Most tourists visit Queenstown. They believe this to be the most wonderful part of New Zealand. However, it’s in the southern part of New Zealand’s South Island that the magic really begins. The bottom of the South Island of New Zealand has no roads.

It’s remote; it’s unspoiled; and it’s stunningly beautiful. It’s a region that will stay with you for years once you leave.

What Makes the South of the South Island Special?

The south of the South Island covers three key areas. Each one is completely different from the last.

• Fiordland National Park
• The Catlins Coast
• Stewart Island / Rakiura

This area together with the surrounding areas forms one of the least traveled tourist destinations around the world. In fact, even many visitors to New Zealand from the U.S.A. and Europe do not see this part of their trip. That is precisely why you should.

Fiordland: New Zealand’s Greatest Wilderness

Fiordland is New Zealand’s largest national park. It is a place of towering cliffs, ancient rainforest, and cascading waterfalls. The landscape here looks like it belongs in a fantasy film.

New Zealand has three National Parks (including Fiordland) and this is its largest. There are tall cliffs, ancient rainforests, as well as numerous waterfalls that cascade over them. The view of this place can be found on many movie sets for Fantasy films.

You’ll likely remember the stillness at Doubtful Sound — it’s arguably the most beautiful of the two; and while longer in duration (an entire day) as it begins at Lake Manapouri, it also tends to be much quieter than Milford Sound.

Key things to do in Fiordland:

• Take a scenic cruise on Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound
• Walk the Milford Track or Kepler Track — two of New Zealand’s famous Great Walks
• Explore Lake Te Anau and the glowworm caves beneath it
• Spot the rare Fiordland crested penguin (tawaki) along the coast

The Catlins: New Zealand’s Best-Kept Secret

The Catlins Coast lies on the southeastern part of the South Island. Starting from Fortrose and going east as far as Balclutha. Most people will quickly pass through this area. This would be a mistake for many.

New Zealand’s most underrated region is right here. Native forests are dense. Wild and deserted beaches have a certain something to them. Waterfalls pour into valleys you never knew existed. And wildlife seems to be waiting for you at every turn.

Must-see spots in the Catlins:

• Purakaunui Falls
• Nugget Point Lighthouse
• Curio Bay
• Cathedral Caves

Stewart Island / Rakiura: Where Kiwi Roam Free

This isolated area sits about 18 miles out of New Zealand’s southernmost point. The 1 hour long ferry ride across the Foveaux Strait leaves from Bluff. It’s a completely different world here on Stewart Island.

Over 85% of Stewart Island is protected as national park. Stewart Island has more Kiwis (the flightless bird) than residents. It is the one and only location you can see a kiwi in its native environment.

What to do on Stewart Island:

• Walk the Rakiura Track
• Watch albatross soar alongside the ferry on the crossing
• Spot rare yellow-eyed penguins and blue penguins along the coast

Bluff and Invercargill: The Gateway South

Stop off in both Bluff & Invercargill before traveling to Stewart Island. Bluff is the southernmost town on the main land. The famous roadside sign post at Stirling point is the last marker along Highway #1.

You will be officially on the edge of the world when you stand at this sign post.
Bluff is also home to one of the worlds best oysters. The oyster season is from march to august — make sure to try some while they are available.

Most travelers expect Invercargill to be nothing but fields. But it is actually a proper city, full of good food cafes, an excellent (Transport World) museum, and perfect conditions for viewing the night sky. On a few lucky nights you may even be able to view the aurora Australis.

The Southern Scenic Route: Tie It All Together

The best approach for traveling in the southern part of New Zealand’s South Island is with a drive along the Southern Scenic Route. With over 600 kilometers of road connecting Queenstown, Te Anau, Invercargill, Bluff, the Catlins and Dunedin; you should plan on allowing at least four to seven days to see all that this area has to offer.

Quick travel tips for the Southern Scenic Route:

• Refuel whenever you see a petrol station
• Do not drive more than 250 kilometres per day
• Allow 30 minutes minimum at each stop
• Carry cash

When to Visit

New Zealand’s seasons are the reverse of the USA and Europe. Keep that in mind when planning.

• December to February (summer) — warm and busy, perfect for hiking and wildlife
• March to May (autumn) — quieter crowds, stunning golden landscapes, and Bluff oyster season
• June to August (winter) — cold but magical, with snow on the peaks and fewer tourists
• September to November (spring) — waterfalls at their fullest and wildflowers in bloom

Planning a road trip around the coast? Check out our list of the Best New Zealand Beaches That You Need to Visit for dramatic coastal scenery and pristine ocean waters.