20 Breathtaking Tourist Attractions in New Zealand's South Island

Introduction

New Zealand's South Island is a haven for travelers seeking awe-inspiring landscapes and unforgettable experiences. From dramatic fjords to snow-capped mountains and pristine lakes, the region offers a diverse range of tourist attractions. In this article, we will rank the top 20 must-visit destinations based on their beautiful views, accessibility, price, route, and safety, to help you plan your dream vacation.

Milford Sound

Beautiful Views: ★★★★★

Reason: Milford Sound is a postcard-perfect fjord surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, creating a breathtaking natural wonder.

Accessibility: ★★★☆☆

Route: The fjord can be reached by car or scenic flights from Queenstown or Te Anau, offering stunning aerial views of the Southern Alps.

Price: ★★★☆☆

Cost: Boat cruises can be a bit pricey, but the experience of gliding through the stunning fjord is worth the expense.

Safety: ★★★★☆

Safety: Boat cruises and flights are well-regulated, ensuring a safe and memorable journey through the awe-inspiring landscape.

Mount Cook National Park

Beautiful Views: ★★★★★

Reason: Home to Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, the park boasts majestic snow-capped mountains, turquoise glacial lakes, and mesmerizing alpine scenery.

Accessibility: ★★★☆☆

Route: Accessible by car from Lake Tekapo or Queenstown, the journey to Mount Cook National Park offers picturesque views of the Southern Alps.

Price: ★★★☆☆

Cost: Accommodations and activities can range from budget-friendly to luxurious, providing options for all travelers.

Safety: ★★★★☆

Safety: Hiking trails are well-marked and maintained, with guided tours available for those seeking a safe and guided adventure.

Abel Tasman National Park

Beautiful Views: ★★★★☆

Reason: With golden sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush forests, Abel Tasman National Park offers a paradise-like coastal experience.

Accessibility: ★★★★★

Route: Easily accessible by water taxi, kayak, or on foot via well-maintained coastal trails, making it convenient for all visitors.

Price: ★★★☆☆

Cost: Water taxis and guided tours have varying prices, but the chance to explore the stunning beaches and coves is well worth it.

Safety: ★★★★☆

Safety: Abel Tasman is considered one of the safest parks in New Zealand, with well-marked tracks and experienced guides.

Franz Josef Glacier

Beautiful Views: ★★★★☆

Reason: Franz Josef Glacier provides a surreal experience of walking amidst ancient ice formations, surrounded by pristine wilderness.

Accessibility: ★★★★☆

Route: Easily accessible from the town of Franz Josef, the glacier offers guided hikes or helicopter tours to witness the stunning ice formations.

Price: ★★★★☆

Cost: Guided tours can be more expensive, but the opportunity to experience a glacier up close is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Safety: ★★★☆☆

Safety: Guided tours ensure safe access to the glacier, and all necessary equipment is provided to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Queenstown

Beautiful Views: ★★★★☆

Reason: Situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Remarkable mountain range, Queenstown offers awe-inspiring natural beauty.

Accessibility: ★★★★☆

Route: Easily accessible by air and road, Queenstown is well-connected to major cities and offers stunning views throughout the journey.

Price: ★★★☆☆

Cost: Queenstown can be more expensive due to its popularity as an adventure hub, but the breathtaking scenery is priceless.

Safety: ★★★★☆

Safety: Queenstown offers well-regulated adventure activities and well-maintained roads, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

Tongariro National Park

Beautiful Views: ★★★★☆

Reason: The Tongariro Alpine Crossing takes hikers through otherworldly landscapes, including volcanic craters and emerald lakes.

Accessibility: ★★★☆☆

Route: Accessible from the town of National Park or nearby cities, the crossing provides stunning views of the volcanic terrain.

Price: ★★★☆☆

Cost: Guided tours and transport can add to the expenses, but the unique and surreal landscape makes it a worthwhile investment.

Safety: ★★★★☆

Safety: The Department of Conservation provides safety information, and guided tours ensure hikers adhere to safety guidelines.

Lake Tekapo

Beautiful Views: ★★★★☆

Reason: Lake Tekapo's turquoise waters against the backdrop of the Southern Alps create a picture-perfect scene.

Accessibility: ★★★☆☆

Route: Easily accessible by car from Christchurch or Queenstown, the lake is a popular stop on South Island road trips.

Price: ★★★☆☆

Cost: Accommodations and activities are available for various budgets, offering stunning views without breaking the bank.

Safety: ★★★★☆

Safety: The area is well-regulated, and the picturesque surroundings provide a safe and serene environment for travelers.

Fiordland National Park

Beautiful Views: ★★★★☆

Reason: Fiordland National Park is home to not only Milford Sound but also other spectacular fjords, creating an enchanting wilderness.

Accessibility: ★★★☆☆

Route: The fjords can be reached by boat cruises or scenic flights from Te Anau or Milford Sound, offering stunning views of the rugged coastline.

Price: ★★★☆☆

Cost: Boat cruises and scenic flights can be pricey, but the unparalleled views are worth the investment.

Safety: ★★★★☆

Safety: Fiordland is a well-maintained park with experienced guides and operators, ensuring a safe and memorable experience.

Lake Wanaka

Beautiful Views: ★★★★☆

Reason: Lake Wanaka's crystal-clear waters and scenic backdrop of the Southern Alps make it a picturesque destination.

Accessibility: ★★★★☆

Route: Easily accessible from Queenstown or Christchurch, the lake offers stunning views throughout the journey.

Price: ★★★☆☆

Cost: Accommodations and activities cater to various budgets, making it an ideal destination for all travelers.

Safety: ★★★★☆

Safety: Wanaka is considered safe, with well-marked trails and water-based activities monitored for visitors' safety.

Dunedin

Beautiful Views: ★★★★☆

Reason: Dunedin boasts a rich architectural heritage and stunning coastal scenery, providing a unique blend of culture and natural beauty.

Accessibility: ★★★★☆

Route: Accessible by car or domestic flights, Dunedin offers picturesque coastal drives and scenic flights over the city.

Price: ★★★☆☆

Cost: Accommodations and activities are available at varying prices, accommodating different travel budgets.

Safety: ★★★★☆

Safety: Dunedin is a safe city, offering well-preserved heritage buildings and a relaxed environment for visitors.

Fox Glacier

Beautiful Views: ★★★★☆

Reason: Fox Glacier provides a unique opportunity to experience a glacier up close, surrounded by spectacular alpine scenery.

Accessibility: ★★★☆☆

Route: Easily accessible from Franz Josef or Queenstown, the glacier offers guided tours to ensure safe access to the ice.

Price: ★★★★☆

Cost: Guided tours can be more expensive, but the chance to walk on a glacier is an extraordinary experience.

Safety: ★★★☆☆

Safety: Fox Glacier offers guided tours with experienced operators, providing necessary safety equipment for visitors.

Nelson Lakes National Park

Beautiful Views: ★★★★☆

Reason: Nelson Lakes National Park offers tranquil lakes and rugged mountains, creating a serene and picturesque landscape.

Accessibility: ★★★☆☆

Route: Accessible by car from Nelson or Christchurch, the park provides scenic drives with glimpses of the Southern Alps.

Price: ★★★☆☆

Cost: Accommodations and outdoor activities cater to different budgets, offering a rewarding experience for all travelers.

Safety: ★★★★☆

Safety: Nelson Lakes is a well-managed park with well-marked trails, ensuring a safe journey for visitors.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Beautiful Views: ★★★★☆

Reason: Mount Aspiring National Park boasts stunning alpine landscapes, offering an ideal destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Accessibility: ★★★☆☆

Route: Accessible from Wanaka or Queenstown, the park provides scenic drives and trails with breathtaking views.

Price: ★★★☆☆

Cost: Accommodations and activities vary in price, providing options for travelers with different budgets.

Safety: ★★★★☆

Safety: Mount Aspiring is well-regarded for its safety measures and guided tours, ensuring a secure and memorable experience.

Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes

Beautiful Views: ★★★★☆

Reason: Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks and Blowholes offer a fascinating display of nature's raw power and unique limestone formations.

Accessibility: ★★★★☆

Route: Easily accessible by car along the West Coast, the rocks and blowholes can be explored with ease.

Price: ★★★☆☆

Cost: There are no entry fees to visit the rocks and blowholes, making it a budget-friendly attraction.

Safety: ★★★☆☆

Safety: The rocks and blowholes have safety barriers, and visitors are advised to adhere to safety guidelines.

Marlborough Sounds

Beautiful Views: ★★★★☆

Reason: Marlborough Sounds showcase an intricate network of fjords, providing a tranquil escape with breathtaking views.

Accessibility: ★★★☆☆

Route: Accessible by boat or scenic flights from Picton or Nelson, the sounds offer stunning views of the coastal landscapes.

Price: ★★★☆☆

Cost: Boat cruises and scenic flights vary in price, but the picturesque surroundings are worth the investment.

Safety: ★★★★☆

Safety: Marlborough Sounds are safe for exploration, with well-regulated boat cruises and guided tours available.

Lake Pukaki

Beautiful Views: ★★★★☆

Reason: Lake Pukaki's vivid blue color against the backdrop of the Southern Alps creates a scene of ethereal beauty.

Accessibility: ★★★☆☆

Route: Easily accessible from Christchurch or Queenstown, the lake offers scenic drives with breathtaking views.

Price: ★★★☆☆

Cost: Accommodations and activities cater to various budgets, making it an attractive destination for all travelers.

Safety: ★★★★☆

Safety: Lake Pukaki is considered safe for visitors, with well-marked trails and designated viewpoints.

Moeraki Boulders

Beautiful Views: ★★★★☆

Reason: The Moeraki Boulders are a natural wonder, large spherical stones scattered along the Koekohe Beach, creating a unique sight.

Accessibility: ★★★★☆

Route: Easily accessible by car along the Otago coastline, the boulders provide an interesting stop on a road trip.

Price: ★★★☆☆

Cost: There are no entry fees to visit the boulders, making it a budget-friendly attraction.

Safety: ★★★☆☆

Safety: Visitors are advised to exercise caution while exploring the boulders and adhere to safety guidelines.

Aoraki International Dark Sky Reserve

Beautiful Views: ★★★★☆

Reason: Aoraki International Dark Sky Reserve offers some of the most breathtaking stargazing opportunities in the world.

Accessibility: ★★★☆☆

Route: Accessible by car or scenic flights from Lake Tekapo, the reserve offers unparalleled views of the night sky.

Price: ★★★☆☆

Cost: Stargazing tours and observatory visits may incur a fee, but the experience of witnessing a celestial wonder is priceless.

Safety: ★★★★☆

Safety: The dark sky reserve is a safe destination for stargazing, with experienced guides leading tours.

Lake Rotoiti

Beautiful Views: ★★★★☆

Reason: Lake Rotoiti's pristine waters surrounded by native forests create a serene and picturesque setting.

Accessibility: ★★★☆☆

Route: Accessible by car from Nelson or Christchurch, the lake provides a scenic drive through the Southern Alps.

Price: ★★★☆☆

Cost: Accommodations and activities cater to various budgets, making it an ideal destination for all travelers.

Safety: ★★★★☆

Safety: Lake Rotoiti is safe for exploration, with well-maintained tracks and water-based activities monitored for visitors' safety.

Blue Pools of Haast

Beautiful Views: ★★★★☆

Reason: The Blue Pools are a hidden gem, offering crystal-clear waters and native beech forests.

Accessibility: ★★★☆☆

Route: Accessible by car along Haast Pass, the pools provide a peaceful stop amid a scenic drive.

Price: ★★★☆☆

Cost: There are no entry fees to visit the pools, making it a budget-friendly attraction.

Safety: ★★★☆☆

Safety: The Blue Pools are safe for exploration, with safety barriers and clear signages.

Conclusion

New Zealand's South Island is a treasure trove of natural wonders, offering a diverse range of attractions to suit all travelers. From stunning fjords and glaciers