Find inspiration with pictures, tips and stories of South Island from travelers sharing their experiences
Book your trip to South Island and remunerate who inspired you
Travel guide of South Island
13 km from South Island
Off-track crossover hiking (tramping) trip from Borland Valley to Manapouri. Fiordland National Park, New Zealand. We found these guys just before dropping back into the bush. Keas are very smart, cheeky birds.
13 km from South Island
Flying over Fox Glacier and around Mt Cook in a heli, definitely something everyone should do. Really shows the absolute magnificence and rugged danger of the mountain ranges. Incredible.
13 km from South Island
Standing there, contemplating nature strength, listing to the buzzy noise of collapsing water. This fall is located in Fiordland, one of the wettest place on the Southern Hemisphere.
31 km from South Island
A perfectly quiet night out at Lake Hauroko far into Fiordland New Zealand. Large rains had this dock slightly underwater making for a cool (literally) effect. Fun fact: this small lake is 462m deep!
34 km from South Island
This is one of my favourite photos from the Kepler Track in New Zealand. We had a lot of rain the day beforehand but this day was clearing with some lingering clouds around us. Looking behind us you could see the pathway snake its way around the mountain, really showing the scale of the walk we were doing.
34 km from South Island
Hiking the 4 day Kepler Track in Fiordland, New Zealand. This was taken on day 2 of the hike, after crossing these immensely tall and steep ridgelines - they can be notoriously dangerous to cross if you have poor conditions (wind, rain) but we somehow had perfect weather after a day of rain before. I fell in love with the texture of the mountains from the snow carving it out.
34 km from South Island
We started our last day of the 4 day hike through the Kepler Track early to make the most of the day - the lake was so perfectly still with the warm colour of the sky. Perfect.
40 km from South Island
After a long five hour trek uphill on day two of the Kepler Great Walk in New Zealand, we finally reached the top of our climb and were blessed with this breathtaking view. When I think about that hike I remember how mentally and physically difficult it was, but when I look at this photo I’m reminded that it was completely worth it.
43 km from South Island
Picturesque view of the mountains leading up to Milford sound Follow Instagram for more @ _stuartdavies
53 km from South Island
A bus, a boat and another bus ride and you’re in Doubtful Sound. On the way, the bus stops when you can catch a first glimpse of the Fiord (yes, it’s a fiord). Besides this view, you’ll also get 9047303 sandflies bites. They’re complimentary. :)
117 km from South Island
This was our view upon exiting the Homer Tunnel as we began our descent down to Milford Sound. Ominous clouds, cascading rain-fed waterfalls, and some amazing cliffs.
117 km from South Island
Walking at sunset is one of the small things that I miss about New Zealand. Something simple, but stunning every single time.
117 km from South Island
On the way to Milford Sound, theres a single road that cuts through the wilderness. one stop is called the Mirror Lakes. perfectly reflecting!
Experienced by Ardiss Hutaff
117 km from South Island
The drive to Milford Sound is always worth it. My breath was stolen at every turn of the road, and I just never wanted it to end.
118 km from South Island
Lake Marian track leads to this final lake where you can see a full reflection to the mountain peaks behind in the lake. the track itself goes through a forest with some interesting birds that you can see along the way.
118 km from South Island
I did this hike to Lake Marian because people told me the reflection of the mountains would be amazing. After 3 hours of walking I arrived and couldn’t see anything because of the clouds… how disappointing! But instead of the beautiful reflection I found this antlers standing on a rock by the lake and I got instantly reminded of my hometown Hirschhorn (translated it means “horn of the deer”). After travelling for 7 months and being away from my home this made me smile and gave me new strengh. I will never regret this hike, because unexpected events are always the best.
122 km from South Island
Seeing one of New Zealand’s great walks from the air has only made me want to hike it on the ground even more! I can’t imagine what the scale of these mountains must be like from the ground.
122 km from South Island
I had arrived to work on the airport at Milford and even though the sun had set by the time I finished, I raced back to the Cleddau river that I had crossed earlier in the day. Down to a suitable rock to balance the camera (travelling with work, I didn’t have room for my tripod) The lighting was lingering just long enough for me and this is the result.
123 km from South Island
During our two-week trip to New Zealand, we took three days to hike along the Routeburn Track. The first day, we were met with torrential rain, and the second day, we were met with heaps of snow. The hike was very difficult for those first two days, but the third day opened up with sunshine and peace. We came to an opening in the path, and were greeted to this sight: a huge valley with the Routeburn River in sight. We finally had a moment of peace after an arduous two days. I look at this photo, and I feel relief.
125 km from South Island
Taken in Milford Sound, New Zealand. This was taken late in the afternoon on a rain-free day.
Experienced by Peter Hammer