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The Peters Pool Walk is a popular short walk located in the Franz Josef Glacier region on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It offers visitors an easy walk through lush native rainforest filled with ferns and towering trees. The walk  leads to a small reflective kettle lake that’s known for its mirror-like views of the Southern Alps and distant Franz Josef Glacier viewpoints. Formed by glacial meltwater, the pool is a perfect spot to pause, take photos, and experience the beauty of this unique alpine landscape. 

The Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki are one of New Zealand’s most famous coastal sights. They’re renowned for their dramatic, layered limestone formations that resemble stacked pancakes. Visitors also come to see the Punakaiki blowholes, where waves force seawater high into the air through natural rock chimneys, a spectacular natural show, especially at high tide. 

An easy, scenic 1.1 km loop walk guides visitors through lush coastal vegetation, offering multiple viewpoints and a close look at the layered formations. The trail is accessible for most fitness levels and is one of Paparoa National Park’s top attractions. 

Queen Charlotte Sound in New Zealand is a stunning part of the Marlborough Sounds, known for its calm, turquoise waters, forested hills, and secluded coves. Travellers visit to hike, kayak, and cruise through this natural playground, with activities suitable for all levels of adventure. 

The area is also home to the famous Queen Charlotte Track, a 72 km trail that offers some of New Zealand’s best coastal walking and biking. Along the way, walkers and bikers can explore lush native forest, remote beaches, and historic sites like Ship Cove where Captain Cook landed in the 1770s. 

Wildlife is another draw — keep an eye out for dolphins, fur seals, and a range of seabirds. The calm, sheltered waters also make it one of the best places in New Zealand for kayaking and leisurely boat tours. Whether you’re on foot, in a kayak, or cruising by boat, Queen Charlotte Sound offers a chance to experience the quieter, natural side of the South Island. 

Kahurangi National Park is one of New Zealand’s largest and most biodiverse protected areas. Covering nearly 500,000 hectares, it stretches from the rugged West Coast to the limestone karst landscapes of the Oparara Basin and the high alpine peaks around Mount Owen and Mount Arthur. 

Visitors come here for the chance to explore some of the country’s most spectacular wilderness. The park is known for its dramatic natural features: marble caves, dense forests, remote beaches, and limestone arches. A popular walk is  the legendary Heaphy Track, a 4–5 day journey through forest, river valleys, and coastal headlands. You can also tackle shorter scenic walks like the Mount Arthur Summit Track. Mountain bikers flock to the Old Ghost Road, a remote and rugged ride that’s become a bucket-list experience for experienced riders. 

Nature lovers also visit to see unique wildlife. The park is home to native birds like the great spotted kiwi, kaka, and whio (blue duck). Botanists and geology enthusiasts find plenty to explore too, with some of the most diverse plant life in the country and fascinating rock formations like those seen on Mount Owen Lord of the Rings filming locations. The combination of remoteness, varied landscapes, and rich ecology makes Kahurangi National Park a true wilderness destination. 

Located in the beautiful Marlborough region of New Zealand, Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve is a popular natural spot known for its easy walks, crystal-clear swimming holes, and peaceful forest surroundings.  

The Pelorus River itself has gained extra attention as a Hobbit filming location in New Zealand. Scenes for The Desolation of Smaug were shot in the gorge, adding to the area’s appeal for movie fans and nature lovers alike. Pelorus River kayaking tours are also a highlight, with guided paddles that let you glide through the same spectacular landscapes seen in the films. 

For many, the draw is simply to unwind and take in the scenery, whether that’s along one of the easy Pelorus Bridge walks or parked up and relaxing at the family-friendly Pelorus Bridge DOC campground. 

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is a unique aviation museum located in Blenheim on New Zealand’s South Island. It’s known for its world-class displays of rare WW1 and WW2 aircraft exhibits, brought to life in immersive, movie-quality dioramas.  

Visitors come to this Blenheim aviation museum to see some of the world’s rarest vintage aircraft displays, showcased in immersive displays that feel like movie sets. The museum’s two main exhibitions, the Knights of the Sky exhibition and the Dangerous Skies exhibition, were curated with input from Sir Peter Jackson and feature incredibly detailed dioramas and authentic artefacts. 

Alongside the aircraft, visitors enjoy a rich mix of storytelling, sound effects, and short films that capture the drama of flight in war and peacetime. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or just curious about history, the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is a must-see on any list of Blenheim aviation museum experiences.

Located in the picturesque alpine village of Hanmer Springs on New Zealand’s South Island, the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools offer a unique mix of relaxation and family-friendly fun. People visit to soak in the natural mineral waters that have made this spot famous for generations. Hanmer Springs’ hot pools are known for their soothing and therapeutic qualities, which can help ease stress and sore muscles. 

But it’s not just about relaxation. The complex also includes Hanmer Springs water slides and kids’ play areas, making it a great destination for families. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, the Hanmer Springs Day Spa and private pools offer tailored treatments and quiet spaces to unwind. All of this, surrounded by mountain views and fresh alpine air, makes Hanmer Springs one of the top South Island relaxation spots. 

The International Antarctic Centre is one of the most unique and immersive Christchurch attractions, offering a hands-on look into life on the frozen continent. Located just minutes from the airport, it’s a family-friendly, all-weather experience that combines education, adventure, and wildlife encounters — all under one roof. 

From braving the indoor –8 °C Storm Room to riding in a Hägglund all-terrain vehicle, this award-winning destination is a hit with both kids and adults. Visitors also come to see the rescued little blue penguins and learn about Antarctica’s fragile ecosystems. Whether you’re passing through or spending time in the city, it’s a must-stop on any Christchurch road trip. 

Whale Watch Kaikōura is New Zealand’s premier marine wildlife experience and the country’s only dedicated whale watching operator. Located on the South Island’s east coast, Kaikōura sits beside the deep Hikurangi Trench — a unique underwater canyon that attracts marine mammals year-round due to its nutrient-rich waters. 

The region is one of the few places in the world where sperm whales can be reliably seen close to shore in any season. Tours also frequently encounter dolphins, seals, and seabirds, with chances to spot rare migratory species depending on the time of year. Combined with a dramatic backdrop of ocean and mountains, Kaikōura whale watching is a top choice for nature and wildlife enthusiasts travelling through the South Island.