I didn’t plan to love New Zealand’s South Island as much as I did. Over 2 weeks on and I am still telling anyone who will listen about this incredible place. Beautiful. Surreal. Jaw-dropping. Those are just some of the words I’d use to describe New Zealand’s South Island. Locals claim that it is the best NZ Island, although I am sure the North Island is pretty great too.
After a two-week road trip where we stumbled upon some of the country’s best landscapes and natural wonders, we fell in love with New Zealand’s South Island!
From Mt Cook, the country’s highest peak, to the mysterious fiords of Milford Sound and the adventure capital of Queenstown, to unique blue lakes, these are the best places to visit on New Zealand’s South Island.
Whether you’re an adrenaline junky, avid hiker, foodie or nature lover, you will fall in love with New Zealand’s South Island! This Travel Photo Book will put NZ on the top of your bucket list, whilst our posts that follow will help the planning process and give you all the tips you need for an epic road trip around the South Island!
Related: “Ultimate Travel Guide to Vietnam”
Plan your New Zealand Trip
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+ New Zealand Travel on a Budget: 19 Money-Saving Tips
+ 50+ things to do New Zealand South Island
+ Best Hikes in New Zealand South Island
Getting to New Zealand
Reaching New Zealand is easy, with multiple international flights arriving daily at Christchurch and Queenstown. Alternatively, you can fly into Auckland on the North Island first before taking a domestic flight south. If you’re travelling from Australia, direct flights to Christchurch and Queenstown make for a seamless journey.
Editors Tip: You will often see Jetstar or Virgin have cheap flights so make sure you sign up for their newsletter.
Best Time to Visit New Zealand
New Zealand’s South Island is a year-round destination, with each season offering unique experiences.
Summer (December to February) is perfect for hiking, road-tripping, and exploring the island’s stunning lakes and beaches. Autumn (March to May) brings golden foliage and fewer crowds, making it an excellent time for photography and wine tasting.
Winter (June to August) transforms the island into a paradise for skiers and snowboarders, particularly in Queenstown and Wanaka.
Spring (September to November) is ideal for those wanting to see blooming landscapes and baby wildlife.
The best time to visit depends on what kind of adventure you’re after! We were flying from Sydney for a friend’s wedding in March. There were cool days but overall the temperature was pleasant.
Getting Around in New Zealand
The South Island is best explored by car or campervan, as public transport options are limited outside major cities.
Renting a vehicle gives you the flexibility to take scenic routes like the Southern Scenic Route or drive through the breathtaking landscapes of Fiordland and Mount Cook.
If you prefer not to drive, guided tours, intercity buses, and domestic flights between Christchurch, Queenstown, and other key locations offer convenient alternatives.
How Long Do You Need in New Zealand?
The ideal length of stay depends on how much you want to see and do. A week in the South Island allows you to visit key destinations like Queenstown, Milford Sound, Mount Cook, and Christchurch.
However, two to three weeks give you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace, including hidden gems like the Catlins, Abel Tasman National Park, and the West Coast. If you’re road-tripping, at least a 10-day itinerary will let you fully appreciate the island’s diverse landscapes and scenic hikes without feeling rushed.
Lake Tekapo
One of the best places to visit the South Island of New Zealand is Lake Tekapo. The stunning blue lake is about three hours drive southwest of Christchurch in the Mackenzie Basin. It is most visited for its remarkable turquoise-coloured lake that’s surrounded by the dramatic mountain range. The lake gets its unique colour from the fine rock flour, ground by glaciers, which is suspended in the water.
Lake Pukaki
One of the most beautiful places on the South Island of New Zealand is Lake Pukaki. It is the largest alpine lake in the area and is my personal favourite as it proudly showcases New Zealand’s tallest peak, Aoraki/ Mount Cook, from the main campground.
The lake is bright turquoise due to glacial flour and becomes even brighter when the sun hits it surface. The combination of the magnificent lake, snow-capped peaks and wide open skies are a dream for photographers and the free campground makes this place a must-do when visiting New Zealand’s South Island!
The perfect way to get around and see the island’s best attractions is by motorhome or campervan hire. We hired a 3 Berth Appollo Motorhome for 2 weeks. It had a shower but I think we only used it once or twice and ended up showing at holiday parks instead.
Editors Tip: Read this guide on comparing and choosing the best motorhome & campervan hire in New Zealand.
Aoraki/Mount Cook
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is home to the highest New Zealand peak and longest glaciers. There are many Mount Cook walks, including The Red Tarns Track, Kea Point and the Hooker Valley Track that all take around 3 hours return. For the more adventurous, helicopters and ski planes provide access to the parks fabulous glaciers whilst climbing Aoraki/Mount Cook peak remains the ultimate challenge!
Also check out the Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier walks, which are located just before your reach Mount Cook village. Just the take SH80 and turn off onto Tasman Valley Road, you will then follow that for about 7km to the parking area at the end.
Dunedin
Dunedin is a city in New Zealand, at the head of Otago Harbour on the South Island’s southeast coast. It’s known for its Scottish and Maori heritage, Victorian architecture, and being a university town. It is also home to the worlds steepest residential street! Head up to Unity Park for incredible views of the entire city! Just out of Dunedin you will find magical Tunnel beach. Explore the sea-carved sandstone cliffs, rock arches and caves!
Milford Sound
Milford Sound is a fiord in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island. It is famous for towering peaks, majestic rainforests and stunning waterfalls. The fiord is home to fur seal colonies, penguins and dolphins. The Milford Sound cruise is a great way to experience the natural wonder and is best experienced during a raining/cloudy day! If time permits immerse yourself in New Zealand’s nature with one of the finest walks in the world, the Milford Track.
Queenstown
Queenstown New Zealand has been named the Adventure Capital of the World this is because of its adrenaline-inducing activities including bungy jumping, skiing, jet boating and skydiving! It is also home to some of the best views NZ has to offer! Hike up the Ben Lomond summit and be rewarded with panoramic views of the town below. Need a little RnR? The Onsen Hot Pools are a great way to relax whilst still taking in the magnificent landscapes of Queenstown!
Read more: 23 Things To Do in Queenstown, New Zealand, in Summer
Wanaka
This charming resort town on New Zealand’s South Island, is set on the southern end of the lake with views of snowcapped mountains. Wanaka is also home to incredible wineries including Rippon Winery and Maude. About an hour out from Wanaka you will find the amazing blue pools. The walking track is off the Haast Highway, which is just a 20 minute walk down to the swing bridge crossing the Makarora River that boasts the famous crystal clear water!
Abel Tasman Park
Coastal Abel Tasman National Park blankets the northern end of a range of marble and limestone hills that extend from Kahurangi National Park. Various tracks in the park include an inland route, although the Coast Track is what everyone is here for – it’s New Zealand’s most popular Great Walk.
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