Editor's Choice in South Island

New Zealand's South Island offers a blend of dramatic geology and unique engineering. This selection features the UNESCO-listed Milford Sound, known for its sheer rock faces and waterfalls, alongside the innovative Transitional Cathedral in Christchurch, constructed from cardboard tubes. Adventure destinations include the alpine terrain of The Remarkables and Coronet Peak, plus high-speed maneuvers through the Shotover River canyons. Historical and cultural icons include the 1912 coal-fired TSS Earnslaw steamship, the solitary Wānaka Tree, and the world-renowned Fergburger, representing the region's diverse recreational and culinary landscape.

Editor's Choice — Map

Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch,… / cc0

A

Milford Sound / Piopiotahi

Fjord featuring dramatic sheer rock faces, waterfalls, and unique marine life. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

U3204500 / cc-by-sa-4.0

B

The Remarkables Ski Area

Big-mountain ski field featuring 449 hectares of terrain across three mountain bowls, including learner slopes, terrain parks, and black diamond chutes. The area also served as the filming location for Dimrill Dale in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Martina Kellnerová / CC-BY-SA

C

Queenstown Skyline Gondola

Riding the iconic Gondola up Bob's Peak provides the visitors with beautiful sceneries of the vast countryside.

Jun Jie Yam / cc-by-4.0

D

TSS Earnslaw

Historic 1912 coal-fired twin-screw steamship that provides scenic cruises. It is the last coal-fired passenger steamship operating in the Southern Hemisphere.

Andre Chalmers / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Fergburger

Founded in 2000, this iconic burger joint is well-known around the world despite having only this one location.

Krzysztof Golik / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

Mirror Lakes

Mirror Lakes are a set of lakes lying north of Lake Te Anau and immediately to the west of the road from Te Anau to Milford Sound in New…

Kiwi Discovery Queenstown / cc-by-2.0

G

Coronet Peak Ski Area

The country's first commercial skifield featuring rollercoaster terrain and wide-open trails for all skill levels. Winter operations include night skiing and sunrise sessions, while mountain biking is available during summer months.

Pseudopanax / Public domain

H

Shotover Jet

Jet boat attraction featuring high-speed rides through narrow river canyons. Owned by Ngāi Tahu, the experience combines adventure with natural scenery.

Schwede66 / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Transitional Cathedral

The Cardboard Cathedral, formally called the Transitional Cathedral, in Christchurch, New Zealand, is the transitional pro-cathedral of the…

Oren Rozen / CC BY-SA 3.0

J

That Wānaka Tree

Famous willow tree known for growing alone in the water. It is a globally recognized landmark and a frequent subject for photography.

Other Lists

South Island Essentials Hidden Gems Alpine Landscapes Waterfalls & Lakes Cultural Heritage Sites Adventure Hubs