The Absolute Best of New Zealand South Island

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Are you wondering about what the absolute best of New Zealand South Island is? I’ve got you covered!

If you’re reading this, you’re probably planning your unforgettable trip to the South Island of New Zealand or simply dreaming about it from your office desk. Either way, you’re in the right place.

In this blog post, we’ll venture together through the wonders of South Island, from the towering peaks of Mount Cook to the serene waters of Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo.

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting all those places during one quite intense 2-week road trip. In case you want to spend less time driving and more time enjoying the beautiful scenery, I recommend spending more exploring this beautiful country.

Table of Contents

Abel Tasman National Park

View of a beach down a wooden pathway, one of the best in New Zealand South Island — Awaroa Bay in the Abel Tasman National Park

The Abel Tasman National Park is a beautiful gem located at the north end of New Zealand’s South Island. Named after the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, this national park is a fantastic place to see stunning golden beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush native forests.

Its famed Abel Tasman Coast Track is one of the great walks in the country, offering breathtaking coastal views in one of the beautiful national parks of New Zealand.

While Abel Tasman National Park is a paradise for hikers, I have to admit, I learned a valuable lesson during my visit. We had booked a return water taxi to the same beach, which, unfortunately, meant we missed out on the chance to walk from one beach to the next.

In hindsight, I’d recommend taking a water taxi to one beach, hiking your way to the next, and then catching a return taxi from there.

🤩 A tandem skydive over the Abel Tasman National Park is one of the best adventure activities in NZ!

Wharariki Beach

Picture of a beach with some cliffs in the water and on the shore in NZ — My favourite beach in NZ: Wharariki beach

Wharariki Beach is a hidden gem in the northernmost region of the South Island. This is not your typical beach experience and that’s what makes it so special. There’s only one camping park nearby and the beach itself can only be accessed on foot after a 20-minute walk.

At the camping park, they accept only cash payments, there’s a limited supply of fresh water and electricity, and they lack a proper waste disposal system.

But the reward is more than worth it; stunning rock formations, the most beautiful, untouched beach, and a rugged coastline that will simply take your breath away. We were almost alone on Wharariki Beach during our visit, as it was raining slightly.

Pancake Rocks

Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki are another top attraction on the west coast of the South Island of New Zealand. This unique rock formation looks as if Mother Nature has stacked millions of pancakes into an incredible limestone maze.

And the best part? This marvelous spectacle is conveniently located right by the road, no long hikes necessary.

I was really pleasantly surprised by the pancake rocks. There’s a small walking path around the area and the sight of the rocks, coupled with the thunderous blowholes during high tide, was nothing short of magical.

Franz Josef

woman in a forest lookout point with a glacier in the back — View of the Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier is another must-visit destination on every South Island itinerary. Whether you’re adventurous enough for a glacier hike or prefer to admire it from a distance, Franz Josef won’t disappoint.

I opted for a small hike to the Rata Lookout for a view of the glacier. It was an amazing feeling standing surrounded by greenery and looking at the snow-capped mountain in the back.

One of the best ways to see all the surrounding mountains is with a helicopter flight.

🤩 A scenic flight by helicopter is one of the best ways to see the natural wonders of NZ!

Lake Matheson

sign of how the lake should look like and in the back it's all cloudy — We didn’t see the picture-perfect reflection

Lake Matheson is another one of the great South Island tourist attractions. The lake is known for its mirror-like reflections of the majestic Mount Cook, Mount Tasman, and Fox Glacier.

There’s a beautiful well-maintained walking track around the lake nestled amidst lush greenery. The walk is relatively easy, making it a perfect outing for travelers of every fitness level.

The key to capturing that perfect reflection photo is to visit on a calm day, preferably early morning or late evening when the lake is at its most still. Unfortunately, it was very windy during our visit so we didn’t see much of a reflection.

Lake Matheson is also a great place to look for the very rare kiwi birds. The best time to see them is during the night.

Mt Cook

street with mountains and dark clouds — The weather was very bad at Mt Cook during our visit

Mount Cook, also known as Aoraki, is unquestionably another one of the best places New Zealand South Island has to offer. This towering mountain is a sight to behold, with its snow-capped summit piercing through the clouds and dominating the landscape.

There’s a range of walking tracks in the Mount Cook National Park, most of them begin in the Mount Cook village. The hikes offer stunning views for all fitness levels. One of the most popular hikes is the Hooker Valley Track.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t go hiking at all during our New Zealand road trip because the weather was too bad.

🤩 Ready for an unforgettable experience? Take a helicopter flight and glacier hike!

Lake Pukaki

woman in front of a lake — Enjoying the view of Lake Pukaki

Lake Pukaki offers a serene and spectacular sight, undoubtedly one of the South Island’s best. The lake is famous for its otherworldly turquoise water, a result of finely ground rock particles from glaciers.

It’s the perfect place to relax and to go for a dip into the cold water with scenic views of New Zealand’s highest peak, Mount Cook, in the distance.

Lake Tekapo

little church in front of a lake — Most photographed church in NZ

The stunning Lake Tekapo should be a stop on any best New Zealand South Island itinerary.

The water of the lake has an amazing turquoise color, but what the lake is most known for is the Church of the Good Shepherd. This little chapel is perched on the lake’s edge and it offers a picturesque view of the surrounding area.

At night, Lake Tekapo transforms into a stargazer’s paradise as it lies within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

🤩 Visit Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook from Christchurch in one epic day tour!

Fiordland

pier with boats next to it — Taking a boat trip at Milford Sound is very popular

Fiordland National Park, in the southwest corner of the South Island, is an area of extraordinary beauty that should not be missed. These dramatic landscapes are characterized by steep cliffs that plunge into the dark, icy waters.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to some of the most stunning fiords in the world, including the famous Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.

Whether you choose to explore the fiords by boat, kayak, air, or by hiking the experience is sure to be memorable.

The entrance point to the Fiordland is Te Anau next to the serene Lake Te Anau, from there it’s a scenic drive to the Fiordland.

🤩 I love this scenic cruise of Milford Sound for the excellent reviews!

Other Things to Do New Zealand South Island

The following attractions are still great to explore if you have the time but in my opinion they can be skipped if you’re short on time. Some of them are a bit overrated in my opinion while others are just too far out of the way from all the other attractions.

Moeraki Boulders

woman jumping from one boulder to another one on a beach — Get the best picture with a live-photo

Moeraki Boulders are another fascinating attraction that graces the South Island of New Zealand. Scattered along Koekohe Beach, these spherical wonders are a geological marvel.

A stroll on the beach brings you face-to-face with these intriguing formations, offering a unique backdrop for memorable photographs.

The sunrises and sunsets here, with the boulders against the backdrop of the crashing waves, are particularly spectacular.

Catlins National Park

path to a lighthouse with cliffs on both sides — Isn’t that a lighthouse as you imagine it?

The Catlins is a paradise for nature lovers, it’s renowned for its untouched and rugged beauty. This area is still a hidden gem in New Zealand, away from the tourist crowds.

You can spot New Zealand sea lions, yellow-eyed penguins, and various seabirds in their natural habitats.

Key attractions include Nugget Point with its iconic lighthouse overlooking rocky islets, the stunning Purakaunui Falls, and the Petrified Forest at Curio Bay.

Queenstown

Beach next to a lake with a forest in the back — Beach at the lake in Queenstown

Queenstown is often referred to as the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’. Some of the best things to do there are bungee jumping, white water rafting, jet boating and so much more.

If you love your adventure one day in Queenstown probably isn’t enough. If you’re looking for more culture in a city trip, you might want to look elsewhere.

Don’t forget to take a ride up the Skyline Gondola for a panoramic view of the town and its stunning surroundings.

Christchurch

Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island. The city is a vibrant blend of English heritage and contemporary culture.

The city has made remarkable strides in recovery after the 2011 earthquake, boasting an array of modern architecture that stands alongside historic buildings.

Don’t miss the unique Cardboard Cathedral, an innovative cathedral built mostly from cardboard.

Christchurch also has a rich arts scene, with street art, galleries, and festivals.

Wānaka

A tree in the middle of a lake in Wanaka; it's a great spot to take great pictures on a New Zealand photography tour — The Instagrammable Wanaka Tree

The town of Wanaka is nestled on the southern bank of Lake Wanaka, offering scenic views of the surrounding mountainous landscape.

The most famous attraction in Wanaka is the Wanaka Tree, a solitary willow majestically standing in the waters of the lake, and a symbol of the tranquil beauty that embodies Wanaka.

Final Thoughts: NZ South Island Attractions

There are so many must see South Island NZ destinations. From the golden sands of Abel Tasman National Park and the secluded beauty of Wharariki Beach to the towering presence of the Franz Josef glacier and Mount Cook.

Each destination promises an unforgettable experience, blending adventure and breathtaking beauty.

The South Island New Zealand scenery is so diverse and captivating, that it’s difficult to cram all the best places to visit down South into one itinerary. Just remember that sometimes it’s best to skip some destinations to have time to truly experience the places you decide to visit.

But if you’re a true Lord of the Rings fan you might want to visit the North Island of New Zealand instead. Visiting Hobbiton was one of my favorite things in New Zealand.

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A collage showcasing the best places to visit in New Zealand's South Island, including the sculptural Pancake Rocks, spherical Moeraki Boulders, iconic Mitre Peak, and tranquil Milford Sound, with text 'South Island New Zealand' for travel inspiration. — New Zealand South Island Must See Places