New Zealand's South Island is basically a greatest-hits album of jaw-dropping landscapes and outdoor adventures. You've got Queenstown bringing the energy as the adventure capital, where bungy jumps, lake views, and après-ski vibes all collide. Up north, Abel Tasman slows things right down with golden beaches, turquoise water, and coastal walks that feel almost unreal. Then there's Kaikoura, where mountains tumble straight into the sea and you can spot whales, dolphins, and seals before grabbing some seriously good seafood. Big views, big personality, and plenty of 'how is this real' moments, the South Island absolutely delivers.
Queenstown, Wanaka & Central Otago
Queenstown is New Zealand’s adventure capital, spectacularly set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and framed by the dramatic Remarkables mountain range. Known for its high-energy atmosphere and world-class scenery, Queenstown blends adrenaline-fuelled experiences with refined luxury.
Wanaka offers a more relaxed, nature-focused counterpart to Queenstown, centred around its crystal-clear lake and sweeping mountain vistas.Clients will love the lakeside walks, hiking and biking trails, access to Mount Aspiring National Park, and iconic sights like the famous Wanaka Tree.
Central Otago, encompassing historic Arrowtown and sun-soaked Cromwell, is a region rich in gold-mining heritage, vineyards, and wide open landscapes. Arrowtown charms with preserved heritage streets, boutique shopping, and autumn colours, while Cromwell sits at the heart of the region’s fruit orchards and wineries.
Highlights of Queenstown, Wanaka and Central Otago:
- Cruise on the TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu
- Jump on the Skyline Gondola and enjoy panoramic mountain views
- Get the classic picture in front of the famous Wanaka Tree!
- Wine tasting in the world class Pinot Noir wineries
- Scenic cycle trails along the Old Rail Trail, taking in the region's gold-mining history.
Perfect for:
- Adventure seekers: adrenaline sports and alpine activities year-round
Luxury travellers: premium lodges, fine dining, heli-experiences, and spa retreats - Wine enthusiasts: cellar doors, vineyard lunches, and boutique producers
- Culture & history lovers: heritage towns and local storytelling.
Fiordland
Fiordland National Park is one of New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring wilderness regions, a vast and dramatic landscape of towering mountains, deep glacial fiords, ancient rainforest, and cascading waterfalls. Located in the far southwest of the South Island, Fiordland feels remote, raw, and profoundly beautiful. This UNESCO World Heritage–listed area is defined by its scale and sense of untouched nature, offering some of the most iconic scenery in the country.
At the heart of the region are Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, two of New Zealand’s most celebrated natural wonders. Milford Sound is famous for its sheer granite cliffs, waterfalls, and easy accessibility, while Doubtful Sound offers a quieter, more immersive experience, reachable only by boat and surrounded by deep silence. Beyond the fiords, Fiordland is home to legendary hiking trails, hidden lakes, and wildlife found nowhere else on earth.
Highlights of Fiordland:
- Unmissable cruises on Milford Sound, trying to spot dolphins, the Fiordland Crested Penguin and the Blue Penguin
- An overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound where clients can experience
- The famous Great Walks such as the Milford, Routeburn and Kepler tracks
- A helicopter flight to experience the scale and majesty of Fiordland from above.
- Head up to Cape Reinga, the northernmost tip of NZ and learn about the M?ori cultural significance the location holds.
Perfect for:
- Nature lovers: this is New Zealand turned up to the max!
- Hikers & adventurers: bucket-list walks and unforgettable outdoor experiences.
- Couples & photographers: moody skies, reflections, and unreal scenery.
- Premium experience seekers: scenic flights, private cruises, and remote lodges done properly.
- Anyone wanting to unplug: no rush, no noise, just pure wilderness.
West Coast
New Zealand’s West Coast is one of those places that quietly blows you away. It’s wild, a little rough around the edges, and proudly does things its own way. The road hugs the Tasman Sea, rainforests spill right down to the coast, and the weather changes on a whim which is all part of the charm. Life moves slower here, and the landscapes do most of the talking.
From the glacier towns of Franz Josef and Fox, where ice flows out of the Southern Alps into lush rainforest, to the remote stretches around Haast, and on to the laid-back coastal centres of Greymouth and Westport, the West Coast is all about big scenery, honest hospitality, and feeling properly away from it all. It’s not flashy, and it doesn’t try to be and that’s exactly why people fall for it.
Highlights of the West Coast:
- Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers, with guided glacier walks and epic heli-hikes
- Scenic rainforest walks and mirror-like lakes such as Lake Matheson
- The wild coastal drive through Haast Pass, linking mountains to sea
- Rugged beaches, blowholes, and limestone formations near Greymouth and Westport
- Gold-mining history, small-town charm, and proper West Coast hospitality
Perfect for:
- Curious explorers: travellers who enjoy discovering places that feel real, unscripted, and a bit under the radar
- Slow travellers: those happy to take their time, stop often, and let the journey be just as good as the destination
- Road-trip lovers: long coastal drives, empty beaches, and scenic pull-offs that beg for 'just one more stop'
- Nature-first travellers: people who’d rather be outside than ticking off attractions, whatever the weather’s doing
- Repeat New Zealand visitors: ideal for those who’ve done the highlights and want to see a different side of the country.
Canterbury
The Canterbury region is where New Zealand’s big landscapes really come into their own. From the open plains and creative energy of Christchurch to the wildlife-rich coastline of Kaikoura, the journey is already a good one, but it’s the alpine heart of the region that truly steals the show.
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is home to the country’s highest peak and some of its most iconic mountain scenery. Snow-capped summits, glacial valleys, and easy-access walking tracks make it a standout for anyone wanting that classic South Island wow factor without needing mountaineering experience. Just down the road, Lake Tekapo delivers a completely different kind of magic, with its unreal turquoise colour by day and some of the darkest, clearest night skies in the world after dark. Between lakeside walks, stargazing, and soaking in hot pools with mountain views, it’s a place that invites you to slow right down.
Together, Tekapo and Mount Cook form the scenic backbone of Canterbury: dramatic, peaceful, and unforgettable.
Highlights of Canterbury:
- Whale watching in Kaikoura, with sightings possible year-round
- Walk the Hooker Valley Track for front-row views of Aoraki / Mount Cook
- Stargaze in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve
- Soak in Tekapo’s hot pools with lake and mountain views
- Explore Christchurch by bike, tram, or along the Avon River.
Perfect for:
- First-time South Island visitors: a brilliant introduction to New Zealand’s landscapes in one region.
- Wildlife lovers: whales, seals, dolphins, and seabirds all in easy reach
- Scenery chasers: alpine peaks, turquoise lakes, and wide-open views at every turn
- Easy road-trippers: well-paced drives with big rewards and plenty of stop-off highlights.
- Travellers who like variety: city, coast, mountains, and night skies, no need to choose just one.
Marlborough & Abel Tasman National Park
The Abel Tasman and Marlborough region is where the pace slows, the colours get brighter, and life starts revolving around sunshine, sea views, and good food and wine. At the top of the South Island, this region feels easy-going and outdoorsy, coupled with being the sunniest place in New Zealand, days feel long and unhurried.
Abel Tasman National Park is the star when it comes to coastal scenery. Golden-sand beaches, clear turquoise water, and native bush right down to the shoreline make it one of New Zealand’s most approachable national parks. It’s all about getting out on the water or the trails: kayaking between bays, walking sections of the coastal track, or simply beach-hopping by boat.
Just down the road, Marlborough brings a different flavour, trading beaches for rolling vineyards and relaxed rural landscapes. Best known for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, the region is also about long lunches, cellar doors, and soaking up the sunshine at a slower pace. Between the Sounds, the wineries, and the coast, Marlborough is easy to love and hard to leave!
Highlights of Marlborough and Abel Tasman National Park:
- Abel Tasman National Park, with golden beaches, coastal walks, and clear, calm seas
- Kayaking and boat access to secluded bays and inlets
- The Abel Tasman Coast Track, perfect for day walks or multi-day hikes
- Marlborough wine region, home to some of New Zealand’s best-known vineyards
- The Marlborough Sounds, with sheltered waterways, walking tracks, and coastal lodges.
Perfect for:
- Sun-seekers: one of the warmest, brightest corners of the country
- Outdoor lovers: swimming, kayaking, walking, and coastal exploring made easy
- Food & wine fans: fresh seafood, vineyard lunches, and standout Sauvignon Blanc
- Couples & friends: relaxed days, great scenery, and easy-going vibes.
Practical Information for Agents
Driving Tips
Driving in the South Island is offers some of the most incredible views in the world, with numerous viewpoints dotted along the roads. The roads can be twisty and mountainous, so be sure to tell clients to leave extra time to get to their final destination. Some roads may give way to gravel, and some may be closed if there are slips/obstructions, so it is advisable for clients to check the New Zealand Transport Agency website before travelling.
Christchurch → Kaikoura: 2.5 hours
Christchurch → Lake Tekapo: 3 hours
Tekapo → Mount Cook: 1.5 hours
Wanaka → Queenstown: 1 hour
Queenstown → Milford Sound: 4 hours
Queenstown → Greymouth: 7 hours
Greymouth → Nelson: 4 hours
Nelson → Abel Tasman National Park: 1 hour
Nelson → Marlborough wine region: 1.5 hours
Need To Know
Landscape-led experiences
The South Island is all about dramatic, natural scenery, and client itineraries can be based around what would best suit your clients. From the mountains of Fiordland to the beaches of Abel Tasman, the South Island has a landscape to suit every client. Just find out what their preferences are we we can help you with the rest!
Mobile Service
Mobile signal can be patchy at times in remote areas of the South Island, and it is recommended to take a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) if going hiking, even on well-marked trails. If emergency services are needed, call 111.
Booking Advice
It is crucial to book popular locations such as Queenstown, and limited space activities such as Great Walks, early, especially during peak season. Famous day trips Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and helicopter experiences will all sell out fast in summer so it pays to lock clients' dates in to confirm booking.
When To Travel
December to February
Shoulder
March to May & September to November
The shoulder seasons are an excellent time to experience the South Island, offering fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures and strong value. Autumn (March–May) is known for settled weather, golden landscapes and vivid autumn colours, particularly in Central Otago, making it ideal for touring, hiking and food and wine experiences. Spring (September–November) brings fresh alpine scenery, flowing waterfalls and blooming gardens, with snow still visible on mountain peaks. These months suit travellers looking for scenic beauty, flexibility and a more relaxed pace.
Off-peak
June to August
Winter in the South Island brings colder temperatures and snow to alpine regions, creating a distinct seasonal experience. This is peak ski season in areas such as Queenstown, Wanaka and Mt Hutt, while non-skiing regions offer a quieter atmosphere and dramatic winter scenery. Some alpine roads and experiences may be weather dependent, but winter is ideal for travellers seeking snow landscapes, cosy lodge stays and fewer crowds outside ski hotspots.
Unique Selling Points
Big landscapes, unforgettable experiences: The South Island packs in some of the most jaw-dropping scenery on the planet: towering mountains, glassy lakes, wild coastlines and iconic fiords, all within surprisingly easy reach of each other. It’s a destination where almost every drive delivers a wow moment, making it easy for clients to experience huge variety without feeling rushed.
One of the world's best road trip destinations: The South Island was made for self-drive. Quiet roads, epic alpine passes and constant scenic pull-overs mean the journey is just as memorable as the places clients are heading to. With short walks, viewpoints and lakeside towns dotted along the way, it’s an easy sell for travellers who love freedom, flexibility and a great roadie.
Laid-back luxury: Whether it’s a lakeside lodge, a scenic cruise, a wildlife encounter or a standout winery lunch, the South Island does premium experiences without the fuss. Clients get world-class adventures, top-notch food and wine, and a relaxed pace, all wrapped up in landscapes that feel wonderfully remote but effortlessly comfortable.
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