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Oceania, Travel Guides · December 18, 2019

12 Places to Visit in South Island, New Zealand

New Zealand: a country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean comprised of the North Island, the South Island and 600 smaller islands. And it’s breathtakingly beautiful.

Although the North and South Island are physically quite close to each other (just an hour’s plane ride away or three hours on a ferry), they’re actually rather different.

The North Island is known for its national parks, captivating cities and volcanic activity. Then there’s the South Island, which is championed for its mountains, lakes and glaciers. 

I’m fortunate enough to have visited the Land of the Long White Cloud twice now. During my first trip, I took a Stray bus tour around the North and South Islands for four weeks. My second time visiting is as a year-long resident on the working holiday visa – and the fun isn’t over yet!

Having recently moved to Wellington from Queenstown and travelling around the area, these are the best places to visit in South Island, New Zealand, in my humble opinion.

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1. Queenstown

Places to visit in South Island, New Zealand 101: Queenstown.

With the majestic Remarkables mountains as a backdrop, this mid-sized town sits on the edge of Lake Wakatipu and is complete #ViewGoals.

From wine tasting and hiking to stargazing and bungee jumping, there are a lot of activities on offer in Queenstown. These activities, coupled with the amazing scenery, is what continues to draw in tourists from around the globe.

And once you’ve been there yourself, you can totally understand why.

Life Milestones

2. Wanaka

About an hour’s drive from Queenstown sits a cute town on Lake Wanaka called (you guessed it) Wanaka.

Essentially, I like to call in Queenstown’s little sister because the scenery looks very similar even though the town itself is smaller.

That said, you’d be forgiven for thinking that there isn’t as much to do because of its size. In fact, from walking to the Blue Pools and #ThatWanakaTree to visiting Puzzling World and sunbathing on the beach, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Lake Wanaka

3. Glenorchy/Paradise

Another of the top places to visit in South Island, New Zealand is Glenorchy. Drive an hour through the mountains from Queenstown towards the northern end of Lake Wakatipu and you’ll stumble across this charismatic little town.

Sure, there’s not a whole lot to do there apart from eat brunch and walk to the lakefront. But what you will do is stare at snow-capped mountains for a while – and be unable to erase them from your memory because they’re THAT perfect.

From Glenorchy, you can also venture to Paradise on the edge of Mount Aspiring National Park. It’s one of the most stunning drives I’ve ever taken in my life and NOT to be missed.

Places to Visit in South Island New Zealand

4. Milford Sound

Also accessible from Queenstown, Milford Sound is a fiord in the southwest of the South Island that is praised for its sheer untouched beauty.

From Milford Sound’s mirror-like lakes to the towering peaks of the Fiordland National Park, this whole area has to be one of the most spectacular places I’ve ever seen in my life.

Taking a cruise around the fiords is actually one of the main tourist attractions in New Zealand. And believe me, it certainly lives up to the hype.

Milford Sound Cruise

5. Mount Cook

Situated near the town of Twizel, Mount Cook Village lies within the heart of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. And without a doubt, it’s one of the top places to visit in South Island, New Zealand.

Why? Well, it’s a hybrid of rock, ice and rugged terrain, which makes for some very interesting hikes.

Even if you don’t like walking, you’ll still fall in love with Mount Cook from the comfort of your car. Thanks to its incredible scenery, it’s a must-do for all ages.

Tasman Valley Walk

6. Dunedin

This southeast coastal city has an abundance of shops, Victorian and Edwardian architecture and culinary delights.

Then if you venture a little further out of the CBD, you’ll find the quiet countryside of Otago Peninsula and The Royal Albatross Centre (where you can spot seals and birds aplenty).

Personally, I thought Dunedin was super underrated compared to the other cities on this list and I just don’t understand why. It really is great.

Otago Peninsula

7. Stewart Island

Situated 30km from Bluff off the southern coast across the Foveaux Strait, Stewart Island was my favourite out of all the places to visit in South Island, New Zealand.

Its main town of Oban might only have 400 residents, but this is all part of its charm.

Incredibly intimate yet bursting with diverse landscapes, walking trails and multicultural travellers, I’ll always remember my 24 hours in Stewart Island. I fell in love. Hard.

Places to Visit in South Island New Zealand

8. Franz Josef

Another highlight of the South Island is Franz Josef where I got to do something I never thought I’d do – climb a glacier!

The town of Franz Josef itself is very small with little to do as the idea is that you go there purely to check out the alpine environment.

From scenic flights in planes and helicopters to hikes on and surrounding the glacier, Franz Josef provides a super unique experience that it’s difficult to get anywhere else in the world.

Franz Josef Glacier

9. Christchurch

Don’t listen to the travellers who tell you to skip Christchurch because it was actually one of my favourite places to visit in South Island, New Zealand.

From the Bridge of Remembrance and the earthquake memorials to punting on Avon River and checking out the shops at Cashell Mall, there’s so much to do and see in the largest city on the South Island.

And there’s a reason why it’s referred to as “The Garden City.” North Hagel Park and the Botanical Gardens are simply gorgeous.

Christchurch

10. Rangitata

I ticked off Rangitata during my Stray bus tour of New Zealand in 2014 where I had the opportunity to do a horse ride at Peel Forest.

Do you like Lord of the Rings? Then Rangitata should be on your must-see list. After all, this area featured as Rohan in the film trilogy.

On the Peel Forest horse ride, I trekked through the rainforest, up and down rocky terrain, through the river and back again – all with the mesmerising snowy mountains as my backdrop. It was an unbelievable experience, to say the least!

Places to Visit in South Island New Zealand

11. Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a tiny coastal town on the South Island of New Zealand famous for its fish and chips, abundant wildlife and present sperm whale population.

In fact, its many whale-watching activities are why the majority of tourists stop off there. Having done a whale-watching boat trip myself, I can confirm that it’s well worth it!

You can also do the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway for the picturesque views and seal-spotting. However, make sure you don’t linger in this town if you like to be kept busy.

Places to Visit in South Island New Zealand

12. Nelson/Abel Tasman

Finally, my last recommendation in terms of the best places to visit in South Island, New Zealand is Nelson.

Nelson is like a mini Wellington (where I’m currently living) and I love it! It has houses in its hills, wonderful parks (like Queen’s Gardens) and astonishing viewpoints (hello, The Centre of New Zealand). Plus, there’s a HEAVENLY beach called Tahunanui.

From Nelson, you can also venture to Abel Tasman National Park. This wilderness reserve at the north end of the South Island is famous for its coastal trail that winds over beaches and across ridges. And needless to say, it’s rather pretty!

Places to Visit in South Island New Zealand

Ticking Off Places to Visit in South Island, New Zealand

There’s so much diversity and divine scenery on the South Island of New Zealand, which is why many people prefer it to the North Island. That said, the entire country has a lot to offer.

Whether you’re heading to New Zealand as part of a larger backpacking adventure or just want to drop by on your annual leave, one thing’s for sure: you won’t regret going.

After all, there’s a reason why so many tourists come for a holiday and never return to their home countries.

Have you been to the Land of the Long White Cloud? What are your top places to visit in South Island, New Zealand? Let me know in the comments!

Katie Davies

Katie Davies is the Yorkshire-based freelance writer who founded Trendy Tourist. Since 2017, she has written for over 100 companies on a range of subjects, from fashion to marketing. When she’s not producing content, you can find her shopping, exploring a new place or sitting somewhere having a cup of builder’s tea.

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Posted By: Katie Davies · In: Oceania, Travel Guides

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MORE AIRPORT LOOKS ✨ …that are comfy yet styl MORE AIRPORT LOOKS ✨
…that are comfy yet stylish!
1. Jumpsuit Queen
(For those who want to feel like they can breathe and move comfortably on the go while looking super chic for summer)
2. Cute and Cool
(Featuring an on-trend co-ord for sleek airplane style that you can effortlessly throw together)
3. Modern Simplicity
(A contemporary update on the jeans-and-a-tee classic clothing uniform ideal for travelling, with key pieces like the shacket and jeggings) 
Which one would you wear? 1, 2 or 3?
All products shown are in stock right now! I’ve linked them via my LTK shop but I’ll also link them in my Story for you guys. 🔗
Copy and paste this @shop.ltk in your browser: https://liketk.it/3Im8t 💕
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Current bottomless brunch uniform: an oversized sh Current bottomless brunch uniform: an oversized shirt, high-waisted jeans and square-toed strappy heels. 💃🏼
This is basically the 2022 version of “jeans and a nice top” — comfortable and practical for a long day/evening out but still contemporary and stylish.
I went for a soft colour palette for Saturday’s brunch in York because I thought it would look fresher for the summer season. 👀 
I also usually add a light jacket to tackle the pesky British elements but I didn’t need one last weekend. 🥵
The gorgeous mint green satin shirt is from @zara and my straight-leg jeans are @topshop (old), adding some nineties nostalgia to the mix.
I’ll link all pieces in my Story. 💕 
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Seeing all these news headlines about airport queu Seeing all these news headlines about airport queues is so frustrating. 😖
A trip abroad starts at the airport, and it breaks my heart that people who haven’t been able to travel or go on holiday for years and have worked so hard to save up are now experiencing delays and cancellations when it’s finally time for their trip to begin.
Speaking from experience, these queues stress you out before you’ve even got to your final destination. ✈️
I’ve flown from Leeds Bradford airport three times in the last nine months and Manchester airport once in the last few weeks. Each trip to the airport has taught me something different.
That said, I wanted to share a few things you can do to speed up your time at the airport so that you can make your flight and have the much-needed holiday you deserve. 🤗
Above all, follow your specific airline or airport recommendations. (These usually come in the form of an email or text message a couple of days before your flight.)
To read more about my recent airport experiences, check out the full article either via the link in bio or my Story.
Hope this helps. 💕
#airportdiaries #airportsecurity #traveltip #traveltipsandtricks #traveltiptuesday #traveltipstuesday #traveltips101 #traveltuesday #traveltuesdays #tblogger #tbloggers #tblogs #tbloggersuk #travelbloggervibes #travelblogs #travelbloggerslife #yorkshireblogger #yorkshirebloggers #leedsbradfordairport #leedsbradford #manchesterairport #tripplanning #tripprep #holidayprep
“…Eyes of the bluest skies.” 🎶⛅️ (Wi “…Eyes of the bluest skies.” 🎶⛅️
(With a shirt to match!)
I went for a bronzed, natural makeup look last weekend for drinks with the girls.
I’m really enjoying makeup more now that I’m older - it’s just so fun to play around with when you’ve got the time. 
Here are the products I used: 🤗
Primer - @nyxcosmetics_uk Pore Filler
Tinted Moisturiser - @tartecosmetics Skin Treat in shade “Medium”
Concealer - @esteelauderuk Double Wear Stay in Place in shade “Light Medium (Cool)”
Blush - NYX Sweet Cheeks in shade “Bang Bang”
Setting Spray - @urbandecayuki All Nighter
Eyeshadow - @toofacedlovestheuk “Teddy Bare” Palette
Mascara - Tarte Cosmetics “Big Ego”
Eyeliner - @kvdbeauty Tattoo Eyeliner
Brushes - @realtechniques Essential Eye Brushes
Eyebrows - @anastasiabeverlyhills Brow Wiz in “Medium Brown”
Lipstick - Tarte Cosmetics Lip Paint in shade “Bestie”
Shirt - @targetstyle 
All products (or similar) linked via my @shop.ltk app (find it in my bio or latest Stories). 💕
#liketkit #LTKbeauty #LTKunder100 #ltkeurope #ltkunder50 #nyxcosmetics_uk #realtechniques #abhbrows #targetfinds #targetrun #targetstyle #beautybloggeruk #beautyblogging #beautybloggersuk #naturalmakeuplook #naturalmakeuplooks #makeupbloggeruk #makeupbloggers #makeupblogs #makeupcommunity #bbloggersuk #bbloggeruk #makeupproducts #makeupessentials #bronzedmakeup #holidaymakeup #vacationmakeup
Mentally I’m still here… 💭 I wish I could Mentally I’m still here… 💭
I wish I could say that one of the yachts in the background is mine but I think I’ve got a fair few more articles to write first. 😩
Anyone else loving sixties-inspired prints for Spring/Summer? 🌞
This cute little shirt dress is ideal for those warmer evenings on holiday when you want to flash your tan and feel comfortable but still look like you’ve made an effort. 💁🏼‍♀️ 
Entire outfit is @shein_gb and will link all products via @shop.ltk app (head over to my Stories for the dress link - currently 41% off!).
Ltk shop link: https://liketk.it/3G3Yb 💕 
#liketkit #LTKunder50 #LTKstyletip #ltkeurope #ltkunder100 #ltkfashion #ltkstyle #holidaystyle #holidayfashion #vacationstyle #trendytouristuk #travelfashion #travelstyle #vacaystyle #sheingb #sheinforall #vacationdress #holidaydress #summerdresses #anotheroutfitpost #outfitblog #outfitbloggers #outfitblogger #fbloggeruk #fbloggersuk #bloggerstyle #fbloggerstyle #fashionbloggeruk #ukfashionblogger #styleblogging
Courtyard strollin’… (Looking for my next cup Courtyard strollin’…
(Looking for my next cup of coffee or glass of sangria — it all depends on the time of day!) 😉☕️🍹
This cute courtyard was in the middle of Palma city. The architecture and restaurants huddled in the square with al fresco drinking and dining instantly transported me back to Italy.
It reminded me of past cruise ship holidays with my parents where we visited the likes of Naples, Capri, Rome, Florence and Pisa and we would be in awe of the charm and beauty of these places.
But this post is about Palma in Majorca. 🇪🇸
Palma itself is a delight!
There’s so much going on in the centre, so much life and hustle and bustle, which is refreshing to experience after over two years of lockdowns and travel restrictions. 😅
I enjoyed our leisurely peruse of the city, soaking up the sun and seeing historic sights such as The Cathedral of Santa Maria, which dates back to 1601.
We even spent some time getting lost amongst the cobbled backstreets, popping in and out of shops before we regained our bearings once again. 😍
Our day in Palma reminded me how much I love exploring and how much travelling makes me feel fulfilled.
You just can’t beat it, right? ❤️
I already can’t wait for my next European city break (which hasn’t even been booked yet!).
What are some of your fave European cities? 👇🏻
#palmamallorca #trendytouristuk #palmacity #europetravels #exploreeurope #spaintravel  #travelblogging #travelbloggervibes #tbloggers #tbloggersuk #travelbloggersofig #travelbloggeruk #uktravelblogger #uktravelbloggers #visitpalma #travelgram #travelsquad #visitmallorca #mallorcaisland #mallorcagram #balearicisland #balearicislands
Happiest when I’m by the seaside. 🌊 One of Happiest when I’m by the seaside. 🌊 
One of my all-time favourite travel fashion pieces is the blue denim “mom-style” shorts.
You know, the relaxed-fit and high-waisted type that go with just about anything? 😉
You can pair them with a strappy top and sandals or flip flops for those warm summer days.
Or you can take them from day to night by swapping the strappy top for a chic blouse or cropped shirt and the flat sandals or flip flops for heels.
They’re just so comfy and cute! J’adore. ❤️
These ones are from @marksandspencerfashionpr which I’ll link via the @shop.LTK app along with some similar options.
(Check out the post here: https://liketk.it/3F1wG)
I lived in mine for my most recent trip to Majorca - even throwing them on over a bikini with a kaftan for those lazy pool days. ✌🏻 
Who else is a fan of denim shorts for summer holidays? ☀️
#liketkit #LTKswim #LTKunder50 #ltkunder100 #ltkstyle #ltkfashion #ltkstyletip #ltkstyle #ltkeurope 
#swimwearfashion #bikinistyle #bikinifashion #denimshorts #denimshort #jeanshorts #holidaystyle #holidayfashion #vacationstyle #trendytouristuk #travelfashion #travelstyle #vacaystyle #poolfashion #poolstyle #beachlook #beachfashion #beachstyle #beachoutfit #momshorts
That post-holiday feeling! You know, when you lan That post-holiday feeling!
You know, when you land after a few days in the sun and you feel refreshed, recharged and ready to take on the world again. 🙌🏻
And it helps if you travel in comfy clothes.
Plane, train and bus rides can be time-consuming (and stressful when things go wrong) so comfy travel gear makes the journey that little bit more bearable. ✈️ 
I’m currently loving lounge sets to travel in, such as this “Bon Voyage” lemon number from @lornaluxe x @inthestyle . 🍋
You can still get your hands on the shorts but, unfortunately, the sweatshirt is out of stock.
Not to worry though - I’ve linked some more pretty lounge sets to travel in via my shop on the @shop.LTK app. 
Shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content by visiting: https://liketk.it/3EAx9.
#liketkit #LTKstyletip #LTKeurope #ltktravel #ltkstyle #ltkfashion #ltkunder50 #ltkunder100 #trendytourist #airportoutfit #airportstyle #airportlook #airportfashion #airportvibes #travelfashion #travelstyles #traveloutfit #traveloutfits #travelfashionista #travellook #travelclothes #travelclothing #inthestyle #travelista #ukfashionbloggers #ukfashionblogger #fbloggerstyle #fbloggeruk #fbloggersuk
One of the best feelings in the world is those nig One of the best feelings in the world is those night-before-the-airport butterflies. 🦋
You know, when the suitcase is finally packed, the plane outfit is laid out and there’s nothing left to do other than get a good night’s sleep before you head to your new destination ✨ tomorrow ✨!
(But then you’re so excited that you end up not having the best sleep! 🤦🏼‍♀️)
Are you one of those travellers who gets to the airport super early or one of those super last minute people? ✈️ 
(I’m the former!)
#travelquote #travelquotes #travelquotestoliveby #travelquoteoftheday #travelthursday #travelthoughts #travelblogging #travelbloggervibes #travelinspirations #travelpassion #lifeinspiration #lifeinspo #quoteofday #quoteoflife #quoteoftoday #trendytourist #tbloggers #tbloggersuk 
#travelsquad #travelgirlsgo #travelgirlshub #planelife #airportlife
I’m blue da ba dee da ba di. 🎶 Okay so I uni I’m blue da ba dee da ba di. 🎶
Okay so I unintentionally wore blue, white and black all weekend.
Outfit one was for a Betty’s brunch for the hubby’s birthday and exploring Thirsk. 👀
The blue denim dress and checked shacket combo felt a bit sixties inspired and sassy teamed with black tights and white boots.
Then outfit two was for a pub lunch and drinks with the family (hubby’s birthday celebrations part two).
I went for a blue floral top, comfy black jeggings, a blue denim shearling jacket and those white boots again. 👢
This felt more seventies rocker vibes so naturally I had to wear it with attitude!
Which outfit is your fave? Details below. ✌🏻
Denim dress, shacket, tights, boots: all @marksandspencerfashionpr
Bag: @coach
Floral top and boots as before: @marksandspencerfashionpr
Jeggings: @uniqlo_uk 
Jacket: @levis_uk 
Sunglasses: vintage
Bag: @nastygal 
#outfitblog #outfitblogger #outfitbloggers #outfitlook #outfitselfie #outfitshot #outfitideas4you #outfitideasforyou #outfitdiary #outfit4real #outfitsoftheday #outfitrepeater #denimdress #denimdresses #denimjackets #denimjacketstyle #fashionblogging #ootddetails #ootdbloggers #styleonabudget #highstreetfashion #highstreetstyle #trendytourist #midsizegals #midsizegirl #midsizestyle #midsizefashion #midsizeblogger
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