With an incredibly gorgeous coastline, mountains, glaciers, and geothermal pools, New Zealand’s South Island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Unless you absolutely HATE breathtaking fjords and picturesque landscapes, prepare to be blown away by these incredible must-see spots in New Zealand’s South Island:
1. Milford Sound / Piopiotahi
Praised as the eighth wonder of the world, Milford Sound is one of the most incredible locations in New Zealand’s South Island. The dramatic peaks have been carved by glaciation over time. Milford Sound is located within the Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of the wettest places in the world, it rains on average, 182 days per year; but don’t let that keep you from visiting. The continuous rainy and foggy conditions add to the dramatic scenery, and keep drawing visitors and photographers from all over the world. If you happen to visit Milford Sound, keep an eye out for the colonies of fur seals that frequent the rocky terrain.
2. Castle Hill / Kura Tawhiti
This landscape made up of hundreds of scattered limestone boulders will make you feel like you’re on an entirely different planet. It’s such an incredible sight that in 2002, the Dalai Lama dubbed it the “Spiritual Center of the Universe.”
3. Lake Tekapo
Yes, the water really does look that blue IRL.
4. Roy’s Peak
If you’re up for a hike in New Zealand, be sure to give Roy’s Peak a shot. Between Wanaka and Glendhu Bay, Roy’s Peak is a well marked track. It’s not a short hike- it can take about 5-7 hours, but the view is sure to make up for it. Just remember to bring plenty of water and some snacks!
5. Franz Josef / Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere
Visiting the Franz Josef glacier is a once in a lifetime experience. One of the best ways to experience the glacier is to do a heli-hike, in which you’ll be taken up to the glacier by helicopter and do a guided tour, seeing the natural ice tunnels and crevasses. You’ll be given the gear you need, including crampons, boots, and trekking poles. If you’re planning on hiking the glacier’s surface, plan on spending a few days in the area in case the weather isn’t cooperating – this is one experience you don’t want to miss.
6. Cathedral Cliffs
In case you needed more proof that New Zealand’s South Island is just unreal, here it is. This little known gem is tucked in Gore Bay. The Cathedral Cliffs were formed by natural rock erosion over time, and are surrounded by nature, with nothing commercial in sight to ruin the view.
7. Mount Cook / Aoraki
This wouldn’t be a complete list without the iconic Mount Cook. It’s New Zealand’s tallest mountain, and a sight to behold. You don’t have to be a mountain climber looking for a challenge to enjoy Mount Cook – Try the Hooker Valley Track, a relatively easy walk which will lead you to the Hooker Lake, a serene glacial lake.
8. Te Anau
On your way to Milford Sound, stop in Te Anau and visit the glowworm caves. A guided tour will take you by boat to the limestone caves where you’ll learn about the bioluminescent glowworms and see the incredible little creatures that light up the cave like stars.
9. Hanmer Springs
If you want to incorporate some rest and relaxation in your NZ trip, look no further than Hanmer Springs, an Alpine Spa Village built at the naturally occurring thermal pools. Soak and relax while taking in the surrounding mountain views.
10. Wanaka
If you’ll be in New Zealand’s South Island, a must visit is Wanaka, home to one of the most famous trees on the planet dubbed, “that Wanaka tree,” a tree that seems to have grown out of the lake against all odds. Wanaka has so much more to offer than its famous tree, though. Among the things to do in Wanaka are horse trekking, skiing, and of course, hiking.
