10 unforgettable day hikes across New Zealand's South Island

When we first decided to travel together, New Zealand was at the top of our list. It became the first country of our six-month adventure and we spent six weeks in a little campervan exploring both islands across January and February. Our first stop, the South Island, it had so much magic that we’ve been constantly daydreaming about it since. Why we chose New Zealand: 

  • We wanted to try van life, something completely new to us.
  • We craved simplicity and solitude, and some real time to reconnect.
  • We were ready to challenge ourselves physically and mentally, kick-starting an adventures mindset at the beginning of our trip.

New Zealand gave us that, it helped shake off the noise of our busy London lives, got us back into nature, and helped us feel like us again. Don’t get us wrong, there were lots of hard moments – soar feet, sunburns and a slightly alarming allergic reaction to UV, but overall it was one of the most amazing experiences we’ve had. 

So, if you’re a couple looking to hike, explore, and connect through adventure – this one’s for you. Here is our top 10 unforgettable day hikes across New Zealand’s South Island:

Map of New Zealand’s South Island highlighting 10 unforgettable day hikes across the region.
Map of New Zealand’s South Island highlighting 10 unforgettable day hikes across the region.

1. Hooker Valley Track – a gentle start with a big impact

📍Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
🗺 10 km return | ⏱ 3–4 hours | 🥾 Easy

This was our first hike in New Zealand and what a way to start. The trail begins at the White Horse Hill Campsite and gently winds through the glacier-carved valley. Crossing three dramatic swing bridges before arriving at Hooker Lake, where mini-icebergs float below the towering Aoraki / Mount Cook, the country’s highest peak. If you are there early in the year like us, it’s a great stop to see some snowy mountains.

This track gets busy, but the views more than make up for it. For us, it was one of those ‘can you believe we’re seeing this’ moments!

💡Top Tip: If you’re in a campervan, stay for free at Lake Pukaki Campground nearby. The views here are unbelievable even after seeing those on the Hooker Valley Track! Check out our NZ 3-week itinerary for all our campsite recommendations.

Campsite recommendations
Left image shows a hiker crossing a suspension bridge on the Hooker Valley Track with snowy peaks ahead. Right image shows a sweeping Hooker Valley view with the bridge in the distance, a rocky river, and dramatic alpine mountains under a bright blue sky
Crossing one of the suspension bridges on the Hooker Valley Track, surrounded by towering snowy peaks and glacial rivers

2. Ben Lomond – a tough climb worth every step

📍Queenstown
🗺 11 km return | ⏱ 6–8 hours | 🥾 Challenging

Our first proper mountain hike and it didn’t hold back. We took the Skyline Gondola up to the trailhead, tickets were about £30 each, on the more expensive side but worth it in our opinion. We began our climb through the shaded forest, which soon opened into these sweeping alpine views. We didn’t make it to the summit (the clouds had other plans) so we stopped at the saddle just below. This still felt like a win, with views for miles, stretching to Mount Earnslaw and Mount Aspiring on one side, and back across Queenstown on the other.

It was quite a physical challenge as we were still working on our fitness. Lots of cheering each other on and frequently Oreo cookie breaks did the trick.

Two hikers smile for a selfie on the Ben Lomond Track near Queenstown, with Lake Wakatipu and surrounding mountains in the background. The second photo shows a panoramic view from the Ben Lomond day hike, featuring green forest, blue lake water, and rugged peaks under a bright sky.
Taking a break on the Ben Lomond Track with sweeping views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the rugged mountain ranges.

3. Kepler Tack to Luxmore Hut – a mini epic

📍 Te Anau / Fiordland National Park
🗺 16.5 km return | ⏱ 5–7 hours | 🥾 Moderate to challenging | Section of a multi-day hike

We took a short taxi boat across Lake Te Anau to the secluded Brod Bay. The track off the beach heads straight into the forest starting the steady climb. Eventually, you come out to the top and stroll across the flatter panoramic ridgelines leading to Luxmore Hut. Once we were up there it felt like we were on top of our own small world, we could see for miles.

There are lots of different hikes you can do around this area. We recommend visiting the DOC centre in Te Anau, they were amazingly helpful and have us lots of info for the best hikes depending on the weather. 

🕒 Watch the clock! We almost missed the last return boat and had to race back, adrenaline pumping stuff. Unless you want to add an extra 10K to you walk we suggest getting the earliest boat so you don’t need to rush back later on.

A small mountain pond surrounded by golden grass on the Kepler Track near Te Anau, with distant mountains visible beneath a moody sky on the way to Luxmore Hut.
Passing a still mountain pond on the Kepler Track day hike to Luxmore Hut, with wide views stretching over Te Anau’s ranges.

4. Milford Track – a majestic trail deep in the fiords

📍 Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park
🗺 11km return | ⏱ 2-3 hours | 🥾 Easy | Section of a multi-day hike

We only had time for a snippet of the world-famous muti-day Milford Track, but even a taster was worth it. We took a water taxi to Sandfly Point, which has amazing views the mountains along the water. You can pre-book a return transfer through the RealNZ website (around £65). The trail felt otherworldly – misty forests, moss-covered trees, dramatic waterfalls. We walked to one of the great highlights of the track Giant Gate Falls before turning back.

This was a relatively flat and quick track and there are lots of other mini-walks around this area too, so you can pack a lot into a day exploring here.

💡 Tip: There is free parking at Deepwater Basin, a short walk away from the watertaxi pickup, but it fills up so get there early! You can enjoy breakfast and coffee nearby before your boat departs – there is a café at the Cruise Information centre up the road.

Split image showing scenic views from the Milford Track day hike in Milford Sounds. On the left, a calm river winds between forested mountains under a bright blue sky. On the right, two hikers stand on a rock ledge with towering green peaks and a clear lake behind them.
Stunning views along the Milford Track day hike in Milford Sounds, with crystal-clear lakes, lush forest, and towering mountain peaks.

5. Routeburn Track to Falls Hut – a serious stunner

📍 Glenorchy
🗺 21 km return | ⏱ 7–8 hours | 🥾 Moderate to challenging | Section of a multi-day hike

This track delivers right from the start – waterfalls, beech forests, and relaxing streams. It left us dreaming of taking on the full multi-day hike one day. The track begins at the Routeburn Shelter and follows the clear river, passing a waterfall, gorge, and swing bridge. After a steep climb at the end, you are rewarded with an astonishing view from Falls Hut.

One of our favourite parts of the hike, just before the final climb, was sitting in a beautiful clearing, eating lunch in the quiet, and soaking in the surrounding mountain views. Sometimes, the quiet moments are the ones you remember most.

If you’re feeling super fit and adventurous, you could hike up to the next point: Harris Saddle, the highest point of the whole track.

Split image from the Routeburn Track to Falls Hut day hike near Glenorchy. On the left, a wide alpine valley with a winding river is surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks. On the right, a hiker rests on a rock ledge overlooking green mountains and a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
Panoramic mountain views along the Routeburn Track to Falls Hut day hike.

6. Mount Iron Track – 360 views for miles

📍 Wanaka
🗺 4.5km loop | ⏱ 2–3 hours | 🥾 moderate

We loved our time in Wanaka and we knew there are lots of amazing hikes around this area but we opted for the Mount Iron Track. It is situated just outside the town and has wonderful 360 degree views of local landmarks, Lake Wanaka and across the Southern Alps.

We’d heard it was a busy track, so we got there early before the small carpark at the trailhead fills up. With that said, the track didn’t feel busy at all.   

Panoramic mountain views from the Mount Iron Track day hike in Wanaka. Rolling hills, valleys, and distant peaks stretch under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
The sweeping view from the Mount Iron Track day hike.

7. Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike – ice, awe altitude

📍 Franz Josef
🗺 Helicopter + guided hike | ⏱ 4 hours | 🥾 Moderate

Before we set off on our trip, we decided on a few ‘bucket-list’ moment and this was our first. On the expensive side but one of the most sensational experiences we’ve had. We were flown onto the glacier by helicopter, then hiked over electric-blue ice. We learnt so much about the glacier and were stunned by how beautiful it was.

💡 Tip: ZIP UP YOUR POCKETS. Dom’s phone nearly became a glacier sacrifice, slipping out of his pocket after getting a little too excited to climb into an ice cave. The slow-motion moment watching your phone slide dramatically away down the ice is etched into our brains. Miraculously, we found it and it still works! Check out our Bucket List blog for more unmissable moments.

Split image of a glacier heli hike day trip in Franz Josef. On the left, two hikers in crampons and holding poles climb across blue ice under clear skies. On the right, the same hikers explore a glowing blue ice cave as sunlight shines over the glacier.
Adventuring on a glacier heli hike day trip in Franz Josef, with ice climbing and exploring stunning blue ice caves.

8. Mount Robert Loop – non-stop view the whole way

📍 Nelson Lakes National Park
🗺 9km loop | ⏱ 5 hours | 🥾 Challenging | Section of a multi-day hike

Honestly, we don’t know why this hike isn’t more famous. The views over Lake Rotoiti and the St Arnaud Range were some of the best we’d seen in all of New Zealand. We went up via the Pinchgut Track and came down Paddy’s Track, which gave us views the whole way round, including an incredible panoramic descent. The higher we got, the more we felt like we were walking through a landscape painting.

💡 Top Tip: If you’re staying in the area, you cant miss out of a stipple in New Zealand Oldest pub! You can also stay overnight in a campervan there, you just need to buy something at the bar. And you’ll definitely deserved a pint after this climb.

9. Abel Tasman Coastal Track – sun, sea and picture perfect scenes

📍 Abel Tasman National Park
🗺 KM | ⏱ 6-5 hours | 🥾 Easy to moderate | Section of a multi-day hike

This one caught us off guard, in the best way. We expected pretty views, but didn’t expect to fall completely in love. The trail winds between golden beaches and lush native forest, with moments that feel straight out of a postcard.

These views had us stopping every ten minutes to stare. So, don’t underestimate how long it will take. It was still a hefty walk so the earlier you start the better. This will also give you time to stop at all the stunning beaches along the way.

💡 Tip: Park in the town Marahau and get a water taxi to Anchorage or further north to tailor your own adventure.

10. Cullen Point Lookout – a sensational surprise

📍 Havelock
🗺 3 km loop | ⏱ 45 mins–1 hour | 🥾 Easy

This one was a happy surprise. We’d been driving for hours and stopped on a whim. The trail was short and steep but the view from the top is super sensational – looking out over the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. There is a little bench at the top, so we recommend packing a lunch and taking some time to sit and admire this gorgeous view.