There’s no doubt about New Zealand being a paradise on earth. Being home to various hidden gems and untouched nature beauties, New Zealand has been attracting nature lovers from all around the world. Best explored by road trip because the attractions in New Zealand are sparsely-located. Here are the places you should visit in New Zealand South Island.

Queenstown

One of the busiest city in New Zealand, Queenstown is a hot spot for both tourists and travelers. Most travelers start their road trip in Queenstown as hiring campervans and RV is easier in this city.

Have a walk by Lake Wakatipu and enjoy the snowy peaks surrounding the city. Highly recommended during winter season.

Wanaka

Few kilometers north of Queenstown lies Wanaka, my favorite town of all-time. The only downside is that there are too many tourists especially during winter season. Skiing is a popular attraction here as there are more than 2 ski fields nearby.

Roys Peak in Wanaka is a must-try. The peak extends from altitude of 600m above sea level to 1800m, taking 4 to 5 hours to conquer it. On the peak, you will be rewarded by one of the best view in the world, surrounded by steep mountains and lakes.

Stewart Island

Did anybody told you there are three islands in New Zealand? Stewart Island is located south of South Island. The sanctuary has the world’s highest population density of kiwibirds.

With least amount of light pollution, Stewart Island offers the best chance to see Milky Way and Southern Light (Aurora Australis) at the same time.

Visit also 27 Memorable Things To Do In New Zealand South Island. Make your travel plan perfect!

Catlins Forest Park

Home to many impressive waterfall, Catlins Forest Park is accessible to those with their own vehicle. As waterfalls are sparsely located, it’s best to drive your own vehicle and stop at each and every one. All waterfalls require a little hike but they will be worth your time and efforts.

One of the most photographed waterfall is Purakaunui Falls. The multiple layers of water stream attracted attentions of photographers from all around the world.

Dunedin

Dunedin might seem like a big city you want to avoid during road trip, but please don’t do that. Dunedin has more to offer than any other cities in New Zealand. Even sipping a coffee at the roadside in Dunedin is an enjoyable activity.

Pay a visit to the world’s steepest residential road, Baldwin Street. Find yourself in Otago Museum and learn about the histories in the most interesting way ever.

Oamaru

Oamaru is home to one of the country’s oldest public garden, historical Victorian architecture and two penguin colonies. The beautiful town is worth your time just exploring around and enjoying what’s in front. Also, Oamaru has a lot of souvenirs for your choosing.

It’s the place where you can find blue penguins and yellow-eyed penguins too.

Moeraki Boulders

Moeraki Boulders lies at the eastern shore of South Island. These legendary boulders have recently caught the attentions of tourists and travelers around the world. The gigantic spherical rocks are said to have taken 5.5 million years to grow to the size.

Due to its location at east, Moeraki Boulders make one of the best spot for sunrise photography. Wake up early and drive to the location for a perfect sunrise shot. Tourists will not be there in early morning so need not to worry.

Read also: 10 things you didn’t know about New Zealand

Kaikoura

In Maori language, Kai means ‘eat’ and Koura is ‘crayfish’. Now you know what to do. Feast on crayfishes! Restaurants and roadside kiosks selling crayfishes are abundant here in Kaikoura. Do yourself a favor and find the one best-suited you.

Whale watching tours and albatross tours are also popular activities in Kaikoura. Though it can easily cost a little over NZ$100, it’s worth it for a once in a lifetime experience. I would say it’s one of the best places to visit in New Zealand South Island.

Wharariki Beach

You’ll be familiar with this if you’re a Windows user. Remember the girl running at the beach with two giant Archway Islands behind at the shore? Yup, it’s in Wharariki Beach. Wharariki Beach is located at northern end of South Island and is a little tricky to find. The wide-stretched beach will take you some time to get to the waters.

Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park is also located at the north side of South Island. It’s a very popular summer destination as the weather there is perfect for summer trekking. Rent a kayak and enjoy the crystal clear water there. Or go for Abel Tasman Coast Track which takes up to 3-5 days to complete.

Punakaiki

At the West Coast, Punakaiki is home to Pancake Rocks. Nope it’s not made of pancakes, but it resembles them. Pancakes Rocks is very easily accessible as it doesn’t require long walk. The viewing deck is also well-maintained for you to enjoy the view to the fullest. A few minutes’ walk and you’ll be in Blowhole, there strong sea waves push the waters out from the Blowhole vertically into the air.

Lake Matheson

Lake Matheson offers one of the best reflective views in New Zealand, if not the world. Most of the time there is very little or no wind at all. Being located near Mt Cook and Mt Tasman, the country’s tallest and 2nd tallest mountains, Lake Matheson gives you a reflective view of the mountains like none others do. The downside is that there are usually a huge crowds of tourists occupying the viewing deck with tripods. You might need to arrive much early if you want to secure yourself a spot for a photo.

Wrapping It Up

Feel free to comment below if you love the article or have any questions. I’d love to help! Happy traveling!

Further Reading

Discover these 10 Cool Things to do in New Zealand!

Brought to you by Yen from www.swingabroad.com

Bio

Yen is a full-time university student who always takes full advantages of his holidays to travel for new experiences. He’s been to New Zealand for Working Holiday before having his road trip and volunteered in Kathmandu, Nepal. Having spent months in foreign countries, he gives in-depth travel tips and guides in his travel blog, Swing Abroad.