Top 10 Bodies of Water in South Island, New Zealand

October 6, 2021 Augustus Redeker

Discover the best top things to do in South Island, New Zealand including Lake Wakatipu, Marlborough Sounds, Doubtful Sound, Lake Pukaki, Lake Wanaka, Lake Alexandrina, Avon River, Arrow River, Milford Sound, Queen Charlotte Sound.
Restaurants in South Island

1. Lake Wakatipu

Queenstown New Zealand http://www.realjourneys.co.nz/en/experiences/dining/walter-peak-gourmet-bbq-lunch
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,061 reviews

Lake Wakatipu

Reviewed By 194fayh - Christchurch, New Zealand

When visiting Queenstown a "Must see & Do" is the trip on the TSS Earnslaw boat - built in 1912 a great old ship that takes you up to Walter Peak - again a beautiful old Homestead/Farm wonderful hosts - great gift shop and a sing song on the journey with Lovely Eleanor on the piano playing some great old favourite songs which all the passengers join in on the singng. wonderful adventure and a chance to meet people from around the Globe. cant wait to do it again.

2. Marlborough Sounds

Picton New Zealand +64 3-577 5587 http://www.marlborough.co.nz/sounds.asp
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 688 reviews

Marlborough Sounds

Reviewed By paulohartson1 - Amersham, United Kingdom

Take the scenic route from Nelson and you'll find laybys at the side of the road that give you stunning views down the sounds

3. Doubtful Sound

Te Anau, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
Excellent
83%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,296 reviews

Doubtful Sound

Reviewed By Nalacoops1950

Go Orange provide a very professional, organised service and meet their promise of a trip with small numbers on a comfortable boat. Travis and Karina were the guide and.captain for the day, both being amusing, knowledgeable and enthusiastic in making it enjoyable for all, The trip across lake Manapouri is a great start to the day, followed by an interesting bus ride to the harbour. Karina made a few stops showing interesting place on the way. The 3 hours sailing the Sound is full of spectacular mountains, waterfalls and scenery all around. Time passed quickly and at the end you have the pleasure of reversing the bus journey and Manapouri lake crossing to look forward to. It is not a cheap trip but does provide the small personal tour promised in a comfortable boat with enough personal space to view the Sound. We would certainly do the trip again and would recommend it to others. Thanks for a superb and memorable day

4. Lake Pukaki

New Zealand
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 738 reviews

Lake Pukaki

Reviewed By pd7 - London, United Kingdom

Fabulously picturesque/scenic lake and views with its ridiculously turquoise colour! Just amazing - especially as you drive towards the far distant mountains and they inch closer & higher - we had to stop again & again & again for photos and just to stroll around and take it in. Superb drive from the east coast across south island to the mountains & Aoraki/Mt Cook. A definite must see Top 10 location of NZ.

5. Lake Wanaka

Wanaka New Zealand http://www.lakewanaka.co.nz
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,293 reviews

Lake Wanaka

Reviewed By ivangH5657RG

This natural wonder is so pleasant, families with children can enjoy many water activities by boating, water skiing or just having tasty picnic and feeding local ducks. Also nearby there is children playground as well. To walk to town takes about 10 minutes where you can get ice cream or cosy lunch or diner. And prices are very moderate.

6. Lake Alexandrina

Lake Tekapo New Zealand
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 25 reviews

Lake Alexandrina

Reviewed By mebates00 - Belfast, United Kingdom

This is a beautiful lake in the Mackenzie district of S Island New Zealand. The autumn colours were spectacular! The lake is a severe location far from the ‘real world’ in terms of stillness solitude and calm. Visit if you can...just a short drive from Lake Tekapo!

7. Avon River

Christchurch New Zealand +64 3-366 0337 http://www.punting.co.nz
Excellent
50%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 649 reviews

Avon River

A unique part of the city, the Avon River sustains a diverse plant and animal life and is a source of many recreational activities.

Reviewed By riggersrock - Port Ludlow, United States

Thought it would be a quick little stroll but this park is amazing and the river just calls to you. Found a bench and just enjoyed. Weeping willows are impressive, this place is perfect for photos.

8. Arrow River

Queenstown New Zealand http://arrowtown.co.nz
Excellent
52%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 428 reviews

Arrow River

The discovery of gold in this river led to the settlement of thousands along its banks.

Reviewed By Brynkoru - Blenheim, New Zealand

We hired bikes and did the Arrow River track - visited some of the wineries on route as well as the famous Bungy Jump Bridge - Will be happy share with friends next time.

9. Milford Sound

Te Anau, Fiordland National Park 9679 New Zealand +64 3-441 1137 http://www.realjourneys.co.nz/en/destinations/milford-sound
Excellent
80%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,688 reviews

Milford Sound

Reviewed By EugenioA193 - Singapore, Singapore

The tour we take starts from Queenstown to milford Sound national park, ee contract our tour with #southerndiscoveries and starting wit our guide and driver Greg, we feel safe with Greg due to the weather conditions on the road, slippery road with snow and Etc, the trip Magic all the information along the road Greg gave us, we arrive on time and the service incredible all the logistics without a mistake, we arrive the ship and start the trip beautiful sights and all incredible until we returned to Queenstown Safe and Happy, magic experience is a must on the south Island in New Zealand

10. Queen Charlotte Sound

Queen Charlotte Walk, Picton New Zealand +64 3-573 6175 http://www.beachcombercruises.co.nz
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 335 reviews

Queen Charlotte Sound

Reviewed By Resort829690 - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Great tramp Beautiful scenery Comfortable lodges Carry only a day pack Organised by Adventure Tours Picton Track can easily done independently-no guide required Lodges along route comfortable with restaurants providing great food

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.