Top Scenic Picnic Spots in the South Island

We’ve compiled a list of our favourite scenic dining spots in the South Island for you to enjoy in your motorhome.

One of the great benefits of travelling by motorhomeis that you can stop and dine whenever and wherever you fancy. Just pull over, cook up your favourite meal in your motorhome, then relax and enjoy the view!

We’ve compiled a list of our favourite scenic dining spots in the South Island:

Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes National Park

This picturesque lake surrounded by mountains and beech forest is located around one and a half hour’s drive south of Nelson, at the top of the South Island. The lake is popular with boaters, hikers (who walk the tracks surrounding the lake) and recreational fishermen. Its peaceful surroundings and green, open spaces on the lakeshore make it ideal for a relaxing afternoon lunch break. Alternatively, stop here for dinner and stay overnight at the Kerr Bay campsite, operated by the Department of Conservation. In summer, you can swim in the lake, and the walking trails around the lake can be enjoyed year round. Top tip: Don’t forget the insect repellent! The area is known for its ferocious sandflies. 

Okarito, West Coast

Okarito is a tiny township on the West Coast of the South Island, known as the breeding and feeding ground for the kotuku or white heron. Nestled between the wild Tasman Sea, abundant native bush and the soaring Southern Alps, Okarito is a scenic treat! Follow the main road into the village and find a spot to park with a view of the ocean or the Okarito lagoon for a relaxing picnic. If you have time, enjoy one of the local walking tracks, take some time to spot white herons, or take a night time tour to look for the rare Okarito Brown Kiwi.

Peel Forest, Central South Island

Known for its great walking tracks and tranquil surroundings, Peel Forest is a small village located around 20 minutes’ drive from Geraldine in the centre of the South Island.  To access Peel Forest, follow the signposts from SH72. You’ll enjoy a scenic drive towards the foothills of the Southern Alps before reaching the tiny Peel Forest township. Here you’ll find a small store, ample grassy picnic spots and lots of walking tracks - from short strolls to overnight tramping routes. Whether you take a walk or simply park up and enjoy a leisurely meal in your motorhome, the forest surroundings are the perfect scenic backdrop.

Lake Pukaki, Mackenzie District

Lake Pukaki is one of several glacial lakes located in the Mackenzie District in the centre of the South Island. The incredible blue colour of the lake (created by glacial rock flour) and the view of New Zealand’s highest mountain - Aoraki Mount Cook - make this lake one of the most popular photo stops in the country! Whilst most visitors stop at the carpark and information centre at the head of the lake, we prefer the quieter, more picturesque grassy area nearby. To access this great picnic spot, look out for a gravel road that turns off SH8 towards the lake, around one minutes’ drive north-east of the Lake Pukaki Information Centre carpark. The road will take you to a large, grassy lakeside area where you can enjoy the views and some peace before continuing your journey.

Florence Hill Lookout, Catlins

Located near Papatowai on the Southern Scenic Route, Florence Hill Lookout is a lovely spot to stop and take in the view of stunning Tautuku Bay. Whilst the entire Catlins region is one scenic spectacular, Florence Hill Lookout lets you get a broad view of the area from on high. The area is known for dolphins and seabirds, so get the binoculars out as you enjoy your scenic picnic!

Of course, there are hundreds of idyllic picnic spots in the South Island - but we won’t tell you all of them because half the fun is the discovery!