Visit Fascinating South Island Areas of Interest

Abel Tasman National Park — Tramping, kayaking, ecotourism, and camping are just some of the adventures possible in Abel Tasman National Park near Nelson in the Golden Bay area; this park is truly a hiker’s delight.

Albatross Centre — The thriving Royal Albatross colony at Albatross Centre New Zealand in Dunedin is unique in the entire world; come here to observe thousands of these legendary seabirds.

Arthur’s Pass — Some of the most beautiful sights in the Southern Alps are found in Arthur’s Pass New Zealand, a wonderful destination for walkers and observers of New Zealand nature. Diverse New Zealand birds, including the great spotted kiwi, bellbirds, fantails, and keas will keep travelers looking.

Arts Centre Christchurch — An impressive diversity of arts and crafts can be found at Arts Centre Christchurch; see some of New Zealand’s best exhibits and purchase some souvenirs to remind you of your visit!

Blue Pools — The hike to Blue Pools Haast Pass New Zealand is likely to be as memorable as the Blue Pools themselves; these natural rock pools are filled with spectacularly clear glacial melt - giving them an amazing deep blue coloration.

Botanic Gardens Christchurch — The Botanic Gardens Christchurch New Zealand are the place to go to see thousands of colorful flower varieties, huge trees of every sort, carefully sculpted landscapes, and the best of New Zealand’s natural diversity made conveniently available for your enjoyment.

Church of the Good Shepherd — Standing on the shores of Lake Tekapo, the Church of the Good Shepherd is a magnificent building in a magnificent location; from inside it, you’ll have great views of both the lake and the surrounding Southern Alps mountains.

Doubtful Sound — Doubtful Sound New Zealand in Fiordland National Park is the second-longest fiord on the South Island and home to bottlenosed dolphins, fur seals, and a variety of other intriguing creatures.

Fantail Falls — The fantastic splendor of Fantail Falls Wanaka New Zealand is easy to access; the falls are almost right along the Haast Pass! See one of New Zealand’s most beautiful waterfalls, surrounded by huge boulders and scenic dark green beech forest.

Glenorchy — The surreal mountain landscapes, jagged cliffs, and clear rivers of Glenorchy New Zealand were sites for filming Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” film trilogy. But Glenorchy is also a popular destination for backpackers, boaters, and horseback riders, as well as a place twice-named the world’s friendliest tourist destination.

Golden Bay — An extremely popular tourist destination at the northernmost end of South Island, Golden Bay New Zealand has a variety of attractions that include the Farewell Spit - a tremendous stretch of sand dunes - and Te Waikoropupu Springs, which the Maori consider a sacred and spiritually significant place. The Abel Tasman National Park also borders the Golden Bay.

Haast Pass — Home to exotic New Zealand birds and spectacular mountain scenery in the Southern Alps, Haast Pass New Zealand is a prime destination for nature tourism. Waterfalls, valleys, lush forests and wetlands, quality campgrounds, and more await Haast Pass visitors.

Hagley Park — Looking for outdoor recreation and great natural sights in the middle of Christchurch? The gorgeous Hagley Park New Zealand offers great biking trails, splendid gardens, and places to walk, sit, and have a picnic!

Heaphy Track — Heaphy Track New Zealand in Kahurangi National Park takes three days to traverse; it is considered one of NZ’s Ten Great Walks by the Department of Conservation; come here to see astounding geological diversity!

Kepler Track — Named for astronomer Johannes Kepler, the 60-kilometer elliptical Kepler Track New Zealand will take you from Te Anau and back along some of the South Island’s most scenic terrain - including the tops of the gorgeous Kepler Ranges.

Kiwi and Birdlife Park — A tremendous variety of New Zealand flora and fauna, including, of course, the fluffy kiwi bird, can be found at Kiwi and Birdlife Park QUeenstown New Zealand - a paradise for bird watchers and animal-admiring tourists of all ages.

Lake Hawea — Some of the world’s most beautiful scenery can be found at Lake Hawea New Zealand near Cardrona. Fishing and swimming in the summer, skiing and snowboarding in winter, and so many other outdoor adventures render this lake a year-round vacation destination.

Lake Matheson — Located within walking distance of the Fox Glacier, Lake Matheson New Zealand was formed when the glacier retreated about 14,000 years ago; today, it is renowned for it peaceful atmosphere and for the magnificent reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman in its waters.

Lake Rotoiti — Lake Rotoiti New Zealand near St. Arnaud and Nelson Lakes National Park was carved by glaciers and is renowned for the clarity of its water as well as the great outdoor adventures to be had in the area: hiking, kayaking, boating, horse trekking, and much more!

Lake Tekapo — Flanked by the Southern Alps and carved from Ice Age glaciers, Lake Tekapo New Zealand offers unique scenery and a host of adventure opportunities. Visitors can engage in horse trekking, climbing, tramping, fishing, golf, hunting, kayaking, and more, while enjoying some of the best of exotic New Zealand flora and fauna.

Lindis Pass — One of the most scenic routes in NZ, Lindis Pass Central Otago New Zealand between Christchurch and Queenstown has inspired numerous artists, photographers, filmmakers, and enthusiasts of the outdoors.

Marlborough Sounds — An excellent destination for water adventurers, Marlborough Sounds New Zealand is a collection of straits, undersea valleys, and picturesque islands. Observe colossal rock formations, sample quality New Zealand wines and Greenshell Mussels, and explore the numerous islands of Marlborough Sounds!

Milford Road — The elaborate network of Milford Road Tracks and Walks New Zealand is a hiker’s dream; you can tramp for days in Fiordland National Park near Te Anau and never run out of sights to see and things to do!

Mt Cook Trails — Whether or not you wish to engage in mountain climbing, Mt Cook Trails New Zealand near the colossal Aoraki Mount Cook will provide you with fantastic hiking opportunities and breathtakingly beautiful scenery.

Mussel Inn — Wonderful seafood, live entertainment, and some of the best beers in all of NZ can be found at the charming Mussel Inn Takaka New Zealand in the Golden Bay area.

Nelson Lakes National Park — Located at the northern end of the Southern Alps, Nelson Lakes National Park is home of Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa, popular destinations for boating and fishing enthusiasts. The park also features hiking trails through breathtaking mountains and scenic shorelines.

Otago Museum — Otago Museum New Zealand offers some of the best cultural, historical, and natural exhibits in New Zealand; this is the place to go to introduce yourself to virtually every facet of New Zealand and the Otago Peninsula that intrigues you.

Otago Peninsula — Seekers of ecotourism opportunities will find no better destination than Otago Peninsula, where rare and unique species abound - including seals, albatross, and yellow-eyed penguins; the vibrant, culturally rich city of Dunedin is nearby.

Secret Garden — For a refuge from the crowds and a unique vacation experience, visit Secret Garden Le Bons Bay, a charming little backpackers hostel with a beautifully decorated outdoor garden and great offerings of tea, coffee, and sweets.

Skyline Gondola Restaurant and Luge — Skyline Gondola Restaurant and Luge Queenstown New Zealand offers you panoramic views of Queenstown and the spectacular Lake Wakatipu as you taste some of New Zealand’s best dishes.

South Island New Zealand — Take your New Zealand vacation to bustling cities, scenic beaches, world-class restaurants, and fascinating natural reserves; you can explore all this and more when you visit South Island New Zealand.

South Scenic Route — Enthusiasts of hiking and tramping will have no shortage of opportunities along South Scenic Route New Zealand, an extensive trail along the Dunedin to Brighton Coastal Road; this route will take you through virtually every kind of NZ terrain - from wetlands to mountains.

Tasman Bay — Featuring spectacular golden beaches, quality New Zealand wines, amazing geological features, and the beautiful Abel Tasman, Kahurangi, and Nelson Lakes National Parks nearby, Tasman Bay New Zealand is an excellent destination in the north of South Island. The bustling city of Nelson, the economic and cultural center of the area, is located on Tasman Bay’s southern shore.

Te Anau Glow Worm Caves — One of the best underground destinations in all of New Zealand, the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves enable you to observe a natural light show of tremendous proportions.

The Catlins — Located on the South Island’s southeastern tip, The Catlins New Zealand is the place to go to observe rugged, scenic coastlines, rare creatures like fur seals and penguins, and some of the world’s most beautiful flora and terrain.

Thunder Creek Falls — The colossal 30-meter drop of Thunder Creek Falls New Zealand is enough to awe any visitor; be sure to stop by this magnificent waterfall when traveling along the Haast Pass.

University of Otago Dunedin — One of New Zealand’s top educational facilities, University of Otago Dunedin New Zealand also features outstanding architecture, a youthful culture, and world-class wildlife reserves.

Viaduct Restaurant — Seekers of luxury dining and fine New Zealand cuisine will relish the atmosphere and offerings of Viaduct Restaurant Bar and Grill Christchurch NZ on the renowned Oxford Terrace strip.

Wainui Falls — The Golden Bay area’s largest waterfall, Wainui Falls New Zealand, can be accessed in the course of a refreshing 45-minute walk through some of the best trails on the western end of Abel Tasman National Park.

Wharariki Beach — Wharariki Beach New Zealand in the Golden Bay area between Takaka and the Farewell Spit has some of the most beautiful sand and most memorable sights in this part of the South Island.

After sampling some of these South Island areas of interest, you’ll be looking for a place to spend the night. Take a look at some of the best South Island Hostels that will provide you with great comfort and lasting memories.