Picton / Marlborough Sounds
The ferry gateway with sheltered sounds and access to coastal walking and boating.
Explore the Picton travel guide →New Zealand destination collection
Explore the South Island
Connect alpine towns, turquoise lakes, glacier valleys, wildlife coastlines and Fiordland scenery with practical guides for each major stop.
South Island travel guides
Choose a destination for attractions, transport options, realistic planning times, accommodation ideas, safety notes and frequently asked travel questions.
Nelson / Abel Tasman
Sunny coastal scenery, creative culture and access to Abel Tasman National Park.
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Kaikōura
Marine wildlife, mountain-backed coastline and fresh seafood north of Christchurch.
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Christchurch
The South Island’s main gateway, with gardens and access to alpine road trips.
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Lake Tekapo
Turquoise lake scenery, dark-sky stargazing and alpine road-trip views.
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Aoraki / Mount Cook
New Zealand’s highest mountain, alpine walks, glacier valleys and clear night skies.
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Queenstown
An alpine lakeside town known for adventure, scenery, vineyards and day trips.
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Wānaka
A relaxed lakeside base for mountain walks, family attractions and ski fields.
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Franz Josef Glacier
West Coast rainforest, glacier views and a remote alpine atmosphere.
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Dunedin
Heritage architecture and exceptional wildlife on the Otago Peninsula.
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Invercargill / Southland
A southern base for heritage, gardens, the Catlins and Stewart Island connections.
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Milford Sound / Piopiotahi
A Fiordland destination of sheer peaks, waterfalls, wildlife and scenic cruises.
Explore the Milford Sound guide →Allow for distance and changing conditions
South Island routes can involve long drives, alpine passes and rapidly changing weather. Check live road conditions, forecasts, track alerts and operator schedules before departure.