Rugged and beautiful, the South Island is New Zealand’s home of adventure tourism. Travellers can expect incredible sightseeing opportunities and the opportunity to explore the great outdoors wherever they go on the “mainland”, as it’s known locally. Today, we’ve rounded up our top five picks for the must-see places to visit in the South Island.
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Queenstown, Otago
Queenstown offers so much to visitors at any time of the year that it’s a no brainer for any South Island itinerary. Whether your travellers are into outdoor adventures, extreme experiences, visiting wineries or relaxing at luxury retreats, this incredible alpine town can always be relied on for a mind-blowing Kiwi experience.
Iconic attractions: Ski resorts, Skydiving, Bungy jumping, Hiking, Wineries, Jet Boating.
Best free activities: Walk the Queenstown Hill trail, take a sightseeing trip to Glenorchy, eat a Fergburger on the waterfront at Lake Wakatipu.
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Fiordland National Park, Southland
A rugged jewel in the deep south, Fiordland national park is a must-see for any outdoor lovers visiting New Zealand. Milford Sound is known as the “eighth wonder of the world”, and its bigger (but lesser-known) brother, Doubtful Sound, delivers just as much beauty in a quieter package. Fiordland is also home to several of our great walks: the Milford Track, Kepler Track and Routeburn Track. These iconic walking trails are true bucket list items for any hiking enthusiast.
Iconic attractions: Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Routeburn Track, Kepler Track, Milford Track.
Best free activities: Try a day walk from Te Anau/Milford: Mirror Lakes, Lake Mistletoe.
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Marlborough Sounds, Marlborough
One of the South Island’s most beautiful places, the Marlborough Sounds are perfect for those who want to experience New Zealand at its most authentic. Visitors here will enjoy spending time on the water kayaking or fishing, or exploring the many walking trails through the forests onshore. There are also some luxury lodges in the area, some of which offer easy access to the famous Queen Charlotte walking track. Picton is the main town in the region, and further south are the famous Marlborough vineyards known for their Sauvignon Blanc.
Iconic attractions: Queen Charlotte Track, d’Urville Island.
Best free activities: Explore on a bushwalk, find a secluded beach, go fishing.
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Aoraki Mt. Cook, Canterbury
Aoraki Mt. Cook (“cloud piercer” in Māori) is New Zealand’s tallest mountain, and has its own national park. The national park is also home to New Zealand’s only International Dark Sky Reserve. At night it’s one of the clearest stargazing spots anywhere in the world. There’s a small village near the base of Mt. Cook where travellers can base themselves for their outdoor adventures. Nearby Lake Pukaki is known for its brilliant turquoise waters and in the spring months, thousands of colourful lupins blossom along its banks.
Iconic attractions: Mt. Cook, Mt. Cook National Park, glacier skiing.
Best free activities: Hike one of the trails, see the lupin blossoms at Lake Pukaki.
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Kaikoura, Canterbury
Kaikoura is the capital of whale watching in New Zealand. With its deepwater ocean shelf, an array of different whale, dolphin and seal species can be seen in the waters near Kaikoura, including orcas and sperm whales. The town also has a great surf break and amazing local seafood. To stay, there’s a range of accommodation from upmarket lodges to affordable motels and backpackers.
Iconic attractions: Whale watching, surfing, fishing.
Best free activities: Eat fish and chips on the beach, take a walk to the local seal colony.
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To incorporate one or more of these incredible destinations into your next New Zealand itinerary, contact us today.
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