Top 5 Things Not to Miss in New Zealand’s South Island

Hooker Valley track
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New Zealand’s South Island

If you’re reading this, you’re probably as overwhelmed as I was when planning our New Zealand vacation. I thought it would be easier once Tyler and I settled on sticking to the south island of New Zealand, but there were still about a million things we could’ve possibly done with our two weeks. After traveling around and exploring the south island, I’m here to tell you about the top things you cannot miss when visiting New Zealand. Let’s get started!

new zealand south island

Don’t forget to pack the cutest anti-theft backpack! This backpack is super chic and comes in a medium and a large size. The main backpack compartment rests against your back, so there’s no way for pick-pocketers to get into the bag while you’re wearing it. Genius! There’s a multi pocket organizer inside to help keep all of your items secure and right where you left them. It is the perfect personal item.

The cutest anti theft personal item

Top Sites to See in New Zealand’s South Island

1) Hokitika Gorge

Hokitika Gorge
Hokitika Gorge new zealand
Hokitika gorge new zealand

This is the most beautiful blue water I’ve ever seen! Take an easy 2k roundtrip stroll at this must-see in the south island of New Zealand. There are views all along the way until you get to the base of the gorge so that you can scope out the water from all different angles. The color of the water changes drastically dependent on the light – we mostly had clouds during the hike to Hokitika gorge, so we were blessed with deeper jewel toned teal. When the sun briefly came out at various intervals, the water turns a paler turquoise. There is no bad weather for this excursion! The bridge that you can see in my photos was inaccessible due to maintenance when we did this hike in early December 2023, so this was an out-and-back hike for us as opposed to a loop. Make sure you add this quick stop to your New Zealand list!

2) Sealy Tarns Track

Sealy Tarns hike in Mt Cook national park

The view from this hike was INCREDIBLE and Sealy Tarns has to be one of the best New Zealand hikes! The Sealy Tarns hike in Aoraki (Mount Cook) National Park definitely needs to be on your list of must sees in New Zealand if you’re an active person. The hike is definitely challenging, especially is you ramp up the mileage like we did by first stopping at the Kea Viewpoint. If you go to Kea Viewpoint, the hike logs 6 miles and you’ll climb 2,100 feet. The hike is gorgeous the entire way, for real, but be prepared for about one million stairs! Once you get to the trail sign leading you to the start of Sealy Tarns track, the stairs begin and essentially don’t end until you get to the very top. I recommend bringing trekking poles if you have them to help your knees out, especially on the way down. Once you get about halfway up, you start to see the most beautiful mint green alpine lakes. Look at the color, it was just wild! Once you get to the top, you must take a reflection photo in the “tarn” aka little alpine pond. Bring a lot of water, sunscreen, and add this hike to your top things to see on the South Island.

Sealy tarns New Zealand hike
Sealy Tarns track

3) Onsen Hot Pools in Queenstown

onsen hot pools new zealand

This place is dreamy! Add the Onsen Hot Pools to your south island itinerary – it’s definitely one of the best things to see in New Zealand! We went with “the original Onsen,” which included one hour to soak in their awesome hot tub, towels, a complimentary glass of the region’s finest wine, beer or juice and a choice of ice cream, crisps or chocolate. Eating ice cream while in a hot tub looking out at the gorgeous view was certainly an indulgent experience. It was just what our bodies needed after getting 15,000 steps each and every day on our New Zealand trip! The wood tub was beautiful and a great temp for the spring weather we had. You can also close the sliding window door with a button if it gets too chilly outside. They alert you when 10 minutes are left so you know when you begrudgingly have to start packing up. It was definitely a really fast hour, I could’ve stayed for another! There’s also a shower in the corner of your private room that you can use. For us, this was definitely one of the perks since showers are a luxury when you’re camping in a van. This must do experience in New Zealand costs about 175NZ for 2 people. Make sure to reserve your time slot in advance – this place books up!

onsen hot pools new zealand

4) Milford Sound Boat Cruise

milford sound boat cruise

There’s a reason everyone recommends seeing Milford Sound – it’s incredible! Take a boat cruise around Milford Sound is mandatory when visiting New Zealand. The drive to the Milford Sound harbor is also incredible. When we went in November, New Zealand’s spring, the mountain walls were literally covered in hundreds of small waterfalls like in the photo above. We’ve never seen anything like it! On the cruise itself, the guide points out various geological features as your float along. We were super lucky and even got to spot a handful of penguins on our cruise, thanks to the keen eyes of the boat guide! Parking at Milford Sound is chaotic (and expensive) with so many tourists flocking around, so make sure you leave earlier than you think for the start of your boat cruise – especially because the roads are super windy.

milford sound waterfalls
milford sound boat cruise

5) Hooker Valley Track

I couldn’t leave this hike off of the best things to do in New Zealand list. It’s popular for a reason – you get a ton of bang (views) for your buck (not much exertion). Although this hike is just under 7 miles, the miles fly by as you walk on the nice flat, wide trail. There are no such things as bad views on this amazing South Island hike, also located within Mount Cook National Park. At the end of the hike, you get right up close to that milky green water. There are a few suspension bridges that are fun to cross on this hike, and offer different vantage points of the stunning water. Pack a lunch and eat it on the giant boulders that surround the green lake. This South Island hike definitely gets crowded, and is one of the most popular hikes in Mount Cook park due to its accessibility and low level of difficulty, so I recommend starting early if you can. You won’t regret taking this scenic stroll in New Zealand!

hooker valley hike mt cook
hooker valley track new zealand
hooker valley track hike

I hope this list helps you focus your New Zealand South Island itinerary. There are so many things to do in this small country, it can be hard to pick and choose which activities are worth doing. Save this post of the top things to see in New Zealand and have fun planning!

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