The 10 Best Photo Locations in the South Island of New Zealand

Headed to New Zealand and want to take some great photos? Or don’t care about photos but want to see some beautiful places? Here’s our list of the top 10 most photogenic (and hence damn stunning) locations in New Zealand’s South Island!

Might I add this is tricky because the entire island is beautiful, covered in snow capped peaks, dense green forests, amazing national parks, white sandy beach, crystal blue ocean and lakes with water bluer than anything I’ve ever seen.

This list is in no particular order. All these places are beautiful and depending on what tickles your fancy you may find some more spectacular than others. Also there are multiple photo opportunities in some places, and hence they get a mention all to themselves!

Click HERE to check out our blog post on our New Zealand South Island JUCY Road Trip to see how we managed to squeeze all these incredible places into a 2 week visit!

1. Clinton Valley (Milford Track)​
2. Lake Wanaka
3. Isthmus Peak (or Roy’s Peak) 
4. Queenstown
5. Abel Tasman Coastal Track
6. Mackinnon’s Pass (Milford Track)
7. Lake Pukaki
8. Mount Cook National Park​​
9. Lake Tekapo
10. Sutherland Falls (on the Milford Track)​

CLINTON VALLEY 

On the first and second day of the Milford Track you follow a trail that heads along the Clinton River through the Clinton Valley. It’s absolutely stunning; with waterfalls, dense mossy green forest, snow capped peak and abundant bird life. 

WANAKA

Wanaka is cute little town on a lake surrounded by greenery, mountains and farm land. It;s beautiful. In Wanaka there is plenty of opportunity for outdoors activities, wine tours and relaxing. 

ISTHMUS PEAK

Close to Wanaka is Lake Hawea, another beautiful lake.. and between these two there is a peak called Isthmus Peak. To get to the top it is a 2-4hr hike depending on fitness, and let me tell you; it’s worth it! The viewpoint at the top gives you a 360 degree view of both Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka and it is stunning!

QUEENSTOWN

Everyone knows Queenstown, and although it’s busy, being the tourist hub of the Sth Island there are some areas that are truly magical.

ABEL TASMAN COASTAL TRACK

Another of NZ’s “Great Walks” the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, and National Park is a mix of dense rainforest, white sand and crystal blue water. It’s absolutely beautiful.

MACKINNON’S PASS (MILFORD TRACK)

One of the absolute highlights of the stunning Milford Track is Mackinnon’s Pass. Mountains as far as the eye can see!

LAKE PUKAKI

The picture speaks for itself. That Blue!

MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK

Must Sees:
– Hooker Valley Track (pictured)
– Tasman Glacier
and obviously
– Mount Cook (if the weather/cloud cover permits!)

LAKE TEKAPO

Another stunning lake. Lake Tekapo also has beautiful flowers surrounding the waters edge if you get there at the right time of the year! (Early December!)

SUTHERLAND FALLS (MILFORD TRACK)

A 1.5hr return trip detour off Day 3 of the Milford Track, Sutherland Falls is a hidden gem. Whilst your legs may feel like jelly by this stage of the trek it is a MUST see, and well worth the 1.5hrs!

What are you waiting for? Go book your trip to NZ now!

Also a massive thanks to JUCY for making our trip possible! Make sure to check these guys out for all your Road Trippin’ needs! www.jucyworld.com, and don’t forget to give them a like on social media @JUCYworld!