New Zealand’s South Island is such a place where you can relax and experience incredible diversity. From golden sunsets on enchanting beaches to numerous hiking trails and nature pathways.
With a super hectic lifestyle in today’s world, it’s necessary to break the monotonous routine. It’s a good idea to visit a place that calms and soothes your soul so that once your vacation is over, you feel fresher, energized, and ready to take on the challenges of your work.
New Zealand’s South Island is such a place where you can relax and experience incredible diversity. From golden sunsets on enchanting beaches to numerous hiking trails and nature pathways. South Island has abundant scenic and splendid locations. If you are a passionate outdoor enthusiast, hiking addict, or nature lover, it’s the perfect destination for you. The entire island is brimming with scenic hiking trails, mountain vistas, golden beaches, and much more.
Allow us to walk you through the five most incredible places to visit in South Island. This guide will offer you insider details and valuable insight to plan an unforgettable trip. Although it can be immensely challenging to list a few places to visit in South Island, it’s incredibly hard to choose.
Here are the top five places to visit in South Island:
1. Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay
The Abel Tasman National Park is a glorious destination with scenic coast tracks, vibrant forests, and splendid views of the beach. It is the ultimate getaway for an outdoor enthusiast and hiking lover. If you want to enjoy a long hike along the coast, this is the ideal destination.
You have to arrive in Motueka to access the National Park and Golden Bay. It is advisable to remain close to the town, as it provides all the necessary amenities and restaurants. The Abel Tasman National Park is home to numerous splendid hikes. You can enjoy the Abel Tasman Great Walk, the Abel Tasman Track, or Yellow Point through the Coastal Track.
Golden Bay is tucked away a bit farther, near the Takaka Hill. It is a beautiful destination with picturesque golden sandy beaches and crystal clear water. It is the ideal destination to crash after hiking the long coastal track. We strongly recommend this destination for an unforgettable hiking tour in South Island.
2. Lake Pukaki and Mount Cook
Setting eyes on the picturesque Lake Pukaki is undoubtedly an unforgettable and surreal experience. You may have seen it in a hundred photographs, but the real lesson is utterly spellbinding. Mount Cook is another devastatingly beautiful feast for the eyes, particularly on sunny days. It is undoubtedly a stunning view to behold, and there is an abundance of adventures to enjoy.
You can always relax and laze around while feasting your eyes on the spectacular views around you. Or you can spend some hours at the Lake Pukaki, and then head out to explore the Mount Cook National Park. The scenic route is a remarkable adventure. You wouldn’t want to close your eyes for a single second.
You can head out to hike the nature walks in the National Park, and explore Mount Cook and other nearby mountains. New Zealand’s highest peak offers some of the most stimulating on-foot experiences. The Hooker Valley Track comes highly recommended with its scenic vistas and splendid views of turquoise waters. We strongly advise you to explore the Mt John Observatory to behold beautiful starlit skies at the world’s largest Dark Sky Reserve.
3. Milford Sound
Splendidly scenic waterfalls, and majestic mountain peaks emerging out of the depths of the sea. Milford Sound is indeed an adventure that you do not want to miss. It offers the best of South Island with an incredible variety of adventures. If you intend to drive to Milford Sound from Queenstown, the drive itself with being an immensely rewarding experience.
You can also catch the Fly-Cruise-Fly tour if you want to make it a quick one-day trip. Milford Sound is all about mountain peaks, nature trails, scenic waterfalls, and hiking adventures. If you’re not a hiking enthusiast, the Milford Sound boat tour is the perfect adventure for you. The area is brimming with lush rainforests, and you simply have to witness the beauty that is Mitre Peak. The trails leading up to the Stirling and Bowen falls are also highly recommended.
Boat tours and kayaking are immensely popular in Milford Sound. You can also explore the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory to explore marine life and the rare black coral.
4. Larnach Castle, Dunedin
If you’re a history buff and architecture enthusiast, the Larnach Castle should undoubtedly be on your list. It is a splendid specimen of Victorian architecture and the only Castle in Australasia. Its architectural grandeur is utterly fascinating, and it offers a unique perspective into the region’s history. Constructed by William Larnach in 1871, the Castle is an excellent prelude to unravel the intriguing history of Dunedin.
The Castle allows you to rejoice splendid views of the Otago Peninsula. The picturesque Victorian-style gardens offer sweeping views of the region and a unique ambiance. Be sure to time your visit efficiently to make it for the 3 pm high-tea, a rewarding experience indeed.
Once you have explored the Castle, be sure to check out the rest that Dunedin has to offer. The Otago Peninsula is brimming with natural beauty and wilderness adventures. We strongly advise you to go for a long drive on the Portobello Road to rejoice scenic splendors of the Otago Peninsula.
5. Kaikoura
The picturesque little town of Kaikoura will take you to the East Coast, and steal your heart with spellbinding beauty. This charming small town is brimming with mountains disappearing into rivers and peaks emerging from the sea. The coastline is utterly breathtaking with its light green water and rugged mountains.
You can explore the spectacular scenery of the Seaward Kaikoura Mountains and go on rewarding hiking adventures. The town itself has a lot to offer with its beautiful backdrops of sweeping mountain vistas. The beaches are another splendid adventure, and you can enjoy immense diversity. Be sure to visit the Ohau Waterfall walk to rejoice the company of adorable seal pups.
Conclusion
South Island is a splendid adventure, and it offers a wide array of destinations and immense diversity. Picking a destination in South Island to visit can be challenging as the island has much to offer. The right goals for you are always the ones that compliment your interests. Hiking enthusiasts and outdoor lovers will find each destination to be perfectly ideal for their tastes.
