7 EPIC South Island Destinations – The BEST Places to Visit on the South Island, NZ

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

There are a ton of awesome things to do on New Zealand’s South Island that tourists should see when they visit New Zealand. This blog is all about the best places to go on the South Island and the things to do when you’re there! It includes the best 7 South Island destinations that every tourist needs to visit!

New Zealand stole my heart and has become the best country I have ever traveled to! So much so that I actually moved here! With so many unique things there are to do in New Zealand, I just couldn’t leave in a hurry!

But, both the North and South Islands are so different! If I’m being honest though, the South Island, in my opinion, is New Zealand’s best island!

But why?

Well for starters I love the mountains, the beautiful untouched scenery, the turquoise lakes, and the wildlife. To me, New Zealand’s South Island is everything you could want in an adventure!

On the South Island of New Zealand, there are endless amounts of things to do and destinations to visit. Those endless choices make it hard to know just where to spend your time!

I spent 8 months traveling full-time in my van on an epic road trip of New Zealand’s South Island and in that time, I did some pretty amazing things. So much so that I have written the ultimate New Zealand bucket list of places to visit on the South Island of NZ!

I’m talking about the most breathtaking views, stunning hiking trails, and those small towns that simply took my breath away! Here’s my list of the most beautiful places to visit and things to do on the South Island of New Zealand!

1. Mount Cook National Park

Mount Cook National Park was an easy choice to list as the first destination of the best places to visit on the South Island. Why? Because it is my favorite place in all of New Zealand!

To me, it’s not only the most beautiful place on the South Island but there are some truly amazing things to see and do in Mount Cook National Park. Within the national park, you can find stunning hiking trails, viewpoints, and adventure activities such as kayaking or even a scenic flight! For example, this highly-rated scenic flight includes a ride on both a ski plane and helicopter, as well as a chance to walk on a glacier. I can’t think of a better way to see New Zealand’s tallest mountain than from an aerial view, and getting to walk on a glacier is simply the cherry on top!

Here are a few of the best things to do in Mount Cook National Park – my favorite place to visit on the South Island!

Walk the Hooker Valley Track

If you only have time for one hike while in Mount Cook National Park then the Hooker Valley Track should be it! The trail is a 10-kilometer (6.2 mile) return trip. It’s very well maintained and is a relatively flat and easy hike.

Along the hike, you cross several suspension bridges and have views of surrounding mountains, but the main attraction is at the end of the trail. Once you reach Hooker Lake at the base of Mount Cook you’ll see why I love this place!

The trailhead for the Hooker Valley Track is just a 5-minute drive from Mount Cook Village, so it’s easy to access. It will take about 3 hours to hike this track, which leaves time for other activities while in Mount Cook!

Tackle the 2,000+ stairs on the Sealy Tarns Track

The Sealy Tarns Track is a shorter hike but it is more difficult because of the 2,000 stairs taking you to an incredible lookout. If you are up for the challenge, the view from the top is astounding!

I love this trail and it’s great for those not wanting to attempt the longer, and harder Mueller Hut (read below)! Both the Mueller Hut and Sealy Tarns Trail are the same trail with the Mueller Hut being another 2 hours further.

The Sealy Tarns Track is a 5.8-kilometer (3.6 miles) out-and-back hike. The trailhead is the same as the Muller Hut trailhead located in White Horse Hill Campground.

Related Read: While in Mount Cook, be sure to take some time to take the iconic Mount Cook Road photo – learn about it here!

Take in stunning views at the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint

Ahh, the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint! I’ve spent many early mornings here watching the sunrise behind the mountains. It’s still one of the best hikes on the South Island, and the best part? It’s only a 20-minute walk!

You really can’t leave the park without visiting at least once! My top recommendation is to get yourself out of bed before sunrise and be at the lake’s edge for the best light show you’ll see in NZ!

If you want to see the glacier from another angle I would suggest this 45-minute scenic flight It soars over Mount Cook, Tasman Glacier, and even touches down on the glacier so you can experience it from the top! This is the most unique way to experience the national park and glacier, as the pilot gives commentary throughout the whole flight, and you’ll explore the glacier with your guide, which makes this experience even more immersive.

While this is a bigger-budget item, it is truly an unforgettable experience and the best way to explore my favorite part of New Zealand! You can reserve this scenic flight in advance for $479 NZD per person.

Spend the night at the Mueller Hut

Okay, I really have to stop, but I’m telling the truth this time – this is my favorite hike in New Zealand! The hike to the Mueller Hut isn’t easy (especially in winter when we did it) but the views are mind-blowing! The Mueller Hut hike is a difficult 5.6 kilometers (3.5 miles) each way and includes 2,200 stairs, rock scrambling, and some rather steep inclines.

In winter, hiking to the Mueller Hut can be challenging (and dangerous) but it is a real adventure worth every breath!

In the summer, the hike is completely safe but be sure to book the hut in advance if you want to stay the night as it books up fast! If you have time to hike to the Mueller Hut and spend the night, I highly recommend it! The Mueller Hut is easily one of the top things to do on the South Island!

The hut itself is actually really nice and one of the best huts in New Zealand. It has gas stovetops, lots of beds, and running water (in the summer).

Here are some more photos just in case you’re not sold already!

Related Read: Find out where to take the best photos in Mount Cook National Park!

Go skydiving

One of the best things I’ve ever done was skydiving! And what better place to go than over Mount Cook National Park with views of New Zealand’s most impressive mountains and glaciers?! You’ll see gorgeous Lake Pukaki from above and of course, Mt Cook!

Skydive Mount Cook offers three different skydive experiences in Mount Cook Village. Their cheapest skydive is this one from 9,000 ft with around 20 seconds of freefall for $329 NZD. That might not sound like a lot of time but it feels like a lifetime up there!

For something a little higher, opt for the 13,000 ft jump with 45 seconds of freefall for $399 NZD. That gives you more than double the freefall time!

Or if you want the craziest and most memorable experience, do the 15,000 ft jump with more than a minute of freefall time! This one will set you back $499 NZD.

No matter which jump you choose, skydiving in Mount Cook National Park is sure to be an adrenaline rush and an adventure to remember!

Where to stay in Mount Cook National Park

I typically hate booking things in advance but I also hate missing out! Mount Cook is one of those places that is so beautiful and popular (the reason it made the list of best places to visit on the South Island) that if you want to stay in the Mount Cook Village you need to book ASAP!

There are only a handful of places to stay in Mount Cook and here you can view some of the hotels in the village! Another option is camping at the White Horse Hill Campground. The campground is run by the DOC (Department of Conservation) and can’t be booked in advance (first come, first serve). This is a great option if you’re on a South Island road trip!

My personal favorite hotel in Mount Cook is Aoraki Court Motel because it is located right in the heart of the village while being super affordable. They even offer 2-bedroom apartments, which are perfect for families or groups!

If the Mount Cook Village is booked, then the closest town is Twizel (45 minutes away). Alternatively, it is common to stay in Lake Tekapo too. Just be aware that it is 1.5 hours away!

2. Fiordland National Park & Milford Sound

No trip to New Zealand is complete without a visit to the (unofficial) “8th Wonder of the World” – Milford Sound! Milford Sound is an incredible fiord offering scenery that I have never seen elsewhere in the world.

To me, visiting Milford Sound shouldn’t be a few-hour activity, in fact, if you truly want to experience Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park you’re going to need a little more time!

The road to Milford Sound from Te Anau has some pretty amazing places to visit! To see the highlights you’ll need at least a full day! Don’t worry, I have the perfect way to see it all below, but first, here are the best things to do in Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound!

Go on a Milford Sound cruise

Without a doubt, the best thing to do in Milford Sound is to go on a Milford Sound boat cruise! From the water, you can sail through the fiord and take in the amazing views from every angle.

But there’s more to a cruise than the views and that’s the wildlife! Milford Sound is home to a very impressive list of animals including seals, dolphins, whales (on occasion), and two types of penguins (including one of the rarest in the world).

The best cruise to see these animals on is on this nature cruise. This cruise is great because there will be wildlife experts on board to find animals and teach you about them. It is also on a smaller boat, so you can get closer to the wildlife and have fewer people around, which is always nice! This cruise lasts for 1 hour 45 minutes, which is a good amount of time to enjoy the fiord and still have time to experience other parts of Milford! You can reserve this cruise in advance for $149 NZD, it includes coffee or tea while you sail- perfect for a cold day on the sound.

Go kayaking in Milford Sound

If you thought Milford Sound was big from a boat just imagine how big it feels from a kayak! Kayaking through Milford Sound was an adventure on its own and something I’ll never forget!

In Milford, there are lots of different kayaking tours. If you’re a keen kayaker then a half-day kayaking tour could be the best for you. However, if you’re like me and just want to experience it all then this cruise and kayaking tour with one hour of kayaking is perfect! Besides cruising through the impressive scenery and passing by waterfalls this tour also stops at the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory where you’ll get up close with wildlife, and don’t worry about bringing food, a picnic lunch is provided!

This was by far my favorite cruise experience on Milford Sound, simply because kayaking made it much more immersive. There are a limited number of kayaks available, so if this is high on your bucket list, be sure to book this tour in advance. It is $259 NZD per person and totally worth it!

Hike the Lake Marian Track

The Lake Marian Track is hands down my favorite hike in Fiordland National Park! This 10-kilometer (6.2 mile) trail leads you to the most breathtaking alpine lake! Although the entire track is rather beautiful, it’s all around a great hike.

Once you reach Lake Marian, you’ll be in awe of its glimmering green and blue water. Apart from the stunning lake, the surrounding mountains really make this hike worth doing! You can see how impressive the view is from just one photo.

The Lake Marian trail starts on the road to Milford Sound between Te Anau and Milford Sound. Although only 3 hours return, it’s still a fair climb to the lake!

Hike one of the Great Walks

I couldn’t have a real list without mentioning the Great Walks in Fiordland National Park! There’s not one, not two, but three Great Walks in the park! They are the Kepler Track, Routeburn Track, and Milford Track. The “great walks” are dubbed because of how incredibly scenic they are, and the tracks are well-maintained by the Department of Conservation.

I personally have hiked the Kepler Track and Routeburn. I loved them both but if I had to choose, I’d say the Kepler was my favorite! While the Kepler Track is 60 (37.3 miles) kilometers in total, you don’t have to hike the full length to enjoy it.

In fact, one of the best ways to experience the Kepler Track is to take a heli-hike tour! Instead of hiking up a quite difficult section, your hike will start with a helicopter ride to the Luxmore Hut and get incredible views all around (plus a helicopter ride, how fun!). You will then embark on the downhill portion from the Luxmore Hut to Lake Te Anau, where you’ll take a water taxi to the start of the trailhead. This is a unique way to experience the Kepler Track and its surrounding beauty on a convenient day trip.

This 8-hour tour includes transportation from your Te Anau hotel, helicopter fees, water taxi fees, snacks, and your guide to lead the way. Be sure to pack a lunch and plenty of water! You can reserve this tour in advance for $655 NZD.

The Great Walks are open from late October until May and must be booked in advance on the DOC website. If you don’t book far enough in advance the huts and campsites may be fully booked.

Experience the ultimate road trip to Milford Sound

I previously mentioned that the best way to see the entire Milford Sound road is to take a full day or two to explore. Well, that brings me to my next best thing to do on the South Island and that’s to roll it all into one epic road trip!

If you traveling from Queenstown to Milford, all of these stops are along the way. Alternatively, you can break up the drive to give yourself more time to explore by staying in Te Anau. From Te Anau to Milford, you’ll be able to visit all of these places and get to Milford in only a few hours! We have taken both journeys a few times and have narrowed down the absolute best stops for a Milford Sound road trip.

One way to get to Milford from Queenstown is to rent a car and drive yourself, which will give you the freedom to move at your own pace and plan your itinerary. However, if you don’t have your own mode of transportation, you can take a day tour from Queenstown which stops at most of the “must-see” stops along the route. It also includes a cruise of Milford Sound, so if you truly want a break from planning and driving, this is a fantastic option.

A day trip from Queenstown is certainly a long day (13+ hours) but if you only have one day to see Milford Sound, this is an easy way to do it. You can book this tour in advance for $289 NZD per person.

Where to stay in Fiordland National Park

If you’re expecting to be able to stay right inside Fiordland National Park, the Milford Lodge is the only place to stay. Milford Lodge is a premium place to stay, but that also means it can be rather expensive and book up quickly. They do offer powered campsites if you are road-tripping with a campervan, which is another fun way to explore Milford and the South Island.

The most popular town to stay right outside of the park is Te Anau. You can sift through the different Te Auau hotels or pick from my personal recommendations. Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers isn’t only for solo travelers and backpackers. Apart from the shared dorms they also have affordable private rooms. This is a prime location for views of Fiordland, the lake, and being as close as you can get to town.

Something a bit more modern is the Amber Court Motel, it is nothing flashy but will provide everything you need in a clean and spacious studio or one-bedroom apartment. It’s also close to all the best activities in Fiordland National Park.

3. Queenstown

Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand and many of the best things to do on the South Island of New Zealand can be found here! It’s no secret Bailey and I love Queenstown. I mean we even lived here for 6 months during the Queenstown ski season, what a time that was!

However, for the average visitor in any season, there’s so much on offer in this small but vibrant town! Before you read this blog you were likely already going, and if you weren’t, you will be after reading this! Here are the best things to do in Queenstown!

Go hiking through the mountains

There are far too many amazing hikes around Queenstown to just single out one! In fact, this blog on the 11 must-do hikes in Queenstown only scrapes the surface of the most popular hiking trails!

One thing is for sure, hiking in Queenstown is one of the most popular activities to do! My recommendation is to either hike the Ben Lomond Summit (a 13.4km/8.3mi experienced hike) or the Queenstown Hill Walk (a 4.8km/3mi beginner hike). You can add a fun twist to the Ben Lomond Summit hike by taking a gondola ride up to the saddle summit and beginning your trek from there.

Try an adventure sport

Queenstown is the home of adventure sports in New Zealand and there are tons to try! We love any kind of activity that gives us an adrenaline rush, so here are our top picks in Queenstown.

Skydiving is thrilling anywhere, but Queenstown might be one of the most beautiful places to do it. With the Southern Alps, Lake Wakatipu, and the lush green landscape below, your 30-60 seconds of freefall will be just enough to take it all in. You can choose between tandem jumps at 9,000 feet, 12,000 feet, or 15,000 feet, depending on your desired amount of time in the air and budget! Check out all the options and book your preferred option in advance here.

Jet boating is yet another thrilling activity that is great to do in Queenstown. There are lots of rivers and lakes in this area, all providing incredible views of the mountainous landscape. We took this jet boat ride on the Shotover River and had a blast going 90 kilometers an hour (55 mph). It was impressive to see the driver do all sorts of tricks at a fast pace, but we felt incredibly safe the whole time. A 25-minute jet boat ride is $163 NZD, which we thought was long enough to get your heart racing and still within our budget!

We also had the pleasure of going canyoning for a full day, which ended up being one of my favorite tours in Queenstown. Another high-flying experience that was fun is paragliding from the top of Bob’s Peak- talk about amazing views!

Related Read: Read our complete review and guide about canyoning in Queenstown!

Cruise the scenic road from Queenstown to Glenorchy

There are a few scenic drives in New Zealand that should be on everyone’s bucket list. The drive to Mount Cook, Milford Sound, the stunning west coast (more on that below), and the drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy!

This short stretch of road is only 45 kilometers (28 miles) long but along the way, you’re likely to stop about a hundred times! The road follows the edge of Lake Wakatipu and ends in the small town of Glenorchy. Along the way you’ll find scenic viewpoints and great hiking tracks, it’s an outdoors lovers paradise!

Glenorchy itself is well worth a visit and for many, the views of the mountains are just as, if not even more beautiful than Queenstown! You can even take a tour to Glenorchy from Queenstown, which gives you more insight with guided commentary along the way. I love this tour because it also stops at Glenorchy Animal Experience, which is a unique New Zealand activity as you see daily life on a farm. You will also get to experience Glenorchy’s small-town charms, and then be transported back to Queenstown for a relaxed day trip.

This half-day tour is $194 NZD and can be booked in advance here.

Related Read: Before your bank account runs dry have a look at 33 free and cheap things to do while in Queenstown!

Get tipsy on a Gibbston Valley wine tour

If you didn’t already know, Queenstown is one of the best places in the world for Pinot Noir! In fact, they even beat the French for best Pinot Noir at some of the most prestigious wine-tasting competitions around the world! It’s a title they’re proud of and rightly so!

To me, a wine tour through the Gibbston Valley is easily one of the best things to do in Queenstown. I love them so much I’ve actually done two!

There are a few options for wine tours however, the wineries aren’t that close together and if you want to drink a lot then this hop-on hop-off tour is the best way to go! This style of tour allows you to go at your own pace and enjoy each spot as long as desired because the bus circles back every 45 minutes, so you could move quickly and hit 5 or 6 wineries, or take your time and enjoy just a few. While tasting fees aren’t included in this tour, it is only $65 NZD, which leaves room in the budget for your wine tastings!

If you’re looking for a more immersive wine-tasting experience, you can take this 6-hour tour from Queenstown. This tour includes stops at 4 of the best wineries in the Central Otago region, including the largest wine cave in New Zealand, and a gourmet lunch. All tasting fees are included, so you can try as much of the valley’s famous Pinot Noir as you’d please! I love that this is a small group tour (only 12 people) so it is a much more intimate experience and you can make new wine-loving friends along the way.

You can reserve this tour in advance for $289 NZD!

Where to stay in Queenstown

Queenstown is another place that has limited accommodation for the number of visitors it sees. Often 6 months in advance the town is 80% booked! Pretty crazy for a small town with over 700 hotels!

This means you really need to book in advance. If you’re unsure exactly what area to stay in then check out our where to stay in Queenstown blog. It lays out every area with its pros and cons.

For those of you who are looking for the best value for money, I would recommend staying at the Millennium Hotel Queenstown. It’s a 6 min walk to the beach and is perfectly located to walk to all of the shops and restaurants.

You can view and book all the hotels in Queenstown here!

4. Wanaka

The South Island of New Zealand is home to many lakeside towns but few are as beautiful as Wanaka. What I love so much about Wanaka is that it is more relaxed and less busy in comparison to Queenstown.

This stunning town sits on the shores of Lake Wanaka surrounded by mountain peaks. Although less busy than Queenstown, there are tons of spectacular things to do in Wanaka.

For one, it sits on the boundary of Mt Aspiring National Park, one of New Zealand’s most beautiful national parks. This national park is home to many famous hikes including our first thing to do in Wanaka…

Hike the famous Roy’s Peak

Roys Peak was one of the first hikes I did in New Zealand. It involved a 3 am drive from Queenstown to Wanaka to start the trail in the middle of the night. Our goal was to see this stunning viewpoint without the crowds and with a breathtaking morning glow – and that’s just what we got!

Although my recommendation is to hike Roy’s Peak for the sunrise I understand that it’s not for everyone. So regardless of when you decide to hike Roy’s Peak, just be sure to do it! It’s really that beautiful and worth the hype!

The trail to the top isn’t easy and the elevation climb is over 1200m over 8km/mi (16km/10mi round trip) of switchbacks. If you consider yourself fit you can make the climb in under 2 hours (especially if you’re running up for sunrise) however for most, allow 3 hours.

Explore Lake Wanaka

Lake Wanaka is the highlight of Wanaka and the reason I fell in love with this place! For that reason, it’s no surprise some of my best times here were spent either by or on the lake.

If you happen to be visiting Wanaka in summer then you really should take advantage of the warm weather and cool water by taking a dip. From town, you can walk to the beach and relax in the sun and cool off in the water. I could honestly sit there for hours just taking in the views!

If you’ve spent enough time relaxing on your holiday then why not head out onto the lake? There’s plenty to do such as:

• Take a happy hour cruise – This 1-hour cruise is the perfect chance to explore Lake Wanaka with a complimentary drink in hand! It is only $60 NZD, and you can see the stunning mountains, lake, and the iconic “That Wanaka Tree”!
• Explore the islands and hike – Lake Wanaka is huge and there are many islands within the lake, such as Mou Waho Island. This 3-hour tour lets you get to these remote places and guides you on a hike to a lake on the island, who knew there would be a lake within a lake here? You can book this tour for $139 NZD.
• Mountain Quad – Explore the area that surrounds Wanaka on this thrilling Mountain Quad Experience. A 2 hour quad ride through the Cardona Mountains will give incredible views, and get your heart racing! This experience can be booked in advance for $359 NZD.
• Scenic jet ski tour – This jet ski tour is one of my all-time favorite tours because unless you own a jet ski yourself, you don’t get a chance to do this activity often- and it’s a thrill! Over this 1-hour jet ski tour, you can explore Lake Wanaka led by your guide. Book this tour for $235 NZD per person.

Regardless of what you choose, Lake Wanaka is sure to keep you busy and impress you!

Related Read: Make sure to uncover the hidden Diamond Lake Walk in Wanaka!

Hit the slopes in winter

If you’ve checked out our guide on the best time to visit New Zealand and winter is your choice, well you’re in luck because the skiing and snowboarding on the South Island are fantastic!

You can ski or snowboard all throughout the South Island, including in Queenstown. However, Wanaka is near arguably the best ski field in New Zealand and that’s Cardrona Skifield! I loved Cardrona and despite skiing at 3 other ski fields, it’s by far my favorite!

Some other ski fields in the area are Treble Cone (the closest to Wanaka) and both the Remarkables Skifield and Coronet Peak (both closer to Queenstown). You can check out passes and rental prices on each ski fields’ website, and check out our guide to the South Island’s Ski Season to prepare for your trip!

If skiing/snowboarding isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the winter weather! This helicopter-snowmobile experience is one of a kind (the only in New Zealand!) where you will hop aboard a helicopter to get incredible views, then land to get on a snowmobile for a few hours. Both are thrilling and seriously fun experiences and while it’s a bit pricey at $1,105 NZD for 2.5 hours- it’s an incredible thing to do!

You can also take a snowy walk in the Remarkables while snowshoeing. If you’ve never tried snowshoeing before, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy and fun it is! This 4-hour tour is $339 NZD per person and can be booked in advance here.

Cardrona sightseeing and mountain carts

While Cardrona is my go-to ski field during the winter, it is also a fun place to visit during the summer! Once all the snow melts, great hiking tracks and mountain karting trails are exposed, making for the perfect day of adventure.

You can take the Cardrona gondola to the summit (no major hiking required) and get breathtaking views! The gondola ride is a quick 4-minute journey, once you’re at the top you can explore the hiking trails and then enjoy a beverage at the Vista Bar. The gondola ride is $35 NZD and includes a return ticket. Booking it in advance lets you skip the line, which leaves more time at the top!

Another unique, yet exciting thing to do at Cardrona is mountain karting! It’s like go-karts on a mountain terrain, making it all the more thrilling. There are 3 different tracks, so it’s suitable for all ages, and you can join a 2-hour mountain kart session for $163 NZD. See how many laps around the track you can get in during that time!

This is a seriously fun activity and can be booked in advance here!

Where to stay in Wanaka

Staying in Wanaka will be sure to fulfill your wishes for calm and relaxation. There is beauty to be found in every corner of this town, especially during the summer when the flowers are in bloom and the tourists begin to make their way in. When planning where to stay in Wanaka you can choose to be on the water’s edge near town or tucked away on a more laid-back property.

The Luxury Lakeview Vista Apartments will provide that water view you’ve been dreaming of and can comfortably accommodate 8 adults across three bedrooms. Enjoy a soak in the private hot tub off the bedroom while looking out at the stunning landscapes.

For more privacy during your holiday in Wanaka, I think booking at Lime Tree Lodge will be the perfect match! With 10 acres of land and a view of the gardens and alpines from each room, you won’t mind the 10-minute drive into the town center.

5. The Catlins

If you look at a map of the South Island, you’ll be able to find the Catlins region at the very south of the South Island between the cities of Dunedin and Invercargill. The sad part is that many people haven’t even heard of it! Without a doubt, it’s the least visited area on the South Island, and going for myself, I’m really not sure why?!

The region is filled with stunning waterfalls, unique and extremely rare wildlife, and empty roads just waiting to be explored. The region is best explored on a road trip either heading from Christchurch south or from Invercargill north along the coast. To see the most I suggest staying at least one night in the region.

Thinking back my time in the Catlins is one of my most memorable! Here are some of the best things I did there!

McLean Falls

McLean Falls is the most famous waterfall in the Catlins region. It is just huge! The setting of the falls is stunning and Bailey and I spent a good hour just wandering around taking in the views.

The falls are accessed by a 15-minute walk on a well-maintained path. The downside to McLean Falls is that it is very popular so during peak season there will be lots of tourists around.

Regardless, it’s well worth a visit!

Koropuku Falls

Koropuku waterfall is my favorite out of all of the waterfalls in the Catlins! The falls are not very well known which makes visiting it very peaceful. The trail isn’t very well maintained and it only takes about 20 minutes to get to the falls from the parking spot just off the main highway.

When Dan and I visited, we were the only people there and could enjoy the waterfall all to ourselves! To me, Koropuku Falls is the best waterfall in the Catlins, and one of the best places to go in South Island, New Zealand. It can be hard to find the falls so check out the blog link below for more info!

Curio Bay

Curio Bay is a beautiful bay in the Catlins that’s a very popular place to visit. Although the bay is nice, what brings people from all over is the unique and extremely rare wildlife.

One of the most impressive animals you can see here is the Yellow Crested Penguin! These little guys are the rarest penguins in the world and during my stay, only two were living in the bay. If you do get a chance to see them it’s sure to be a magical moment!

You can also see seals, dolphins, blue penguins, and whales besides the penguins! To get the most out of the bay be sure to book a night in Curio Bay. We stayed at the Curio Bay Camping Ground (it’s not on booking.com) and here you can actually see blue penguins walk around the campground at night! It’s also the perfect place to stay during your road trip and where we stayed!

If you’re hoping to see even more penguins and are visiting the Catlins from Dunedin, you can visit a penguin reserve! This 90-minute guided excursion searches for little blue penguins on the Otago Peninsula. This is a common roosting area for local penguins, so you might see up to 200 penguins coming home for the night! This opportunity is unique because you’ll have a guide to teach you all about the penguin’s behavior and patterns.

While it’s amazing to see penguins in the wild at Curio Bay, taking a tour is an excellent way to dive a little further into the world of the little blue penguin! You can reserve this tour for $55 NZD.

Slope Point

Slope Point is the southernmost point of New Zealand’s South Island. In all honesty, it’s not the most amazing experience but the short 5-minute walk is so worth it! It’s a fun little adventure and, hey, you get to say you went to the southernmost point of New Zealand’s South Island!

Where to stay in the Catlins

The coastal area of the Catlins between Dunedin and Invercargill while stunning can be a bit slim for hotels and apartments. Here are some of my personal suggestions below or have a look for yourself if you know exactly which part of the Catlins you want to stay in!

• Surat Bay Lodge – Located just near Surat Bay in Owaka, this backpackers hostel has dormitory and private room options. There are rooms with a sea view, two communal kitchens, and a beachside garden. Most major attractions can be reached in a quick 30-minute drive from here.

• Catlins Mohua Park– The individual chalets on the hillside in Owaka are pricey in but have the most phenomenal views. Each one comes with two twin beds and one king size. There are no TVs so take this as a sign to be present with your surroundings, change into your robe, and enjoy the beauty of this property. Option to add in breakfast for $20 NZD

• The Whistling Frog Resort– If you stay here there will be no need to sacrifice quality to stay within budget. At a minimum of $135 NZD/night for two adults these cozy cabins in Chasland are a short distance from the beautiful McLean Falls.

6. The West Coast

The West Coast along the South Island offers a ton of unique and beautiful things to do and see. The most common West Coast road trip starts just after Wanaka and ends just after Punakaiki. It’s best traveled on an epic road trip and there are plenty of places to stop along the way!

Some of my favorite places along the West Coast and things to do include:

Explore the Blue Pools

The Blue Pools is easily the most famous attraction on the West Coast of the South Island. In winter people come for the views and in summer many come for a dip. To be honest it’s so cold it actually hurts to swim! But, it’s so beautiful it’s hard not to want to take the plunge.

The pools are colored by the water from melting glaciers in the mountains nearby! It has something to do with particles in the ice and the light from the sun that creates the stunning color.

Regardless of what creates the color, in the three times I’ve been here I still haven’t got sick of visiting!

The Blue Pools are only about a 25-30 minute walk from the parking lot, which is at the Cameron Flat Campsite. It’s very easy to find and the trail isn’t difficult at all, you’ll pass over two suspension bridges and can enjoy a beautiful forest walk!

Visit Thunder Creek Falls

Along Haast Pass, you’ll see a sign for Thunder Creek Falls. This waterfall towers 96 meters (315 feet) high and is only a two-minute walk to access from the main highway. There’s not much to do at the falls but with its easy access, it’s a great place to stretch your legs and check out one breathtaking waterfall!

With so many things to see on New Zealand’s West Coast, a quick but gorgeous waterfall stop is a perfect addition to your itinerary.

Spend the night at the Brewster Hut

Taking an overnight hike to one of New Zealand’s backcountry huts is an absolute must-do activity, and the Brewster Hut is the best one on the West Coast! The Brewster Hut is in Mount Aspiring National Park, and the payoff is worth the effort, as you’ll get some of the best views of the Southern Alps from the top. Although the hike is a bit grueling as it gains over 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) in elevation over 5.3 kilometers (3.3 miles)- it’s steep!

You may be crawling once you reach the end, but that’s why it’s so nice to stay overnight in Brewster Hut to break up the difficulty and have plenty of time to enjoy the views. You need to reserve your overnight stay in advance, which is $40 NZD per person during the summer. It is equipped with a kitchen and bunks, but be sure to bring a sleeping bag and enough food/water!

You can read all about hiking to New Zealand’s backcountry huts here!

Go on a scenic flight or glacier landing

Judging by this list, what I’m about to say has little to no credibility! But few experiences in New Zealand were as amazing as this one! Flying high above the mountains over the West Coast and Mount Cook was one of the best experiences of my life.

I really couldn’t believe how beautiful the scenic flight was there and being in a helicopter for the first time blew my mind. On this 30-minute scenic flight, we soared over Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers with commentary from our pilot as he pointed out other mountain peaks and explained how they were formed, making the experience even more immersive! But then we landed on top of the glacier and got to gawk at it’s incredible beauty, which was perhaps my favorite part- it was such a unique experience.

Writing about this actually gets me emotional so I’ll leave it with this – if you can afford it, do it, you really won’t regret or forget it! You can reserve this scenic flight for $434 NZD and be sure to book this tour in advance, as it is a popular activity!

Go glacier trekking on Franz Josef and Fox Glacier

The two most popular attractions of the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island are of course the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. You can walk to the base of the glaciers on your own, but to get to the top of the glaciers you’ll need a guided tour. And while the free walking track to Franz Josef and Fox Glacier is neat, nothing beats actually trekking on top of a glacier that is thousands of years old!

This Franz Josef heli-hike is the best way to trek on the glacier. Departing from Franz Josef town, you’ll board a helicopter with 10 other adventurous travelers and take the breathtaking flight up to the Franz Josef Glacier summit. Your expert guide will lead you on a 3-hour trek as you explore ice caves and the vast glacier with your ice axe and crampons. The guide also teaches about the geology and glaciology that made this glacier so famous.

The tour ends with a flight back to town- but what a thrilling 4-hour tour! You can book this in advance for $712 NZD.

You can also take a heli-hike on Fox Glacier, Franz Josef’s twin! Fox Glacier is slightly less popular, but equally as beautiful, in my opinion. This 4-hour tour follows the same format as the previous one mentioned, a helicopter flight from Fox Glacier town, landing on top of the giant glacier, and a 3-hour guided hike at the summit, followed by a return flight home! This experience can be reserved in advance for $673 NZD, so a little cheaper but just as epic!

Where to stay in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier

The glaciers in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are some of the most easily accessible in the world, so don’t rush through your time in the area! Find a cozy stay in Franz Josef or Fox Glacier.

In my opinion, Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier will take your breath away. Imagine sipping wine from your balcony while watching the sun set over the mountains. The hotel also has a restaurant where you’ll dine in a room with wall-to-wall windows.

You can check out all accommodation options in Franz Josef here!

Over in Fox Glacier the Bella Vista Motel Fox Glacier is one of my favorite options. It is located right in the middle of the village and is only 5 minutes from Lake Matheson, so you’re right in all the action! Rooms are spacious and have kitchenettes, so it’s very comfortable. The Distinction Fox Glacier – Te Weheka Boutique Hotel is a bit more of a luxury option, and being within walking distance from the glacier, you get incredible views from your balcony!

Lake Matheson

Right outside of Fox Glacier, you’ll find Lake Matheson, arguably one of the most underrated lakes on the West Coast! This lake is so gorgeous because it perfectly reflects Mt Tasman, Mt Cook, and the surrounding scenery so on a nice day, it’s simply stunning.

I love Lake Matheson because it’s very easy to access, so you don’t have to work too hard to get those views! You can reach the jetty just 20 minutes from the parking lot, which is the best place to see the reflections. There is also a nice loop trail that circles the lake which isn’t difficult either.

The best time to visit is sunrise or sunset, as this is when the reflections are best. I recommend taking this sunset tour to Lake Matheson so you can learn more about the area, get off the beaten path, and find the best viewpoints! This tour is 4 hours which gives you a good amount of time to enjoy the trails around the lake, take in the views, and learn about the flora and fauna!

It is also a convenient option if you are without transportation, as it departs from Franz Josef. You can book it in advance for $90 NZD.

Punakaiki

Punakaiki is the last stop on our west coast road trip in NZ. This area is all about taking in stunning views from a coastline like no other (literally).

In fact, the main attraction in Punakaiki is the Pancake Rocks. This very unique rock formation took millions of years to form and they now appear like pancakes stacked on top of each other! It’s really a unique sight to see and well worth a visit!

Alternatively, if you’re staying in the major city of Greymouth, you can take a half-day trip to see the Pancake Rocks. Punakaiki is only 40 minutes north of Greymouth, so this is a convenient option if you’re trying to see the most as you explore the West Coast. This 3-hour tour includes transportation, but the most valuable part is the expert guide who fills you in on the geology that made these rocks so unique! It’s actually very fascinating, so having a guide to teach you all about it makes a tour worthwhile, you can book it in advance for $129 NZD!

Of course, there’s plenty more to do in Punakaiki and our blog on all the best things to do in Punakaiki is sure to keep you busy!

7. The Marlborough Sounds

Last but certainly not least is the Marlborough Sounds. This region was actually named correctly (unlike Milford Sound) and was carved by ancient rivers. Located on the north end of the South Island, the best place to explore this region is from Picton.

Picton is the most centrally located town that can get you going to any one of the different islands. You can even visit Picton on a day trip from Wellington! Once in Picton, I’ve found that The Villa is one of the best deals for a room here, and it’s right across the street from the beach.

If you’re on a road trip to the North Island then Picton (the closest town to the Marlborough Sounds) is where you’ll need to catch the ferry from! This makes it a must-visit (literally) and in all honesty, you won’t want to miss out on visiting Marlborough Sounds! Here are some of our favorite things to do:

Related Read: After your South Island adventures are complete, head to the North Island! Wellington is your first stop, so check out our guide to the best free and cheap things to do in Wellington.

Go on a cruise

You can’t visit the Marlborough Sound without taking a cruise, it’s easily the best way to experience this area! With a vast area of water, islands, and wildlife in the sound, a cruise is guaranteed to be an exciting activity.

We took this half-day cruise through the Marlborough Sounds from Picton and saw plenty of seals, rare birds, penguins, and even a Kiwi (although it was a baby being released by the DOC)! It was so exciting to see the animals in their natural habitat, and the naturalist guides did a fantastic job of teaching us about the animals and their environment. There are only 30 people on this tour, so it never felt overcrowded, and we got to enjoy the incredible views the whole time! You can reserve this tour for $149 NZD per person.

Another unique tour of Marlborough Sounds is this Seafood Odyssea Marlborough Sounds Cruise from Picton. It might sound a little weird to feast on seafood as you’re cruising along the water that they once swam in, but you know it’s fresh! You’ll embark on 3.5 hours of sightseeing and eating some of the tastiest seafood from local sources paired with Marlborough’s famous wine. Sounds like the perfect day to me! This tour includes food, drinks, and the cruise for $150 NZD and can be booked in advance here.

Visit one of the islands

There are over 30 islands that make up the Marlborough Sound, so visiting at least one of them is a great way to experience Marlborough! If you only have time to visit one, I suggest checking out Motuara Island. While this isn’t the largest island on the sound, like D’urville Island is, you will find the Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary to be a significant wildlife reserve that keeps this beautiful sound thriving.

This predator-free island is home to kererū, tui, parakeets, and even Okarito Brown Kiwi birds and nesting penguins! You can also find Rowi Kiwis, and there are only 400 remaining members of this species in New Zealand.

Visiting the Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary is a fun and unique experience, whether you’re very into birds or not. There is also a lovely little hiking track to explore, it only takes about 30 minutes to complete and gives a good look at the beautiful island!

Motuara Island is a 1-hour boat ride from Picton, so the easiest way to get there is by taking a tour. This half-day tour will transport you to the island to enjoy the bird sanctuary, give commentary along the way, and even visit Ship Cove, which was one of Captain Cook’s favorite stopping points. This cruise takes more time to enjoy the journey and sightseeing, with a strong focus on wildlife. I love how relaxed and in tune with nature this cruise is, so you can really appreciate the beauty of Motuara Island and Malborough Sound.

You can book this tour for $95 NZD, be sure to book this tour in advance!

Go on a wine tour

Did you know that the Marlborough wine region is one of the best wine regions in New Zealand, perhaps even in the entire Southern Hemisphere!? Well lucky for you, going wine tasting is one of the best things to do in Marlborough. There are a ton of great wineries, you could probably go on multiple wine tours and still not hit them all!

We took this wine tour that hit 5 of the best wineries in the region, and I must say, I was quite impressed. The tour was limited to 11 people, which was great because we were able to move seamlessly without having to wait for a big group, and we had a nice minibus to enjoy the scenery as we drove around the region. Marlborough is famous for its Sauvignon Blanc, but you’ll also find plenty of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay.

This tour includes a lunch stop (at your own expense) and a chocolate tasting on your way back to Picton, so it’s really treat after treat on this tour! Your wine tastings, wine tours, chocolate tastings, and transportation are included in the tour for $240 NZD. You can book this tour in advance here!

Hike the Queen Charlotte Track

The Queen Charlotte Track is yet another beautiful hike in New Zealand! It goes between the Kenepuru Sound and the Queen Charlotte Sound (two of the three sounds that make up Marlborough), so you’ll get views of both as you hike. Between the bays, native bush, and wildlife, you will be in awe over how beautiful this hike is!

You can make this hike as long or short as you’d like, so it’s great if it’s your sole activity for the day or being fit around wine tasting and a cruise! The entire Queen Charlotte Track is 73 kilometers (45 miles) long and will take about 4 days. But, you can also explore Ship Cove, Endeavor Inlet, and Torea Bay, which break it up into some great day hikes. The trail from Ship Cove to Endeavor Inlet is about 17 kilometers (10 miles) or you can do Endeavor Inlet to Camp Bay for an 11-kilometer (7.4 mile) hike.

You can easily get to the trailhead by taking a boat, so this tour helps set it up! I love that it is still a self-guided hiking experience and that this simply provides transportation. The return times aren’t until 5:30 pm, so if you’re on a tight timeline this won’t be the best option for you. But, if you have plenty of time to enjoy the Queen Charlotte Track, this will take any stress out of your day!

Simply do some research ahead of time to decide what track you want to explore, and be sure you keep track of the time to catch the return boat, and it will be a breeze. You can reserve this boat transport for $96 NZD per person.

Getting Around the South Island

Campervan

The best way to get around the South Island of New Zealand is in a campervan. Campervans and motorhomes range in price in New Zealand from as little as $40 USD a day to $300 USD.

Before renting a campervan be sure to check out our guide to renting a campervan in New Zealand. It includes info on what to look out for, some great companies, and discount codes to make your trip that little bit cheaper!

Organized tour

There are lots of amazing multi-day tours around New Zealand that aren’t that badly priced considering what’s included! Like this 4-Day South Island tour that visits Milford Sound, Queenstown, the Glaciers, and more! Or this 5-Day South Island adventure tour that includes the same locations and activities but gives you a bit more free time to go on your own adventures! Plus it includes two rides of New Zealand’s top-rated scenic rail routes!

There are so many different lengths and styles of tours offered for the South Island. You can view some of the most popular tours here!

Thanks for reading!

And there you have it, the best South Island destinations and the things to do once you’re there! These places to go and things to do in the South Island are sure not to disappoint and are guaranteed to make your travels very memorable.

While you could spend months exploring the South Island, if you focus on these places then you will see the highlights for sure!

If you found this blog helpful, be sure to check out some of the other New Zealand blogs we’ve written:

2-week South Island Road Trip Itinerary

33 Free and Cheap Things to do in Queenstown

Christchurch to Queenstown Road Trip Itinerary