The larger of the country’s two main islands is more visually stunning than the North Island.
With its smaller population, it’s also more lonely and wild.
To get a handle of the island’s most sublime landscapes, we asked Auckland-based award-winning photographer Mike Hollman to share his favorite spots to photograph.
Named New Zealand Travel Photographer of the Year in 2013 by the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography, Hollman grew up on the South Island and says the landscape has had a tremendous impact on his work.
“The light is always changing and offering different views,” says Hollman.
“My favorite time to shoot is in autumn, especially April (New Zealand’s fall is from March to May) when the trees turn golden and the light on the landscape is magical.”
1. Milford Sound
With an annual rainfall of 6.8 meters, Milford Sound is one of the wettest places in New Zealand.
All that rain makes for spectacular waterfalls, with hundreds cascading into the fjord on a wet day.
Located within Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is a 295-kilometer road trip from Queenstown, through vast landscapes of mountains and rainforest.
Numerous scenic flight options are available from Queenstown.
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At 3,724 meters, Aoraki/Mount Cook is the highest point.
“A scenic flight is a fantastic way to see these mountains closeup,” says Hollman.
“There are many options and they operate out of all of the local tourist areas. For the best light, try for an early morning or evening flight.”
13. Waimakariri River
The Waimakariri River flows from the Southern Alps across the Canterbury Plains to the Pacific Ocean.
One of the loveliest areas of the river is near Arthur’s Pass.
“The braided river banks and mountain light make for some great landscape photography,” says Hollman.
He recommends views of the river from State Highway 73, between Arthur’s Pass and Christchurch.
MORE: Queenstown and beyond: Adventure, beauty, muttonbirds
Mike Hollman is an award winning photographer based in Auckland, New Zealand. A Fellow and Master of Photography with The New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography, he was named New Zealand Travel Photographer of the Year in 2013.
His work has been featured in National Geographic’s travel photo competitions, published in books and magazines and can be viewed at http://www.mikehollman.com and www.facebook.com/mikehollman.photograph.
