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South Island
New Zealand
Visit South Island
South Island, New Zealand, is a breathtaking destination that offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, adventure, and tranquility. Known for its majestic landscapes, the island is framed by the Southern Alps, including Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak. This dramatic backdrop is complemented by deep fiords, lush rainforests, and expansive beaches, making it a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The island's diverse ecosystems can be explored through its numerous walking and hiking trails, ranging from leisurely coastal walks to challenging mountain treks.
One of the must-visit locations in South Island is Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, visitors can experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, where steep cliffs rise dramatically from dark waters and waterfalls cascade hundreds of meters into the deep fiords below. A boat tour or a kayak trip provides a close-up view of the stunning scenery and wildlife, including dolphins, seals, and penguins. For those who prefer a bird's-eye view, scenic flights are available, offering panoramic views of the vast, rugged landscapes.
Aside from its natural wonders, South Island is also rich in cultural experiences. The city of Christchurch, known as the "Garden City," invites travelers to enjoy its vibrant arts scene, beautiful gardens, and historic architecture. Further south, Queenstown is famed not only for its scenic beauty but also as the "Adventure Capital of the World," offering activities such as bungee jumping, skydiving, and jet boating. For a more relaxed experience, the Marlborough region offers exquisite wineries where visitors can indulge in some of New Zealand's finest wines, paired with gourmet local cuisine. Whether seeking thrilling adventures or peaceful retreats, South Island provides a diverse range of activities and attractions that cater to all preferences and ages, making it a perfect destination for solo travelers, couples, and families.
South Island Monthly Weather Conditions
LOW
TEMP
HIGH
TEMP
DAYS OF PRECIP.
January
50°F
68°F
12
February
50°F
68°F
12
March
46°F
64°F
12
April
46°F
59°F
12
May
41°F
57°F
12
June
37°F
50°F
12
July
39°F
52°F
12
August
37°F
57°F
12
September
41°F
57°F
12
October
46°F
59°F
12
November
46°F
57°F
12
December
46°F
64°F
12
Need to Know Before You Go To South Island
Nickname:
Te Waipounamu
Primary Language:
English
Time Zone:
Pacific/Auckland
Current Time:
Electric Plug Type:
Type I
Annual Visitors:
1.2 million
Primary Export:
Dairy products
Busiest Travel Months:
December, January, February
Quietest Travel Months:
May, June, August
Find your Next Adventure in South Island
Explore South Island
Iconic Landmarks
Milford Sound
Located within Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is one of New Zealand's most famous tourist destinations. Known for its majestic cliffs, waterfalls, and the stunning Mitre Peak, it's a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Home to the highest mountain in New Zealand, Aoraki/Mount Cook, this national park offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country. It's a great spot for hiking, climbing, and enjoying the alpine landscape.
Abel Tasman National Park
Known for its golden beaches and clear blue waters, Abel Tasman is the smallest national park in New Zealand but one of the most beautiful. It's perfect for kayaking, hiking the Abel Tasman Coast Track, and spotting wildlife.
Lake Tekapo
Famous for its turquoise waters and the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo is also renowned for its night skies. It's part of the UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, making it an ideal spot for stargazing.
Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers
These two glaciers are among the most accessible in the world, allowing visitors to walk up close to or even on the ice. Guided tours offer the chance to explore the remarkable landscapes shaped by these moving masses of ice.
Moeraki Boulders
Located on Koekohe Beach near Oamaru, these mysteriously spherical stones are naturally formed and are a curiosity for both scientists and tourists. They make for a unique and photogenic beach visit.
Cultural Experiences
Waitangi Treaty Grounds (Te Pitowhenua Waitangi)
Although located in the North Island, a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds is essential for understanding New Zealand's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, which played a crucial role in the country's history. It's worth considering a trip here if you're exploring both islands.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Christchurch
Experience the Ko Tāne Māori cultural performance and dinner. This is an opportunity to engage with the indigenous Maori culture through traditional dances, songs, and a Hangi dinner, a meal cooked in an earth oven.
Te Ana Maori Rock Art, Timaru
Learn about the ancient Maori rock art at this site. It offers a guided tour that provides insights into the cultural and historical significance of the rock drawings, which are an important aspect of the Ngāi Tahu tribe's heritage.
Larnach Castle, Dunedin
Explore New Zealand's only castle, built in 1871 by William Larnach, a merchant baron and politician. The castle offers insights into colonial history and provides panoramic views of the Otago Peninsula. The castle's history is filled with tales of tragedy and intrigue, reflecting the complexities of colonial life.
Nelson Saturday Market, Nelson
Visit the vibrant Nelson Saturday Market where local artisans, craftsmen, and producers gather. It's a great place to experience the local culture, taste regional cuisine, and purchase unique crafts, artworks, and jewelry.
Marlborough Wine Region
Explore the famous Marlborough wine region, known for its exquisite Sauvignon Blanc. Many wineries offer tours and tastings, providing insights into the wine-making process and the region's history. The wine culture here is a significant part of the South Island's contemporary lifestyle and economy.
Outdoor Adventures
Milford Sound Kayaking
Paddle through the serene waters of Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park. This adventure offers breathtaking views of waterfalls and sheer cliff faces, and you might even spot some wildlife, such as seals or dolphins. Kayaking gives you a unique perspective of the fjord, different from what you'd see from the deck of a cruise ship.
Abel Tasman Coast Track
Hike or kayak this famous coastal track where you can enjoy golden beaches, lush forests, and crystal-clear waters. The track is well-maintained and offers various side trips and stopovers at picturesque beaches. You can also opt for water taxis to assist in skipping parts of the track or to transport your gear to different campsites.
Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike
Experience the thrill of a helicopter ride followed by a guided hike on one of these stunning glaciers. This adventure allows you to explore the remarkable blue ice formations, crevasses, and caves under the guidance of experienced glacier guides.
Queenstown Adventure Activities
Queenstown is often referred to as the "Adventure Capital of the World." Here, you can engage in a variety of thrilling activities such as bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating, and paragliding. The Shotover Jet, in particular, offers an exhilarating high-speed boat ride through the narrow Shotover Canyons.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Hiking
Explore the highest peaks of New Zealand, including Mount Cook itself. The park offers several walking and hiking trails that cater to all fitness levels, with each providing spectacular views of the alpine scenery. The Hooker Valley Track is a popular choice, offering relatively easy terrain and stunning views of Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Mountain Biking in Nelson or Queenstown
Both Nelson and Queenstown offer world-class mountain biking trails. In Nelson, check out the trails in the Codgers Mountain Bike Park or further afield in the Kahurangi National Park. In Queenstown, the Queenstown Bike Park offers a range of downhill tracks, and the surrounding area has numerous trails suitable for all levels.
Off the Beaten Path
Stewart Island/Rakiura
Located 30 kilometers south of the South Island, Stewart Island is often overlooked by tourists. It's a fantastic place for hiking, bird watching, and experiencing New Zealand's wildlife. The island is predominantly national park, offering a chance to see kiwi birds in their natural habitat, especially at Mason Bay.
The Catlins
Situated on the southeastern coast, the Catlins is a rugged, forested area known for its dramatic coastal scenery, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, including yellow-eyed penguins and fur seals. Highlights include Nugget Point, Purakaunui Falls, and Curio Bay, where you can see fossilized dinosaur trees.
Karamea and the Oparara Basin
Located at the northern end of the West Coast, Karamea is a secluded area not typically included in major tourist itineraries. It's the gateway to the Oparara Basin, which features incredible limestone arches and caves set amidst lush rainforest. The area is also a starting or ending point for the famous Heaphy Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.
Moeraki Boulders and Katiki Point
While the Moeraki Boulders are relatively well-known, the nearby Katiki Point is less frequented. It offers a chance to see wildlife such as yellow-eyed penguins and fur seals without the crowds. The boulders themselves are a geological marvel, best seen at sunrise or sunset.
Mount Sunday (Edoras in "The Lord of the Rings")
Located in the remote Ashburton District, Mount Sunday is a small hill that was transformed into Edoras in "The Lord of the Rings" films. It's a scenic drive to get there, and the 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and rivers from the top are spectacular.
Murchison and the Buller Gorge
Murchison is a small town known as the "whitewater capital" of New Zealand, offering some of the best kayaking and rafting experiences in the country. The nearby Buller Gorge is stunning, with opportunities for adventure sports, hiking, and enjoying the natural beauty away from large crowds.
South Island Fun Facts
South Island, New Zealand, is a place of stunning natural beauty and fascinating cultural history. Here are the top 10 fun facts about this remarkable region:
- Southern Lights
Similar to the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), the South Island is one of the best places in the world to see the Southern Lights, or Aurora Australis, especially from the southernmost points like Stewart Island and the Otago Peninsula.
- Home to the Tallest Mountain
South Island features Aoraki/Mount Cook, the tallest mountain in New Zealand, standing at 3,724 meters (12,218 feet). It's a popular destination for mountaineers and a significant landmark in Maori culture.
- The Adventure Capital
Queenstown in South Island is known as the "Adventure Capital of the World." It offers a range of adrenaline-pumping activities, including bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating, and skiing.
- Fiordland National Park
This park is one of the largest and most dramatic in New Zealand. It includes Milford Sound, described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world', known for its stunning fiords and spectacular waterfalls.
- The World’s Steepest Street
Baldwin Street in Dunedin was officially recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world's steepest residential street until 2019. It is a significant tourist attraction, although it has since been surpassed by another street in Wales.
- Marlborough Wine Region
South Island is famous for its vineyards, particularly in Marlborough, which is known worldwide for producing exceptional Sauvignon Blanc wine.
- The Transalpine Train Journey
One of the world's great train journeys, the Transalpine route runs from Christchurch on the East Coast to Greymouth on the West Coast, traversing the spectacular Southern Alps.
- The Pounamu (Greenstone)
The South Island, particularly the West Coast, is known for its deposits of Pounamu, also known as greenstone or New Zealand jade. This stone is of great cultural significance to the Maori people and is used in traditional carvings.
- The Spherical Boulders of Moeraki
The Moeraki Boulders are unusually large and spherical boulders lying along a stretch of Koekohe Beach. They are concretions that have been exposed through shoreline erosion from coastal cliffs.
- Wildlife Haven
The South Island is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. It is home to several unique species, including the world's only alpine parrot, the Kea, and the rare yellow-eyed penguin. The Otago Peninsula is renowned for its wildlife, hosting the only mainland breeding colony of the royal albatross in the world.
Featured Picture Gallery
Lake Te Anau is the Second Largest Lake by Surface Area in New Zealand
The South Island is Known for It's Mountains, Lakes, and Glaciers
Explore the Lush Hills and Valleys of the South Island
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