The South Island is everything you imagine New Zealand to be: rugged mountains, glaciers, fjords, rainforests, and waterfalls. You probably already have a picture in your head! We drove an amazing route across New Zealand’s South Island ourselves, and I’ll tell you exactly what we loved most, how to get there, what you can do, and handy tips for each spot. Right at the bottom you’ll also find our day-by-day route that you can follow as-is or tweak to fit your own plans.
Contents
1) Abel Tasman National Park – golden beaches & relaxed hiking
Abel Tasman is the South Island’s tropical escape by New Zealand standards. Perfect for hiking and kayaking. Think: golden beaches, clear water, and a coastal track you can walk at your own pace. The best way to explore Abel Tasman National Park is by water taxi. It’s the most accessible way to experience this stunning nature park, partly because most visitors don’t hike the full 53 km Abel Tasman Coast Track, but only a section of it. Abel Tasman doesn’t have roads either. So if you want to reach the beautiful beaches and walking trails, you’ll need the water taxi. Luckily, that’s completely normal for local tourism here.
Do
- Hike (part of) the Abel Tasman Coast Track with a water taxi (drop-off/pick-up).
- Kayak past bays and seals.
- Visit Split Apple Rock.
- Chill at Kaiteriteri Beach or other beautiful beaches
- For a special stay right in the middle of Abel Tasman, book Awaroa Lodge!
2) Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes – a unique rock formation on the coast
On the West Coast, there’s a short, paved loop past rocks that look like someone stacked pancakes. At high tide, the blowholes actually shoot water into the air! If you’re driving along the South Island’s west coast (which most people do to reach other highlights), you’ll pass right by here anyway.
Do
- Dolomite Point walk (±20 min).
- Extra: Pororari River Track (beautiful rainforest, 1.5–2 hrs return).
It’s most fun if you’re here at high tide. We were unlucky and arrived right at low tide.
3) Hokitika Gorge – turquoise water made for photos
A short, easy path leads to swing bridges and viewpoints over bright blue water. In sunshine, the color is at its best; with rain, it’s a bit less impressive. You do need to plan this one into your route, because it’s a little off the main road (and you’ll drive there and back), so it’s worth deciding in advance!
Do
- Hokitika Gorge Walk (2.1 km / ±40 min).
4) Franz Josef & Fox Glacier – ice up close (helicopters & hikes)
The West Coast glaciers reach almost all the way into the rainforest. Franz Josef Glacier, also known in Māori as Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere, is one of the most spectacular glaciers in the world. It’s located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park on New Zealand’s South Island and is 12 kilometers long.
The main attraction here is definitely the helicopter flights you can do. You’ll fly over the dramatic landscape and get the best views of the glacier and the surrounding mountains. Several helicopter companies operate here, with different prices and durations. Some flights even include a landing on the glacier, so you can walk around for a moment and see the ice up close.
Keep in mind that the weather in this area can change quickly, so your flight may be cancelled last minute. That’s why it’s smart to keep your itinerary flexible. If your flight can’t go ahead at your preferred time, it will usually be moved to later in the day or the next day. So it’s wise to stay in this region for at least 2 days.
In our case, we were here for 2 nights (and about 3 days), and all of our helicopter flights got cancelled… the weather just wasn’t good enough. And in the New Zealand summer, it’s actually the wettest here. So if this is something you really want to do, make sure you plan plenty of time.
Luckily, there are also plenty of beautiful hikes nearby. A popular option is the Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk, a fairly easy walk of around 1.5 hours (return) that takes you to the foot of the glacier. And who knows—maybe you’ll get lucky with the weather and you will be able to do a guided glacier hike with a helicopter flight!
Do
- Heli-hike on Franz Josef (our favorite) or Fox.
- Short valley walks to viewpoints (check current closures).
- Relax in hot pools after your glacier day.
5) Lake Matheson – mirror lake with Aoraki/Mount Cook in view
Lake Matheson is located just south of Franz Josef on the South Island. Here you can do a fun walk around the lake and take a great photo with the reflection of the mountains behind it. Spoiler: the weather has to cooperate. We were there in the rain… so no perfect mirror shot. Hopefully you’ll have better luck. The walk itself is still really nice!
Do
- Lake Matheson loop (±1.5 hrs).
6) Haast Pass road trip + Blue Pools – waterfalls & swing bridges
The pass between the West Coast and Otago is one big highlight with short stops. You can easily build a full day around all the stops along the way. With waterfalls, crystal-clear blue water, and a fun driving route, this is one of the best road trip days on the South Island.
Tip: save all these spots in Google Maps with our handy map
Do (all short and kid-proof)
- Roaring Billy Falls (±15 min).
- Thunder Creek Falls (±5 min).
- Fantail Falls (±2 min).
- Haast River Lookout (photo stop).
- Blue Pools near Makarora (swing bridges, icy water, about an hour of walking).
7) Wanaka – chilled village + seriously good views
Wanaka is relaxed and beautiful. A lake, mountains, great coffee spots. And yes, That Wanaka Tree is still a fun stop. This is also where you’ll find the popular Roys Peak hike. I wrote a separate blog about Wanaka—so if you want to know more, definitely give it a read!
Do
- Roys Peak (tough climb, views 10/10).
- Lake Hawea lookouts and The Neck between Hawea and Wanaka.
- Wanaka Lavender Farm (summer).
8) Queenstown – a compact town, big on adventure (and food)
Queenstown is one of those places where everything comes together: rugged mountains, a blue lake, adrenaline activities for thrill-seekers, and plenty of laid-back hotspots if you just want to enjoy yourself. You can hike, taste wine, hop on a jet boat, or simply flop down with a massive burger in this super fun little town. The town is small but buzzing, and you immediately feel that energy that made Queenstown so famous. There are great restaurants with beautiful views over the water, and there’s a lively vibe. And of course, every visitor grabs the famous Fergburger.
Do
- Take the Skyline Gondola up to Bob’s Peak, ride the luge, or go paragliding.
- Eat a Fergburger (everyone does in Queenstown)
- Jet boat in Shotover Canyon.
- Bungee jump (Kawarau Bridge or Nevis).
- Lake Alta Track in The Remarkables (short but epic glacial lake. One of my favorite hikes in New Zealand!).
9) Glenorchy & (mini) Routeburn – movie scenery and an amazing day trip
At the far end of Lake Wakatipu lies Glenorchy. This is where the Routeburn Track (a Great Walk) starts. If you don’t have much time, Key Summit is an awesome day hike.
Do
- Key Summit (±3 hours return, start on the Routeburn).
- Drive around Paradise (LOTR landscapes).
10) Milford Sound road – the most beautiful drive of your trip
Just the drive there is unreal: valleys, mirror-like lakes, and dramatic peaks. Above you’ll find a few photos from Milford Sound on the South Island so you can judge for yourself. The fun thing about Milford Sound is that you can make loads of stops by car, book a cruise, and also do several hikes.
On the boat you’ll see Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, and often seals on the rocks. In the rain it gets even better: temporary waterfalls appear everywhere. I know very few travelers who don’t go to Milford Sound when they’re on the South Island. Definitely plan 3 days here!
Must-stops
- Eglinton Valley (golden grassland).
- Mirror Lakes (on a windless day).
- Lake Marian Track: the most beautiful hike in Milford Sound
- Monkey Creek (glacier water), often kea nearby.
- Homer Tunnel (1.2 km, one-way traffic).
- The Chasm (short forest path to whirlpools and waterfalls).
- Boat cruise at the end of the road through Milford Sound.
11) Doubtful Sound – quieter, bigger, and seriously impressive too
Harder to reach, which makes it much quieter. We did an overnight cruise with kayaking and waking up in the middle of the fjords. One of the best experiences of our trip.
Above you’ll find a few photos from Doubtful Sound so you can judge for yourself. The silence and calm make Doubtful Sound truly unique in the world!
Practical
- Start in Manapouri → boat across Lake Manapouri → bus over Wilmot Pass → board in Deep Cove. The tour arranges all of this for you.
- Bring a small bag (cabin space is limited).
12) Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park – Hooker Valley & Tasman
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is a rugged land of ice, glaciers, and mountains on New Zealand’s South Island. No fewer than 19 peaks rise above 3,000 meters, with Mount Cook itself as the highest mountain in New Zealand (3,724 m). It feels like you’re standing right in the heart of the Southern Alps here. This is pretty much New Zealand’s #1 destination, and you’ve probably read a thing or two about it already. We stayed here for three days (two nights), and in this blog I’ll tell you everything about why you’ll want to go here too!
Do
- Hooker Valley Track (11 km return, 3 swing bridges, ends at Hooker Lake with views of Aoraki).
- Kea Point Track (short, great views of Mueller Lake).
- Tasman Valley / Blue Lakes (short and steep to a viewpoint over Tasman Glacier).
- Mount Cook Road photo spot along Lake Pukaki (stay safe and shoot from the roadside!).
13) Lake Tekapo – lupins & starry skies
Turquoise water, lupins (Nov–Jan) and the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. Lake Tekapo is also a place where you’ll want to spend a night! At night, you can see the Milky Way incredibly clearly here. If you want, you can visit Mount John Observatory.
Practical
- Best chance for lupins: spring/summer (can vary by year).
- Plan one clear night in your schedule for stargazing.
14) Christchurch (South Island’s largest city) – street art, parks & earthquake stories
Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island, with an English vibe and lots of street art. You’ll still see traces of the earthquakes (2010/2011). Make sure to visit Quake City or pause for a moment at the 185 White Chairs. Also worth doing: the Botanic Gardens, Hagley Park, New Regent Street, and the historic tram.
15) Clay Cliffs near Omarama – an otherworldly landscape
If you’re driving via Lindis Pass towards Mount Cook, you’ll pass the Clay Cliffs near Omarama. A place that doesn’t seem to fit New Zealand at all. These are 100-meter-high sandstone and clay walls, carved out by wind and weather. It feels like you’re walking through a mini Grand Canyon, with narrow paths between jagged pillars.
Tips
- Entry costs a few dollars per car (private land, bring cash).
- The road there is unpaved, but easy enough.
- A perfect stop on the way from Clyde or Wanaka to Mount Cook/Tekapo.
16) Skydiving above the Southern Alps
New Zealand is the country for skydiving. We chose Wanaka, but Queenstown is popular too. Jumping out of a plane above the Southern Alps, with views of lakes, glaciers, and fjords, is an experience you’ll never forget. The free-fall feeling is insane: 45 to 60 seconds of pure adrenaline, and then you float down calmly under your parachute with time to enjoy the views.
Tips
- Book well in advance in Queenstown (busiest spot).
- Wanaka is quieter and at least as beautiful.
- Choose your altitude: usually 9,000, 12,000, or 15,000 ft (the higher, the longer the free fall).
- Photos/videos are expensive, but afterwards you’ll really want them.
17) Spot glowworms – underground magic
You can find places to see glowworms (bioluminescent larvae) on the South Island too, but we thought Waitomo on the North Island was the best experience. Still, there are some great options closer to your South Island route.
- Minnehaha Walk (Franz Josef) – a short evening loop through the forest where you’ll see hundreds of glowworms, totally free.
- Te Anau Glowworm Caves – a boat takes you deep into the cave, where the ceiling lights up like a starry sky.
- Punakaiki Cavern – small and lesser-known, but you can find glowworms here too.
Tip: always go in the dark and turn off your flashlight. Your eyes need a few minutes to adjust, and then the magic will appear on its own.
These are the 7 best places to spot glowworms in New Zealand
Our South Island route (the way we drove it)
After crossing by ferry to Picton, our South Island adventure began. Below is our itinerary with the things we did and recommend. Feel free to adjust it to your own pace.
We started in Auckland and spent the first 2 weeks on the North Island before heading to the South Island.
| Day | Activity | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| 1-13 | North Island highlights | Various |
| 13 | Picton -> Kaiteriteri -> Abel Tasman National Park | Abel Tasman National Park |
| 14 | Abel Tasman National Park | Abel Tasman National Park |
| 15 | Abel Tasman N.P. > Kaiteriteri -> Punakaiki (Paparoa National Park) | Punakaiki |
| 16 | Punakaiki > Hokitika > Franz Josef | Franz Josef |
| 17 | Franz Josef Glacier | Franz Josef |
| 18 | Franz Josef Glacier > Wanaka | Wanaka |
| 19 | Wanaka -> Queenstown | Queenstown |
| 20 | Queenstown > Te Anau (Doubtful Sound) | Te Anau |
| 21 | Doubtful Sound – Te Anau – Milford Sound – Te Anau | Te Anau |
| 22 | Te Anau | Te Anau |
| 23 | Te Anau > Clyde (Central Otago) | Clyde |
| 24 | Clyde > Lindis Pass > Lake Tekapo > Mount Cook | Mount Cook |
| 25 | Mount Cook > Tekapo | Tekapo |
| 26 | Tekapo > Christchurch | Christchurch |
| 27 | Christchurch > Sydney > Doha | Airplane |
| 28 | Sydney > Doha > Amsterdam (my home country) | Airplane |
Exploring New Zealand for four weeks: it was a dream that finally came true! New Zealand—and especially the South Island—gave me so many great travel stories. Hopefully it will do the same for you soon. On LetsTravel360 you’ll find all kinds of stories and tips, so feel free to click around. Enjoy your trip to New Zealand!
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