New Zealand is my favourite country in the world! There's so much to see - from epic volcanoes to incredible glaciers, sweeping fiords and stunning coastlines. I've been living here for a year and a half now and have made it my mission to visit, do, hike, explore and adventure as much as possible.
I've gone through all my photos and blog posts to compile 75 things you should do on the South Island when you come to visit New Zealand.
Check out 78 things to do on the North Island here!
69/75 of the things below are completely free, too! There's just 6 things on the list that cost money - but they're all worth it 😉
These are organized geographically, from Picton in the very north, where the ferry arrives from Wellington, all the way down to Slope Point, the southernmost point of the Southern Island. Enjoy.
Hike the Queen Charlotte Track
Where: Picton
Cost: $75 for return trip by water taxi from Picton to trail access + $12 for track access, both payable at Picton i-Site + cost of huts, if staying overnight
Details: The Queen Charlotte Track is an epic 3-5 day hiking trail across the peninsula of Queen Charlotte Sound through stunning forest with incredible views of coves and the details of the harbour. The entire route winds 70km from Anikawa on the southern end to Ship Cove in the north. You can either take on the whole trek or just tackle one portion as a day-trip.
Read more: Queen Charlotte Track hiking guide
Walk to Shakespeare Bay
Where: Picton
Cost: free!
Details: The best things to do in Picton totally revolve around mountains and hiking. If that's your thing, you've come to the right place! There are plenty of awesome local tracks in town with wonderful viewpoints and harbour access, like Shakespeare Bay.
Read more: How to spend 3 days in Picton
See the black sand of Bob's Bay
Where: Picton
Cost: free!
Details: This trail, which is just 1km each way from Picton harbour, winds its way through beautiful forest before ending up on a black sand beach. I returned via the beach, picking my way across the rocks and shells, with great views of the harbour.
Read more: How to spend 3 days in Picton
Explore Labyrinth Rocks
Where: Takaka
Cost: free!
Details: Two hectares of limestone form a natural maze where you can go wandering and exploring. A map at the entrance provides helpful directions to all the different pathways. Don't get lost!
Read more: A guide to Takaka
Hike the Grove Scenic Reserve
Where: Takaka
Cost: free!
Details: This forest trail was truly lovely; the light was beautiful and I really enjoyed wandering to the lookout and back. It's a quick 15-20 minute walk but take the time to enjoy your surroundings.
Read more: A guide to Takaka
Spot the clear waters of Te Waikoropupū Springs
Where: Takaka
Cost: free!
Details: Just 7km outside town are the renowned springs that are sacred to the Maori. You cannot touch these incredible waters - they are the largest freshwater springs in New Zealand and the largest coldwater springs in the southern hemisphere. There's an abundance of vegetation in the forest through which you can wander.
Read more: A guide to Takaka
Hike to Wainui Falls
Where: Abel Tasman National Park
Cost: free!
Details: This is the largest waterfall in Abel Tasman National Park with delightful spray and a gorgeous fall lies at the end of a quick half-hour walk through beautiful forest. I loved this spot.
Read more: Wainui Falls hike
Visit Split Apple Rock
Where: Abel Tasman National Park
Cost: free!
Details: Split Apple Rock looks just like an apple sliced perfectly in half. You can visit by kayak, the aqua taxis departing from Marahau will take you here, or you can walk here.
Read more: Abel Tasman National Park guide
Hike the Abel Tasman Coast Track
Where: Abel Tasman National Park
Cost: free + cost of Aqua Taxi, if you choose to hike one-way + cost of huts, if staying overnight
Details: The Abel Tasman Coast Track is 60km long stretching along the stunning coastline of Abel Tasman National Park. Do a day hike or do the whole thing in 3-5 days. The hike starts on the outskirts of Marahau, the town at the southernmost tip of the national park and heads along the coast ending in Wainui. Along the way, you'll encounter wildlife, pristine beaches, incredible views and lovely huts and campsites to spend the night.
Read more: Abel Tasman National Park guide
Hike the Peninsula Walkway
Where: Kaikoura
Cost: free!
Details: Head out to the coast to enjoy the Peninsula Walkway, a stunning hike along the cliff-tops with views of the seals far below. From town, head along the coastal road to the Seal Colony parking lot where you can hang out with the wildlife. From there, the Peninsula Walkway meanders along the grassy cliff-tops giving you views of white cliffs and seals lounging all around; my mouth literally fell open at the beauty. Continue to the South Bay Reserve then finish your loop back to town.
Read more: Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway hike
Swim with dusky dolphins
Where: Kaikoura
Cost: $180 per person
Details: Perhaps the most popular draw to Kaikoura along with whale-watching, the dolphin encounter is a surreal experience. This was one of the most incredible things I did during my entire time in New Zealand. Swimming with these creatures in their native environment is a special and moving privilege. I was to be able to paddle up close to the curious animals as they swam and twirled around us!
Read more: Swimming with dolphins in Kaikoura
Hang out with the seals of Kaikoura
Where: Kaikoura
Cost: free!
Details: At the end of the coastal road, you'll find the Seal Colony. After the 2016 earthquake in Kaikoura, the sea bed and landscape completely changed and now stunning rock pools stretch out around the coast on which hundreds of seals hang out. You are welcome to clamber the rocks and visit them, but please maintain a respectful distance.
Read more: A guide to Kaikoura
Go stand-up paddleboarding in South Bay
Where: Kaikoura
Cost: free!
Details: At the end of the Peninsula Walkway, on the southern side of the peninsula on which Kaikoura lies, is the beautiful South Bay Beach, a protected cove popular with the dolphins that play around the waters of Kaikoura. It's a great place to swim, stand-up paddle board and spot the friendly dolphins of the bay.
Read more: A guide to Kaikoura
Watch the sunrise at Kaikoura Beach
Where: Kaikoura
Cost: free!
Details: The town sits on the coastline with a pebbled beach running all the way along it. Hang out here for the sunrise (after all, New Zealand is the first place in the world to see the sun come up each day!), swimming, sunbathing and mountain spotting.
Read more: A guide to Kaikoura
Watch the sunset from the Kaikoura Lookout
Where: Kaikoura
Cost: free!
Details: Along Scarborough Road, just past the Innovative Waste Centre, you'll find the tiny little Kaikoura Lookout perched on a water tank. This spot offers the perfect view overlooking town; you'll see the ocean on both sides of the peninsula and the incredible Kaikoura Ranges framing the shot. Come here for a dreamy sunset and don't forget your camera!
Read more: A Kaikoura sunset
Go whale watching with Air Kaikoura
Where: Kaikoura
Cost: from $109 per person with Air Kaikoura; we found a Groupon that gave us a discounted price.
Details: Air Kaikoura operates 40-minute flights in little planes around the coastline, a fantastic way to view whales in their native environment. The flight was an incredible experience, from the moment we took off the tiny runway, with just three of us aboard, to the time we got to spend watching a sperm whale oxygenate before diving deep down to feed, to flying over the Kaikoura peninsula in pure sunshine.
Read more: Whale watching with Air Kaikoura
Summit Mount Fyffe
Where: Kaikoura
Cost: free!
Details: The trail up to Mount Fyffe Summit is a beautiful and challenging track 11km inland from the Kaikoura coast. A long and steep route will provide you with panoramic views of the Kaikoura Ranges on one side and the peninsula of Kaikoura stretching out into the ocean on the other. It's one of those special places where the snow-capped mountains dive headfirst into the ocean.
Read more: Mount Fyffe summit hike
Explore Hanmer Springs
Where: Hanmer Springs
Cost: free!
Details: Hanmer Springs is a sweet little town inland from the South Island's east coast between Christchurch and Kaikoura. It's the perfect spot for a day trip from either of these coastal spots, complete with a winding mountain drive.
Read more: A day trip to Hanmer Springs
Hike up Conical Hill
Where: Hanmer Springs
Cost: free!
Details: At the end of town, a short hike up Conical Hill will take you to a summit house with a panoramic view of the mountains and all over town. The route will take about 45 minutes round-trip.
Read more: A day trip to Hanmer Springs
Go hiking in Nelson Lakes National Park
Where: Nelson Lakes National Park
Cost: free!
Details: A beautiful national park south of Nelson, with plenty of lakes to hang out and tons of hiking to do - both day trips and overnight ones.
Read more: South Island roadtrip
Visit the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
Where: Punakaiki
Cost: free!
Details: Strange limestone pancake-looking rocks form this natural phenomenon on the west coast. Through the caverns dotted throughout, the ocean throws up massive sprays creating blowholes. It's wicked to witness!
Read more: South Island roadtrip
Explore Hokitika Gorge
Where: Hokitika
Cost: free!
Details: The most famous attraction of the region is about 30km outside town at the beautiful Hokitika Gorge. A brisk 15-minute walk will take you past a couple view points to the swinging bridge and on to the rocks at the base of the gorge. On a sunny day, the water here is supposed to be a clear, shimmery turquoise. (We came after a day of massive thunderstorms!)
Read more: 3 things to do in Hokitika
Spot the driftwood sign at Hokitika Beach
Where: Hokitika
Cost: free!
Details: Visit the windy and beautiful Hokitika Beach. Snap a shot of the famous driftwood signage while you're there!
Read more: 3 things to do in Hokitika
Drive across Arthur's Pass
Where: Arthur's Pass National Park
Cost: free!
Details: Arthur's Pass is the east-to-west road that crosses the South Island of New Zealand. Perhaps one of the most beautiful drives on the whole of South Island, the road leads through the heart of Arthur's Pass National Park, with stunning mountain ranges to drive through, crashing waterfalls to discover, mysterious rock formations to scramble over and nature aplenty.
Read more: Arthur's Pass National Park guide
Hike to Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall
Where: Arthur's Pass National Park
Cost: free!
Details: A half hour hike up many, many stairs will bring you to the Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall viewing platform. This is a great little workout and you can hear the rushing of the water as you ascend into the forest. You'll also be able to spot the waterfall from the start of the hike and get a full view of it crashing down between two mountains.
Read more: Arthur's Pass National Park guide
Hike the Bealey Spur Track
Where: Arthur's Pass National Park
Cost: free!
Details: This 6km hike is a beautiful way to see the valley in which Arthur's Pass lies. We didn't get to complete the hike due to incoming stormy weather, but this track is not one to miss while you're in the area!
Read more: Arthur's Pass National Park guide
Visit Castle Hill
Where: Arthur's Pass National Park
Cost: free!
Details: Just to the east of the national park is Castle Hill, a stunning location most famous perhaps for being not chosen to be a part of the Lord of the Rings films! It's hard to see why it wasn't chosen...this place is teeming with adventure, epic rock formations and huge stretches of land that make your jaw drop. The protected area is free for you to wander and climb as much as you wish.
Read more: Arthur's Pass National Park guide
Hike up the Christchurch Gondola
Where: Christchurch
Cost: free!
Details: The beautiful Christchurch Gondola rises high above the city with far-reaching views of the seaside villages, harbours and the coastline stretching out all around. You can pay to take the gondola but, if you're keen for a workout and would like to save the money at the same time, you can hike all the way up to the top instead for free. The views are the same but far more rewarding.
Read more: Christchurch Gondola hike
Explore quaint Akaroa
Where: Christchurch
Cost: free!
Details: The scenic road into the Akaroa peninsula east of Christchurch is worth the visit alone. Don't miss the adorable little waterfront French town of Akaroa and pop up to Newton's Falls while you're here, too.
Read more: South Island roadtrip
Hike Rakaia Gorge
Where: Rakaia Gorge
Cost: free!
Details: The walkway through Rakaia Gorge is a scenic beauty and a wonderful break on the drive out of Christchurch.
Read more: South Island roadtrip
Visit Mount Sunday
Where: Mount Sunday
Cost: free!
Details: This remote part of the central South Island has incredible star-gazing, lots of farm animals and wide open spaces, plus, it's where Edoras was filmed from Lord of the Rings. You can hike up to Mount Sunday and take in the stunning views of the surrounding area.
Read more: A guide to Mount Sunday
Spot glow worms in the Tatare Tunnels
Where: Franz Josef
Cost: free!
Details: A 3.6km roundtrip hike through the old water tunnels allows you to explore a fascinating other world with views of the Tatare Gorge full of glow worms! This was a brilliant hike.
Read more: A guide to Franz Josef
Hike to Robert's Point
Where: Franz Josef
Cost: free!
Details: The most challenging of all the hikes around Franz Josef Glacier, this hike will take you the closest to the actual glacier to get up close and personal with the magnificent feat of nature. It's an 11km round-trip that took me 5 hours with a long lunch break at the peak to enjoy the stunning views with helicopters coming in every ten minutes.
Read more: Robert's Point hike
Spot the reflection in Peter's Pool of Franz Josef
Where: Franz Josef
Cost: free!
Details: On the way to Robert's Point, near the car park, you'll pass a gorgeous lake which, on a clear day, has stunning reflections of Franz Josef.
Read more: Robert's Point hike
Check out the viewpoint of Aoraki/Mount Cook
Where: Fox Glacier town
Cost: free!
Details: Just outside of Franz Josef is the neighbouring Fox Glacier. This is a lovely little town worthy of a stop to see some stunning natural features of its own. My favourite was driving down to the Mount Cook/Aoraki Viewpoint which gave us our first peek at New Zealand's highest mountain.
Read more: A guide to Franz Josef
Spot the reflection of Aoraki/Mount Cook in Lake Matheson
Where: Fox Glacier town
Cost: free!
Details: One of the best natural features surrounding Fox Glacier is the beautiful Lake Matheson. Catch it on a sunny windless day and you'll have a perfect glass reflection of Fox Glacier in the still waters.
Read more: A guide to Franz Josef
Check out the incredibly blue Lake Tekapo
Where: Tekapo
Cost: free!
Details: The reason most tourists come to Tekapo is to see Lake Tekapo. It's a stunning blue and is surrounded by gorgeous mountains - snowcapped and delightful in the winter time. Avoid the tourists and head down to the beach on the road before you reach the Church for the best photos.
Read more: A weekend in Tekapo
Visit the Church of the Good Shephard
Where: Tekapo
Cost: free!
Details: This tiny little church of the shores of Lake Tekapo is perhaps the most photographed church in all of New Zealand, and for good reason. The quaint stone structure sits with a picturesque view of the lake and mountains behind it.
Read more: A weekend in Tekapo
Hike up to Mount John Observatory
Where: Tekapo
Cost: free!
Details: You can drive up to the observatory at Mount John for $8 per vehicle to access the road. Alternatively, save yourself some cash and get a workout in by doing the half hour hike up to the summit instead. Start at the Tekapo Hot Springs and follow the trail for Mount John summit. Enjoy the rewarding views at the top knowing you properly earned them!
Read more: A weekend in Tekapo
Hang out lakeside at Lake Pukaki
Where: Mount Cook National Park
Cost: free!
Details: On the drive into Mount Cook, stop at Lake Pukaki for some of the bluest water in the country with views of Mount Cook on a clear day.
Read more: Mount Cook National Park guide
Snap that famous photograph on the road to Mount Cook
Where: Mount Cook National Park
Cost: free!
Details: The drive to Mount Cook Village winds along the stunning Lake Pukaki on one of the most picturesque roads in New Zealand.
Read more: Winter at Mount Cook
Hike the Hooker Valley Track
Where: Mount Cook National Park
Cost: free!
Details: The most famous track of Mount Cook National Park is the Hooker Valley Track. On a clear day you'll have stunning views of Mount Cook as you cross boardwalks and bridges. It's a gorgeous hike that, even if it's busy with all the tourists, is so worth it. I was impressed at every turn. It's an easy 10km return hike with very minimal height change that winds its way along the valley towards Mount Cook.
Read more: Hooker Valley Track hike
Hike up to Red Tarns
Where: Mount Cook National Park
Cost: free!
Details: The Red Tarns Track leads directly up from Mount Cook Village up a steep set of steps to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Mount Cook and the village and surrounds. It's a beautiful hike after a strenuous climb that will take just under an hour to the top. There are alpine ponds at the summit, too!
Read more: Mount Cook National Park guide
Hike to Kea Point
Where: Mount Cook National Park
Cost: free!
Details: The beautiful 15-minute trail ends with a fantastic view of Mueller Lake with Mount Cook rising dramatically in the background.
Read more: Winter at Mount Cook
Hike to Tasman Glacier
Where: Mount Cook National Park
Cost: free!
Details: There are two main roads in Mount Cook National Park that lead to the various hikes; the Hooker Valley Road and the Tasman Valley Road. At the end of the Tasman Valley Road lies a car park that leads to the trailhead for the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint. The hike itself is a brief climb up wooden steps to a spectacular view of the Haupapa/Tasman Glacier feeding into the lake below.
Read more: Tasman Glacier View hike
Hike to Sealy Tarns
Where: Mount Cook National Park
Cost: free!
Details: One of the most difficult hikes goes up to Sealy Tarns; you can add on the trek to Mueller Hut from the summit. It's an intense hike that climbs 2200 steadily straight up the mountain to breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Cook, Mueller Glacier, Mueller Lake, Hooker Lake, the Hooker Valley and Mount Cook Village. An icy cold glacial waterfall will provide much needed cooling!
Read more: Sealy Tarns hike
Explore the Clay Cliffs
Where: Omarama
Cost: $5 per person
Details: Take a closer look at the glacial deposits which formed these impressive clay cliffs over a million years ago.
Read more: South Island roadtrip
Visit Elephant Rocks
Where: Duntroon
Cost: free!
Details: This beautiful spot was the filming location for Aslan's Camp in Narnia and provides a wonderful backdrop for exploring. Be careful of the cow pats, though!
Read more: South Island roadtrip
Swim in the icy cold Blue Pools
Where: Mount Aspiring National Park
Cost: free!
Details: The New Zealand Blue Pools are well known in the Instagram world, and it's not hard to see why! A perfect oasis of icy cold, pure blue water gurgling under a picturesque swinging bridge that makes for sublime photos. What more could you want? The Blue Pools are located in Mount Aspiring National Park on the road from Franz Josef to Wanaka.
Read more: A guide to New Zealand's Blue Pools
Hike up to Rob Roy Glacier
Where: Mount Aspiring National Park
Cost: free!
Details: Rob Roy Glacier Track is the much quieter neighbour of the insta-famous Roy's Peak hike, both situated just outside of Wanaka. Rob Roy Glacier Track is maintained by the Department of Conservation as part of Mount Aspiring National Park. This hike is Beautiful. Capitalized, bolded, underlined, italicized beautiful. Are there other ways to emphasize a word? If so, you should include them here. It felt like I was walking through the great expanses of Mordor!
Read more: Rob Roy Glacier Track hike
Explore historic Arrowtown
Where: Wanaka
Cost: free!
Details: Historic Arrowtown is a step back in time. Enjoy the quaint old main street - and be sure to stop in at the candy shoppe for treats!
Read more: South Island roadtrip
Hike to the summit of Mount Iron
Where: Wanaka
Cost: free!
Details: For a relatively easy Wanaka hike, head up to Mount Iron, a straightforward hike that should take no more than 45-60 minutes round-trip offering a 360-degree view over Wanaka and the surrounding region.
Read more: A week in Wanaka
Read a book lakeside at Lake Wanaka
Where: Wanaka
Cost: free!
Details: The town of Wanaka is perched on the shores of Lake Wanaka, a pretty lake surrounded by the mountains of Mount Aspiring National Park.
Read more: A week in Wanaka
Spot #ThatWanakaTree
Where: Wanaka
Cost: free!
Details: The most photographed tree in the world lives in Lake Wanaka. You didn't really go to Wanaka if you didn't photograph this tree, which looks best in the evening glow.
Read more: A week in Wanaka
Watch the sunrise from the top of Roy's Peak
Where: Wanaka
Cost: free + cost of taxi, if you don't have your own wheels
Details: Roy's Peak is the reason why people flock to Wanaka. The view is incredible - mountain ranges, a bird's eye view of Wanaka and the stunning Rob Roy Glacier off in the distance. This hike is very busy but it's so worth it. I highly recommend going at sunrise, mostly to beat the crowds but also because this hike is much easier to do in the cool dark than in the heat as there is zero shade on this track.
Read more: Roy's Peak hike
Twirl around fields of lavender at Wanaka Lavender Farm
Where: Wanaka
Cost: $5 per person
Details: There's something endearing about twirling around in a heavenly field of deliciously smelling lavender. Wanaka Lavender Farm is just 5km outside of town and home to ten acres of beauty. The peak flowering time is December-February.
Read more: Visiting Wanaka Lavender Farm
Hike up Queenstown Hill
Where: Queenstown
Cost: free!
Details: A great introductory hike in Queenstown is the Queenstown Hill. It's not too long, but it provides a full sweeping view of Queenstown and the beautiful lake views.
Read more: Queenstown Hill hike
Watch the sunset at Lake Wakatipu
Where: Queenstown
Cost: free!
Details: Queenstown is situated on the banks of the s-shaped Lake Wakatipu. On the shores, arresting patios become all lit up in the evenings and you can enjoy some really nice strolls along the lake. It's best here at sunset!
Read more: A guide to Queenstown
Summit Ben Lomond
Where: Queenstown
Cost: free!
Details: The Ben Lomond Summit hike is a difficult hike that winds its way steadily above Queenstown to the Ben Lomond Saddle before taking on a rocky trek circling the mountain to arrive at the summit 1748m high. This 22km hike is totally breathtaking and you're rewarded with 360-degree views of the mountains and Lake Wakatipu.
Read more: Ben Lomond Summit hike
Explore Glenorchy
Where: Glenorchy
Cost: free!
Details: The tiny town of Glenorchy is like a step back in time. Situated at the other end of Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown, this place has all the small town charms you could want. There's also fabulous hiking here - check out Earnslaw Burns and Lake Sylvan for great views.
Read more: South Island roadtrip
Watch the sunset at Lake Te Anau
Where: Te Anau
Cost: free!
Details: Te Anau is the entrance to the incredible Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. Start your Fiordland adventure here with a sunset on the banks of Lake Te Anau.
Read more: Milford Highway roadtrip
Hike the Kepler Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks
Where: Te Anau
Cost: free + cost of huts, if staying overnight
Details: The Kepler Track is one of New Zealand's 9 Great Walks which each offer a diverse look into the stunning landscapes of New Zealand. Starting just outside Te Anau on the edge of the incredible Fiordland National Park, the Kepler Track is an intermediate-level tramp. The entire Kepler Track loop is 60km which typically takes 1-3 nights, or you can just head out for a day trip.
Read more: Kepler Track to Luxmore Hut hike
Check out the reflection in Mirror Lakes
Where: Fiordland National Park
Cost: free!
Details: A beautiful reflection of the Earl Mountains of Fiordland National Park can be seen in this small roadside lake on a clear day. Pay close attention to the submerged sign!
Read more: Milford Highway roadtrip
Drive through Knobs Flat
Where: Fiordland National Park
Cost: free!
Details: The glacier that created Milford Sound also created the entire flatlands that you drive along. It's fascinating to envision how this landscape has changed.
Read more: Milford Highway roadtrip
Hike up to Lake Marian
Where: Fiordland National Park
Cost: free!
Details: Lake Marian is a fantastic hike in Fiordland National Park. The lake is dazzling and the hike up there is good fun! In the winter, you need to start early as the sun will disappear behind the mountains at the lake between 1:00-1:30pm. This is not an easy hike; be prepared to scramble and have the proper gear to get there and back safely and enjoyably.
Read more: Lake Marian hike
Spot (and hike, if you like) Gertrude Saddle
Where: Fiordland National Park
Cost: free!
Details: A challenging hike up to Gertrude Saddle will give you panoramic views of the entire national park. From the road, you can view the gushing waterfalls that tumble off the mountain.
Read more: Milford Highway roadtrip
Drive through Homer Tunnel
Where: Fiordland National Park
Cost: free!
Details: The Homer Tunnel is the only way to access Milford Sound, making it the only fiord you can drive to directly. The tunnel was hand-dug through rock stretching 1.2km. It's pitch black as you drive through and you have to wait your turn as it's a one-lane tunnel.
Read more: Milford Highway roadtrip
Watch the sunrise over Milford Sound
Where: Fiordland National Park
Cost: free!
Details: Wake up early to catch the sunrise over Milford Sound by completing the Foreshore Walk, a spectacular reflective display of the mountains against the fiord. It was a surreal moment - felt like being in a painting.
Read more: Winter in Milford Sound
Find the photogenic Milford Swing
Where: Fiordland National Park
Cost: free!
Details: On the beach, just a ways out from the Foreshore Walk, you'll find the perfectly instagrammable Milford Swing where you can sit back and enjoy the view.
Read more: Winter in Milford Sound
Take a cruise around Milford Sound
Where: Fiordland National Park
Cost: $68 per person with Real Journeys
Details: Milford Sound is widely regarded as the 8th Wonder of the World, and it's not hard to see why. It's been said that you have to visit Milford Sound twice - once in the rain to see the hundreds of waterfalls that come tumbling down the mountains and once in the sunshine to see the majestic fiordland spread out in front of you. The number one thing you absolutely must do is get out on the water on a Milford Sound Cruise.
Read more: Winter in Milford Sound
See the Moeraki Boulders
Where: Dunedin
Cost: free!
Details: The famous Moeraki Boulders near Dunedin are balls of limestone deposits that fall off the cliffs above and land on the beach below.
Read more: South Island roadtrip
Visit Purakaunui Bay
Where: Dunedin
Cost: free!
Details: Spot the great cliffs of Purakaunui Bay from Canoe Beach, where Cair Paravel was filmed in Narnia.
Read more: South Island roadtrip
Watch the sunset at Nugget Point
Where: The Catlins
Cost: free!
Details: Nugget Point is one of the most famous stops in the Catlins Forest Park, a region filled with waterfalls, forest and winding roads. It's the perfect place to watch the sunset over the little island 'nuggets'.
Read more: Sunset at Nugget Point
Visit Purakaunui Falls
Where: The Catlins
Cost: free!
Details: The Catlins are home to plenty of beautiful natural gems - check out Purakaunui Falls for an epic three-tiered wonder.
Read more: South Island roadtrip
Reach Slope Point
Where: The Catlins
Cost: free!
Details: Slope Point is the southernmost tip of the South Island. A short walk through private farmland leads to an epic coastal cliff view and the wide expanse of the ocean beyond.
Read more: South Island roadtrip
And to plan your trip on the North Island, check out 78 things to do on the North Island!
Hi! I’m Jana, a Dutch-German-British-Canadian with a dream of seeing every country in the world. I am a storyteller, photographer and adventurer passionate about documenting and sharing my travels.
