From glacier-carved fjords to alpine summits and coastal wildlife havens, New Zealand’s South Island is a playground for every kind of explorer.
The itinerary below highlights seven unmissable destinations, complete with activity prices, travel times, and stay suggestions to help plan an unforgettable journey.
Mount Cook
New Zealand’s tallest summit rises inside Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, three hours (170 km) from Lake Tekapo. Parking at White Horse Hill Campground costs $10 NZD per vehicle. Sunrise shows Mount Cook mirrored in Hoker Lake, often dotted with icebergs.
Adventurers climb 2,000+ stairs on the Sealy Tarns Track (5.8 km return). Overnight hikers can book Mueller Hut ($45 NZD per person) for starlit alpine vistas—reserve months ahead on the DOC site.
Fiordland
Five hours southwest of Queenstown, Fiordland National Park shelters Milford Sound. Self-drivers should allow an extra hour for photo stops along the Te Anau–Milford Highway. Early risers can add the 10-km return Lake Marian Track—two hours uphill through mossy forest to an emerald tarn framed by waterfalls.
Queenstown
The adventure capital sits on Lake Wakatipu, linked to Auckland by daily 2.5-hour flights. The Skyline Gondola ($52 NZD return) lifts visitors to Bob’s Peak for panoramic views and the launch point of the Ben Lomond Track—a strenuous 13.4 km summit hike gaining 1,438 m.
Thrill-seekers jet-boat the Shotover River (25 minutes, $163 NZD) or tandem skydive from 4,500 m (15,000 ft) with 60 seconds free-fall for $499 NZD. Scenic drives include the 45-km lakeside route to Glenorchy; allow half a day with stops at Bennett’s Bluff lookout and Twelve Mile Delta beach.
Wanaka
Only an hour north of Queenstown, Wanaka balances serenity and adventure. Dawn photographers gather at the solitary lakeside willow. Roys Peak Track, 16 km return, climbs 1,300 m—budget six hours and pack 2 L water. Carpark fee: $15 NZD. Winter visitors (June–October) swap boots for skis at Treble Cone (lift pass $179 NZD). After dark, check the skies: Wanaka lies within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
West Coast
From Wanaka, drive four hours to Franz Josef township, base for glacier adventures. A guided heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier runs $599 NZD, including 30-minute flight, two-hour ice trek, and gear. For a free option, follow the Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk—4 km return on flat gravel to a safe viewpoint 750 m from the ice face. Nearby Ōkārito Lagoon offers 90-minute kayak rentals ($55 NZD) through mirror-flat wetlands frequented by white herons.
Marlborough Sounds
Interislander ferries sail from Wellington to Picton (3.5 hours, from $89 NZD walk-on) revealing forested waterways carved by the sea. Base yourself in Picton and catch a mail-boat cruise ($109 NZD, five hours) that delivers supplies to remote homesteads while dolphins surf the wake.
Hikers sample the Queen Charlotte Track via water-taxi drop-offs; popular is the 15 km Anakiwa–Mistletoe Bay section (track pass $16 NZD). Accommodation ranges from beachside DOC campsites ($8 NZD) to eco-lodges.
Kaikōura
A three-hour coastal drive north to Kaikōura’s wildlife hub. Ninety-five percent of whale-watch cruises (3 hours, $170 NZD) spot giant whales year-round. October–March brings migrating humpbacks and blue whales. On land, wander the 11-km Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway (three hours) past seal colonies—keep a 10 m gap. Snorkellers join a dusky-dolphin encounter (half-day, $238 NZD) for an ethical swim in open water.
Travel Logistics
• Rental cars start at $55 NZD per day; book early for December–February high season.
• InterCity buses or Atomic Shuttles link major towns; Queenstown–Te Anau is $49 NZD one way.
• DOC camping pass covers most basic camps ($128 NZD for 30 nights).
Staying Over
Mount Cook: Aoraki Court Motel—studio from $195 NZD.
Te Anau: Amber Court Motel—one-bedroom from $149 NZD.
Queenstown: Millennium Hotel—double room $235 NZD, five-minute lakeside walk.
Franz Josef: Rainforest Retreat—ensuite pod from $109 NZD, deluxe tree hut $275 NZD.
Picton: Picton Waterfront Lodge—harbour-view room $168 NZD.
Kaikōura: Sudima Kaikōura—sea-view king $210 NZD, includes heated pool.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re chasing sunrise reflections on Hoker Lake, cruising Milford Sound’s misty peaks, or spotting whales off Kaikōura’s rugged coast, these seven highlights capture the South Island’s wild beauty and endless thrills. Which adventure will top your list?
