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New Zealand South Island

Between alpine peaks, deep fjords, and turquoise mountain lakes: your guide to the South Island.

The 22places team
The founders of 22places
Who is 22places?
Kepler Track
  1. View of the lake in front of the snow-capped peaks of Mount Cook in New Zealand

    South Island Itinerary

  2. Totaranui Beach is also known as the Golden Beach

    Abel Tasman National Park

  3. The Waimakariri Lookout is a great vantage point

    Arthur's Pass

  4. Lighthouse at Nugget Point in the Catlins, New Zealand

    Catlins

  5. The Christchurch City Hotel is super modern

    Christchurch Hotel Tips

  6. Tunnel Beach is a great place for hiking

    Dunedin

  7. Ice tongue on Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand

    Franz Josef Glacier

  8. View of the bay of Kaikoura

    Kaikoura

  9. View of the Pelorus Sound in New Zealand

    Marlborough Sounds

  10. Milford Sound

    Milford Sound

  11. View of the lake in front of the snow-capped peaks of Mount Cook in New Zealand

    Mount Cook

  12. The Queenstown Gondola is the steepest cable car in the southern hemisphere

    Queenstown

  13. Te Anau Water

    Te Anau

  14. Coast at Cape Foulwind near Westport in New Zealand

    West Coast

Our Review of New Zealand's South Island

  1. Flair

    Spectacular landscapes around every corner — and a serious sense of adventure to match.

  2. Travel season

    November through March is the sweet spot for good weather. June through August brings skiers to the slopes.

  3. Travel duration

    Allow at least 14 days — the South Island is huge, and you'll want time to actually soak it in.

  4. Price level

    Costs add up quickly, especially for guided tours and outdoor activities. Budget generously.

  5. Food

    Don't leave without trying a New Zealand lamb roast — it's genuinely one of the best things you'll eat here.

  6. A campervan gives you the most freedom — without your own wheels, getting around is seriously tough.

Discover more highlights in New Zealand

  1. Piha Beach

    North Island

  2. Mountains, fields and sea in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand

    Northland

  3. Auckland by night

    Auckland

  4. Emerald Lakes

    Tongariro Crossing