Get ready to be blown away by New Zealand’s South Island! With towering mountain peaks, crystal-clear alpine lakes, pristine beaches, and world renowned glaciers, it’s easily one of the most breathtaking and fascinating places on Earth. The coastlines are alive with wildlife, dramatic fiords, and adventures that will leave you in awe. It’s no wonder travellers from around the globe flock here to experience the magic of the South Island.

Curious about the must-see spots? Stick around for our top six unmissable destinations in this stunning bit of paradise!

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is often called the 8th Wonder of the World—and once you see it, you’ll understand why! Though technically a fiord, this magical landscape was sculpted by glaciers thousands of years ago and remains one of the South Island’s top attractions. A visit to this ancient natural marvel is an absolute must on any New Zealand adventure.

Looking to explore Milford Sound? We offer the widest range of tours, including scenic cruise, scenic flights, and the immersive nature encounter cruises—there’s a perfect option for everyone!

Queenstown

Queenstown is New Zealand’s ultimate adventure hotspot, offering incredible experiences all year long. In winter, it’s a haven for skiers, and come summer, it transforms into a hiker’s paradise. Trust us—there’s never a dull moment in Queenstown! You can set sail on Lake Wakatipu aboard our some of the amazing river cruise tours including the Spirit Of Queenstown or indulge in one of the many adrenaline activities such as the thrill of jet boating, bungee jumping, skydiving, or hit the trails to conquer iconic hikes like Ben Lomond Summit.

Mt. Cook

Mt Cook National Park is one of New Zealand’s most popular, and for good reason! It’s home to 8 of the country’s 12 largest glaciers, with nearly 40% of the park covered in ice. Dominating the skyline is Mt Cook itself, New Zealand’s tallest peak at 3,724 meters—a breathtaking sight and the very mountain where Sir Edmund Hillary trained for his legendary ascent of Mt Everest.

The park boasts incredible hiking trails, many suitable for all skill levels. One of the best—and easiest—is the Hooker Valley Track. This well-maintained, flat trail covers 10km round trip, ending at the stunning Hooker Lake, where you can watch Mt Cook reflected in its shimmering waters.

Wanaka

This charming town sits along the shores of Lake Wanaka and offers breathtaking views of the Southern Alps, much like Queenstown. Just an hour’s drive away, Wanaka becomes the perfect base for winter adventures, serving as the gateway to Cardrona Ski Field, one of New Zealand’s top skiing destinations.

During summer, Wanaka is your launchpad for exploring the stunning Mt Aspiring National Park. The area around Lake Wanaka is packed with scenic hiking trails, and the must-do among them is the iconic Roy’s Peak. Don’t be deceived by its beauty—this 16km round-trip hike is as challenging as it is rewarding!

Christchurch

Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city, is the perfect starting or finishing point for your South Island adventure, thanks to its international airport serving as your gateway to the region.

What many don’t realize is that Christchurch itself has plenty to offer! Dive into the city’s rich history by visiting the Air Force Museum of New Zealand, the Canterbury Museum, or Quake City, where you can learn about the impact of the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes.

For a more relaxing day, take a stroll through the stunning Botanic Gardens or wander down Brockworth Street to admire incredible street art. Plus, with plenty of hiking trails and nearby beaches, there’s no shortage of outdoor fun to enjoy!

The West Coast

The West Coast of New Zealand is a stunning blend of alpine landscapes and lush forests, and Franz Josef is the ideal spot to experience both. From the town of Franz Josef, you can set off on the Fox or Franz Josef Glacier viewpoint trails, giving you a close-up look at two of the country’s most famous glaciers. Both trails are free and take about an hour to complete.

After soaking in the glacier views, head to the iconic Blue Pools—true to their name, these waters are an unbelievably vivid blue! You can explore a few short hiking trails through the beautiful surrounding forest, or if you’re feeling daring, take a plunge into the icy glacier-fed pools.

Another must-see along the West Coast is Hokitika. The Hokitika Gorge Walk is a quick and easy trail that offers spectacular views of the vibrant Hokitika River. At just 650 meters, it’s a perfect short walk for families exploring the area.

The South Island is just a stop away and if you’re ever around, we would love to show you the beauty of the island with our many experiences and group tours on offer!