Overview

The Southern Alps are the backbone of New Zealand's South Island. The snow-capped mountain range features several glaciers and New Zealand’s highest peak - Aoraki-Mt Cook – along with dramatic alpine valleys that are home to the country’s best walking trails and ski fields. The Routeburn and Milford Track - two of New Zealand’s Great Walks - offer the best tramping in New Zealand in our view, showcasing the Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks. Nearby, Queenstown and Wanaka are home to world-class ski resorts, Cardrona and the Remarkables. Heli experiences and expedition cruises into Milford Sound depart from Queenstown, Te Anau and Milford and are recommended inclusions on any bucket-list South Island itinerary. Further north is the renowned Marlborough wine region and pristine coastal walks, the Abel Tasman and Queen Charlotte Track. The diversity of natural landscapes on the South Island combined with the exceptional luxury lodges, makes it the ultimate adventure travel destination.

Featured image: Blanket Bay Walk

Map 3 Queenstown no accom 1
The South Island's luxury lodges are world-class and make the perfect base for an active alpine walking or ski holiday
Jess - Walk into Luxury Journey Designer

Frequently asked questions

Best Luxury Lodges in Australia and New Zealand: Walk into Luxury's Annual List for 2024

Our 2024 awards list showcases our favourite luxury lodges and resorts in Australia and New Zealand, based on key features that drive our decision on where to travel next.

Your 2024 nature-based travel calendar

If you're still deciding where and, importantly, when to travel this year, our 2024 calendar of perfectly timed nature-based journeys will inspire you.

Ultimate walking season guide for Australia and New Zealand

Plan your next hike with our guide to the Australian and New Zealand walk seasons. Here we answer the common questions: "When is the best time to walk in Australia?", "When is the Great Walk season in New Zealand?", and more.

Your 2023 travel wish list

Where will 2023 take you? We've pulled together a list of our favourite adventures and wellness experiences for the modern traveller. May it inspire you to get into nature and make this year the one you chase those travel dreams.

Family discovery while travelling New Zealand

On a recent family trip to New Zealand, Walk into Luxury’s founder and Managing Director Nikki King was pleasantly surprised to discover an ancestor with deep connections to the beginning of tourism in Wanaka on the South Island.

New Zealand's Luxury Lodges & Villas

New Zealand's best luxury lodges and boutique retreats celebrate the alpine, coastal and rural landscapes of the North and South Island; read on for our selection of New Zealand's best luxury accommodation

Best Great Walks of New Zealand for the Luxury Traveller

Discover New Zealand’s Great Walks, a series of premier walking trails through iconic landscapes of the North and South Island. Here are our recommendations on the best walks in New Zealand for the luxury traveller.

Best Day Hikes in New Zealand

New Zealand's landscapes are awe-inspiring and, in our view, best seen on foot. From volcanic landscapes to lush coastal forests and alpine views, here's our pick of New Zealand's best day hikes.

Best Ski Fields in Queenstown and Wanaka

Queenstown and Wanaka's best ski fields are world-class, and well worth considering for your next luxury ski holiday

When is the best time to hike the Routeburn Track?

October to April is the best time to hike the Routeburn Track, during the Great Walk season when conditions are warmer with fewer rainy days.

When is the best time to hike the Milford Track?

November to April is the best time to hike the Milford Track for mild conditions, but pack for any season as the Milford Hike can feature rainfall at any time of year

When is the best time to visit Queenstown?

Queenstown is the ultimate four-season travel destination.

When is the ski season in Queenstown and Wanaka?

The ski season in Queenstown and Wanaka runs from mid-June to mid-October.