, rivers, lakes and dramatic coastline are all there.

Driving is the best way to explore the island.

The roads are in good condition, and there isn’t much traffic.

New Zealand isn’t a big country, but you will hardly find a crowded place there.

To help you plan the trip, these are the highlights which you shouldn’t miss:

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

The sceneries in the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park are absolutely stunning.

You should visit the park even if you aren’t a mountain enthusiast.

There couldn’t be a better start than Lake Pukaki, with its incredibly turquoise water.

The park is home to New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mt Cook (3724 m/12218 ft).

Unfortunately, we weren’t lucky with the weather, and we didn’t see the peak because it was hidden in the clouds.

You have better chances of clear skies early in the morning.

Don’t miss the walk to the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake to see the icebergs and breathtaking landscape.

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is the largest national park in New Zealand.

Most people come here for one of the cruises – Milford and Doubtful Sounds are the most well-known.

If you are short of time, go for the Milford Sound cruise – it takes just about two hours.

Be prepared for crowds; the place can get busy because it’s so popular.

We took the early morning Milford Sound Scenic Cruise with Southern Discoveries.

It was the best value, and a cooked breakfast was also included.

There were just a few people on board with us.

The first and last cruises are usually the quietest.

It was a unique experience – sharp peaks rising from the water, stunning waterfalls or fur seals basking on their favourite rock.

We really enjoyed going under the Stirling Fall and tasting its water. We didn’t mind getting soaked at all.

The landscape along the Te Anau highway leading to the Milford Sound is very scenic, and there are many exciting stops on the way.

Watch out for the olive-green kea, the world’s only alpine parrot.

You can meet them at many car parks.

Keep an eye on your belongings (especially your car keys) because they are curious and clever.

The Fiordland is home to a few Great Walks (the Milford and Kepler Tracks).

These are hiking (tramping) trails which lead through the most spectacular landscapes in New Zealand.

They usually take a few days to complete, but you can walk just a section or two.

The huts might be fully booked months in advance, so you need to plan ahead.

Abel Tasman National Park

We were excited to visit the Abel Tasman National Park, and it exceeded our expectations.

We hiked the first part of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, one of the New Zealand Great Walks.

We took a water taxi from Marahau to Bark Bay and walked back to Marahau; it took us about seven hours.

This time we got good weather (for a change!).

It’s a beautiful and easy walk through the lush bush with stunning golden beaches around every corner.

Kayaking is also popular in the area.

Punakaiki Marine Reserve

We must admit that we hadn’t heard about this fantastic place before our trip.

But we are so happy we stopped by and didn’t miss it!

The area is also known as the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.

The ocean has formed these limestone rocks for over 30 million years.

Here you can see how powerful the water can be.

The walking path will take you along the dramatic coast – it starts just across the road from the car park.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a lively town on the shores of the stunning lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by mountains.

We didn’t expect much of this ‘party’ town, but we liked it in the end. It’s full of tourists but still a nice place.

It’s often called ‘the adventure capital of the world’.

There are many outdoor activities to choose from – bungy jumping, giant swings, jet-boating, white water rafting, skydiving, and much more.

We chose bungy jumping because we had never tried it before, and Queenstown was the perfect place for our first jump.

We both jumped from the Kawarau Bridge (43 m/141 ft), the world’s first commercial bungy jump.

Later that day, Petr also conquered the Nevis Bungy – the 134 m (440 ft) jump off the hanging platform.

Super scary but an experience of a lifetime!

Both these locations are stunning, but the bad news is that it doesn’t make the jump any easier.

After you calm your nerves, try the best burgers in town at the FergBurger. Yummy!

Christchurch

Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island.

It’s still recovering after an earthquake in 2011 that badly damaged many buildings; there are still a lot of reconstruction sites.

Walk around to discover how creative the locals got with their city’s recovery.

They use art and design to make it look better, even during difficult times.

The city centre is compact and flat, ideal for exploring on foot.

Don’t miss the original Cathedral, Cardboard Cathedral and 185 Empty Chairs memorial.

Have a cup of coffee or a bite to eat at the Re:Start Mall, built from shipping containers.

If you have time, visit the International Antarctic Centre to learn more about Antarctica.

Where else could you experience a polar storm or a bumpy ride in a hagglund (snowmobile)?

Dunedin

Dunedin is a cute university town with Scottish heritage.

It’s hilly, and its steep roads reminded us of San Francisco.

It’s home to the world’s steepest street – Baldwin Street.

Walk or drive to the top – it’s a challenge, indeed!

The railway station, which looks like a giant gingerbread house, is supposedly the most photographed building in New Zealand.

Visit some of the lookouts outside the town (for example, Mount Cargill) for some fantastic views.

Otago Peninsula

The Otago Peninsula is located just off Dunedin, and it’s a popular choice for one-day trips.

The dramatic coastline offers spectacular views.

Follow some of the walking trails to explore more secluded areas and unspoiled beaches.

You can get close to wildlife and see fur seals, penguins or albatrosses here (fees apply).

Fox And Franz Josef Glaciers

The West coast of the South Island is called the wettest part of New Zealand for a reason.

During the two days we spent there, it was raining so heavily that we weren’t able to see the glaciers at all.

C’est la vie…

You will be able to walk on your own just to the terminal faces of both glaciers.

Expensive helicopter rides or guided trips are the only way to get closer and see more of the glaciers.

Yet, the area is beautiful, and it’s worth stopping by.

There are plenty of good walking trails around.

And if you are unlucky with the weather like us, just soak at the Glacier Hot Pools in Franz Josef, and life will be perfect again.

These are our favourite spots on the South Island of New Zealand – they are all so worth a visit!

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