South Island New Zealand: top 10 must-see attractions

Renowned for its cloud-piercing mountains, glacial lakes, and lush temperate rainforest, the South Island of New Zealand should sit firmly on every adventure bucket list in Aotearoa, the land of the long white cloud.

Expect your road trip around the South Island (Te Waipounamu) to be epic, there is something for everyone here. With hidden fiords, snow-capped mountains, and golden sandy beaches, New Zealand is a nature lovers paradise. Throw in the endless amount of activities to spike the adrenaline like bungy jumping in Queenstown or hiking epic mountains. Soak away in geothermal hot pools, or get your Lord Of The Rings on with a Middle Earth-inspired adventure through filming locations. The South Island has got you covered.

We’ve rounded up the top ten things not to miss in the South Island of New Zealand and thrown in some extra golden nuggets to make your New Zealand campervan road trip one of the most memorable yet.

1. Kayak in pristine waters in Abel Tasman National Park

It may be New Zealand’s smallest National Park but Abel Tasman, situated at the top of the South Island is perfectly formed for adventure and relaxation all in one place. With a network of roads leading you to coves, golden beaches, and tropical waters, The Abel Tasman area is a place of extraordinary beauty. A drive in your campervan over the Takaka Hill will lead you to Golden Bay, Farewell Spit, and the famed Wharariki Beach. Head back and camp in Marahau to complete a day walk on the popular Abel Tasman Coastal Track – One of New Zealand's Great Walks.

To truly appreciate the beauty of the Abel Tasman you need to get on the water and kayak around the crystal clear bays. Abel Tasman Kayaks explore the sweeping coastline and you might be lucky enough to spot the local fur seal colonies on the way.

2. Swim with Dolphins in Kaikoura

On the East Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, you will find where the mountains meet the ocean. This quaint and charming seaside town is not only home to one of the best scenic coastal roads in New Zealand but also pods of Dusky Dolphins. Kaikoura has something really special and that is the chance to swim with these magical sea creatures in the open ocean. Put this at the top of your NZ bucket list, you won't regret it.

3. Drive through the Arthurs Pass

Scenic drives through the middle of a country don’t get much better than state highway 73 through the Arthurs Pass. Northwest of Christchurch, connecting the East Coast to the West Coast is an alpine highway peppered with active adventures. In the wintertime, the locals head to the club ski fields to find untouched fresh powder and in the summertime, Arthurs Pass is a hiking and waterfall seeker's dream location. Devils Punchbowl is arguably one of the best waterfalls in New Zealand, the 131m plunging falls can be found on a short 20-minute hike through the bush. Tackle Temple Basin and Avalanche Peak to reveal the epic landscapes below. On route to the above make a pit stop at the Castle Hill limestone boulders. Climbers, photographers, and die-hard Lord of The Rings fans need to stop here. The Otira Viaduct lookout is a fine example of man meets mother nature, worth a stop on your road trip if you ask us!

4. Hike among the giants in Mount Cook National Park

Home to New Zealand’s tallest Mountain, Aoraki, Mount Cook stands proud at 3724m tall. You absolutely must camp at the White Horse Camp Ground right at the base of the mountain and on the doorstep of the Hooker Valley Trail that will get you even closer to this magnificent landmark. The National Park is home to some of the finest walks on the South Island catering to all abilities. The Tasman Glacier track, Sealy Tarns, and Red Tarns are among a few popular favourites as is spending a night under the clear night sky waiting for those cheeky Alpine Parrots, the Kea, to wake you with their distinct bird call as the sun rises.

5. Embark on a New Zealand Great Walk from Te Anau

Did you know that three of New Zealand’s nine great walks start from the same place? Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park and home to three, yes three of the Great Walks. Great Walk by name and Great Walk by nature, these are world-famous, world-class hiking trails that deserve at least a day in your New Zealand itinerary. If you can’t fit in the three-day tramp through the National Park, consider hiking to Key Summit on the Routeburn Track, Giants Gate Waterfall on the Milford Track, or scale the summit to Mount Luxmore on the Kepler Track. Incredible views, adventures and a very tasty Bao Bun from the popular street food truck, Bao-Now awaits hungry hikers upon their return.

6. Cruise through Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park

No road trip around the South Island of New Zealand is complete without a trip to Milford Sound. Fiordland National Park is home to immense and dramatic landscapes, mountains, waterfalls, glaciers, lakes, you name it, it’s here. There is only one way to truly immerse yourself in the grandeur of this place and that is on a Milford Sound cruise. Out of Fiordland National Parks fourteen fiords, Piopiotahi, Milford Sound is the only one accessible by road meaning you can drive down one of the most scenic highways in the world on route to your next adventure activity. Top tip for campervans, book a night at the Milford Sound lodge and jump on an early morning cruise to get the place silently to yourselves and soak up all the Milford Sound goodness.

7. Take to the skies on a scenic flight in Queenstown

Queenstown is known to many as the home of adventure. The adrenaline-fuelled town hugs the shores of Lake Wakatipu and also takes the title, the home of winter. But, did you know it is home to an array of scenic flights? A small fixed-wing plane, seating up to ten passengers will take you to the skies and show you how incredible Aotearoa is from up above. If you are an early rise the Glenorchy Air scenic sunrise flight is an absolute must-do. Skirting Mount Aspiring National Park and dropping over into Fiordland as the sun rises over the mountains is a moment you will never forget, we promise! If you are a daytime adventure seeker then hop in the plane and fly into Milford Sound, a forty-five-minute flight will reveal hidden lakes, layers of mountains, and the enormity of the 1.2million hectare National Park below…. You can even pair this with a Milford Sound cruise for a double dose of adventure.

8. Catch a wave in Southland

Southland is renowned for great surf, marine life, and those epic coastal sunsets all vanlifers crave to see. Crack a beer and enjoy your secluded campground at Jack’s Bay in The Catlins. Head to Purakaunui Bay, Long Point, and Curio Bay to get some classic New Zealand wave action. We have heard that Dolphins often join surfers at Curio Bay so watch out for those Dorsal Fins. Swing by the Nugget Point Lighthouse for sunrise before heading up the East Coast for your final South Island must do.

9. Tick off a bucket-list worthy hike in Wanaka

We know you have seen the Instagram shot, we know you have heard of Roy's Peak in Wanaka and we know that adding this to your South Island road trip itinerary is an absolute must-do! Roy's Peak is a 16km return hike just outside the township of Wanaka, it is spectacular, with 360-degree mountain and lake views. Pack some food, wear good shoes, fill upyour water bottle, and head for one of the most instagrammable lookouts in New Zealand. Is it worth the 5-7 hour return uphill slog? Yes. Roy’s Peakis advertised as one of thebest hikes in New Zealandand rightly so.

10. Follow the foodie trail in Christchurch

Christchurch is one of the most culturally diverse foodies regions in New Zealand, appealing to all tastebuds and most importantly budgets. With so many eateries dotted all over Christchurch seeing hungry travellers through from breakfast to dessert, we thought it best to handpick a few for you to sample. Let’s face it, a life without smashed avo and freshly ground beans is no life for an avid road-tripper in an urban metropolis.

Park up at Hello Sunday for one of the most interesting menus in the city. Bircher, cheeky hash and Mexican-inspired burgers will make want to book a few nights in Christchurch to sample the goods twice. For those who can't decide on menu items then Little High Eatery is the newest kid on the block and there's nothing else like it. Experience eight different local and family-run eateries inside a modern marketplace, with plenty of shared seating… because a break from the camp kitchen is a welcome treat to round off your New Zealand road trip, don’t you think?

Ready to start exploring?

You are inspired, your route is planned and now all you need to do is find the perfect campervan for you. Follow this link to find your campervan rental in the South Island of New Zealand and take the ultimate 10 day south island new zealand road trip.