South Island Attractions
The appeal of the South Island lies in the snow-capped peaks and glaciers of the Southern Alps, the west-coast fjords, the wild coastline, the expanses of pastureland and the old colonial settlements and mansions.
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Abel Tasman National Park
(Nelson-Marlborough)
Abel Tasman National Park runs along the north coast of the South Island. The park is frequented by hikers, kayakers, boaters, and scuba divers who come to discover to coves, inlets, beaches, and forest.
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Arthur's Pass National Park
(Canterbury)
Arthur's Pass National Park is a popular park, open year round for hiking and skiing. The mountains, rivers, and waterfalls can be appreciated from the many walking trails.
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Coastal Track
(Abel Tasman National Park)
The Coastal Track takes three days of walking. The trail runs along a beautiful stretch of coast, over headlands, and across beaches and inlets. Huts are available for sleeping.
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Copland Track
(Mount Cook National Park)
The Copland Track in Mount Cook National Park is a strenuous trek through the park, over Copland Pass, and into Westland National Park. Hikers should hire a local guide for this four or five day hike.
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Doubtful Sound
(Southland)
Doubtful Sound is a popular attraction in Fiordland National Park. Visitors can take an organized tour which includes a combination bus trip and catamaran ride on Doubtful Sound.
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Fox Glacier
(Westland National Park)
Located in Westland National Park, the Fox Glacier spills down from the high elevations of the Southern Alps to the dense rain forest below. A road and walking trail leads to the base of the glacier.
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Franz Josef Glacier
(Westland National Park)
The Franz Josef Glacier, in Westland National Park, can be reached by a road that leads to the base of the glacier. Tourists can access a walking trail to a lookout or take a guided tour to walk on the glacier.
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Heaphy Track
(Kahurangi National Park)
Following in the tracks of an old Maori route, Heaphy Track is a scenic four or five day hike through the lush interior of Northwest Nelson Forest Park and along the west coast. Huts are available for sleeping.
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Lake Manapouri
(Southland)
Lake Manapouri in the far south of New Zealand's South Island, lies within Fiordland National Park. Numerous islands and surrounding hills make this a particularly picturesque lake.
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Lake Te Anau
(Southland)
Many people enjoy views of Lake Te Anau from the little tourist town of Te Anau. The lake, surrounded by mountains and forests, is linked to Lake Manapouri in Fiordland National Park.
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Lake Wanaka
(Otago)
Lake Wanaka is a scenic area south of Queenstown, with gentle mountains and rolling landscape surrounding the shores.The little town of Wanaka sits on the southeast end of the lake.
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Manapouri Power Plant
(Lake Manapouri)
The Manapouri Power Plant was built in a cavern deep under Lake Manapouri in order to maintain the existing water level. Visitors can tour the plant on an organized tour.
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Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park
(Nelson-Marlborough)
Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park is a scenic and sunny corner in the northeast of the South Island. Narrow twisting roads lead through the forested hills and coastal areas reveal beaches and islands.
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Milford Sound
(Fiordland National Park)
Milford Sound is one of the main attractions of the South Island. The scenic sound runs 15km inland from the Tasman Sea, surrounded by high walls, lush vegetation, and Mitre Peak.
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Milford Track
(Milford Sound)
Milford Track is perhaps the most popular hiking trail in New Zealand. This 54km long trek takes in the beautiful sights of Milford Sound and requires four to five days to complete.
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Mount Aspiring National Park
(West Coast)
Although Mount Aspiring is the center piece of the park, the landscape includes numerous mountains, along with glaciers, moraines, hanging valleys, and other glacier created features.
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Mount Cook National Park
(Canterbury)
Mount Cook National Park on the South Island contains a dramatic landscape with some of the highest peaks in the Southern Alps, including Mount Cook at 3753m and the Tasman Glacier.
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Pancake Rocks
(Paparoa National Park)
Located in Paparoa National Park, Pancake Rocks are unique limestone formations, stacked to look like pancakes. Blowholes in the rocks put on an impressive show during large surf.
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Te Ana Au Caves
(Lake Te Anau)
Te Ana Au Caves, which includes the Glow-worm caves, are reached by boat from Lake Te Anau. The boat takes tourists into the caves to a large waterfall, where visitors can transfer to another boat to see the glow-worms.
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Westland National Park
(West Coast)
Westland National Park features a diverse range of landscapes. The Fox and Franz Joseph Glaciers, which reach 3000m, are the main attractions. Lower levels are covered in lush rain forest and tree ferns.
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Catlins Forest Park
(Catlins)
Located along the Catlins River, this forest park covers 600 sq. km of forest and coastline. The area also has a number of caves.
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Dusky Sound
(Fiordland National Park)
The beautiful Dusky Sound can be explored from land on a demanding track, by water on a boat cruise, or simply by flying over the area in a seaplane.
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Fiordland National Park
(Southland)
In the far south of the South Island is Fiordland National Park, with mountainous terrain lining the deep fjords.
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Haast Pass
(Southland)
Haast Pass is the lowest pass in the Southern Alps, linking the Southland area to the Wanaka region.
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Hanmer Forest
(Canterbury)
Hanmer Forest is a mix of natural forest and exotic species which were planted in 1902. Visitors can see the park on the Forest Drive road or on a walking trail.
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Kahurangi National Park
(Nelson-Marlborough)
The Kahurangi National Park is a mountainous area known for containing the largest cave system in the southern hemisphere.
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Lake Ohau
(Canterbury)
Lake Ohau is a glacier lake surrounded by mountain peaks. It is a popular summer resort destination.
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Lake Tekapo
(Canterbury)
Lake Tekapo is known for its turquoise colored water and its beautiful setting, surrounded by mountains.
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Lewis Pass
(Canterbury)
Lewis Pass was a route used by the Maori tribes. Near the summit are a number of walking trails of various lengths.
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Nelson Lakes National Park
(Nelson-Marlborough)
A number of treks run through Nelson Lakes National Park, which is home to lovely mountain scenery, as well as Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa.
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Paparoa National Park
(West Coast)
One of the main tourist attractions in Paparoa National Park are the Pancake Rocks, with blowholes and lush surroundings.
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Queen Charlotte Sound
(Nelson-Marlborough)
Boat tours take tourists up the Queen Charlotte Sound, to see the many bay coves, and inlets. There is also a scenic road and hiking trails offering access to the sound.
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Stewart Island
(Southland)
Stewart Island features 1600 km of coastline, a wooded mountainous interior with peaks up to 980 m, and a mild climate.
More New Zealand Resources
- Franz Josef & Fox Glacier trips by Viator
