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Best Hikes in the South Island

From short lakefront walks to full-day tracks, the South Island has some of New Zealand’s best hiking. This guide covers popular tracks. Always check DOC for current track status, weather, and conditions before you go.

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Updated for 2026

In this guide

The list

1

Hooker Valley Track

Aoraki/Mount Cook

One of NZ’s best day walks: swing bridges, glacial river, and views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Mostly flat; 3–4 hours return.

Best time: Year-round. Clear days for mountain views. Winter can be icy.

  • Allow 3–4 hours return
  • Start early for parking
  • Check DOC for track status
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2

Roys Peak Track

Wanaka

Iconic viewpoint over Lake Wanaka. Steep; 5–6 hours return. Can be closed for lambing; check DOC.

Best time: Dec–May when open. Start early.

  • Check seasonal closures
  • Steep; good fitness needed
  • Parking fills early
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3

Key Summit (Routeburn)

Fiordland

Part of the Routeburn Track; subalpine views without a multi-day commitment. Allow 3–4 hours return from the Divide.

Best time: Oct–Apr. Check DOC for conditions.

  • On Te Anau–Milford road
  • Layer up; weather changes
  • DOC track status
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4

Punakaiki Pancake Rocks walk

West Coast

Short, easy loop through limestone formations and blowholes. Well-formed; suitable for most visitors.

Best time: Year-round. Dramatic in swell.

  • About 20 min loop
  • Wheelchair-accessible sections
  • Part of West Coast drive
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5

Lake Wanaka waterfront and That Wanaka Tree

Wanaka

Flat lakeside walking; famous photo spot. Short or longer depending on how far you go.

Best time: Year-round. Sunrise/sunset for photos.

  • Easy, flat
  • Tree is lakeside
  • Combine with town
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6

Queenstown Hill / Bob’s Cove

Queenstown

Queenstown Hill gives views over the lake; Bob’s Cove is a shorter lakeside option. Both well signposted.

Best time: Year-round.

  • Queenstown Hill 2–3 hrs
  • Check DOC for details
  • Views over Wakatipu
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7

Devil’s Punchbowl Falls

Arthur’s Pass

Short walk to a dramatic waterfall. Ideal stop on the Christchurch–West Coast drive.

Best time: Year-round. More water after rain.

  • About 1 hour return
  • Steps and path
  • Arthur’s Pass village
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8

Lake Matheson (reflection walk)

West Coast (Fox Glacier)

Easy loop for mirror views of Aoraki and Tasman. Famous for sunrise/sunset photos.

Best time: Still, clear mornings or evenings.

  • About 1.5 hours
  • Flat, easy
  • Near Fox Glacier
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9

Tasman Glacier viewpoint

Aoraki/Mount Cook

Short walk to views of the Tasman Glacier and terminal lake. Complements Hooker Valley.

Best time: Year-round. Clear days.

  • Shorter than Hooker
  • Combine with Hooker Valley
  • Check DOC
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10

Mirror Lakes (Milford Road)

Fiordland

Very short stop on the way to Milford Sound. Reflection of the Earl Mountains.

Best time: Calm, clear days.

  • 5–10 min stop
  • On Te Anau–Milford drive
  • Boardwalk
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Before you go

Check DOC for track status, closures, and weather. Carry water, warm layers, and a first-aid kit. Tell someone your plans. Tracks can be muddy or icy; appropriate footwear and clothing matter.

Safety tip

Weather changes quickly in the mountains. If conditions deteriorate, turn back. Track times are estimates; add buffer for fitness and stops.

Roys Peak and seasonal access

Roys Peak (Wanaka) is one of the South Island’s most famous day walks. It can be closed for lambing (approx. Oct–Nov); check DOC and local signage. Allow 5–6 hours return; start early for parking.

Short walks and family options

Many destinations offer short, well-formed walks: Hooker Valley (Mount Cook), Key Summit (Fiordland), Punakaiki pancake rocks, lakefront walks at Wanaka and Queenstown. Great for all fitness levels.

Plan your trip

Itineraries, camping guides, and drive routes to help you plan.

Camping resources Camping Freedom camping NZ South Island itinerary Best road trip route Lake Tekapo → Aoraki/Mount Cook Te Anau → Milford Sound Lake Tekapo → Wanaka Wanaka → Franz Josef Hokitika → Punakaiki Aoraki Mount Cook Wanaka Milford Sound Queenstown Franz Josef Punakaiki

Frequently asked questions

What is the best day walk in the South Island?
Hooker Valley (Mount Cook) and Roys Peak (Wanaka) are among the most popular. Key Summit (Fiordland) and Lake Matheson (West Coast) are also highlights.
Is Roys Peak open year-round?
Roys Peak can be closed for lambing (often Oct–Nov). Check DOC and local signage before you go.
Do I need to book DOC tracks?
Some Great Walks require bookings. Day walks like Hooker Valley and Key Summit do not; check DOC for the latest.
What should I take on a South Island day walk?
Water, warm layers, rain jacket, first-aid kit, and appropriate footwear. Tell someone your plans.
Are the tracks suitable for beginners?
Many short walks (Punakaiki, Mirror Lakes, lakefronts) are easy. Hooker Valley is mostly flat. Roys Peak is steep and demanding. Check DOC for grade.
When is the best time for hiking in the South Island?
Summer (Dec–Feb) for long days; March and April often have great weather and fewer crowds. Winter can be icy at altitude; check conditions.

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