AdminSo, you’re off to New Zealand and looking for the top 10 tourist destinations there. Don’t worry, you’ve come just to the right place. We know how gorgeous the country of New Zealand is, the beauty of Oceania barely gives other countries space to compete.
New Zealand is blessed by Mother Nature; from mighty mountains that touch the sky, green, thick trees that make beautiful forests and stunning blue fjords that originate from actual glaciers, New Zealand really puts a show on. So, it comes as no surprise that tourists will want to experience the country and all that it has to offer.
While the whole country is stunning, there’s one place that you really can’t deny being beautiful. That gorgeous place is the South Island or Te Waipounamu. The South Island has quickly become one of the most popular destinations in New Zealand and is now believed to be one of the best holiday destinations in the world. The South Island is the larger of New Zealand’s two islands and comprises mountains, fjords, lakes, and glaciers. For a naturalist who’s obsessed with pleasant weather, the South Island truly is a gold mine. So, if you’re up for adventures and ready to answer nature’s calling, head out to these top 10 tourist destinations in New Zealand: South Island.
Top 10 Tourist Destinations in New Zealand: South Island.
1. Mount Cook National Park
Situated in the heart of the Southern Alps, Mount Cook National Park is one of the best holiday destinations in New Zealand’s South Island. The national park is also known as the Aoraki National Park as it stands stunningly close to the Aoraki/Mount Cook Mountain, the highest peak in New Zealand. Because the Southern Alps run the entirety of the South Island, around 40% of Mount Cook National Park is covered in glaciers. For adventurists who are looking for popular destinations to go mountain climbing, there really is no better place than here. If you think we’re done talking about Mount Cook National Park, you’re in for a pleasant surprise; the park is home to New Zealand’s longest glacier, Tasman Glacier, which means you’re in for more than just simple mountaineering.
In fact, Mount Cook National Park is such a challenging destination that it was used as a practice area by Sir Edmund Hillary, who along with his fellow mountaineer Tenzing Norgay, was the first man to summit Mount Everest successfully.
If you’re a little intimidated by the peaks of Mount Cook National Park, don’t worry because there are a lot of things you can actually do beyond mountaineering. The park is home to more than 300 species of alpine plants and 40 species of birds, which makes it a popular destination for nature lovers. And you can also take scenic flights over the park, ski tour, heli-ski, hunt, hike and stargaze here!
2. Wanaka
Wanaka is a resort town that deserves each and every bit of your attention. It is marked by a lake of its namesake and is set against the breath-taking backdrop of alpine mountains which really makes it seem like you’re in heaven. 55 kilometers northeast of Queenstown and bordering Mount Aspiring National Park, Wanaka is located in just the right spot. It also experiences excellent weather all year which makes it a stunning vacation destination. Tourists especially love how they can enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities all ranging from sublime to excitingly extreme. There’s really no limit to what you can do at Wanaka which explains why it’s counted among the top 10 tourist destinations in New Zealand’s South Island. If you’re an adventure junkie looking for more than just exploration, we recommend going for an exhilarating ½ day wilderness jet boating adventure. You won’t even have to look for a company; Wanaka River Journeys is the best out there and deserves a place in your heart. The jet boat takes you across the glacial Matukituki River and runs into the Mount Aspiring National Park where you can marvel over hanging glaciers, stunning waterfalls, and an ancient beech forest.
Another fantastic way to explore Wanaka is going on a 4WD Safari Tour with Ridgeline Adventure Tours that take you off the beaten track and allow you to explore the true nature of Wanaka. Capture panoramas of snowy peaks and alpine meadows…a photographer’s dream!
3. Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers
Everyone loves glaciers because they’re an extremely rare piece of natural beauty, which is one of the reasons why South Island, which is lined with glaciers, is one of the most popular destinations in New Zealand. Among these glaciers are the Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier, among the most accessible ones in the world. They lie in the Westland Tai Poutini National Park and make for the best holiday destinations in New Zealand. They both flow from the Southern Alps and meet the sea level where the gentle coastal climate makes it easy for visitors to even explore on foot.
If you take a guided hike, you’ll be able to reach a contorted frozen landscape of ice caves which lie at the foot of the glaciers. If you prefer open views, then you can also take an aerial experience by airplanes and seaplane rides.
4. Queenstown
A name known to many; Queenstown is one of the most popular destinations in New Zealand. The resort town is known as the adventure capital of the world, a fun news for anyone who’s really into adrenaline packed activities. Queenstown is surrounded by the peaks of the Southern Alps and lies right on the banks of the beautiful lake Wakatipu. If you’re visiting Queensland, the first thing you need to do is go bungee jumping at the Kawarau Bridge. That is where bungee jumping was first done in New Zealand and it’s a great activity for anyone who’s there for adventure. You can also go hiking, skydiving, scuba diving and more. If you’d like something calmer, head back to Wakatipu Lake and take a bicycle ride around it. You can even take a romantic cruise on the water. For those who are looking to party, head to the various nightclubs and restaurants in the central area for a fun time.
5. Dunedin
The second largest city in the South Island, Dunedin is an underrated place to be. While it may not be among your typical popular destinations, Dunedin truly is a place for anyone who appreciates culture, history, and nature. It is rich with Scottish heritage and is one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the world. Find yourself in the midst of art galleries, handicraft stores, beaches, restaurants, and luxurious accommodations at Dunedin; it only takes one trip there to understand why this is counted among the top 10 tourist destinations in New Zealand, South Island.
Dunedin has a rich history to it; it was first inhabited by the Maori settlers more than 4 centuries ago, and then in 1848, it became the home to Scottish migrants. That’s where it gets its name from; Dunedin is derived from Edinburgh.
You can take ecotours and cruises to the Otago Peninsula for a relaxing time or you can head out to its more rustic areas and go hiking. If you’re into history and architecture, you can take a tour of Lanarch Castle, the only castle in New Zealand which dates back to 1871 and is one of the most popular destinations in the country. If you love flora, you’ll find the Botanic Gardens at Dunedin extremely appealing. For those who want a little fun, take a tour of the Speights Brewery, or take an excursion along the Taieri Gorge Railway. Honestly, there are so many activities that it becomes difficult to keep track of!
6. Fiordland National Park
Gorgeous, ethereal, and mystical. That’s what the Fiordland National Park is like. You might have heard about beautiful parks that have glaciers and lakes running through them; but honestly, nothing can compete with the beauty of Fiordland National Park. The national park is marked by glacial fjords, hence the name, and is a stellar destination for adventurists, lovers, naturalists, and families alike. Fiordland National Park is a gateway to Milford and Doubtful Sounds and also houses three of New Zealand’s Great Walks. Honestly, with a place like the Fiordland National Park on your travel list, it will take you a lot of strength to muster up the courage to go somewhere else.
One of the biggest attractions at Fiordland National Park is the Milford Sound, a fjord actually created by a glacier. If you take a cruise, which is highly recommended, you can make your way to various waterfalls and hanging cliffs. You can even fish for trout here. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll meet dolphins and even penguins here!
7. Te Anau
A glacial town, Te Anau isn’t a surprise to see in the top 10 tourist destinations in New Zealand’s South Island. It opens up to the Fiordland National Park, which means it’s shockingly close to Milford Sound, but don’t go assuming that the town does not have more to offer on its own. It sits on the shores of Lake Te Anau, New Zealand’s second largest lake. Taking a cruise along Lake Te Anau is definitely one of the best things you can do. Just imagine floating across the lake, spotting beautiful wildlife and capturing stunning photographs of glaciers. If you think that’s amazing, wait till you find out about the various other attractions in Te Anau. One of these stunning attractions includes a glow worm cave, which is a fascinating place to visit. And if you’d like to try out the Great Walks, you’re conveniently close to the Kepler Track. Considered one of the best tracks in New Zealand, Kepler Track allows you to take a hike of the entire 60 km loop track or a simple one to the Luxmore Hut. Whichever you choose to go for, you’ll definitely be coming back for more.
8. Abel Tasman National Park
It seems like New Zealand has its fair shares of national parks; but if you’re thinking of skipping out on them, you’re definitely making a mistake. Yet another beautiful place in the top 10 tourist destinations in New Zealand’s South Island, the Abel Tasman National Park stands in a league of its own. It is situated along the Tasman Bay, a stunning stretch of sparkling turquoise water and is actually one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. The Abel Tasman National Park is a stunning scenic hike which stretches for approximately 51 km and leads from Marahau to Separation Point. It is also the sunniest point in New Zealand’s South Island, so if you don’t mix well with the cold, you’ll be glad for all that Vitamin D. It also comes as a blessing that the Abel Tasman National Park has so much to offer when it comes to outdoor activities. Firstly, you can snorkel in secluded caves and get to meet the marine wildlife. You can also go kayaking to the same caves and if you’d like, you can go adventure kayaking for the dosage of adrenaline. If you take a guided tour of snorkeling and kayaking, you’ll be able to spot fur seals, dolphins, penguins, wildlife, birds and diverse species of flora and fauna. You can also take a cool hike through its dense forest, where you can take some time to meditate and be one with nature. Another awesome activity that you can do is hike to the rugged coastal cliffs where you’ll be bestowed with some of the most stunning panoramic views of the country.
If you think that’s about it, boy are you in for a surprise. The Abel Tasman National Park is also where you can visit the Split Apple Rock, a giant granite boulder sliced in two. It is one of the many weathered rock formations that have captured the attention of tourists visiting South Island. If you do choose to go for a long hike, you can choose between staying at luxurious accommodation in private lodges or go for a more rustic experience in campgrounds and huts. Last but not the least, you can sea kayak to explore more of what mother nature gifted South Island.
9. The Catlins
If you’re hearing about the Catlins for the first time, don’t worry. The area is so underrated that it unfortunately hasn’t gotten much traffic like the other popular destinations in New Zealand. But that’s exactly why you should head there; the Catlins are twice the amount of stunning than they are underrated and if you love a place that hasn’t been explored much, this is where you go. You’ll be able to spot the Catlins when you look at the map of New Zealand; they lie at the very south of the South Island itself, which explains why they’re so underrated. They’re sandwiched between the Dunedin and Invercargill cities, both extremely wonderful places on their own. But for now, let’s talk about the attractive place that the Catlins are.
Lined with gorgeous waterfalls, filled with beautiful flora, and inhabited by diverse wildlife, The Catlins are the perfect opportunity to explore nature in its true spirits. Because the area has not experienced much traffic, most of the roads are open and empty, which make traveling very easy, quick, and hassle-free. Introverts will especially like the Catlins because they have extremely beautiful places to be explored and won’t be crowded like some of the popular destinations. If you’re willing to give it a try, ditch walking around and go for a road trip starting from either Christchurch or Invercargill, south and north to the coast, respectively. The road trip will give you the chance to explore the Catlins at your own pace, and you won’t even have to worry about rush. In the end, you’ll be coming back with a memorable experience and an even happier camera roll.
10. Kaikoura
It seems like even the towns of South Island are giving competition to the major popular destinations around the world and if you’re not going to take advantage of that, you’ll regret it. The coastal village of Kaikoura is nestled peacefully along the Kaikoura Peninsula, which protrudes into the Pacific Ocean. Kaikoura is an endless opportunity for anyone who’s in love with nature; whether you’re a bird watcher or a scientist, you’ll love the village. It is especially famous for its sperm whale population which frequently visit the shores of the village and give an amusing sight to tourists. From coastal hikes to whale watching tours, there’s a lot that you can do. In fact, Kaikoura is also one of the few places where foodies will have fun; it serves some of the best seafood and gives you a lot to enjoy. For naturalists, its population of sperm whales, fur seals, dolphins, albatross, sea gulls and many more local fauna will truly be a treasure to watch.
When it comes to the best holiday destinations, you can’t really miss out on these top 10 tourist destinations in New Zealand’s South Island. After all, the South Island is blessed with fjords, lakes, waterfalls, and national parks. But why the South Island is considered one of the most popular destinations in the world is because of its beautiful culture and heritage. If you’re hoping for a vacation that takes you across stunning destinations, allows you to explore nature and really shows you why mother nature is awesome, you really don’t need to go further.
