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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.
Picture of Abel Tasman National Park
Read More 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.
Picture of Arthur's Pass National Park
Read More 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.
Read More 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.
Read More 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.
Picture of Doubtful Sound
Read More 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.
Read More Endeavor Track
(Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park)
Picture of Fox Glacier
Read More 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.
Picture of Franz Josef Glacier
Read More 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.
Read More 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.
Picture of Lake Manapouri
Read More 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.
Picture of Lake Te Anau
Read More 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.
Picture of Lake Wanaka
Read More 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.
Read More 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.
Picture of Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park
Read More 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.
Read More Milford Road
(Milford Sound)
Picture of Milford Sound
Read More 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.
Picture of Milford Track
Read More 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.
Picture of Mount Aspiring National Park
Read More 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.
Picture of Mount Cook National Park
Read More 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.
Picture of Pancake Rocks
Read More 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.
Read More 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.
Picture of Westland National Park
Read More 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.
Read More Bowen Falls
(Milford Sound)
Read More 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.
Read More 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.
Picture of Fiordland National Park
Read More Fiordland National Park
(Southland)
In the far south of the South Island is Fiordland National Park, with mountainous terrain lining the deep fjords.
Read More Haast Pass
(Southland)
Haast Pass is the lowest pass in the Southern Alps, linking the Southland area to the Wanaka region.
Read More 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.
Read More Kahurangi National Park
(Nelson-Marlborough)
The Kahurangi National Park is a mountainous area known for containing the largest cave system in the southern hemisphere.
Read More Kaiteriteri Beach
(Abel Tasman National Park)
Picture of Lake Ohau
Read More Lake Ohau
(Canterbury)
Lake Ohau is a glacier lake surrounded by mountain peaks. It is a popular summer resort destination.
Picture of Lake Tekapo
Read More Lake Tekapo
(Canterbury)
Lake Tekapo is known for its turquoise colored water and its beautiful setting, surrounded by mountains.
Read More 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.
Read More Lindis Pass
(Mackenzie Country)
Read More Nelson, New Zealand
(Nelson-Marlborough)
Read More 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.
Read More Nydia Track
(Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park)
Picture of Paparoa National Park
Read More Paparoa National Park
(West Coast)
One of the main tourist attractions in Paparoa National Park are the Pancake Rocks, with blowholes and lush surroundings.
Read More 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.
Picture of Stewart Island
Read More Stewart Island
(Southland)
Stewart Island features 1600 km of coastline, a wooded mountainous interior with peaks up to 980 m, and a mild climate.
Read More Buller River
(Nelson-Marlborough)
Read More Havelock, New Zealand
(Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park)
Read More Picton, New Zealand
(Nelson-Marlborough)
Read More Tracks
(Fiordland National Park)
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