New Zealand Travel Guide

May 10

the south island must see spots..

Half of our team has been living on the South Island of New Zealand for a year now, travelling in our old Mercedes van, and these are the places we keep coming back to. Whether you’re here for adventure, slow moments, or just good food and coffee, these spots are worth adding to your itinerary.

Queenstown & Arrowtown – Mountains, Saunas & Good Food

Queenstown never gets old. The hot tubs at Driftaway Caravan Park have some of the best views in town, perfect after a day snowboarding at Remarkables or Coronet Peak. For cosy winter vibes, grab mulled wine at The Sherwood or Altitude Brewing, and if you need a reset, the sauna at The Wellspace is a must. Food-wise, Ramen Ramen is our go-to for a hearty bowl of ramen, and Sundays in Frankton has the best pizzas and cocktails. If you’re after a quiet scenic walk with lots of sunshine, head to the Kelvin Heights side of the lake.

Just outside Queenstown, Arrowtown is full of charm, especially in autumn. The walking trails here are beautiful year-round, and Wolf Coffee Roasters serves up some of the best coffee we’ve had.

Wanaka – Hikes, Lakes & the Best Carrot Cake

Wanaka is all about epic views and slow mornings. The Mt Iron hike is a great way to start the day, followed by coffee and carrot cake at Scroggin—a must-try. And if you’re looking for deep relaxation, the lakeside sauna is unbeatable, with the lake right there for a cold plunge.

Milford Sound – The Most Magical Place on Earth

No place in New Zealand feels as jaw-dropping and otherworldly as Milford Sound. Towering waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and misty fjords make it feel like something out of a dream. The best way to experience it? Flying in. Seeing the endless layers of mountains and deep valleys from above is absolutely unreal. Once there, a boat cruise through the fjord is the best way to take it all in, rain or shine—it’s magical either way.

Lake Ōhau & Tekapo – Free Camps & Stargazing

Some of the best free camping spots can be found around Lake Ōhau and Tekapo, both with unreal mountain views. Tekapo is also one of the best places for stargazing, thanks to its dark sky reserve.

Kaikōura – Where Mountains Meet the Sea

Kaikōura is hands down one of our favourite places in New Zealand. The coastal and mountain views are breathtaking, and if you’re up for a challenge, the Mt Fyffe hike is worth it, especially if you camp overnight in the hut at the top. For slow mornings, Simes Kitchen and Bee Box are our go-to’s for coffee, breakfast and good vibes.

The West Coast – Wild Beaches & Jurassic Park Vibes

The stretch between Westport and Greymouth has some of the most untouched, rugged beaches we’ve ever seen—think towering cliffs, wild waves, and dense rainforest straight out of Jurassic Park. If you’re passing through Reefton, we recommend staying at The Brewers Night Inn for a cosy stopover.

Marlborough Sounds – Wine, Hikes & Hidden Stays

The Marlborough Sounds are best explored by water or on foot—hiring a boat for the day is an epic way to take it all in. The area is also great for hiking and wine tours, and if you’re looking for a beautiful stay, Lochmara Lodge is a hidden gem.

From snowy peaks to wild coastlines, hidden saunas to free camps, the South Island is full of magic. After a year on the road, these are the places that feel like home to us, each with its own kind of beauty. Whether you’re road-tripping in a van, planning a short getaway, or just dreaming up your next adventure, we hope this guide helps you find some new favourites too.