Top 25 Places to Visit on the South Island of New Zealand
New Zealand's South Island is one of the most beautiful locations in the entire world. It's no wonder why millions of visitors travel here every single year.
Want to see what all the fuss is about, but don’t have a clue where to start when it comes to planning your travel itinerary? To help out, we've compiled 25 of the very best locations to visit on the entire South Island.
It's the perfect way to get your mind racing with ideas for your holiday. We've put our list in a rough geographical order starting in Dunedin and gradually zig-zagging up the island.
All you need to do is book a car from our Dunedin Airport branch and you'll be all set for an unforgettable journey! If you don’t feel like following our list to a tee, you can also pick up a vehicle from Queenstown, Christchurch, or Nelson.
We even offer one-way car rentals so you don’t need to head all the way back to your starting point. Book your vehicle today and begin the journey of your dreams.
Top 25 places to visit South Island New Zealand
Accelerate your South Island road trip with Enterprise Rent-A-Car
The South Island is full of unmissable locations. The only way to ensure you get to see every nook and cranny you desire is by hiring a rental car and taking on a self-driving holiday.
If you'd like more of a structured itinerary, we have a range of road trips and other travel inspiration for you to browse. You can also check out our guide for the top places to visit on the North Island.
The good news is that no matter what part of the South Island you want to explore, we have a pick-up location for you. Book in your vehicle from Dunedin, Queenstown, Christchurch, or Nelson, and begin planning your bucket list adventure today.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to drive around the South Island?
The distance between the South Island's northernmost settlement, Pūponga, and its southernmost settlement, Bluff, is 1,107 km via State Highway 1. A straight-line drive would take 14 hours, 37 minutes non-stop.
Let's imagine a light-speed round trip that travels from Pūponga, Haast Pass on the west coast, Bluff, Christchurch on the east coast, and back to Pūponga. This 2,231 km round trip would include 29 hours of driving. With proper breaks for safety, this drive would take a minimum of 4 days, if not longer.
But where's the fun in that? We have a full, 14-day South Island itinerary, which will take you through all the highlights of this beautiful region.
When is the best time to visit the South Island?
The South Island is stunning no matter the time of year.
However, if you're determined to find a definitive answer, we might lean toward the winter months. The South Island is known as a winter wonderland, with outstanding skiing destinations including Cardrona Alpine Resort, Coronet Peak, and Mount Hutt. A summertime New Zealand getaway is arguably better suited to the warmer weather of the North Island.
If you decide on a winter trip to the South Island, just make sure you hire some snow chains with your rental car, available from Enterprise.
Which is better: The North Island or the South Island?
This is like asking us to pick our favourite child! Truly, it comes down to personal taste.
One way to split the appeal of the North and South Island is culture vs nature. The North Island has New Zealand's 2 largest cities. In addition, the pre-colonisation Maori population was highly concentrated in the North Island, making it an ideal location to steep yourself in cultural experiences such as the world-famous Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Meanwhile, the South Island is known for its world-famous natural experiences. This includes everything from Milford Sound to Mount Cook National Park to the Franz Josef Glacier.
If you can't find a way to squeeze both islands into your New Zealand journey, this might be the best way to choose between them.