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You are here: Home / Archives for Travel / New Zealand / South Island

South Island

New Zealand’s South Island lives up to its reputation for magnificent scenery, wide-open landscapes, and for being a photographer’s paradise. Waterfalls, glaciers, fjords, wine growing regions, ski slopes, and reflective lakes are just the beginning.

The wildlife on the South Island contains many endemic and endangered bird species. Take it slow, and enjoy every minute of this magical land sometimes referred to as Middle Earth.

The main cities of the South Island include Christchurch, Dunedin, and Queenstown. While they are each exciting in their own right, we like to also explore those areas a bit off the beaten path. The good news is that wherever you go on New Zealand’s southern island, it will be wonderful.

If you love New Zealand and want to discuss it with other travellers or residents, join our Facebook group: Explore New Zealand and share travel tips, stories, photos, or just ask questions.

Enjoy our South Island of New Zealand-based articles:

The road to Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park as part of a Christchurch to Queenstown road trip in New Zealand

Christchurch to Queenstown Road Trip Itinerary (Optional Wellington Start)

Read moreChristchurch to Queenstown Road Trip Itinerary (Optional Wellington Start)
Things to do in Queenstown in the winter

Things to do in Queenstown in the Winter in Addition to Skiing

Read moreThings to do in Queenstown in the Winter in Addition to Skiing
Photographing the Wanaka tree is one of the most popular things to do in Wanaka New Zealand

Things to do in Wanaka New Zealand: Most Free or with 2022 Discounts

Read moreThings to do in Wanaka New Zealand: Most Free or with 2022 Discounts
Mitre Peak seen from an overnight Milford Sound cruise at Freshwater Basin

An Epic Overnight Milford Sound Cruise – Spectacular Photo Opportunities

Read moreAn Epic Overnight Milford Sound Cruise – Spectacular Photo Opportunities
Doubtful Sound New Zealand seen from the water

Dinner Harvested from the Mysterious Doubtful Sound, New Zealand

Read moreDinner Harvested from the Mysterious Doubtful Sound, New Zealand
A dirt road leading to the mountain as part of several New Zealand road trips

New Zealand Road Trips: Itineraries for North or South Island Adventures

Read moreNew Zealand Road Trips: Itineraries for North or South Island Adventures
Waterfront walkway in sunny Nelson New Zealand

Things to Do in Nelson: Geographical Centre of New Zealand

Read moreThings to Do in Nelson: Geographical Centre of New Zealand
Beach seen through the trees on a section of the Rakiura Track from Port William to Lee Bay. This is one of New Zealand's great walks

A Three Day Stewart Island Itinerary: NZ’s Ecotourism, Kiwi, and Hiking

Read moreA Three Day Stewart Island Itinerary: NZ’s Ecotourism, Kiwi, and Hiking
Franz Josef glacier heli hike

How to See New Zealand Glaciers: Franz Josef, Fox, & Tasman (Mt. Cook)

Read moreHow to See New Zealand Glaciers: Franz Josef, Fox, & Tasman (Mt. Cook)
Monroe Beach, one of the stops along a west coast New Zealand South Island Road Trip

NZ South Island Road Trip: Queenstown to Nelson (West Coast)

Read moreNZ South Island Road Trip: Queenstown to Nelson (West Coast)
Yellow-eyed penguin at Katiki Lighthouse in New Zealand

Katiki Point Lighthouse & Other Spots to See Yellow-Eyed Penguins in NZ

Read moreKatiki Point Lighthouse & Other Spots to See Yellow-Eyed Penguins in NZ
Purakaunui Falls, a multi level cascading waterfall in the Catlins, Southland New Zealand

Discover the Catlins: A New Zealand Rainforest Along the Southern Coast

Read moreDiscover the Catlins: A New Zealand Rainforest Along the Southern Coast
One of the views from the Taieri Gorge Train, a Dunedin railways adventure on the South Island of New Zealand

South Island Road Trip: Dunedin to Christchurch in New Zealand

Read moreSouth Island Road Trip: Dunedin to Christchurch in New Zealand
Lake Tekapo New Zealand

Things to Do in Lake Tekapo: Scenic Days and Stargazing Nights

Read moreThings to Do in Lake Tekapo: Scenic Days and Stargazing Nights
Looking back at Hokitika Gorge from the hiking trail

Hokitika Gorge and Other Cool Things to Do in Hokitika New Zealand

Read moreHokitika Gorge and Other Cool Things to Do in Hokitika New Zealand
Avon river in Christchurch New Zealand

Things to Do in Christchurch – New Zealand’s Oldest City Vibrantly Rebuilt

Read moreThings to Do in Christchurch – New Zealand’s Oldest City Vibrantly Rebuilt
A View from the top of the Christchurch gondola on Mount Cavendish in New Zealand

Christchurch Gondola for Panoramic Views and Hiking

Read moreChristchurch Gondola for Panoramic Views and Hiking
Cookie Monster street art is just one example of fun Christchurch Street Art

Christchurch Street Art Uplifts NZ’s Post-Quake City

Read moreChristchurch Street Art Uplifts NZ’s Post-Quake City
Punting on the Avon in Christchurch New Zealand

Punting on the Avon: A Fun Way to Enjoy Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Read morePunting on the Avon: A Fun Way to Enjoy Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Orana Wildlife Park Lion Encounter

Christchurch Zoo: Lion, Rhino and Other Wildlife Encounters at Orana Park

Read moreChristchurch Zoo: Lion, Rhino and Other Wildlife Encounters at Orana Park
Things to do in Oamaru New Zealand

Things to Do in Oamaru: Discover a Victorian Era, Steampunk & Penguins

Read moreThings to Do in Oamaru: Discover a Victorian Era, Steampunk & Penguins
St. Pauls Cathedral at night in Dunedin New Zealand

25 Things to Do in Dunedin New Zealand and their Unique Claims to Fame

Read more25 Things to Do in Dunedin New Zealand and their Unique Claims to Fame
Family suite in the Distinction Hotel Dunedin New Zealand

Distinction Hotel Dunedin Review: Sleeping in Luxury in New Zealand

Read moreDistinction Hotel Dunedin Review: Sleeping in Luxury in New Zealand
Borrowed scenery at the Dunedin Chinese Garden New Zealand

Dunedin Chinese Garden: Authentic Tranquil Beauty

Read moreDunedin Chinese Garden: Authentic Tranquil Beauty
Northern Royal Albatross in flight with the Taiaroa Head Lighthouse in the Background. Photo Credit: Chris McCormack

Royal Albatross Centre: We Saw Tiny Penguins and Huge Seabirds

Read moreRoyal Albatross Centre: We Saw Tiny Penguins and Huge Seabirds
Moeraki Boulders at the turn of the tide on the South Island of New Zealand

Moeraki Boulders – Legend or Science: Can you solve this NZ Mystery?

Read moreMoeraki Boulders – Legend or Science: Can you solve this NZ Mystery?
Taieri Gorge Railway passing over a bridge on the South Island of New Zealand

Our Taieri Gorge Railway Adventure Starting From Dunedin Railway Station

Read moreOur Taieri Gorge Railway Adventure Starting From Dunedin Railway Station
Buried trees in a swamp at Ship Creek New Zealand

Ship Creek New Zealand: Swamp Forest and Dunes on the West Coast

Read moreShip Creek New Zealand: Swamp Forest and Dunes on the West Coast
Fiordland Crested Penguin on Monroe Beach in New Zealand

Monro Beach Walk – Spotting a Fiordland Crested Penguin in New Zealand

Read moreMonro Beach Walk – Spotting a Fiordland Crested Penguin in New Zealand

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