12 Jaw-Dropping Places in the Southern Alps You Won’t Believe Exist

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When I first saw Mount Cook, I literally forgot to breathe. No joke—I just stood there with my mouth open like an idiot, watching the sun light up that massive peak. The Southern Alps did that to me a lot, especially at Lake Pukaki, where the water is this crazy shade of blue that doesn’t even look real against the mountains.

These are the most beautiful places in the Southern Alps, and I’m still not over them. From watching massive chunks of ice fall off Tasman Glacier (scared the hell out of me!) to hiking the Hooker Valley Track, where Mount Cook looks close enough to touch, here are 12 spots that made me fall completely in love with New Zealand’s mountains. Trust me, they’ll do the same to you.

Jaw-Dropping Places to Visit in the Southern Alps 

Looking to explore the Southern Alps’ most beautiful places? From the majestic peaks of Aoraki/Mount Cook to the stunning landscapes of Fiordland National Park, the Southern Alps are packed with stunning scenery. Stroll through the charming town of Wanaka, marvel at the natural beauty of Milford Sound, or explore the serene trails of Arthur’s Pass. Discover the tranquil allure of Lake Tekapo, the picturesque views from Franz Josef Glacier, or the vibrant atmosphere of Queenstown. Whether you’re into mountains, lakes, or outdoor adventures, here are 12 of the Southern Alps’ most breathtaking spots!

1. Nelson Lakes National Park

• 📍 Location: Northern South Island, 1.5 hours south of Nelson and 2 hours west of Marlborough wine region
• 🏆 Best For: Alpine hikers 🥾, lake lovers 🚣, stargazers ✨
• 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking the Angelus Circuit, fishing in Lake Rotoiti, photographing the perfect reflections at Lake Rotoiti jetty
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: December-March for hiking, winter (June-August) for snow activities and crystal-clear night skies ❄️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Lake Rotoiti Lodge – Cozy accommodation with stunning lakeside views

Need an Instagram feed refresh that will make your friends seriously jealous? Nelson Lakes National Park offers twin glacial lakes that mirror surrounding peaks with jaw-dropping clarity. The shoreline walk around Lake Rotoiti rewards even casual photographers with that iconic jetty shot you’ve seen all over social media.

I found the Angelus Circuit to be the perfect weekend challenge, leading to an alpine hut perched dramatically between snow-capped mountains. Brown trout fishing here ranks among New Zealand’s best, with crystal-clear waters making for exciting sight fishing. The park’s isolation from cities creates stellar stargazing opportunities, with the Milky Way stretching spectacularly across night skies. Winter transforms these landscapes into a playground for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with fewer tourists competing for those perfect reflection photos.

2. Lewis Pass & Kaikoura

• 📍 Location: Northeast South Island, 2 hours north of Christchurch and 30 minutes inland from Kaikoura coast
• 🏆 Best For: Wildlife enthusiasts 🐬, hikers 🥾, hot spring seekers 🧖
• 📸 Top Experiences: Whale watching tours, soaking in natural hot springs, hiking along alpine valleys
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Year-round for marine wildlife, spring (September-November) for wildflowers and fewer crowds 🌸
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Kaikoura Boutique Hotel – Comfortable lodging with ocean views

Craving that rare combination of mountains and marine life without Queenstown prices? Kaikoura has both, with a deep underwater canyon just offshore creating perfect conditions for incredible sea encounters. Giant sperm whales reside year-round, with migrating humpbacks passing through seasonally.

Swimming with playful dusky dolphins ranks as one of my most memorable New Zealand experiences, combining adventure and wildlife in one adrenaline-pumping package. Lewis Pass offers alpine hiking trails without the crowds of more famous destinations. The Lewis Tops Track rewards with panoramic views that showcase both coastline and alpine landscapes. After hiking, nothing beats soaking tired muscles in the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools. 

3. Arthur’s Pass

• 📍 Location: Central South Island, the main mountain pass between East and West coasts, 2 hours northwest of Christchurch
• 🏆 Best For: Mountain adventurers 🏔️, wildlife spotters 🦜, photographers 📸
• 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking to Devils Punchbowl waterfall, spotting kea parrots, driving the spectacular Otira Viaduct
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November-April for hiking, winter (June-August) for snow activities and alpine scenery ❄️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Arthur’s Pass Alpine Motel – Rustic mountain accommodation in the heart of the village

Want to experience raw alpine wilderness without a helicopter budget? Arthur’s Pass National Park cuts through the heart of the Southern Alps with dramatically accessible landscapes perfect for weekend warriors. The village sits at 900 meters elevation and serves as the ideal base for exploration.

Don’t miss the Devils Punchbowl Walking Track, an accessible one-hour return trip to a spectacular 131-meter waterfall. Watch for mischievous kea parrots that have been known to dismantle rental cars while their owners snap photos! The engineering marvel of the Otira Viaduct provides heart-stopping views as you navigate this mountain pass. Serious hikers should tackle Avalanche Peak for breathtaking panoramas. Winter brings another dimension to Arthur’s Pass when snow transforms these jagged peaks into a photographer’s dream. The TranzAlpine train passes through here, offering what many consider New Zealand’s most scenic rail journey.

4. Ashburton Lakes

• 📍 Location: Mid-Canterbury high country, 2 hours west of Christchurch
• 🏆 Best For: Fishermen 🎣, bird watchers 🦢, solitude seekers 🧘
• 📸 Top Experiences: Fly fishing for brown trout, stargazing under dark skies, hiking around Lake Clearwater
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: October-April for fishing and hiking, winter for spectacular snowy mountain backdrops ❄️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Mt Potts Lodge – Secluded alpine retreat nestled in the Ashburton Lakes district offering breathtaking Southern Alps views and luxury wilderness accommodations

Seeking that increasingly rare commodity called solitude? Ashburton Lakes offers escape from tourist crowds with a collection of shallow, crystal-clear alpine waters scattered across tussock-covered basins. Unlike New Zealand’s Instagram hotspots, these pristine lakes reward visitors with genuine wilderness and dark skies perfect for astrophotography.

Lake Clearwater lives up to its name with striking turquoise waters reflecting surrounding peaks on calm days. The area has become a sanctuary for fly fishermen targeting wild brown trout in shallow waters that allow for excellent sight fishing. Walking the easy 10.5km lake circuit provides constantly changing perspectives of this beautiful landscape. The minimal light pollution creates outstanding stargazing opportunities where I’ve captured some of my best Milky Way photos without specialized equipment.

5. Lake Tekapo & Mackenzie Basin

• 📍 Location: South Canterbury, 3 hours southwest of Christchurch
• 🏆 Best For: Night sky enthusiasts ✨, photographers 📸, alpine flower lovers 🌸
• 📸 Top Experiences: Stargazing at Mt John Observatory, photographing the Church of the Good Shepherd, witnessing summer lupins in bloom
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November-January for lupins, year-round for stargazing, winter (June-August) for snow-capped mountain views ❄️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Peppers Bluewater Resort – Modern accommodation with lake views

Looking for the ultimate backdrop for couple photos that won’t require professional editing? Lake Tekapo combines milky-blue glacial waters with some of the clearest night skies on Earth. This otherworldly landscape sits within an International Dark Sky Reserve where stars appear so vivid they seem three-dimensional.

The iconic Church of the Good Shepherd creates silhouettes against the lake and mountains for arguably New Zealand’s most photographed vista. From November through January, vibrant lupines bloom along shorelines, adding purple and pink splashes to already dramatic scenery. For the ultimate celestial experience, join a stargazing tour at Mt. John Observatory, where powerful telescopes reveal galaxies invisible to the naked eye. After photography sessions, unwinding in Tekapo Springs thermal pools feels like floating in warm water while suspended among mountains.

6. Mount Cook National Park

• 📍 Location: Central South Island, 4 hours southwest of Christchurch and 45 minutes from Lake Tekapo
• 🏆 Best For: Mountain enthusiasts 🏔️, glacier seekers 🧊, serious hikers 🥾
• 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking the Hooker Valley Track, taking a glacier boat tour, helicopter flights over the Southern Alps
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: December-March for hiking, shoulder seasons (April-May, October-November) for fewer crowds 🏞️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Hermitage Hotel – Iconic accommodation with unbeatable mountain views

Dreaming of epic mountain adventures without needing technical climbing skills? Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park has accessible alpine grandeur with 19 peaks over 3,000 meters, including New Zealand‘s highest. This vertical playground attracts mountaineers and photographers alike with landscapes that make even smartphone photos look professional.

The must-do Hooker Valley Track offers a relatively easy 10km return hike crossing swing bridges over glacial streams before reaching Hooker Lake with floating icebergs. More adventurous types should consider the challenging Mueller Hut Route for an unforgettable overnight alpine experience. For glacial encounters, boat tours on Tasman Glacier terminal lake bring you face-to-face with towering ice cliffs. The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre provides fascinating context about the legendary mountaineer who trained here before conquering Everest. 

7. Waitaki Valley

• 📍 Location: South Island of New Zealand, stretching from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean
• 🏆 Best For: Wine enthusiasts 🍷, fossil hunters 🦴, cyclists 🚴‍♀️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Wine tasting at boutique vineyards, exploring Vanished World fossil sites, cycling the Alps 2 Ocean trail
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to March for warm weather and vineyard activities 🍇, April-May for stunning autumn colors 🍂
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Valley Views Glamping – Luxury geodesic domes with panoramic valley views

Craving a wine region that hasn’t been overrun by tourists? Waitaki Valley offers rare finds both in bottles and in the ground. This emerging wine region produces exceptional Pinot Noir and aromatic whites on distinctive limestone-rich soils. The valley’s unique geology has created a treasure trove of marine fossils, earning it the nickname “Valley of Bones.” I couldn’t believe the ancient penguin and whale remains visible throughout the Vanished World Trail.

The magnificent Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail winds through the valley, offering breathtaking views of turquoise glacial lakes and Māori rock art. Don’t miss the striking Clay Cliffs near Omarama, natural pinnacles that glow golden in the late afternoon sun. For a memorable evening, soak in outdoor hot tubs at Hot Tubs Omarama while stargazing in one of the world’s best dark sky reserves.

8. Central Otago

• 📍 Location: Interior of New Zealand’s South Island, approximately 1.5 hours from Queenstown
• 🏆 Best For: Wine connoisseurs 🍷, gold rush history buffs 🏛️, rail trail cyclists 🚵‍♂️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Sampling world-class Pinot Noir, cycling the Otago Central Rail Trail, exploring historic gold mining towns
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer (December-February) for warm days and outdoor activities, April-May for harvest festivals and autumn colors 🍁
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Olivers Central Otago – Historic stone buildings converted into luxury accommodation in Clyde

Wine lovers with sophisticated palates will find nirvana in Central Otago. As the world’s southernmost wine region, it produces Pinot Noir that consistently ranks among global elite vintages. The dramatic landscape of snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and rocky schist outcrops creates wines with character found nowhere else.

History comes alive in preserved gold rush towns like Clyde, Ophir, and St. Bathans, where 19th-century stone buildings tell stories of fortune-seekers. The 152km Otago Central Rail Trail follows the old railway through stunning gorges and across historic viaducts. My favorite stops include quirky country pubs serving local cuisine alongside regional wines.

For unforgettable landscapes, visit Bendigo and Bannockburn. These weathered rock formations and abandoned mining sites create an almost lunar landscape that glows with remarkable colors at sunrise and sunset.

9. Queenstown

• 📍 Location: Southwestern South Island, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu surrounded by The Remarkables mountain range
• 🏆 Best For: Adventure seekers 🪂, snow sports enthusiasts ⛷️, food and wine lovers 🍽️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Bungy jumping at Kawarau Bridge, jet boating on Shotover River, skiing world-class resorts
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Year-round – winter (June-August) for skiing ❄️, summer (December-February) for water activities and hiking 🏊‍♀️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: QT Queenstown – Stylish lakefront hotel with stunning mountain views

Ready for your Instagram feed to explode with envy-inducing adventure shots? Queenstown has adrenaline rushes worthy of your mid-life bucket list. This is where commercial bungy jumping was born at the historic Kawarau Bridge and where jet boating through narrow canyons on the Shotover River creates unforgettable thrills.

Winter transforms the surrounding mountains into a snowy playground with four world-class ski fields. Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona, and Treble Cone cater to everyone from beginners to experts. Summer brings perfect conditions for paddleboarding and kayaking on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wakatipu.

After adventures, I always recommend the exceptional dining scene. From lakeside restaurants serving fresh local cuisine to hidden wine bars showcasing Central Otago vintages, your taste buds will thank you. The surrounding Gibbston Valley wine region offers tastings with dramatic mountain backdrops just 20 minutes away.

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10. Wanaka

• 📍 Location: Southern Alps of New Zealand’s South Island, on the shores of Lake Wanaka, 1 hour from Queenstown
• 🏆 Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts 🏔️, photographers 📸, relaxation seekers 🧘‍♀️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Photographing the Wanaka Tree, hiking Roy’s Peak, skiing Treble Cone
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: December-March for hiking and lake activities 🚣‍♀️, June-September for winter sports ⛷️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Edgewater Hotel – Lakefront accommodations with stunning views and private beach access

Searching for Queenstown vibes without the bachelor party crowds? Wanaka offers adventure with a more sophisticated, relaxed atmosphere. The town centers around stunning glacier-fed Lake Wanaka, where the famous Wanaka Tree grows directly from the water as perhaps the most photographed tree in the world.

Adventure seekers will find paradise in the surrounding mountains. The iconic Roy’s Peak hike offers what I consider the most Instagram-worthy vista in New Zealand. This panoramic view of Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring National Park rewards every step of the challenging climb. In winter, nearby Treble Cone and Cardrona ski fields offer world-class terrain with shorter lines than Queenstown.

For something unique, visit Puzzling World with its mind-bending illusions and 3D maze. Wine enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Rippon Vineyard, where biodynamic wines are produced against what might be the world’s most spectacular vineyard backdrop.

11. Mount Aspiring National Park

• 📍 Location: Southern Alps of New Zealand, between Wanaka and the West Coast
• 🏆 Best For: Hikers 🥾, mountaineers 🧗‍♂️, wilderness photographers 📸
• 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking the Rob Roy Glacier Track, multi-day Routeburn Track, jet boating on the Matukituki River
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November-April for hiking and alpinist activities 🏔️, winter (June-September) for spectacular snow-capped mountains ❄️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Aspiring Huts – Department of Conservation mountain huts for overnight hikers

Nature photographers and outdoor lovers in their prime hiking years will find their dream backdrop in Mount Aspiring National Park. This pristine wilderness of soaring peaks, ancient beech forests, and glacier-carved valleys earned its place in the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area. The park’s centerpiece is the pyramid-shaped Mount Aspiring/Tititea (3,033m), often called “the Matterhorn of the South.”

The stunning Rob Roy Glacier Track offers one of New Zealand‘s most accessible alpine experiences. For serious adventurers, the Routeburn Track traverses part of the park with overnight options in well-maintained huts.

Short on time? Jet boat tours on the braided Matukituki River provide access to dramatic scenery with the added thrill of high-speed spins. The pilots often stop at locations used in “The Lord of the Rings” films, where I spotted the cheeky kea alpine parrots.

12. Fiordland National Park

• 📍 Location: Southwestern corner of New Zealand’s South Island
• 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌿, hikers 🥾, photographers 📸
• 📸 Top Experiences: Cruising Milford Sound, hiking the Milford or Kepler Tracks, scenic flight over the fiords
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Year-round – rainy days for spectacular waterfalls, summer (December-February) for hiking 🥾, winter for fewer crowds ❄️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Milford Sound Lodge – The only accommodation at Milford Sound, with chalets overlooking the fiord

Witnessing waterfalls plummet from clouds into mirror-black waters will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fantasy film in Fiordland National Park. Nature reveals its most dramatic side here as towering mountains plunge straight into deep fjords. The crown jewel is Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, where sheer rock faces rise 1,200 meters from the sea, creating what Rudyard Kipling called the “eighth wonder of the world.”

A boat cruise is essential, bringing you close to thundering Stirling Falls (155 meters) and resident fur seals, penguins, and dolphins. For a truly memorable perspective, take a scenic flight over the fjords to appreciate the incredible landscape carved by ancient glaciers.

Three of New Zealand’s Great Walks wind through the park. The Milford Track, Kepler Track, and Routeburn Track offer multi-day hiking adventures through ancient forests and alpine meadows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Visiting the Beautiful Places in the Southern Alps 

Interested in broadening your understanding of Southern Alp’s most picturesque locations? Here are frequently asked questions about its top attractions.

What is the Southern Alps famous for?

The Southern Alps are renowned for their stunning natural landscapes, which include towering peaks, serene lakes, and expansive national parks. They are a hub for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and mountaineering. The range is also culturally significant, with a rich Maori history.

What is the best peak in the Southern Alps?

Aoraki/Mount Cook is widely considered one of the most notable and awe-inspiring peaks in the Southern Alps for several reasons:

1. Highest Point: Aoraki/Mount Cook is the highest peak in New Zealand, standing at an impressive 3,724 meters (12,218 feet) above sea level. Its sheer height and prominence make it a natural focal point in the Southern Alps.
2. Scenic Beauty: The peak is situated within the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, surrounded by some of the most breathtaking alpine scenery in the world. The park features glaciers, pristine lakes, and rugged mountain terrain, providing visitors with stunning vistas at every turn.
3. Mountaineering: Aoraki/Mount Cook is a magnet for mountaineers and climbers from around the globe. Its challenging terrain offers a range of routes for climbers of varying skill levels, making it a popular destination for those seeking adventure and the thrill of summiting a major peak.
4. Astronomy: The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, encompassing the area around Aoraki/Mount Cook, is renowned for its exceptionally clear and dark skies. Stargazing and astrophotography enthusiasts flock to this location to observe the southern hemisphere’s night sky, including the Southern Cross and the Milky Way.
5. Hiking and Tramping: For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, there are numerous hiking and tramping trails in the vicinity, offering opportunities to explore the park’s natural beauty, including the Hooker Valley Track, the Mueller Hut Route, and the Kea Point Track.

Why do people go to the Southern Alps?

People visit the Southern Alps for several compelling reasons:

1. Stunning Scenery: The Southern Alps offer breathtaking landscapes, from towering peaks to deep blue glacial lakes.
2. Adventure Sports: Thrill-seekers flock to the region for activities like skiing, snowboarding, mountaineering, and paragliding.
3. Hiking and Trekking: The area boasts numerous trails that cater to both beginners and experienced hikers, with routes like the famous Milford Track.
4. Photography: The dramatic landscapes provide perfect backdrops for photography enthusiasts, capturing iconic spots like Aoraki/Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo.
5. Wildlife Encounters: The alpine environment is home to unique species like the Kea, a native mountain parrot, and visitors often spot them in their natural habitat.
6. Glacier Experiences: Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers attract visitors who want to experience guided glacier walks, heli-hikes, or scenic flights.
7. Stargazing: Places like the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve offer some of the world’s best stargazing opportunities.

What towns are in the Southern Alps New Zealand?

Key towns in the Southern Alps of New Zealand include Queenstown, Wanaka, and Te Anau. These towns serve as gateways to popular attractions like Fiordland National Park, Mount Aspiring National Park, and Lake Wakatipu.

How do I get to the Southern Alps?

The Southern Alps are well-connected and easily accessible from various parts of New Zealand. The most common entry points are through airports in Queenstown and Christchurch. Both airports offer domestic and international flights, making them convenient options for travelers. Once you land, there are several ways to reach your desired destinations within the Southern Alps.

Renting a car is a popular choice and offers the most flexibility. Many car rental services are available at the airports, and the roads are generally well-maintained, making for a pleasant drive. If you prefer public transport, both Queenstown and Christchurch have bus services that connect to key towns and attractions in the Southern Alps.

For those looking for a more scenic journey, the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth offers breathtaking views of the Alps. From Greymouth, you can take local transport to reach various spots in the region. Additionally, some tour companies offer package deals that include transportation, making it a hassle-free option for those who prefer a more structured itinerary.

What’s the best time to visit the Southern Alps?

The best time to visit depends on what you’re looking to do. Summer (December to February) is ideal for hiking and water activities, while winter (June to August) is perfect for skiing and snowboarding.

Are there any unique animals in the Southern Alps?

Yes, the Southern Alps are home to unique wildlife like the Kea, a native alpine parrot, and the New Zealand Falcon. You may also encounter various species of penguins in coastal areas.

What kind of accommodations are available?

The Southern Alps offer a range of accommodations, from luxury lodges and hotels to budget-friendly hostels and campsites. Many places also offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Beautiful Places in the Southern Alps 

And there you have it—a comprehensive guide to the Southern Alps of New Zealand, a region that promises an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural richness. From the towering peaks of Mount Cook National Park to the tranquil waters of Lake Tekapo, each destination offers its own unique charm and set of activities. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a nature lover, or a history buff, the Southern Alps have something to cater to every interest.

This guide has taken you through 12 of the most beautiful places in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, each offering unique experiences that captures the essence of this awe-inspiring region. We’ve also answered some of the most frequently asked questions to help you plan your trip more effectively.

So, what are you waiting for? The Southern Alps are calling, and it’s time to answer. Pack your bags, find the best airlines, and set off on an adventure that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. The Southern Alps are not just a destination; they’re a journey into the heart of New Zealand’s most captivating landscapes.