7 Amazing Hikes in the South Island of New Zealand
The South Island of New Zealand is truly a hiker’s paradise, home to some of my all-time favorite trails! The Southern Alps offers some of the most striking alpine vistas in the world. It’s the island’s incredible diversity of landscapes that always leaves me speechless, from towering mountains and glaciers to lush forests and crystal-clear alpine lakes.
This blog post will share a variety of amazing walks, from short and easy to long and challenging.
At the heart of it all is Mount Cook, the tallest peak in New Zealand, which will be the majestic backdrop for many of the island’s trails. Hiking here feels like the perfect balance between rugged wilderness and accessibility. You can immerse yourself in nature while enjoying well-maintained tracks and huts.
Whether you're wandering through the vast, untouched wilderness or cooling off in one of the alpine lakes on a warm day, the South Island will absolutely wow you with its dreamy scenes! The dramatic skies and constantly shifting weather kept us on our toes, making the landscape even more stunning!
If you’re new to backpacking, or looking to upgrade your gear and don’t know where to start, check out our full Backpacking Gear Guide to make sure you’re well prepared. Here you will find information on the ten essentials, safety must-haves, and complete hiking checklists for your trip.
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Our Responsibility
Through our platform, we hope to provide tools and help you create a connection with these wild places that fuels a shared responsibility to protect and cherish them. Together, we have the responsibility of taking care of the outdoors and leaving it better than we found it. Always respect and follow Leave No Trace principles. By committing to LNT, we contribute to the preservation of these landscapes, ensuring they remain pristine for future generations to come.
HOW TO GET TO THE SOUTH ISLAND
Flying:
Main airports in the South Island: Christchurch (largest and most recommended), Queenstown, Dunedin.
Main Airports in the North Island: Auckland, Wellington. I only suggest flying to Wellington if you plan on taking the ferry to the South Island. (info below)
Most international flights arrive in Auckland first, where you can transfer to a domestic flight to the South Island. As of 2025, there are many direct international flights into Christchurch from places like Australia, China, Fiji, Singapore, and the United States (San Francisco).
Ferry (from the North Island):
The Interislander and Bluebridge ferries operate between Wellington and Picton. The journey takes about 3.5 hours across the Cook Strait and has stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds. You can bring your car or campervan on board.
Driving & Ferry Combo:
Many travelers fly into Auckland, pick up a campervan to explore the North Island, and drive south to Wellington, then take the ferry to Picton to begin their South Island Journey.
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE SOUTH ISLAND
New Zealand’s South Island is a dream destination year-round, but the best time to visit depends on the kind of adventure you’re seeking. Each season offers something unique, from snow-capped mountains in winter to vibrant wildflower blooms in summer.
Summer (December – February): Best for Hiking & Outdoor Adventures
Long daylight hours, warm temperatures (20–30°C/68–86°F), and clear skies make summer the peak season for exploring the South Island. It’s the best time for hiking iconic trails like the Routeburn and Abel Tasman tracks, swimming in turquoise lakes, and road-tripping through stunning landscapes. However, it’s also the busiest season, so book accommodations and activities in advance. Even though lupin season begins in November, you will find plenty through most of December.
Autumn (March – May): Best for Scenic Beauty & Fewer Crowds
As temperatures cool (10–25°C/50–77°F), the South Island transforms into a golden wonderland, particularly in regions like Arrowtown and Wanaka. This is a fantastic time for photography, wine tasting in Central Otago, and enjoying popular spots without the summer crowds. This can also be an amazing time to hike if the sun is shining!
Winter (June – August): Best for Snow Sports & Stunning Landscapes
The South Island is a winter wonderland with world-class ski resorts in Queenstown, Wanaka, and Methven. Snow-dusted mountains create breathtaking scenery, and it’s the perfect season for adventure seekers looking to ski, snowboard, or try heli-skiing.
Spring (September – November): Best for Wildflowers & Mild Weather
September is still very cold in the South Island, and closer to November is when you will see the temperatures increase and lupins will begin to bloom. As the snow melts and temperatures rise (12–22°C/54–72°F), the landscape bursts with colorful lupins and blossoming cherry trees. Spring is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting, with baby seals appearing along the coast. It’s also shoulder season, meaning fewer tourists and better deals on accommodations.
HERE ARE 7 AMAZING HIKES IN THE SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
HOOKER VALLEY
Trail Difficulty: Moderately- Challenging
Statistics: 10.9-km (6.8-mile) out-and-back, 197 m elevation
Average time: 2.5 - 3 hours
Best time to visit: October through April
This out-and-back trail is located in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. It is both an iconic and easily accessible route with views of Mount Cook and the surrounding alpine landscapes. With it’s distance-to-elevation ratio, it makes a perfect day hike, for those looking to experience the beauty of the Southern Alps without the need for technical climbing or a multi-day trek. It’s mostly a flat, well-maintained walkway with some loose rock.
The hike begins at the visitor center and leads you along the Hooker River where you’ll encounter several swing bridges that you’ll cross over. You’ll find a stone landing at the Muller Lake lookout and various picnic tables for a snack or meal along the way. Eventually you’ll reach Hooker Lake and after soaking in the views, simply retrace your steps back to the starting point. This is a busier trail therefor you’ll likely encounter other hikers & campers along your route.
Download the trail map here.
Tips for this trail:
Always check the trail conditions before you go with recent reports! This track sometimes closes at the gate when you come across the first swing bridge due to excessive rainfall or winds, so always check the weather before you begin your hike!
Dog’s are not allowed on this trail.
The parking lot is fairly big, although due to this being a heavily crowded hike, it still fills up fast! I recommend starting early to beat the main rush of other hikers and find a good parking spot.
This trail doesn’t offer shade in the peak hours, make sure you bring sun protection and layers for the possibility of weather changes!
ROUTEBURN TRACK
Trail Difficulty: Hard
Statistics: 31.7-km (19.7-mile) point-to-point trail, 1499 m elevation
Average time: 2-3 days depending on how much time you take for breaks & exploration.
Best time to visit: November through April.
The Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand's most iconic multi-day thru-hikes. It is one of the most popular “Great Walks,” which is a select group of hiking trails known for their well-maintained paths and incredible landscapes. The Routeburn Track will take you on a high mountain traverse, passing through both Fiordland National Park and Mount Aspiring National Park with views up to the Tasman Sea. From alpine meadows to rugged mountain peaks, crystal-clear lakes to cascading waterfalls, this trail showcases the wide diversity of the South Island landscapes.
Starting from the Routeburn Shelter you’ll find parking, trail information and a bathroom. The trail starts fairly moderate with it starting to gain more elevation after the first campsite. It is a fairly easy and well groomed track with lots of forest walking. Once you climb above the tree line, you’ll be exposed for at least 10 kilometres after the Routeburn Falls Hut. After this hut, the trail will wind along a beautiful lake before reaching Harris Saddle Shelter about 13.5km in. After this shelter, you will traverse along an exposed mountain side, and wind your way down before reaching Lake Mackenzie Hut.
After you head back down into the forest again with a slight uphill again, where you’ll then pass a beautiful waterfall. You’ll continue in the forest down to Lake Howden, up towards the Key Summit turnoff and then down towards to the parking lot. There are three huts and two campsites along your route, which bookings are required at the DOC website for during the Great Walks season running from mid November to end of April.
Find the full brochure for the Routeburn Track here.
Download the trail map for Routeburn Track here.
Walking towards Lake Mackenzie Hut
Tips for this trail:
Dogs are not allowed on this route!
The huts are managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and require booking in advance. The cost varies depending on the hut and the season, ranging between NZD $15 to $70 per person per night. You can book the huts online through the DOC website where you’ll find the most current prices and availability.
There are also designated campsites along the track for those who prefer camping, which cost around NZD $10-20 per person per night.
Pack for alpine weather! You’ll want rain gear, warm clothes, sun protection, and hiking poles for the descents.
If hiking Outside the Great Walks season (beginning of May through the end of October) Only walk at this time if you are fit, experienced and well equipped - facilities are greatly reduced and there are additional snow/ice hazards! Avalanches are most common in winter and spring but can occur in any season.
Between Routeburn Falls and Lake Mackenzie the track is very exposed, so don't forget sun protection!
Plan your water intake accordingly. Bring a water filter and you can get water from some of the streams/ lakes. *Recently there has been reports of no/minimal water between Lake Mackenzie Hut and Routeburn Falls hut due to Didymo.
BREWSTER HUT
Brewster Track to Brewster Hut
Trail Difficulty: Hard
Statistics: 5.4km (3.3-mile) out-and-back, 966 m elevation
Average time: 6 – 8 hr return
Best time to visit: November through June
Brewster Hut is a popular backcountry hut located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park on the South Island of New Zealand. You’ll encounter rugged alpine terrain, breathtaking views of glaciers, and the stunning beauty of the Southern Alps.
You can take the Brewster Track to Brewster Hut trail that starts from Fantail Falls where you’ll the cross the unbridged Haast River. After crossing the Haast River, the rough track climbs steadily through a lush beech forest to the bush line. It starts relatively gently and gets steeper as you climb. From the bush line, you’ll continue your ascent and onto a narrow ridge leading up towards Brewster Hut. You can hike this trail in a day or choose to pre-book the hut and stay the night!
For experienced hikers wanting to hike to the glacier, you can continue on from Brewster Hut to Brewster Lake. This is an additional 3.7km (2.3-mile) and 338m up the alpine route to Brewster Lake where we camped for the night and woke to the most incredible views from our tent. Keep in mind there is no official DOC track for this route and is recommended for experienced hikers with off-track navigation.
Download the trail map for Brewster Track to Brewster Hut here.
Download the trail map to Brewster Lake here.
Tips for this trail:
Check the forecast before you go. Avoid this hike if it has just heavily rained or calls for rain. The track crosses the unbridged Haast River – if river levels are high (during/after rain or if the snow is melting), you may not be able to cross the river. It may rise during your hike which means you cannot cross back to the car park. It would be wise to bring emergency food/ shelter for if you do need to wait for the river to drop.
If you choose to stay the night in Brewers Hut, you can pre book here. Late October – 30 April you must pre book. 1 May – Labour Weekend (late October) booking is not required but fee’s still apply. Adults are NZD $45 per night. If you book online you avoid a $10 service booking fee that you would pay if you book over the phone or in person.
The track is a rough, steep, and can be quite slippery. Wear sturdy footwear with good grip.
The hut usually has drinking water and a large deck area. Keep in mind there are no stoves, so either bring your own or ready made meals!
Please keep safe and note that beyond Brewster Hut, there is no official track between Brewster Hut and Brewster Glacier. Inexperienced Glacier travel is not advised by DOC and is recommended only for experienced hikers.
ROYS PEAK
Trail Difficulty: Challenging
Statistics: 15.9-km (9.9-mile) return, 1,284 m elevation
Average time: 5-6 hours
Best time to visit: December through October
Roy's Peak is one of the most famous day hikes on the South Island. Located near the town of Wanaka, this trail offers the most picturesque views of the Southern Alps and Lake Wanaka. On a beautiful day you’ll be taking in the breathtaking views over Lake Wanaka, Mount Aspiring, and the surrounding mountains.
The track starts at the Roys Peak Track car park. It’s a challenging yet rewarding hike after a steep climb through alpine meadows and tussock grasslands towards the panoramic views at the summit. The trail itself is wide and fairly easy to navigate with no steps/technical difficulties, although the ascent is quite a steep one!
Download the trail map here.
Tips for this trail:
There is no shade on the track, bring plenty of water and sun protection. Also bring extra layers for the rapidly changing alpine weather! Hypothermia is a risk even in summer.
Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Start early to find parking (fee to be paid cash in honesty box) and give yourself time with the elevation and to enjoy the views at the top!
I recommend hiking poles for the steep downhill.
Leave no trace: LNT means also picking up the garbage you see. As with any outdoor adventure, it's crucial to practice Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment and preserve the natural beauty of the trail and this beautiful beach for future generations.
HOKITIKA GORGE
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Statistics: 2.1-km (1.3-mile) loop, 77 m elevation
Average time: 38 minutes
Best time to visit: Year-round.
This trail is a real gem, featuring stunning turquoise waters and breathtaking scenery. Plus, it's easily accessible, making it the perfect leisure day activity or an ideal complement to another nearby hike or attraction! Hokitika Gorge trail is open year round and is a popular spot for photographers and anyone wanting to bask in it’s beauty. The dreamy turquoise water gets its hue from glacial meltwater that carries fine sediment known as rock flour, which scatters sunlight in such a way that it creates the striking blue color.
The trail begins at the Hokitika Gorge car park, which is easily accessible from State Highway 6. The track is well-maintained and will take you over an old suspension bridge that crosses the gorge, and to a couple viewpoints. You’ll be surrounded by lush native forest, and towering trees, including kahikatea, rimu, and totara, as well as ferns and mosses. The trail will loop around until you are back at the car park.
Download the trail map here.
Tips for this hike
Sunrise and sunset can offer particularly dreamy lighting!
There can be quite a lot of sand-flies. Wear repellent if you feel you need to.
The path is mostly flat with a few gentle inclines, making it suitable for most people, including families and those with limited mobility.
There are no facilities along the track, so it’s a good idea to bring your own water and food if you plan stay and spend some time there!
KAIKOURA PENINSULA WALKWAY
Trail Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Statistics: 7.1-km (4.4-mile) out-and-back, 146 m elevation
Average time: 1 hour 45 m
Best time to visit: Year-round.
The Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway is a must-do when visiting the area, with it’s rugged coastline trail and dramatic backdrop of the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges. You may even get the opportunity to spot seals at low tide, or dolphins as you look out at the South Pacific Ocean. You can take either the elevated track, the sea level track, or create a loop by hiking the lower section and then taking the elevated track back.
We hiked the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway from Kean Carpark, a short drive from Kaikoura. Make sure to also stop at Kaikoura Beach and Kaikoura Lookout nearby! I highly recommend going early in the morning or evening to get that beautiful golden light.
The walk takes you over a mix of well-maintained paths, boardwalks, and dirt tracks. You’ll pass Maori pa sites (fortified villages), coastal scenery, native bush, and incredible views of the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges. If you come at low tide, you can walk along the beach out onto the peninsula!
This walk ranges from 15 minutes to 3+ hours depending on how long you want to hike.
There is a full trail map here with more information.
make sure to stop at Kaikoura Beach along the way!
Tips for this hike
While the walk is not overly difficult, some parts can be rocky or uneven. I recommend sturdy, comfortable shoes!
If you walk out to the peninsula, keep the tide in mind!
Bring water, sun protection, and layers for coastal weather.
Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
LAKE MARIAN
Trail Difficulty: Hard
Statistics: 6.1-km (3.8-mile) out-and-back, 400 m elevation
Average time: 3-4 hours
Best time to visit: The track is open year-round, although I would recommend November to April.
The Lake Marian Track is beautiful trail in Fjorland National Park that takes you up to through lush forests, leading to the crystal clear alpine lake that sits in the Hanging Valley formed by glacial action. I love how, in just a few kilometers, despite the challenging terrain that makes you work up a good sweat, you’re rewarded with a complete immersion into the heart of New Zealand’s wilderness. Getting to the end of the trail really feels like entering an untouched oasis with waterfalls cascading down the surrounding slopes.
From the Lake Marian carpark, you’ll cross the swingbridge and continue to the series of waterfalls which takes around 10 minutes. From the falls, the track becomes steep during the ascent towards the lake. As you ascend, you'll pass through dense forests filled with ferns, moss, and towering trees. The trail is quite rocky and uneven, although not overly difficult when it is dry, you’ll have to be mindful when it’s rained due to a muddier, slippery terrain with tree roots and rocks to climb over. The ascent to Lake Marian takes around 1 hr 30 min.
Once you merge above the tree line you’ll be rewarded with the pristine turquoise lake nestled within a cirque of mountains! They create the most dramatic backdrop contrasting with the lush green vegetation climbing up the mountainsides. As always, we couldn’t resist the temptation to dive into the crystal-clear waters for a cold dip!
Download the trail map here.
Tips for this hike
There can be many tree roots crossing the path that become very slippery when wet. The track can be a bit muddy and slippery, particularly after rain. As always, I recommend sturdy, comfortable hiking boots/ shoes!
Poles can be a helpful companion on this one.
Bring a swim suit (it’s cold but worth it!) and sun protection.
It gets busier during the day so I recommend starting early if you prefer some quiet solitude!
Thanks for reading!
Hopefully these tips have helped inspire you to plan your next trip! Happy travels!
