25 Best Things To Do In New Zealand South Island

New Zealand is one of the most incredible travel destinations in the world. It’s charming cities, alluring natural beauty, vibrant Maori culture, spectacular hikes, and adrenaline-pumping activities make it a traveller’s dream. New Zealand’s South Island, in particular, is abundantly blessed with surreal landscapes that look like high definition desktop wallpapers. So if you’re into mountains, lakes, glaciers, hikes, adventure sports, and small picturesque cities, then you have to take a trip to New Zealand’s South Island. In this blog, you’ll find a list of the best things to do in New Zealand South Island that’ll help you plan the perfect New Zealand itinerary.

Hiking and Kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park 

For golden sand beaches, clear turquoise water, and native bush alive with birdsong, head to Abel Tasman National Park, a must do in your New Zealand South Island itinerary. It is located at the top of the South Island and is blessed with abundant natural beauty.

It’s New Zealand’s smallest National Park and is home to one of the easiest Great Walks – the 60 km (37 miles) Abel Tasman Coast Track which hugs the coastline. It takes 3-5 days to hike this track. For accommodation, you can stay in campsites, communal huts, or lodges that come along the way.

If you don’t want to hike the full trail, you can easily visit Abel Tasman on a day trip and hike, kayak, or sail a section of the park. Water taxis run between the beaches so just choose how far you’d like to walk and the boat will drop you off and pick you up at the other end. 

The surreal views from the water taxi and the pristine beaches with turquoise blue waters make this Park one of the best things to do in New Zealand South Island.

Kayaking is another way to explore the coastline and get up close to fur seals and even dolphins. Kaiteriteri Kayaks offers a combo tour (215NZD) which includes a water taxi ride, self-guided hike, and guided kayak trip. It’s a great way to see the park from multiple perspectives in one day.

Water taxis to the park leave from Kaiteriteri or Marahau. These small towns are the best places to base yourself if you want to take multiple trips to the park. Many people also visit the Park from Nelson which is an hour away and has more choice of accommodation, activities, and an airport. Many of the tours pick you up from Nelson so you could base yourself there too.

Contributed by Erin McNeaney from Never Ending Voyage

A Day trip to The Catlins

The Catlins is New Zealand’s best kept secret that has to feature on your list of things to do in New Zealand South Island. The region has more than a dozen excellent destinations to visit, and the Southern Scenic Route runs right through it. Located on the southeast coast of the South Island, an hour from Dunedin, the Catlins is a perfect day trip destination that you can include in your New Zealand South Island itinerary.

Heading south from Dunedin, the first stop on your trip is the incredibly photogenic Nugget Point Lighthouse. From the car park, it is a quick 20 minute walk to the lighthouse. Early risers will be rewarded, as the view of the lighthouse is most spectacular at sunrise. Adjacent to Nugget Point is Roaring Bay which, depending on the time of day and time of year, is a great place to spot penguins.

Continuing south, the Catlins has two notable waterfalls: Purakaunui and McLean Falls. The former is a three-tier cascading waterfall of 20 m; the latter is a waterfall with a 22 m drop to a small pool, which then flows down the rocks in a series of smaller falls.

At the end of the Southern Scenic Route is Slope Point, which is the most southerly point on the South Island. There isn’t much here beside sheep farms and a sprawling ocean. However, a photo of the Slope Point sign is a must-have.

Other stops along the way include a petrified forest, a beach for finding sea lions, a blowhole, and a sea cave that can be explored. With such a diverse set of landscape features so close together, The Catlins is one of the best South Island attractions and has to feature on your New Zealand South Island itinerary.

Contributed by Mikaela Anne from Voyageur Tripper

Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a charming little town nestled in the Southern Alps, 20 minutes away from it’s much larger cousin Queenstown. This makes it an ideal place to stay and take advantage of all of the amazing winter and extreme sporting fun that Queenstown offers.

But Arrowtown is a great destination in it’s own right, with charming gold rush era buildings that give it a pioneer feel and gorgeous unique shops which include an old fashioned sweet shop, an opal shop, and a wool shop that sells local merino wool products. It’s endearing small-town feel makes it one of the best New Zealand South Island attractions.

Besides the vintage buildings and shops, it has some amazing places to eat and drink, like ‘Slow Cuts’, which showcases the seasonal local products in a casual dining environment. 

For those after an authentic adventure, you can try your hand at gold panning by hiring gold panning equipment from the Lakes District Museum in Arrow Town and taking it to the local Arrow River. It costs 3NZD to hire a pan and you can keep it for a day – who knows, you may even strike it rich!

The area has an incredible history, about which you can learn by visiting the Lakes District Museum. You can also take a stroll to the historic Chinese gold miners settlement from 1880. Here, you can see the homes of the Chinese gold miners who flocked to the area and can get to know about their fascinating lifestyles.

Contributed by Nancy Moore from Around the World at the Weekend 

Tasman Glacier View Track and Hooker Valley Track

It’s tough to choose a spectacular spot on New Zealand’s South Island, with so many incredible places to add to that never-ending list. But, for those who want an easy hike yet absolutely arresting views, you just have to add the Tasman Glacier View Track to your New Zealand South Island itinerary.

Set within the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, the Tasman Glacier is the largest ice structure in the country; at 27 kilometres long and 600 metres deep. The walk itself, a pretty breezy wander, not only delivers sweeping views of this glacier but also views of the nearby Mount Cook, in all its white-tipped glory.

Taking only 45 minutes, your easy ascent to the viewing point is well worth it – you’ll be greeted by an incredible panorama including the mountains and the terminal Tasman Glacier Lake below. This milky blue-brown lake is filled with glacial melt, and only started to form in the 1970’s; a slightly sombre tale of global warming as the glacier is destined to disappear entirely by 2040.

After your ascent, and enough snaps to fill up any self-respecting Instagram feed, make your way back along the path and take a short detour of 5 minutes. This will take you to the Blue Lakes which – spoiler alert – aren’t perfectly blue, but are glacial lakes created from the melting of the Glacier in the mid-1800s.

If you’re an avid hiker and this simple stroll just isn’t enough, you could always attempt the more difficult (but still popular) hike in the Park, the famous Hooker Valley Track. A three-hour round trip, this picturesque trail will see you cross three suspension bridges and be overwhelmed by the absolute beauty of your adventure.

Hiking the Tasman Glacier View Track and the Hooker Valley Track has to feature on your list of the things to do in New Zealand South Island as firstly, the tracks are visually stunning and secondly, they’re entirely free of charge!

Contributed by James from The Travel Scribes

Cathedral Caves

The Cathedral Caves are an amazing natural phenomenon and one of the best things to do in New Zealand South Island. Located in the beautiful Catlins, these sea-formed passages are up to 30 metres high and over 200 metres long.

The Cathedral Caves were originally two separate tunnels, carved out by the crashing waves. The waves slowly ate away at the sandstone for thousands of years and eventually, both tunnels were joined at the back of the caves, creating a passage. As such, there are two entries into the cave which are 40 metres apart. You can enter through both, just be sure to bring a flashlight or use your phone to light the path in front of you.

Note that it’s only possible to enter the caves at low tide. So please check the tide table at one of the nearby Tourist Information Centres or online before visiting the caves.

Getting to the Cathedral caves is easy. From Papatowai, just drive south along the Southern Scenic Route through the Catlins, one of the most gorgeous drives in New Zealand. About 15km south of Papatowai, there is a little road on the left that leads to the parking lot near the caves. Note that this is marked as a private road, crossing Maori land (the Caves are also under Maori land trust management).

From the parking area, it’s a nice one-kilometer stroll through the beautiful forest until you reach Waipati Beach. The caves are located at the northern end of the beach.

Entrance to the caves is only 10NZD per person, making this a fun and affordable New Zealand bucket list activity for those travelling New Zealand on a budget.

Contributed by Lotte Eschbach from Phenomenal Globe Travel Blog

Riding The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail

The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail offers active visitors the chance to fully experience the scenery of New Zealand’s South Island. Starting in the mountains near Mt. Cook, 300 kilometers of bike path, gravel backroads, and lightly travelled pavement bring riders to the coast in Oamaru. Along the way, riders enjoy alpine views, bright blue lakes, and peaceful countryside.

The trail takes most people 4 to 8 days to ride and can be covered in a variety of styles. A fully supported and guided ride with overnights in nice lodges is the most luxurious option. Riders only need to pedal and enjoy the scenery, but this can cost well over 1000NZD.

On the opposite end, riders can carry all their own gear and camp along the way for a cheap and flexible adventure. In between, it’s possible to hire a bicycle and arrange luggage transfer from start to finish for a few hundred NZD.

Transportation to and from the ends of the ride is simple. Travellers seeing the rest of the island by rental vehicle can drop it off at the start and pick up a new rental at the finish. The start and finish are also easily accessible by bus.

Despite what you might think, it’s not necessary to be an experienced cyclist to ride Alps 2 Ocean. At a leisurely pace, the distances are manageable. Also, there are plenty of opportunities to stop and rest along the way. The reward of New Zealand’s natural beauty, plus a good meal and a beautiful lakeside campground or lodge at the end of the day, is well worth the pedalling.

Contributed by Alissa Bell from Exploring Wild

Hokitika Gorge

Hokitika Gorge is located along the stunning West Coast route of South Island, only 30 minutes from Greymouth and an hour from Arthur’s Pass National Park. Just a 33 km drive from Hokitika city centre, this famous (and free) South Island attraction is known for its vivid turquoise water and lush native bush.

The best photos can be taken from the viewing platform (4 minute walk from the car park) and by crossing the renowned swing bridge for a 360° view of granite rocks and Hokitika River.

The entire gorge walk is only 15 minutes one-way and is easily accessible to everyone. Use caution when reaching the end of the walk (with large, slippery rocks), and be sure to heed signs that advise tourists against swimming in the gorge.

Many tourists flock to this destination to see its stunning blue-green water. It’s striking color is essentially due to mineral-rich schist rock and sandstone that have been grounded finely.

Rather than settling to the bottom of the river, they remain suspended in the water as it flows down from the southern alps, which is why you can also find similar coloured water in other sites such as the Blue Pools (an hour from Wanaka).

It’s one of the most incredible things to do in New Zealand South Island that you just can’t miss. From here, many drive about 35 minutes to Lake Kaniere and hike to Dorothy Falls.

Contributed by Debbi Shibuya from My Debstinations

Rafting the Shotover River

An experience you absolutely have to include in your list of things to do in New Zealand South Island is rafting the picturesque Shotover River in Queenstown. This family river rafting experience is suitable for people aged 3 years and above. The five-hour tour starts at the family adventures store before commencing a 45-minute drive that’s one of the most breathtaking but also nail-biting bus journeys through Skippers Canyon.

Skippers canyon road was built during the gold rush period. What makes this tour even more interesting is the presence of knowledgeable tour guides that share information about the area – from it’s history to the fascinating tales leading up to the present.

Upon arrival at the rafting destination, you’re given some snacks and refreshments before starting the rafting tour. Next, you get ready in the wetsuits, wetsuit boots, life jackets, and helmets that are provided to you. This is also an opportune time to take some pictures of the Shotover River.  

The starting point of the rafting tour is at  “Ford of Bruinen” that was made famous by the “Lord of the Rings” movie. The tour goes through grade 1 and 2 rapids for just over an hour’s duration.  Along the way, you will get to see gold mining relics and the canyon walls.  

For those of you who are adventurous, there will be an opportunity to complete a rock jump into the cooler waters as well. If you are looking for a rafting experience for your entire family, then the Family Adventures tour is highly recommended. Once back in Queenstown, head across the road to the famous Fergburger restaurant to try any of their highly recommended burgers.

Contributed by Daneen McGilvray from Queensland Camping

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is the most visited area in Fiordland and one of the top things to do in New Zealand South Island. Rudyard Kipling (author of the Jungle Book) once called it the 8^th Wonder of the World, and it’s not hard to see why. Milford Sound is an incredibly beautiful body of water that runs into the Tasman Sea and is surrounded by steep mountains and waterfalls.  But contrary to common belief, it is not a sound at all, but in fact, a fjord.

To visit Milford Sound you have to travel down a remote road known as the Milford Highway. Incredibly diverse in landscapes, the two-hour drive from Te Anau will often take three hours, with many great stops along the way, as well as windy passages. It is common to take a bus to enjoy the views and avoid driving what can be a treacherous stretch of road.

Once in Milford, the best way to really get a sense of the landscape is to jump on a boat cruise. There are many different companies to cruise with, all offering similar experiences, on different sorts of vessels. Boat cruises range from 1.5-2 hours and you sail right out to the Tasman Sea and return.

One of the highlights is viewing the waterfalls right up close, with many boats dipping their nose under the waterfall so you can experience the strength of the spray.

The best time to visit Milford Sound is actually in the rain. While a boat cruise in the rain doesn’t sound too exciting, the rain brings out hundreds of magnificent waterfalls and spectacular rainbows that really do have to be seen to be believed. In fact, the latter half of the Milford Road is covered in waterfalls, which really does add to this magical New Zealand bucket list experience.

Contributed by Jennifer Parkes from Backyard Travel Family

Nelson Lakes National Park And Hike To Angeles Hut

One of the least visited South Island attractions is Nelson Lakes National Park. And because it’s off the beaten path, hiking through it’s gorgeous trails is one of the most interesting things to do in New Zealand South Island. You’ll have to make a bit of a detour to get here, but it’s definitely worth travelling the extra miles.

Nelson Lakes is made up of two large lakes and a lot of mountains. The easiest accessible lake is Lake Rotoiti via lakeshore town – Saint Arnaud. Here you have several amazing hiking trails to explore. 

The best one of them is the track to Angelus Hut. Since it’s a strenuous full-day hike to get there, the hut cannot be reached on a return trip. The first section of the hike is steep up to Robert Ridge and once on the ridge, you’ll have the most amazing views.

What follows is a long scramble along a scree slope and eventually, a steep descent down to Angelus Hut, which is definitely one of the most beautifully located mountain huts in New Zealand. 

The other lake is Lake Rotoroa, which is only accessible via a dirt road and you may not be insured to drive on those with your rental car. This lake is scenic but has fewer hiking options for those wishing to do a short stroll.

Both lakes have one thing in common: the presence of sandflies. Therefore, as a precautionary measure, carry a lavender oil spray with you if you’re planning to camp near the lakeshore.

Contributed by Antonette Spaan from We12Travel

Hot Pools at Hanmer Springs

Hanmer Springs is a small, laid back resort town surrounded by mountains and is best known for its thermal hot pools. Located in the South Island region of Canterbury – a 90-minute drive from Christchurch, the town is a popular weekend day trip destination for families and has to be included in your New Zealand South Island itinerary.

The only way to access Hanmer Springs is by car. So if you do not drive, then there are a few companies offering shuttle bus services to and from central Christchurch.

The award-winning Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa is the main attraction in town and has the largest naturally heated thermal pools in New Zealand. The grounds have 22 outdoor baths set among landscaped gardens and alpine forests, including relaxing rock and sulphur pools and water jets at a range of different temperatures.

There is also a luxurious day spa onsite – offering a variety of treatments, private pools, sauna, and steam rooms. If you are visiting with kids, then they will love the water park which includes a lazy river and New Zealand’s longest water slide.

Entry to the Thermal Pools gives you access to all outdoor pools and slides. You can also go ahead and purchase one or two-day passes if you wish to spend more time at the venue. There is a large range of accommodations available to suit all budgets, within walking distance to the pools.

If you are an adventure lover looking for something a bit more energetic, then you can book several activities in town including jet boating, quad biking, white water rafting, horse trekking, bungy jumping, and skiing (in the winter). And if you like hiking, then a one hour walk to the top of Conical Hill offers stunning views of the town.

Contributed by Caroline Keyzor from CK Travels

Hiking Mueller Hut in Mt Cook / Aoraki National Park

As the highest mountain in New Zealand, Mt Cook (known as Aoraki in Maori) is a place that’s a New Zealand South Island must do. This incredible mountain peak standing at 3,724 metres can be a bit hard to see, especially on a cloudy day. 

One of the best ways to see and experience Aoraki is by hiking to Mueller Hut. The hike to Mueller Hut is one of the most popular day hikes in Mt Cook National Park. Here, you’ll find one of New Zealand’s most beautifully located huts with direct views of Mt Cook/ Aoraki.

The hike up to Mueller Hut is a grueling 4-hour one-way hike (with an elevation gain of 1,050 m). The pain of the constant uphill climb, however, is worth it simply for the breathtaking mountain views that you get to enjoy at the end.

While many choose to hike to Mueller Hut as a day trip, if you have the time, then you should stay overnight in Mueller Hut. If you choose this option, then you can wake up to some of the most paradisiacal views of Mt Cook (where else in the world can you wake up to gorgeous mountainous views for only 45NZD/night?!)

Mueller Hut is a serviced hut during the summer season (with gas cookers, toilets, and a hut warden). Travellers should, however, book the hut in advance as it is a very popular accommodation, especially during warmer months.

Hikers should also come prepared with ample food, water, and plenty of warm layers as this is an alpine environment, and the weather conditions can change quickly. While the hike up to Mueller Hut isn’t easy and involves planning, it is worth the effort for some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking views. 

Submitted by MG from The Wandering Suitcase

Bob’s Peak Queenstown – Gondola, Luge and Bungee

One of the coolest things to do in Queenstown has to be Bob’s Peak and it’s many adrenaline-pumping activities. Take the ever-so-steep gondola up the mountainside, soak in the views, have some lunch/dinner/beers, ride the luge, or even bungee jump, the adventure is yours for the taking! Whether you are a thrill-seeker or not, Bob’s Peak is a New Zealand South Island must do!

Now, you likely know that New Zealand’s South Island is famous for crazy bungee jumps, but the jump from Bob’s Peak is really something special. Also, you can do it either as a jump or a swing – all while taking in 360-degree views of Queenstown.

If you like to take it easy, then there is a bar and restaurant at the top to relax and enjoy the insane views of Queenstown. If you like a little heart-pumping fun but find the bungee too extreme, then fear not as there are two amazing luge courses at the summit of Bob’s Peak.

They provide everything you need – helmets, lockers, and instructions on how to use the luge. So it is an awesome experience even if you haven’t done it before. The luge gets going pretty fast and has some pretty wild turns. Basically, you’ll have a blast!

Tickets for all of these adventures can be purchased on-site at Skyline Queenstown (top of Beacon Street – about a 5-minute walk from the heart of downtown Queenstown). This is also where you board the gondola and your adventure begins. You can also preorder tickets online for the bungee and potentially get a better price.

The bungee tends to cost around 200NZD (this includes your gondola ride), but as mentioned, you can sometimes find discounted deals or offers online. The luge varies slightly depending on the number of rides you book. Adult tickets, for 2-6 rides, cost 61-69NZD respectively (including the gondola ride). The gondola alone costs 44NZD for an adult.

Contributed by Hannah from Bad Tourist Travel & Lifestyle

The Omarama Clay Cliffs

An absolute geological wonder, the Clay Cliffs in Omarama is a New Zealand South Island attraction that you do not want to miss. The tall sharp pinnacles with narrow ravines make for impressive scenery and some awesome photos. But, like all the spots in New Zealand, photos don’t do it justice. You have to see it for yourself!

The cliffs are a product of layers of silt formed from glaciers millions of years ago. With geological activity the layers got compressed together, moved up, and as the tops eroded, sharp pinnacles formed.

There is a rough track that goes up into the cliffs so you can actually walk among the cliffs, climb over parts of them and see the silt layers up-close. The ground is uneven so take extra care when walking and climbing around.

There are no facilities at the Clay Cliffs location. The closest spot that can offer facilities is Omarama, which is 20 minutes away. Since the clay cliffs are located on private land, there is an honesty box at the venue for a 5NZD per car donation. Be sure to leave the gate the way you found it and take it slow on the road as it is a gravel road.  

It takes about 20 minutes from the main highway to get to the cliffs. Although there is a large sign posted, it can be easy to miss. The best navigation is through google maps. To get there, turn west off Highway 8 onto Quailburn Road. Follow that road until you reach Henburn Road. Then turn left and follow it till you reach the entrance to the Clay Cliffs.

Exploring the Clay Cliffs is one of the most unique things to do in New Zealand South Island and a great chance to get off the beaten path. So don’t forget your camera and be prepared to be marvelled by this South Island attraction!

Contributed by Lauren from Ponytail Pretty

Castle Hill Rocks In Canterbury

Explore New Zealand’s high country at Castle Hill, climbing around and over massive ancient limestone boulders. Hundreds of boulders can be seen from kilometers away, scattered on the hillside. It looks like a scene that would be in a Lord of the Rings film. 

Some rocks are up to 50 meters high and although there is a track going into the area, visitors can roam all over. Be on the lookout though for any yellow flowers you might see. Try not to step on them or be tempted to pick them as these are an endangered specie called the Castle Hill buttercup and a lot of work has gone into protecting the flower.

Castle Hill or Kura Tawhiti, meaning “treasure from a distant land”, is of cultural and spiritual significance to the Ngai Tahu, the Maori people of Te Waipounamu.  The area has ties to past ancestors and present generations and is protected to acknowledge the special ties that the Ngai Tahu share with the area.

Located about an hour and a half from Christchurch in the Waimakariri Basin, the parking lot is right off of State Highway 73 and is very hard to miss as there are big signs on the way and the boulders are visible from the road. Note that there are toilets located on-site but camping overnight is prohibited.

The closest village to this place is the Castle Hill village and it is mostly occupied with holiday homes. There are toilets available for travellers and you can rent holiday homes but there are no stores, shops or fuel stations in the area.

Contributed by Lauren from Ponytail Pretty

Lake Tekapo

A popular South Island attraction on the drive between Christchurch to Wanaka/Queenstown, Lake Tekapo is a sightseeing spot that has to be included in your list of things to do in New Zealand South Island. You’ll be spellbound by the alluring turquoise blue water the very instant it comes in view.

The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains in winter and spring and if you get a clear day, then you’ll be able to see the summit of Mount Cook as well. Lake Tekapo is located at a distance of 224 km from Christchurch and 200 km from Wanaka. It’s a great spot to break a long drive for an overnight stay.

The most famous thing to do in Lake Tekapo is to photograph “The Church of the Good Shepherd”, reportedly the most photographed building in New Zealand. And you can see why! The quaint little stone church provides you with a stunning view across Lake Tekapo and on to Mount Cook. Try going inside and viewing it from the window behind the altar. If you’re lucky enough to be there in spring, you might get to see a gorgeous carpet of purple lupine flowers that grow in the area.

The purple lupine carpet, cute church, turquoise blue water, and snow-capped mountains make for the perfect Instagrammable shot. If you’re into hiking, then a hike up Mount John, utilizing the Mount John Summit Circle track, is a free activity that rewards you with spectacular views. You can also take a scenic helicopter ride over the lake to experience the incredible views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

If you’re into adventure, then try the thrilling Tekapo Jet Boat ride activity in which the tour guide not only provides you with a fun experience on the water but also informs you about the history of Lake Tepako and it’s importance to the local Maori tribes.

After all the action, you can relax in the Tekapo Springs hot baths and soothe those muscles, tired from the big hike. Finish off the day by stargazing as Lake Tekapo is recognized as one of the world’s most pristine spots for stargazing. 

Contributed by Sally Lucas from Our3kidsVtheWorld

Dunedin

Dunedin is one of the best places in New Zealand South Island to explore, both for its historic city centre and the amount of breath-taking nature on it’s doorstep. The city centre can easily be navigated on foot, and there’s a lot to see in and around this wonderful city.

As far as sightseeing is concerned, you’ve got the Octagon – which is full of bars, cafés, and restaurants with outdoor seating, the Dunedin Railway Station (surely the nicest old building in New Zealand), and the Baldwin Street (the steepest street in the world) among many other historic sites.

Away from the city centre, there are dozens of beaches, viewpoints, and hikes. Places like Sandymount, Heyward Point, and Sandfly Bay offer some of the best coastal views in New Zealand whereas the Otago Peninsula is home to lots of wildlife. 

St Clair Beach is an awesome place to go for a coffee or a drink on a sunny day. You could also head to one of the viewpoints above town (Signal Hill, Mount Cargill, Unity Park) to enjoy awe-inspiring views of the city.  

If you’re looking for a day hike, then you should check out the Silver Peaks Track – there are some great views on this hike and it’s only a 40-minute drive from the city centre.

You can also check out the waterfalls, world-class museums, a couple of castles (one flash, one in ruins), and so much more. The best way to see Dunedin is with your own transport, but you can still see a lot by walking around and using local buses.

Contributed by Jon Algie from Jonistravelling.com

Swimming With Wild Dolphins In Akaroa

Of all the unique things to do in New Zealand South Island, swimming with the country’s native Hector’s dolphins has to be among the most thrilling. The smallest dolphins in the world, Hector’s dolphins can often be found swimming in the marine reserve at the mouth of the Akaroa Harbour. And although their numbers are declining, there is a resident population that lives here, off the coast of Bank’s Peninsula in Canterbury.

Head out for a day trip from Christchurch (it’s a little over an hour by car) and take a tour with Black Cat Cruises – New Zealand’s first eco-tourism provider. You’ll have the opportunity to view the dolphins from the boat, or, if you dare, to jump in the icy water and swim with them! 

As a responsible tour operator, Black Cat Cruises carefully observes the behaviour of the dolphins before letting anyone in the water, and swim times are limited to protect the endangered dolphins.

But the experience is like none other, as you watch the playful dolphins duck and dive around you in the water. Make sure you take an underwater camera with you to record their antics!

The ‘swim with the dolphins’ experience costs around $185 per adult, so it’s not cheap, but it’s well worthwhile. Thick wetsuits are also provided for your comfort, and a complimentary drink and snack are served onboard the boat afterwards.

If taking a tour isn’t in your budget, then you could also hire a pedal boat or kayak to explore the bay. And if you’re lucky, you may even get to see a pod of dolphins swimming in the harbour.

Contributed by Nadine Maffre from Le Long Weekend

Lord Of The Rings Tour In Queenstown

If New Zealand’s North Island has the Hobbiton Movie Set, which was a significant location for filming the Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit trilogy, then the South Island isn’t far behind. While the Lord of the Rings filming locations can be found throughout both islands, there are a number of locations clustered near Queenstown, which offers the opportunity for fans of the films to go on locally run tours.

Some of the Queenstown locations aren’t easily accessible in a private vehicle. However, professional tours offer you not only the chance to see more locations but also to learn stories and trivia about the film and how the scenes were actually shot. The films were big business for the city and many locals were involved as extras or production support, so you may even find your guide has some personal stories!

There are a variety of tours on offer, both full and half-day options, each of which includes the standard highlight reel, and something unique with it. The 4WD tour options are a whole bunch of fun, including river crossings and maybe even venturing onto one of the most dangerous roads in the world, Skippers Canyon, used in composite images to create the canyon walls of the Ford of Bruinen.

In the old gold mining town of Arrowtown, you’ll see the river from the Ford of Bruinen, where Arwen summons the water to wash away the Ringwraiths. While you’re here, you may even get to pan for gold. Some of the full-day tours also include a trip out to Glenorchy in which you can see the famous filming locations of Lothlorien and Isengard. It’s a must do for any fan of the LOTR trilogy!

Contributed by Holly from Globeblogging

Hiking Roy’s Peak in Wanaka

Just outside of the beautiful town of Wanaka, there is a mountain to climb. Well, that might be a bit of an overstatement but it’s still an adventure. One of the cheaper options for things to do down this way, there’s nothing more to pay than a gold coin (2NZD is requested but not mandatory).

Starting at the large car park, an easy drive from Wanaka town, the well-formed and safe track zig-zags it’s way up Mount Roy to the top, climbing 1300 metres into the alpine ridgetops. The views are nothing short of spectacular over Lake Wanaka and back to Wanaka township 6 km away ( if not hidden by an inversion layer!) as well as across the valley to the Southern Alps.

Thanks to it’s height and southerly location, you must carry warm clothing in case the weather shifts, as well as plenty of food and water. There are toilets at the base and near the incredible and insanely popular lookout three-quarters of the way up. The committed bring a head torch and climb in the dark in order to reach the lookout in time for sunrise.

The track travels relentlessly uphill over 8 km to the top. All up it’s a 16 km round trip that will take you 6-7 hours to complete. It sounds big and a lot of work, sure, but the views make all the effort worthwhile. As an opportunity to safely walk up in amongst the New Zealand sub-alpine tussock and snow environment, there’s few better. You won’t regret including this activity in your list of things to do in New Zealand South Island!

Contributed by Alissa from Mount Adventure Club

A Day Trip To Stewart Island

Stewart Island is located right at the south end of the South Island and is great to visit on a day trip from the town of Bluff. Getting there can be an adventure in itself on the 30-minute ferry ride over across the Foveaux Strait. Take the first ferry in the morning and return on the last one of the day to enjoy a few hours on Stewart Island.

Stewart Island only has one main town, Oban, which is where you will arrive and spend most of your time. With only a population of around 400 people, Stewart Island is a relaxed, nature destination. You won’t find any crowds here and your visit will run on the relaxed island time.

One of the best things to do here is to simply take some of the nature walks around Oban. There is plenty of wildlife to see, and taking a short trip over to the sanctuary of Ulva Island gives you a great chance to see some of the most endangered birds in New Zealand.

Once you return from your walk, you can relax on the pristine beaches or enjoy the fresh local seafood at the only pub in town. If you are looking for more activity, hiring a bike or a kayak is another way to see the island.

While a day trip is a great way to see the island, if you choose to stay longer, Stewart Island also has the added drawcard of being the best place in New Zealand to see the Kiwi in the wild, with over 20,000 of this elusive, nocturnal bird calling the island home. And even more elusive are the Aurora Australis which can often light up the skies above!

Contributed by Josie Kelsh from Josie Wanders

Hiking The Ben Lomond Track In Queenstown

One of the best and most rewarding things to do in New Zealand South Island is hiking the Ben Lomond Trail in Queenstown. There are no permits required and it’s a free activity. You can complete this trail in a day, approximately 6 to 7 hours roundtrip from the trailhead at the end of Thompson Street in Queenstown.

There’s also a trail leading from near the bottom of the Skyline Gondola if you have trouble locating the other. If you don’t have as much time and would like to experience a bit of hike and take in the views, you can access the trail after taking the Skyline Gondola, which will shorten the hike by about 2 hours. 

If you intend to hike the full trail from the trailhead, you will need to pack all of your water and food for your hike. This is a pack in and pack out trail with no restrooms or water.

There are particular portions of this hike that can be difficult to traverse, so be prepared with proper hiking shoes and plenty of water. If it’s raining, then this hike is not recommended due to the slippery conditions. 

There is a small bench at the saddle, sit there, enjoy your snacks, and don’t forget to click photos of this lovely South Island attraction. The second portion of the hike climbs steeply in some portions and is quite rocky.

At the peak, you’ll enjoy the view overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. If you aren’t familiar with the landmarks mentioned, then there are directions at the peak to assist you.

Contributed by Ashley from World To Wander

Watching Yellow-Eyed Penguins At Cape Saunders

One of the top reasons to visit Dunedin is to see the incredible beauty and rare birdlife of the South Island. One of the ways to do this New Zealand bucket list activity is by taking a tour from near Dunedin. 

The tour starts with a drive through endless rolling hills, which lead to wetlands around Hooper’s Inlet and Portobello Bay, a paradise for bird watchers. This leg of the tour ends at a tiny docking port. Just a few paces from the dock are tide pools where you’ll see some gorgeous and brilliantly colorful sea life. 

The next phase of the tour is a boat ride to the Albatross Centre. It is quite a treat to see the big birds up close through a hidden window in the interpretive centre. Since the albatross population is recovering from near extinction, it’s easy to see many of them near the boat. 

After some fun adventures on the water, you’ll arrive at a tiny empty parking spot. From there on, it’s quite a hike over the hills to get to the other side with secluded beaches, which are protected natural habitats for penguins, sea lions, seals, and other wildlife. You’ll spot seals lying on the sand, enjoying the evening sun and chilling on their very own private beach. 

At the other end of the beach is a small, hidden structure for visitors to hide and quietly watch the yellow-eyed penguins returning home for the night. After some wait in the shelter, you’ll see the penguins arrive one at a time.

It’s amazing to watch the penguins swim up to the beach and then promptly transition to walking. The penguins climb the rocky hills to reach their marked homes, in order to hide from predators. Don’t miss clicking pictures of the cute penguins. It’s an experience that you have to include in your New Zealand South Island itinerary as it provides you with memories to cherish for life!

Contributed by Jyoti Baid from Story At Every Corner

Skydiving at Glenorchy

New Zealand is a hotbed for adventure activities. Queenstown, a prominent city in South Island, is even considered to be the adventure capital of the world. Close to Queenstown, there’s a skydiving zone near Glenorchy town.

This town is edged to Lake Wakatipu, which is a vast water body. The mountains next to this lake create an even more breathtaking landscape. One of the major reasons for choosing the skydiving zone close to Glenorchy is it’s beautiful location. After all, jumping over the magnificent Lake Wakatipu and racing towards it in a 200 km/hr freefall is one of the most exciting things to do in New Zealand South Island.

Glenorchy is just 45 minutes away from Queenstown and definitely worth considering as a dive zone if you have skydiving on your mind. The instructors are also very friendly and will ensure that you have a great time!

Post the skydiving experience, you can explore the Glenorchy town and maybe visit some shooting spots which were filmed in the “Lord of the Rings” movies as Glenorchy was a major shooting location for this epic trilogy.

Contributed by Umang Trivedi from Travelmax

Franz Josef Glacier Hike

When in New Zealand, you absolutely can’t miss out on exploring the Franz Josef Glacier, which is located 1 hour 45 mins away from Hokitika or 4 hours and 30 mins away from Queenstown via Highway 6 up the West Coast.

If you aren’t visiting by tour, then you are likely road-tripping to Franz Josef Glacier. One of the best places to stay nearby is at the Otto/MacDonalds Campsite, which sits on the northern end of Lake Mapourika.

A temperate maritime glacier, Franz Josef Glacier is one of the country’s steepest and is a little harder to access than it’s nearby neighbor, Fox Glacier. This UNESCO World Heritage area is pretty famous for it’s rapid movement and is known to move up to 20 inches per day!

To hike on the Franz Josef Glacier, you can only access it by helicopter. However, a beautiful (and close) viewpoint is accessible via a valley trail loop that is only a 3.4 mile roundtrip. Due to the unpredictability of glaciers, this viewpoint, or even the track itself, can sometimes be closed – so be sure to check if it’s open before your visit!

If you are feeling up for the hike and want one of the best views of Franz Josef Glacier, then plan to hike Roberts Point Track. This out and back track is about 7 miles in distance and should take you about 5.5 hours to complete. You won’t regret the effort because views from the top include the spectacular glacier, sheer rock walls, waterfalls, and mountain peaks.

If you don’t have a lot of time but still want a great view, then head up the Sentinel Rock Wall. This 20-minute steady climb will give you fantastic views of the glacier, valley, and Waiho River when you reach the summit.

Contributed by Ashley from Impact Winder

Conclusion

So that was a comprehensive list of the ultimate things to do in New Zealand South Island that you can include in your New Zealand South Island itinerary. I hope it helps you plan the perfect trip to New Zealand as this is a country that you want to explore at a leisurely pace, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of each location.

The picturesque South Island leaves an impression on you that you just can’t forget. I am not exaggerating when I say that every nook and cranny here is click-worthy. Such was the effect of the South Island on me that I’d entered the region as an amateur photographer and left the region as a budding landscape photographer.

No wonder New Zealand is my favourite travel destination; it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in the world!

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