Author & Photographer: George Mitchell
Our recommendations are not influenced by affiliate links – we have none. Our itineraries, photos, and advice are based on having stayed in NZ for a total of six months (over three trips). We are avid hikers, nature lovers and photographers. NZ is one of our favourite destinations.
Why You Should Go to New Zealand’s South Island
For the scenic beauty of snowy sierras, gorgeous glacial lakes, formidable fjords and verdant vineyards — it is hard to beat the South Island.
The journey from point A to point B in New Zealand is just as spectacular as the destination. Moreover the diversity of natural beauty comes in a small package. New Zealand is 10% larger than Great Britain, the same size as Texas, 3% smaller than Ecuador, and 40% of the size of the province of Alberta in Canada.
19 Best Sights in New Zealand’s South Island
Lake Wakatipu Lookout vs Queenstown
Avoid Queenstown like a plague. It is overhyped and overcrowded — comes with traffic jams. But do drive the road to Glenorchy for this OMG view of the Humboldt and Ailsa Mountains, which are part of the Southern Alps. In the village of Paradise north of Glenorchy, we started our three or four-day backpack on the Routeburn Track many years ago.
In the future, this portal page will enable you to hyperlink to the following recommended drives.
- Picton – Queen Charlotte Drive — gorgeous turquoise bays
- Abel Tasman National Park — fantastic three-day hike over soft sand beaches…
- Kaikoura — hike the Peninsula Walk, see the seals, taste the fish
- Christchurch — a charming city
- Banks Peninsula — superb views along the volcano rim’s Summit Road around the Banks Peninsula
- Dunedin — a charming Victorian city with lots of nearby natural sights
- Catlins — quintessential sheep country with verdant rolling hills
- Milford Sound — but it is really a fjord and well worth taking a cruise
- Routeburn Track — one of the best NZ hikes, ca. three days
- Lake Wakatipu Lookout — OMG, what a view of the Routeburn Hike area
- West Coast & Punakaiki Rocks — unique Pancake Rocks, if time permits
- Southern Alps – Breathtaking Lakes and Astounding Alps — which includes the following 7 sights:
- Lake Tekapo — OMG, what a gorgeous colour
- Lake Pukaki — OMG, what a gorgeous colour with spectacular views of Mt Cook
- Aoraki National Park — spectacular Mt Cook plus many hikes: Hooker Valley Track ***, Mueller Glacier Track, Tasman Glacier Track
- Lindis Pass — otherworldly arid mountain scenery, surreal
- Lake Wanaka
- Lake Hawea
- Blue Pools Walk — easy hike to ultra-clear pools
Aoraki National Park
Mt Cook is a highlight of this park. The whole drive there along surreal turquoise Lake Pukaki is scenic, especially in near sunset lighting.
Some easy hikes lead right to spectacular views. We especially liked the view of Mt Cook shown above, right after the second suspension bridge on the Hooker Valley Track. It seems close enough to touch it.
The previous two visits to NZ, we were snowed out or rained out at Mt Cook. The third time was the charm: it was gloriously sunny and warm. If you are not a hiker, then go upstairs to the Hermitage (hotel) Café and enjoy the same view — all be it further away. Enjoy your cappuccino with a view from the second floor balcony!
Other Posts You May Like
The following posts may be of interest:
Custom Maps and Facts to Plan Your Itinerary
This post answers questions such as:
- What time of year is best to visit New Zealand?
- Should I visit North Island or South Island?
- Do you need a car to explore New Zealand?
- Where are the best hiking trails?
- How do I plan an itinerary for New Zealand?
- How many days are enough for New Zealand?
- Which parts of New Zealand should I visit?
Terra Encounters 