12 Off The Beaten Track Places on New Zealand’s South Island

south island
south island

Omaru South Island

New Zealand’s South Island is home to stunning views and adventure locations, some remote and hard to reach.

Here are 12 off-the-beaten-track places on the South Island that every adventurer should visit.

1. SPRINGFIELD

Springfield is home to a huge donut sculpture. It’s unfortunately not edible, but it sure is impressive.

springfield
                                                                                             flickr.com

2. MOERAKI BOULDERS

These natural marvels formed over millions of years.

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Moeraki
                                             thousandwonders.net

3. MAVORA LAKES

This amazing lake is located between Lake Te Anau and Lake Wakatipu. If you’re thinking of camping, Mavora Lakes is a beautiful spot to set up.

mavora lakes
                                                redbubble.com / Michael Treloar

4. KARAMEA

Located on the South Island’s West Coast, Karamea is a stunning wilderness with limestone caves and plenty of options for caving and kayaking.

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karamea
                                                          colinmonteath.com / Colin Monteath

5. LAKE MANAPOURI

Admire exquisite rainforest and the beauty of 35 islands.

lake manapouri
                                      newzealandphoto.info

6. DOUBTFUL SOUND

The magnificent Doubtful Sound must be seen to be believed.  Take a cruise boat to see it at its best.

Doubtful Sound
                                                    nztravelorganiser.com

7. EARNSLAW BURN

This glacial waterfall featured in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit, and it’s not hard to see why. It looks like something straight out of a mystical land.

Earnslaw Burn
                      photosafari.co.nz

8. CURIO BAY

Dolphins and marine wildlife abound here, so make sure you have you camera with you.

curio bay
                                                      holidayparks.co.nz

9. CRUCIBLE LAKE

This ice studded lake is not easy to get to, but once you get there you’ll be glad you made the effort.

crucible lake
                                            panoramio.com

10. WELCOME FLAT HOT POOLS

After a long walk, soak in these natural hot pools for a dose of complete relaxation.

welcome flats hot pools
                                      newzealand.com

11. LAKE SUMNER

Lake Sumner in the Lake Sumner National Park offers spectacular views and walking trails.

sumner
                                                   rankers.co.nz

12. METHVEN

Methven is the closest town to Mt Hutt and offers crazy skiing opportunities throughout winter.

methven
                                                    newzealand.com