7 best places to visit in New Zealand South Island

This 7 best places to visit in New Zealand South Island list was SO hard to narrow down. New Zealand is unlike any place we’ve ever been and is full of natural beauty (and good wine!) We spent a week on the South Island in January and here are our favorites!

7 best place to visit in New Zealand South Island

Hokitika Gorge

New Zealand is home to some of the bluest water in the world, and some of that water can be found at Hokitika Gorge. This was my favorite stop in all of New Zealand, making it the number one on my list of best places to visit in New Zealand. The short and easy walk leads you to beautiful suspension bridges and rock formations for you to take in the views. A must visit!

Castle Hill

Castle Hill is comprised of hundreds of limestone rocks that jut out of the hillside in the Canterbury region of the South Island. It looks cool from far away, but it’s a must to get out of the car and get up close! We spent at least an hour wandering around the rocks and climbing around. They’re so massive!

Diamond Lake Rocky Mountain Hike

New Zealand has some of the best hiking in the world, so a true hike is a must! The Diamond Lake Rocky Mountain track can be done in 3 hours (or less depending on your turnaround point) and gives you amazing views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountain ranges. Plus, it’s not as crowded as it’s neighbor, Roy’s Peak. No waiting in line to take summit photos here!

Devils Punchbowl Waterfall

Devil’s Punchbowl waterfall falls 131 meters from the top into the canyon below. The track leading to the falls lookout point starts by giving you great views of the waterfall from far away while you cross picturesque bridges over the canyon. It’s a quick track but if full of stairs, so be prepared!

Queenstown Hill

Queenstown itself is a great town to visit, but we found ourselves liking Wanaka much better. A much smaller town with great food and shops. ANYWAY, if you do find yourself in Queenstown a great hike is Queenstown Hill. This track takes 2 hours round trip, is located in an alpine forest with amazing views of Queenstown, but can definitely be a difficult hike at times. Not sure why they call it a hill!

Lake Pukaki

Another great spot to gaze at the blue glacial water in New Zealand is Lake Pukaki. This lake is huge and stunning with Mount Cook as a backdrop. We pulled over on the side of the road and walked right up to the lake. For a more secluded option, keep driving to a point that’s not near a rest stop and you’ll have it all to yourself!

Pegasus Bay Winery

We’re big wine lovers so I can’t write a “best places to visit in New Zealand” post without mentioning our favorite winery. Pegasus Bay is located near Christchurch in the North Canterbury region of New Zealand. Tastings in their cellar door are $10 per person but included if you’re dining in the restaurant or if you buy a bottle. We sipped wine in the gardens and even took a stroll in the on site nature walk. It’s like a dream!