If you are planning a road trip around the South Island of New Zealand, you probably already have the Milford Sound, Queenstown, and the magnificent Hokitika Gorge etched into your travel plans.
But in a land full of fascinating sites and areas of incredible natural beauty, there are also many hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
From gorgeous beaches and former gold mining towns to national parks and New Zealand’s only castle, Te Waipounamu has plenty of lesser-known treasures you’ve probably never heard of.
In this post, we’ll point the spotlight on ten of the best of them. All of which would make worthy additions to your South Island road trip adventure itinerary.
1. Aoraki/Mount Cook
Mount Cook, aka Aoraki, is not only the tallest mountain in New Zealand but also where Sir Edmund Hillary honed his climbing skills in preparation for scaling Mount Everest.
Soaring to 3,724 meters, you might not want to climb the World Heritage Site yourself, but you can take in its majesty on one of the many alpine walks that start near its village.
Although road conditions can sometimes be difficult, you can get from Queenstown to Mount Cook with Enterprise car rentals. with Enterprise car rentals.
2. Okains Bay
If you plan on visiting Christchurch, you may want to take a side trip to the quaint town of Okains Bay. It will take about 90 minutes to drive there via State Highway 75, but once there, you’ll experience a side of the South Island many tourists don’t see.
Although the township has little more than a general store with one petrol pump and a marae, it does house the fascinating Okains Bay Māori and Colonial Museum, which contains New Zealand’s largest collection of Māori taonga.
It provides a fantastic way to explore the country’s history through a series of exhibits that span the period from early Māori times through to colonial settlement.
3. Larnach Castle
Did you know New Zealand had a castle? It was built in 1871 by William Larnach, a businessman and politician who originally hailed from New South Wales.
The castle is located in Dunedin and has a 3,000-square-foot ballroom among its main highlights. It also has gorgeous Victorian-style gardens and a tower that showcases sweeping views of the Otago Peninsula.
If you happen to be there at 3 pm, be sure to indulge in the delicious high tea they offer.
4. Kaka Point
Ok, so Kaka Point might not sound like the most charming place to visit. However, the beautiful seaside village is home to one of the South Island’s best surf beaches.
While tourists don’t necessarily visit in their droves, ITK surfers often come here to ride the swell.
When not hitting the waves, you should take the opportunity to spot the sea lions, yellow-eyed penguins, and fur seals that often frequent the area. Alternatively, you can tackle a lovely bush walk that will take you on a 1.6 km loop of the coastline.
5. Doubtful Sound
While Milford Sound gets many of the plaudits, its slightly lesser-known cousin of Doubtful Sound is just as worthwhile a place to visit in the Fjordland region.
Often referred to as the ‘Sound of Silence’, it is the deepest fjord on the South Island. It is also home to an incredible set of waterfalls that will take your breath away with their thunderous power and beauty.
Probably the best way to see this incredible landscape is on a guided tour departing from Manapouri, although you may want to enjoy an overnight cruise instead.
6. Saint Bathans
Located within the Otago region, Saint Bathans was once a thriving gold mining mecca. However, today it is better known for accommodating the shimmering waters of Blue Lake.
Miners created the man-made waterway while sluicing through the distinctive quartz rock that comprised Kildare Hill. From the 2 km track that loops around it, you’ll be able to take spectacular photos that will get hundreds of Insta likes.
Along the trail, you’ll also walk past the remnants of several structures that provide a direct link to the gold mining era.
7. Havelock
Sitting roughly halfway between Blenheim and Nelson, Havelock is another historic coastal township. This former gold mining settlement is better known today as the ‘Greenshell Mussel Capital of the World’.
As its name implies, the town is a fabulous place to taste these delicious shellfish, but you should head to The Mussel Pot for the best experience. There, you will be able to eat mussels cooked virtually any way you want.
If you are not a fan of mussels, there are a decent number of boutique arts and craft galleries you can check out instead.
8. Marfells Beach
If you fancy a bit of R&R, a great place to do this is at Marfells Beach.
This DOC reserve and campsite is about a half-hour drive southeast of Blenheim and is a wonderful spot to unwind in nature for a day or two as the ocean laps at your feet.
It is also a lovely spot for fishing and hiking, with several trails showcasing the natural beauty of the area.
Should you not be able to make this beach, there are plenty of other coastal areas to consider on the South Island.
9. Riccarton house and bush
Set on a beautiful 12-hectare reserve, it is hard to believe that Riccarton House and Bush is just 3.5 km from the CBD in Christchurch. However, it is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city while you explore its stunning gardens and historic buildings.
If you happen to be here on a Saturday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., the Christchurch Farmers Market, which is based on-site, is well worth checking out.
10. Methven
For those who want to do a bit of skiing on their South Island road trip, make a point of visiting Methven.
Doing this will provide you with terrific access to some of the best ski fields in the region, including the incredible Mt Hutt.
Once you’ve had your fill of the slopes, be sure to take in the beauty of the slopes from a hot air balloon ride or enjoy a relaxing soak at the Ōpuke Thermal Pools.