Embark on a southern journey less travelled.
Beyond New Zealand’s famed hotspots lies a world of remote landscapes, rich heritage, and wild beauty waiting to be uncovered. From the misty coastlines of Fiordland to the untouched beaches of Rakiura (Stewart Island), the South Island is a haven for travellers seeking experiences far from the ordinary.
Here are a few off-the-beaten-path wonders where nature, culture, and adventure combine to offer something truly unforgettable:
1. Stewart Island: A Wildlife Sanctuary at the Edge of the World
Often overlooked in favour of its bigger siblings, Stewart Island (Rakiura) is New Zealand’s southernmost inhabited island – a peaceful, predator-free haven for native birdlife and those chasing solitude. Walk the coastal trails of Rakiura National Park, even go kiwi spotting at night. Or sea kayak into Paterson Inlet to experience untouched wilderness few ever reach.
2. Wharariki Beach: Windswept, Wild and Otherworldly
Tucked away near Cape Farewell, this remote beach near the northern tip of the South Island rewards the adventurous. Wind-sculpted dunes, seal colonies, and dramatic rock arches offer an ever-changing landscape that feels more like a movie set than a real place.
3. Fiordland’s Hidden Trails: Beyond Milford Sound
Milford Sound may be iconic, but Fiordland has many secret corners. Swap the crowds for a private helicopter drop into untouched valleys. Or walk the lesser-known Hollyford or Dusky tracks (we can arrange your guides and lodge accommodation), where moss-laden beech forests and glacial rivers bring the wilderness to life.
4. Molesworth Station: A Remote High-Country Crossing
Open only during summer, the Molesworth Road stretches across New Zealand’s largest farm. This backcountry route reveals vast tussock-covered hills, braided rivers, and a sense of scale that’s impossible to find anywhere else. Best explored by 4WD or with a private guide. (Psst: We know the best fly fishing spots here too so talk to us first!)
5. The Catlins: Sea Cliffs and Southern Secrets
Tucked between Invercargill and Dunedin, the Catlins are a coastal treasure trove. Roaring waterfalls, rare yellow-eyed penguins, fossilised forests, and ancient Māori legends bring this wild coastline to life. It’s a place of stormy seas and still moments.
6. Lake Hauroko: New Zealand’s Deepest and Most Mysterious Lake
In the far reaches of western Southland lies Lake Hauroko – deep, brooding, and mysterious. Few make the journey here, but those who do are rewarded with mirror-like reflections, ancient rock art, and the opportunity to paddle or jetboat into the lost corners of Fiordland.
7. Inland Otago’s High Country: Stations and Stargazing
Drive inland from Queenstown and you’ll enter vast pastoral lands and rugged ranges. Visit a working high-country station, soak in a cedar tub under the stars in the Ahuriri Valley (great fly fishing here too), or hike to remote alpine tarns. They’re a world away from the ski crowds and city lights.
8. Okarito Lagoon: West Coast Wilderness by Water
Just north of Franz Josef Glacier lies Okarito, a tiny village with one of New Zealand’s most stunning coastal wetlands. Explore the lagoon by kayak, surrounded by rainforest and snow-capped peaks. Keep an eye out for the rare Kotuku (white heron).
9. The Forgotten Goldfields of Central Otago
Beyond the vineyards and bike trails lies a history of gold – still etched into the rugged hills of Central Otago. Explore crumbling stone cottages and hand-dug water races. Visit ghost towns that whisper of a boom that once drew people from around the world.
10. Doubtful Sound Overnight: Fiordland’s Quiet Giant
Less visited and more remote than Milford, Doubtful Sound offers a more immersive wilderness experience. Spend a night aboard a small ship, wake to mist drifting through towering fiords, and listen to the deep silence of nature uninterrupted.
Conclusion: Rediscover the South.
The South Island and Stewart Island offer much more than postcards and photo ops. For those willing to dig a little deeper, this part of New Zealand rewards with raw beauty, cultural depth, and moments of quiet awe. Whether you explore by foot, helicopter, kayak, or car, off-the-beaten-path travel here in Aotearoa New Zealand isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about finding space, silence, and stories worth sharing.