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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. 

Eglinton Valley is one of the most scenic highlights on the Te Anau to Milford Sound drive, offering a dramatic introduction to the landscapes of Fiordland National Park. This glacially carved valley is framed by towering alpine peaks, ancient beech forests, and sweeping tussock grasslands – a perfect example of the wild beauty that defines South Island New Zealand. 

Visitors often pause here to take photos of the expansive scenery, stretch their legs on short walking tracks, or spot native birds such as kea and tui. As one of the first major stops along the Milford Sound road trip, Eglinton Valley is not only a scenic highlight but also a natural gateway into Fiordland’s rugged interior. 

The Moeraki Boulders are one of the most striking and accessible unusual rock formations New Zealand has to offer. Scattered along Koekohe Beach on the Otago coast, these large, spherical boulders seem to emerge straight from the sand. Some measure over two metres wide, and their smooth, cracked surfaces have become a favourite subject for photographers and geology enthusiasts alike. 

Visitors are drawn by both the natural wonder and the peaceful setting — the site is part of a popular Moeraki Boulders day trip from Dunedin or Oamaru and makes a rewarding stop on any South Island campervan road trip. There’s also a good chance of spotting coastal wildlife like seabirds and New Zealand fur seals nearby. 

Nugget Point is one of the most dramatic and photogenic stops along the Catlins New Zealand coastline. The site is best known for its clifftop Nugget Point Lighthouse, perched high above the Pacific Ocean with sweeping views over scattered rocky islets — the ‘nuggets’ that give the point its name. 

Travellers come for the scenery, but many also visit to see some of New Zealand’s special animals. Some Willdlife at Nugget Point you might spot include New Zealand fur seals, sea lions, and seabirds such as sooty shearwaters and spoonbills. During spring, you might be lucky enough to see penguins or seal pups. Add in an easy, scenic walk and it’s clear why Nugget Point is one of the top South Island NZ attractions.