4 Must-Do Runs in New Zealand's South Island

New Zealand has a way of turning every run into an adventure. Over the past few weeks, I had the chance to run and explore some of the country’s most breathtaking areas, from wild coastal cliffs to glacial heights. Each run was different, but they all left the same feeling: awe. Here’s a quick recap of four of the most memorable ones.

🌊 Nugget Point – Wind, Waves, and Sea Lions

I know, I know... starting with a coastal road run might seem unexpected coming from someone who usually chases mountains. But Nugget Point completely stole my heart.

It’s one of the most dramatic places I’ve ever run: a winding road along the sea that leads out to this picture-perfect lighthouse, towering cliffs dropping straight into crashing waves, and nothing but the sound of the ocean for company. We even spotted a bunch of sea lions hanging out on the beach, and a few friendly locals waved as we passed.

There was something really calming about this run, like I was skimming the edge of the world, completely at peace.

🦜 Avalanche Peak – Witnessing Some Alpine Parrots (Kea)

We kicked this one off from Arthur’s Pass Village, and it doesn't waste any time: the climb hits you straight away. It’s a solid 1100m of elevation over just 3.5km to the summit at 1850m. Steep, but the trail is well-marked and the views just keep getting better the higher you go.

At the top, you're rewarded with epic views over Arthur’s Pass and the surrounding peaks. But the real highlight? A group of three kea, New Zealand’s unique native alpine parrots, flying around us. Watching them fly and interact in their natural habitat was magical. On the way down, we got within just a few metres of them. They didn’t care one bit that we were there. They were totally chilled, just going about their day. Definitely one of the most memorable moments of the trip.

Just before going back to the car, we decided to extend the run the run to see the Devils Punchbowl Waterfall. Definitely worth it if you have a bit of energy left.

❄️ Brewster Glacier – Spectacular Ice Wall

You know it’s going to be a proper adventure when you haven’t even started and you’re already knee-deep crossing a river. That’s how Brewster Glacier welcomed us. Again, the climb is brutal right from the start, super steep and through dense, tangled forest with roots everywhere trying to trip you up.

And then, all of a sudden, you break out of the trees, and everything opens up. The trail becomes easier to follow, and soon you reach Brewster Hut, a perfect spot to catch your breath before the final push. From there, the climb to the glacier begins. There are a few spots where you can stop and take it in, but we went all the way up to get closer to it. That massive wall of ice in front of us was just unreal.

🏔️ Ben Lomond - A Queenstown Classic

If you’re in Queenstown and only have time for one big run, make it Ben Lomond. The climb is steady and relentless, but the trail is well-marked and easy to follow. You pass through the saddle first, which already offers an epic view — honestly, if you stopped there, you’d still feel like you got your money’s worth.

The final stretch to the summit gets a bit more technical and definitely wakes up the quads, but once you reach the top... wow! Lake Wakatipu unfolds beneath you, ringed by jagged peaks, and on a clear day (like we had) you get a perfect 360-degree view.

For the descent, you’ve got two options: head back the way you came and return via the Tiki Trail or One Mile Track, or do what we did, and drop down along the western ridge. It’s a much more technical route, with loose rock and steep sections, but the scenery is next-level. Wild, exposed, and absolutely stunning the whole way down. Would totally do it again.