Hidden gems in South Island

Explore the South Island's unique geological and cultural sites, ranging from the spherical Moeraki Boulders to the limestone Pancake Rocks of Punakaiki. This collection features the hand-carved passage at Tunnel Beach, the turquoise glacial waters of Hokitika Gorge, and the southernmost point of the island at Slope Point. Discover historic landmarks like the mosaic gardens of The Giant’s House in Akaroa, the cinematic landscapes of Mount Sunday, and the world’s steepest residential street in Dunedin.

Hidden Gems — Map

Andy king50 / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Moeraki Boulder

The Moeraki Boulders are unusually large spherical boulders lying along a stretch of Koekohe Beach on the wave-cut Otago coast of New…

abu_9495 / CC BY 3.0

B

Slope Point

Slope Point is the southernmost point of the South Island of New Zealand.

Dave Bunnell / CC BY-SA 4.0

C

Cathedral Caves

Two interconnected sea caves in the Catlins reaching heights of 30 meters. The caves are accessible only during the two hours surrounding low tide.

Gii.erre / CC-BY-SA

D

Baldwin Street

Baldwin Street, in Dunedin, New Zealand is located in the residential suburb of North East Valley, 3.5 kilometres northeast of Dunedin's…

Pseudopanax / Public domain

E

Elephant Rocks

The Elephant Rocks near Duntroon in North Otago, New Zealand, are a collection of large weathered limestone rocks.

Jeff Hitchcock / CC BY 3.0

F

Mount Sunday

A rocky outcrop in the Rangitata Valley that served as the filming location for Edoras, the capital of Rohan, in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy.

Pseudopanax / Public domain

G

Hokitika Gorge

A granite canyon on the West Coast known for its vibrant turquoise glacial water, featuring a swing bridge and walking tracks through native podocarp forest.

(nz)dave / CC BY-SA 2.5

H

Cardrona Bra Fence

The Cardrona Bra Fence is a controversial tourist attraction in Central Otago, in New Zealand.

Martina Kellnerová / CC-BY-SA

I

The Giant's House

A historic 1880s house and contemporary sculpture garden in Akaroa, featuring extensive terraced gardens decorated with intricate mosaic sculptures and artworks.

Francis Vallance (Heritage Warrior) / CC BY 2.0

J

Castle Hill

Castle Hill is a location and a high country station in New Zealand's South Island.

K

Pancake Rocks and Blowholes

Do you have a sweet tooth? Do you like pancakes?

Graeme Churchard / CC BY 2.0

L

Te Waikoropupū Springs

Te Waikoropupū Springs, also known as Pupu Springs and Waikaremumu Springs, are located in Golden Bay, in New Zealand's South Island.

Rosino / CC BY-SA 2.0

M

Split Apple Rock

Tokangawhā / Split Apple Rock is a geological rock formation in Tasman Bay / Te Tai-o-Aorere off the northern coast of the South Island of…

Ingolfson / Public domain

N

Tunnel Beach

Tunnel Beach is a locality 7.5 kilometres southwest of the city centre of Dunedin, New Zealand.

Isderion / CC BY-SA 3.0 de

O

Jack's Blowhole

A 55-meter-deep blowhole located 200 meters inland in the Catlins, formed by the collapse of a sea cave roof.

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