The Travelling Maple Leaf

Introduction

New Zealand’s South Island is a beautiful destination with many landmarks and attractions. Deciding where to travel and what sights to visit may be overwhelming. But don’t worry, I’ve compiled my favorite South Island destinations in this list.  

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve– See a Kiwi Bird!

The Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a fun and exciting activity for all ages. Home to many animals native to New Zealand this reserve offers the chance to walk through a bird oasis, feed animals, and even pet eels.

The reserve is divided into three sections: the farmyard section, New Zealand animals, and the zoo/ exotic section. One of the reserve’s most notable animals is the North Island Brown Kiwi Bird, a national New Zealand symbol. Willowbank has a 100% Kiwi viewing guarantee!

This attraction is great for the entire family and allows you to learn more about New Zealand’s native animal populations.  

Koekohe Beach- Moerkai Boulders

Between the towns of Moerkai and Hampden sits Koekohe Beach which is home to the Moerkai Boulders. This beach is gorgeous and provides the opportunity for unique beach photos.

Boulders of all different shapes and sizes are scattered across the beach and each boulder weighs several tonnes. Scientists believe that these boulders were formed over 65 million years ago.

These mysterious boulders exhibit the true beauty of nature and are a must-see if you are traveling through the area.

Air Force Museum of New Zealand

If you like history or aviation, this museum may be especially interesting to you. There are planes everywhere surrounded by historical explanations and stories.

The staff is fantastic and knowledgeable about the artifacts. There is even a Mosquito Mission Flight Simulator that offers two different missions.

The Air Force Museum of New Zealand offers several different activities including tours, an online kids collection exhibit, and museum scavenger hunts.

New Zealand South Island: Queenstown

Queenstown is gorgeous and full of activities and adventure. This town sits on the edge of Lake Wakatipu nestled between gorgeous mountains.

Exploring this community is perfect for your New Zealand South Island itinerary. One of the most notable activities near Queenstown is the jet boat rides operated by Shotover Jet.

New Zealand South Island: Shotover Jet– Queenstown

It wouldn’t be a trip to New Zealand without a little adventure. The Shotover Jet rides at Arthur’s point offer a fun and adventurous experience. Be cautious as you are sure to get covered in water and if it’s winter, dress warm!

The jet boat is a fun and thrilling activity that takes you between narrow canyons, travels at speeds up to 90 kilometers per hour, and does 360-degree spins. The Shotover Jets are a can’t miss experience when visiting the South Island.

New Zealand South Island: Sunshine Bay- Queenstown

Another notable stop is Sunshine Bay located a short drive from Queenstown. This bay has a gorgeous beach that offers a tranquil experience and the most breathtaking photos.

Finding this beach can be confusing as there is also a suburb of Queenstown called Sunshine Bay. Be cautious when following signs for Sunshine Bay and plan your route ahead of time to avoid arriving at the wrong location.

Sunshine Bay has extremely clear water and clean beaches which makes for a perfect picnic location.

New Zealand South Island: Tekapo Springs

After long days of exploring, relax with a visit to Tekapo Springs. These hot springs are located at the base of Mount John in the middle of New Zealand’s South Island.

Take advantage of these natural hot springs and relax while you take in the view. These hot springs are surrounded by mountains and overlook Lake Tekapo which provides the perfect calming feel.

After long days filled with adventure and exploration, Tekapo Springs is the perfect way to unwind while enjoying the beauty of New Zealand.

Black Pebble Beach

One of the most breathtaking beaches on the South Island is Black Pebble Beach located near Kaikoura, New Zealand.

The dark stones illuminate the vibrant blue water and create a gorgeous experience for visitors.

This beach is generally not too busy but it’s also not far from main tourist routes which makes it an ideal stop on a South Island road trip. Be sure not to miss this gem!

Milford Sound

The beauty of Milford Sound is unmatched which makes it a unique addition to a New Zealand South Island Bucket List.

You can take a scenic cruise through the breathtaking fjords of Milford Sound, surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls. You may also be able to spot fur seals, penguins, and dolphins as all these animals reside in the fjords.

In addition, the Milford Discovery Centre is a great addition to your visit as it expands your understanding of Milford Sound and allows you the opportunity to see rare black coral and other marine life.

Fiordland National Park

The best way to take in New Zealand’s natural beauty is by visiting its national parks! Fiordland National Park is a gorgeous destination with plenty of activities that connect you with nature.

Discover the pristine wilderness, hike the famous Milford Track or the Routeburn Track. If you love hiking, the Milford Track is the experience for you.

This track spans 53.5 kilometers through valleys and glacier-carved fjords with a stunning view of New Zealand’s tallest waterfall. The best time to hike this trail is from October to April but be sure to research trail conditions and safety tips before embarking on your journey.  

This national park is located approximately 2 hours by car from Queenstown through beautiful mountains and stunning scenery.

Fox Glacier & Franz Josef Glacier

These breathtaking glaciers will transport you back in time and make you feel like you’ve stepped into the Ice Age. You can explore these dynamic glacial landscapes with guided walks or helicopter tours.

These glaciers are some of the most accessible glaciers in the world, making them the perfect addition to your South Island itinerary. They are located approximately a 30-minute drive or a 60-minute bus ride away from each other.

The difficulty of the hike to the glaciers and the ability to visit these glaciers can vary by climate and time of year so be sure to research conditions before arriving.

Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park has beautiful beaches and a breathtaking coastline. You can relax on golden beaches, kayak along the coastline, and hike through native forests.

This national park is one of the most popular in New Zealand and therefore, it can be busy and crowded. The main entrance to the park is on the south side of the Coast Track which is accessible through Marahau.

While in the area, you can take a short drive from Marahau to Split Apple Rock. This rock is a granite boulder that has been split in half and is deeply rooted in Maori legends.

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is an adorable and vibrant community with views of snow-capped mountains and the ocean. This town is known for its marine wildlife so make sure to go whale watching and try to spot seals, dolphins, and albatrosses. Kaikoura is also known for its fresh seafood restaurants.

You can travel to Kaikoura via car, bus, train, or ferry. Given Kaikoura’s accessibility and charm, this town is a great addition to your South Island Bucket List!

Punakaiki Pancake Rocks

The Punakaiki Pancake Rocks are unique limestone formations and blowholes on the West Coast of New Zealand.

These rock formations are breathtaking and easily accessible on a 20-minute loop trail in inside Paparoa National Park.

You can also take time during the loop to view the blowhole which is most active during high tide. Be sure to check the tide times and plan your visit accordingly for the best views.

Te Anau Glowworm Caves:

A surreal experience is the Te Anau Glowworm Caves located roughly 2 hours from Queenstown by car. Here, you can take a boat trip to see the enchanting glowworms in their limestone caves.

Follow a guide into the cave and learn about the geology behind the cave’s formation as well as the glow worms. You can even take a small boat into a hidden grotto with hundreds of glow worms for a memorable experience that is unique to New Zealand.

Experiencing the worm’s glittery and beautiful display is the perfect addition to a memorable trip to New Zealand’s South Island.

New Zealand’s South Island is gorgeous and filled with beautiful beaches and fun attractions. Add these activities to your New Zealand bucket list and you won’t be sorry! Share your favorite New Zealand South Island destinations in the comments.

_{Disclaimer: I can only attest to my personal experiences and I am therefore not liable for any negative experiences you may encounter.}