Discover the best of the South Island

Written by Chris, Programme Director

Yes, we're biased. But after many visits to New Zealand's South Island, we still think it has more jaw-dropping scenery per mile than anywhere else we've been. It's easy to get around, the people are warm and unfussy, and nearly everyone we send there says the same thing when they come home: "I wish we'd had longer."

That's our first piece of advice. The South Island rewards slow travel. It's tempting to cram in every lake, glacier and fiord, but you'll see far more by staying longer in fewer places. We'd rather you spent three nights in one spot than rushed through five.

The right itinerary depends on how long you have, the time of year and what you enjoy doing. Our team has travelled the island widely, and we plan every trip around you rather than from a template. If you'd like a guide to the whole island, our South Island holidays are a good place to start.

How should you travel around the South Island?

It comes down to how much freedom you want.

Our escorted tours leave the driving and logistics to someone else, and still allow time for the big sights and a few surprises. If you'd rather set your own pace, self-drive tours give you the most flexibility. You can pull over whenever a view stops you, which on the South Island is often. Small group tours sit neatly in between.

A practical note for self-drivers: distances look short on the map but take longer than you'd expect. The roads are winding, the scenery is distracting and you'll stop for photos far more than planned. We build in generous driving times for exactly this reason.

Aoraki/Mount Cook: the views start long before you arrive

New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, is a must-see for us. The drive in is half the experience. The road runs beside Lake Pukaki, whose milky turquoise water gets its colour from fine glacial rock flour. The mountain slowly fills the windscreen as you get closer.

Aoraki/Mount Cook Village is small and quiet, with excellent walking close to the foot of the mountain. If you can, stay overnight rather than visiting for the day. The light at dawn and dusk is worth it, and on a clear night the stars are extraordinary. Find places to stay in the region on our West Coast and Mount Cook page.

Whale watching in Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a small, perfectly formed seaside town and the best-known base for seeing whales. Sperm whales live in the deep water just offshore all year round, so trips run in every season. Set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains rising straight from the coast, it's one of the most memorable wildlife experiences on the island.

Heading up to Picton, the pretty gateway town at the top of the Marlborough Sounds, adds another dimension. The sheltered waters there are wonderful for dolphin watching, and you may spot other marine life along the way. Sightings are never guaranteed anywhere, but that's part of the thrill when they happen.

If wildlife is high on your list, our Blenheim & Marlborough region page has plenty of inspiration.

Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound

Both fjords are highlights of any South Island trip, and they feel quite different.

Milford Sound is the most famous. Its sheer cliffs, tumbling waterfalls and the pointed peak of Mitre Peak make it unmistakable. We recommend taking a cruise, and try to give yourself time to enjoy the drive too. It's possible to visit as a long day trip from Queenstown, but it's a lot of hours on the road. If you can, base yourself nearer Fiordland, in Te Anau, and make it a more relaxed day.

Doubtful Sound is the one for travellers who want something quieter and wilder. It's deeper into the wilderness, reached by a boat crossing and a coach journey, and it feels remote in a way that stays with you. An overnight cruise here is one of the most memorable experiences we can arrange, with calm water, birdsong and very little else.

Neither is the "wrong" choice, but pack for rain. Fiordland is one of the wettest places on earth, and honestly, waterfalls are at their best after rain. Explore the area on our Queenstown & Fiordland page.

Hiking on the South Island

If you love walking, the South Island is hard to beat. The Milford and Routeburn Tracks are two of New Zealand's famous Great Walks, and the Abel Tasman Coast Track and the Queen Charlotte Track in the Marlborough Sounds are other favourites.

Here's the honest bit: the most popular multi-day tracks, especially the Milford Track, need booking many months ahead, and you'll want to travel in the main walking season, roughly late October to April. Pack for changeable weather and bring insect repellent for the sandflies. If a multi-day trek isn't for you, there are plenty of shorter day walks that deliver the same sort of views. We can help you choose walks to match your fitness and your itinerary, and our adventure holidays are a good starting point.

Queenstown: the adventure capital

Queenstown is the gateway to adventure, whether that means bungy jumping, jetboating through the narrow canyons of the Shotover River or something a bit gentler. There's also hiking, biking, downhill karting and lake cruises, and you could easily spend a week here without repeating yourself.

Don't skip the scenic drive to Glenorchy, about 45 minutes from town. The road hugs Lake Wakatipu and the mountain views are wonderful. It's an easy side trip, and often a quiet one too.

Queenstown gets busy in peak summer and during the winter ski season, so book accommodation and activities early. Find more at Queenstown & Fiordland.

Wanaka: the Queenstown of old

Many say that Wanaka, over the Crown Range or the Lindis Pass depending on your route, feels like Queenstown used to. It's quieter and smaller but every bit as pretty, with lakes and mountains on the doorstep. It's often overlooked, which is a shame, and it's a must-stay for us. Choose it if you want lakeside walks and a slower pace after a few action-packed days.

TranzAlpine: a journey worth saving until last

For many travellers the train journey on the TranzAlpine is a highlight, and it's often the last big experience of the holiday. It runs between Christchurch and Greymouth, crossing the Southern Alps through river valleys and mountain passes. It's regarded as one of the world's most scenic rail journeys, and an open-air viewing carriage makes it even better. Take a look at our rail holidays, or see how it fits into a combined trip such as New Zealand by Rail, Cruise and Coach. You can also explore the West Coast and Christchurch & Canterbury.

Don't miss the north of the island

Lastly, there's a pocket of the South Island that many people miss, and we'd encourage you to spend time there: the north coast. The area around Nelson and Abel Tasman has scenic drives, golden beaches, excellent walks and wonderful boat trips. Nearby, the Marlborough region is known for its wine, and our food and wine holidays make the most of it. Read more about Nelson & Abel Tasman.

We look forward to helping you put your South Island together. It is truly a very special place.

Ready to plan your trip of a lifetime?

Every holiday we create is tailor-made, and we'd love to help you put yours together. A few places to begin:

• Browse all South Island tours
• Combine both islands with a twin or multi-centre holiday
• Try our Classic New Zealand Self-Drive
• Celebrating something special? Look at our honeymoons or luxury lodges
• Request your free New Zealand travel guide

Or call our team on 01342 310 581 (9am-7pm Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Sat-Sun). Your holiday is ATOL protected (ATOL 9759), so you can book with confidence.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need to see the South Island?
We'd suggest at least two weeks, and ideally three if you can manage it. With less time you can still have a wonderful trip, but you'll need to be selective about where you go.

When is the best time to visit the South Island?
Late spring to early autumn (roughly November to April) is the most popular, with long daylight hours and the best conditions for hiking and cruises. Winter is excellent for skiing around Queenstown and Wanaka, but some walks and activities are limited, and mountain roads can be affected by weather.

Is Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound better?
It depends on what you want. Milford is more accessible and dramatic. Doubtful is quieter and more remote, and rewards those willing to go further. If you have time, doing both is wonderful.

Is it better to self-drive or take an escorted tour?
Self-drive suits independent travellers who like flexibility, while an escorted tour is easier if you'd rather not drive. We can help you decide, and a small group tour can be a good compromise.

When is the best time to go whale watching in Kaikoura?
Sperm whales can be seen all year round, so you can enjoy the experience whenever you travel. Other marine life, such as dolphins and seals, is also regularly spotted, though sightings can never be guaranteed.