12 Places To Visit In South Island New Zealand | New Zealand

 NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand is an island country that lies on the southwestern side of the Pacific Ocean. The country consists of two main landmasses called South Island and North Island. Today on World Travel Picks, we are ready to take you to the most beautiful mountainous island full of stunning landscapes, glaciers, and lakes, known as South Island.

The amazing South Island offers some of the untouched natural landscapes that you will ever experience. It is the larger of the two main islands and is home to majestic mountains, lush forests, lakes, and glaciers. Its 150,437 square kilometers land area makes it the 12th largest island in the world. This beautiful land is bordered by the Cook Strait in the north, the Tasman Sea to the west, and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The splendid Southern Alps run from north to south of the South Island. If you are planning to visit this spectacular location, here are the 12 must-visit sites to add to your bucket list.

Number 12 - Wanaka 

The South Island of New Zealand is home to many lakeside towns, among them Wanaka is one of the most beautiful and notable towns. The town is less busy than other towns and offers you a relaxing vacation. Wanaka sits on the shore of Lake Wanaka at the edge of Mount Aspiring National Park. It is one of the most astonishing national parks in New Zealand. The tiny Wanaka town is surrounded by the gorgeous Southern Alps. The stunning town offers tons of spectacular activities including visiting the Wanaka lavender farm, hiking Roy's Peak, exploring the Diamond Lake track, taking a scenic drive through the highest mountain road in all of New Zealand, skydiving, wine tours, and tours of Mount Aspiring National Park.

Highlights:

• Relaxing atmosphere
• Lake Wanaka
• Mount Aspiring National Park
• Wanaka lavender farm
• Roy's Peak
• Diamond Lake track
• Highest mountain road in New Zealand
• Skydiving
• Wine tours

Tips:

• Visit during the off-peak season for a quieter experience.
• Bring hiking gear for exploring the tracks.
• Book skydiving and wine tours in advance.
• Don't miss the sunset views from Roy's Peak.

Number 11 - Franz Josef Glacier 

Franz Josef Glacier is one of the steepest glaciers in the country and is located in the Southern Alps, deep within the lush green rainforest of Westland's National Park, on the west coast of New Zealand's South Island. New Zealand's stunning western coast of South Island is famous for two glaciers. Franz Josef Glacier is the most famous one. You can enjoy the tiny fairytale Franz Josef town; even though the town is small compared with other towns, it offers plenty of bars, restaurants, and accommodations. Activities include hiking on the glacier, soaking in hot pools, taking helicopter flights, skydiving, and enjoying lakes, rivers, and oceanic views.

Highlights:

• Steep glacier
• Westland National Park
• Franz Josef town
• Glacier hiking
• Hot pools
• Helicopter flights
• Skydiving
• Lakes and rivers

Tips:

• Wear appropriate clothing for glacier hiking.
• Book helicopter flights and skydiving sessions early.
• Relax in the hot pools after a day of activities.
• Try local cuisine in Franz Josef town.

Number 10 - Central Otago 

Central Otago is the most inland region of New Zealand. It is a great collection of small towns scattered over an amazing landscape. Central Otago is an amazing place where you can leave the stress behind and soak in the excellent atmosphere to relax and rejuvenate yourself. Central Otago is well known for its cycle trails, which run through scenic river gorges, endless stretches of farmland, awe-inspiring landscapes, and preserved gold mining settlements. Other activities include heritage tours, gold mining site tours, winery tours, dog sledding tours, and scenic walking tracks.

Highlights:

• Cycle trails
• Scenic river gorges
• Farmland landscapes
• Gold mining settlements
• Heritage tours
• Winery tours
• Dog sledding
• Walking tracks

Tips:

• Rent a bike to explore the cycle trails.
• Take guided tours for the best gold mining and heritage experiences.
• Visit local wineries for tastings.
• Plan dog sledding tours during the winter season.

Number 9 - Arthur’s Pass 

Arthur’s Pass is a tiny Alpine village nestled among the Southern Alps on the South Island of New Zealand. The village is surrounded by Arthur’s Pass National Park. It offers a wide range of breathtakingly beautiful viewing sites. The park is divided into two by the range. One side is covered in winding riverbeds and lush forests, while the other side consists of majestic snow-capped rocky peaks. Travelers can explore a large array of fauna and flora, beautiful mountain sceneries, lush vegetation, sparkling evening sunrays, bright glaciers, and high peaks that will dazzle you. Other than its natural beauty, you can experience hiking, mountaineering, and skiing.

Highlights:

• Arthur’s Pass village
• Arthur’s Pass National Park
• Winding riverbeds
• Lush forests
• Snow-capped rocky peaks
• Diverse fauna and flora
• Hiking
• Mountaineering
• Skiing

Tips:

• Prepare for varying weather conditions.
• Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting.
• Explore both sides of the park for diverse scenery.
• Check ski conditions if visiting in winter.

Number 8 - Hokitika Gorge 

Hokitika Gorge is located on the western coast of New Zealand, about 33 kilometers from Hokitika. The scenic route to Hokitika Gorge runs through Kokatahi Valley and lush dairy farmlands as well as offers majestic views of the Southern Alps. There are two swing bridges with the most epic backdrop of snow-capped mountains, making a perfect setting for photographs. The vibrant blue water surrounded by lush green bushes of Hokitika Gorge is well worth checking out.

Highlights:

• Hokitika Gorge
• Kokatahi Valley
• Dairy farmlands
• Southern Alps views
• Swing bridges
• Blue water
• Lush green surroundings

Tips:

• Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the swing bridges.
• Bring a camera for the stunning photo opportunities.
• Pack a picnic to enjoy by the gorge.

Number 7 - Marlborough Sound 

The Marlborough Sounds can be identified as an extensive network of sea-drowned valleys that lie at the northern edge of New Zealand’s South Island. Marlborough Sounds are home to precious island sanctuaries, historic sites, secluded bays, and marine reserves. This spectacular site is located at the top of the South Island and boasts around 1500 km of turquoise New Zealand coastline. You can drive through the Queen Charlotte Track, which runs through scenic landscapes to explore picture-postcard locations and wildlife along the way. The winding waterways of the Marlborough Sounds are perfect for fishing, boating, and diving as well.

Highlights:

• Marlborough Sounds
• Island sanctuaries
• Historic sites
• Secluded bays
• Marine reserves
• 1500 km coastline
• Queen Charlotte Track
• Fishing, boating, diving

Tips:

• Consider a boat tour to fully experience the sounds.
• Hike the Queen Charlotte Track for stunning views.
• Visit marine reserves for snorkeling and diving.
• Try local seafood at restaurants along the coast.

Number 6 - Moeraki Boulders Beach 

The Moeraki Boulders are large spherical boulders lying along New Zealand’s Otago coast between Moeraki and Hampden. The boulders beach is one of the most famous and fascinating destinations on New Zealand’s South Island. The formation of the beach started around 60 million years ago and the large boulders have taken about 4 million years to create their current shape. Dazzling evening sunrays, silky sand of the beach, soft white foams of the sea waves, mesmerizingly colorful sky, and unusual huge boulders make it otherworldly.

Highlights:

• Moeraki Boulders
• Otago coast
• Geological formations
• Silky sand beach
• Evening sunrays
• Colorful skies

Tips:

• Visit at low tide for the best view of the boulders.
• Wear shoes that can get wet as the tide can change quickly.
• Bring a wide-angle lens for capturing the entire scene.
• Stay for sunset to see the boulders in a magical light.

Number 5 - Abel Tasman National Park 

Abel Tasman National Park is the smallest national park in New Zealand, but it is a coastal paradise for both relaxation and adventure. The National Park is well known for sculptured granite cliffs, golden sand beaches, clear turquoise bays, evergreen forests, fresh and clean air, abundant bird and sea life, and a world-famous coastal track. Therefore, travelers can bask in the sunshine while experiencing the spectacular natural surroundings.

Highlights:

• Granite cliffs
• Golden sand beaches
• Turquoise bays
• Evergreen forests
• Abundant bird and sea life
• Coastal track

Tips:

• Plan to spend at least a couple of days to fully explore the park.
• Pack plenty of water and snacks for the coastal track.
• Rent a kayak to explore the bays.
• Book campsites or accommodations in advance, especially in peak season.

Number 4 - Lake Tekapo 

Lake Tekapo lies in the heart of Mackenzie Country, central South Island, New Zealand. It is one of the most famous and stunning stops on the way between Christchurch and Queenstown. The scenic mountain backdrop, crystal clear water, and beautiful little church make it one of the prettiest and most sought-after spots in New Zealand. The beauty of the lake is doubled by the colorful blooms of the lupines from mid-November to December, making it a photographer’s paradise.

Highlights:

• Scenic mountain backdrop
• Crystal clear water
• Church of the Good Shepherd
• Lupine blooms

Tips:

• Visit in mid-November to December for the lupine blooms.
• Bring a tripod for stunning night sky photography.
• Spend time at the Church of the Good Shepherd for iconic views.
• Take a dip in the lake if the weather permits.

Number 3 - Queenstown 

Queenstown is located on the shore of the lake known as Wakatipu against the majestic Southern Alps. This stunning location is famous as the adventure capital of the world. It offers jet boating, bungee jumping, white water rafting, quad biking, skydiving, river surfing, and canyon swings. If you are an adventure lover, there is something for everyone who travels here.

Highlights:

• Lake Wakatipu
• Southern Alps
• Adventure activities
• Jet boating
• Bungee jumping
• White water rafting
• Quad biking
• Skydiving

Tips:

• Book adventure activities in advance to secure spots.
• Wear appropriate clothing for each activity.
• Explore local cafes and restaurants in downtown Queenstown.
• Take a scenic gondola ride for panoramic views.

Number 2 - Majestic Milford and Doubtful Sounds 

Both majestic Milford and Doubtful Sounds are parts of Fiordland National Park and are well-known for their natural beauty. The Milford Sound is one of New Zealand's most sought-after natural attractions. It is located at the northernmost end of the Fiordland National Park. It offers the most mountainous terrain that developed millions of years ago. It is only accessible by a sensational road drive. You can experience a romantic overnight cruise while exploring captivating views, abundant marine life, misty waterfalls, and rocky outcrops. Doubtful Sound is located in the heart of the Fiordland National Park. It is about three times larger than Milford Sound. The untouched environment, silence, and remoteness of Doubtful Sound offer a peaceful cruising experience. The area features dense rainforests, snow-capped mountains, and wildlife including penguins, bottlenose dolphins, and seals. The sounds are awe-inspiring and graceful, and the glorious sceneries are in every bend. So keep your hands ready to take your memorable pictures here. You can spend time in the picture-postcard town of Te Anau as well; it is the gateway to the Fiordland National Park.

Highlights:

• Fiordland National Park
• Milford Sound
• Doubtful Sound
• Overnight cruises
• Marine life
• Misty waterfalls
• Rocky outcrops
• Dense rainforests
• Snow-capped mountains
• Wildlife

Tips:

• Plan your visit during the off-peak season to avoid crowds.
• Bring a waterproof camera for capturing stunning scenery.
• Book an overnight cruise for a unique experience.
• Dress warmly, even in summer, as temperatures can be cool.

Number 1 - Mount Cook 

The Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is home to the longest glaciers, permanent snowfields, milky lakes, and skyscraping high peaks, all of which are perfectly set under a star-studded sky. Majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook is located in the Southern Alps. It is the highest mountain in New Zealand and encompasses 23 peaks. Its highest peak is recorded at 3,724 meters. If you are an adventurous traveler, you can enjoy its beauty through the easy Hooker Valley track or the Aoraki Mount Cook village track. You can also choose a boat trip to explore the world’s only accessible glacial lake with icebergs. If you want to experience its beauty from a bird’s eye view, scenic flights are waiting for you.

Highlights:

• Aoraki/Mount Cook
• Southern Alps
• Longest glaciers
• Permanent snowfields
• Milky lakes
• Hooker Valley track
• Glacial lake boat trip
• Scenic flights

Tips:

• Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre for history and information.
• Wear layers and bring sun protection for changing weather conditions.
• Pack a picnic for a scenic meal with a view.
• Book a scenic flight in advance for a bird’s eye view.

Conclusion

New Zealand's South Island is a treasure trove of natural beauty, offering an unparalleled range of landscapes, from majestic mountains and lush forests to pristine beaches and sparkling lakes. Whether you're seeking adventure in Queenstown, marveling at the glaciers of Franz Josef, or soaking in the tranquility of Abel Tasman National Park, each destination promises unique experiences and breathtaking scenery. With highlights such as the Milford and Doubtful Sounds, and the towering peaks of Mount Cook, South Island is a haven for travelers looking to immerse themselves in nature's grandeur. Plan your trip to this stunning part of the world and create unforgettable memories with World Travel Picks. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.