New Zealand's South Island

New Zealand’s South Island is where you will find the country’s dramatic mountains and glaciers. It’s a paradise for hikers and those who are seeking adventure in nature.

Regions of New Zealand's South Island

Quick Resources to Plan Your Trip to New Zealand

Itineraries to Help You Plan Your Trip to New Zealand's South Island (By Region)

All New Zealand's South Island Travel Guides + Articles

The exterior of a restaurant in a sunny New Zealand - best New Zealand restaurants

Best New Zealand Restaurants by Region: Blueprint Recommendations

We researched hundreds of restaurants over the months that we visited New Zealand. This list is the best New Zealand restaurants to us.

A road along a beautiful coastline full of cliffs and forests and a good example of where you may consider is New Zealand safe when it comes to driving

Is New Zealand Safe? Yes, But Consider Some of These Aspects…

Is New Zealand safe to visit? Absolutely, but consider these various things regarding hiking, driving, camping, etc. Read more to find out.

New Zealand Food and Drinks

New Zealand food and drinks that you should try and where to try them while visiting the North and South Island to dive into local culture.

The Best Beaches of New Zealand

A list of some of the best beaches of New Zealand, based on their sand, their isolation, their location, their water, etc. for your next vacation.

A room full of wooden barrels in one of the wine regions in New Zealand

The Wine Regions in New Zealand that You Can’t Miss

The wine regions in New Zealand and some different wineries and restaurants worth exploring while visiting the North and South Islands

A ferry that takes people and cars between the North Island and South Island of the New Zealand Islands

The South Island vs North Island of New Zealand… Which Is Better?

A breakdown of the South Island vs North Island, New Zealand, their similarities and differences, and the value they add to your vacation.

Two people sitting in a hot tub fed by one of the hot springs of New Zealand overlooking a mountain

The Best Thermal Baths and Hot Springs of New Zealand

Thermal baths and hot springs of New Zealand throughout the country, ranging from free locations to luxurious experiences to relax.

The Top Day Hikes of New Zealand

The best day hikes of New Zealand. They are located throughout the country, vary in difficulty and will take you to a variety of landscapes.

A large gold ring on a hill in front of a field used as one of the Lord of the Rings filming locations

The Best Lord of the Rings Filming Locations in New Zealand

Fourteen of the most recognizable Lord of the Rings filming locations around New Zealand, including the background information you need.

A road leading to a large snow-capped mountain surrounded by grassland in the South Island of New Zealand

The Top 10 Things to Do in New Zealand

After traveling around the country for 3 months, these are the top 10 things to do in New Zealand. Let this list inspire you for your trip.

A boat anchored in a bay with turquoise water and surounded by white sand beaches and tropical forests - things to do in abel tasman national park

Things To Do in Abel Tasman National Park: Day Walks, Kayaking, and More

An itinerary to explore the things to do in Abel Tasman National Park throughout a weekend, by hiking, kayaking, sun bathing, or all three.

The top of a glacier flowing through mountains as seen from a helicopter on the West Coast of New Zealand

The Best West Coast of New Zealand Road Trip

An itinerary of the things to do along the West Coast of New Zealand and how to best enjoy the amazing views of the underrated region.

Pointy mountains over a lake - Fiordland National Park Te Anau to Milford Sound

Te Anau to Milford Sound: the Best 3 Days in Fiordland National Park

An itinerary to best explore Fiordland National Park from Te Anau to Milford Sound and why you should spend a few days in the national park.

An enormous mountain looming over a road between Queenstown and Christchurch

Queenstown to Christchurch Road Trip: A Stop by Stop Itinerary

An itinerary of the places to stop on a Queenstown to Christchurch road trip including in Wanaka, Mount Cook, and Lake Tekapo.

A gondola going over a town that can be done on your Queenstown itinerary

A Concise 3 Day Queenstown Itinerary to See All the Highlights

A Queenstown itinerary that highlights the top things to do including the landscapes, adventure activities, opportunities to relax, hikes and more.

Rocks jutting out of the ocean in the Catlins

The Catlins: A 1-Day Itinerary to Go Between Dunedin and Invercargill

An itinerary with all the stops between Dunedin and Invercargill to experience the Catlins on the Southern Scenic Route worth checking out.