The South Island of New Zealand harbours so many amazing sights and experiences. It is an unparalleled haven for breathtaking natural wonders and unforgettable experiences. From the soaring peaks of the Southern Alps to the pristine coastal landscapes, the region captivates visitors with its diverse offerings. Every corner of the South Island ... Show More
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Things To Do In South Island
Top Attractions
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Travel Guides
Andrea Thackwray
Frequently Asked Questions about the South Island Area
1. What are the top attractions in the South Island?
» Heli-Fish Marlborough Sounds
» Bay Ride
» Wild North West Mountain to Sea by private helicopter
» Scenic Hot Air Balloon Flights
See all top attractions in the South Island on SeeAndDo.co.nz
2. What are the top fun activities in the South Island?
3. What are the best things to do in the South Island with kids?
» Jet boat ride on the Shotover & Kawarau Rivers
» Olveston Historic Home Tours
4. What to do in the South Island on a rainy day?
5. What are the best day trips from the South Island?
» Heli-Fish Marlborough Sounds
» Queenstown Wine & Cheese Cruise
» Sledging
» Milford Sound Fly/Nature Cruise/Fly
6. What are the best things to do near the South Island?
Tourist Information About South Island
The South Island of New Zealand harbours so many amazing sights and experiences. It is an unparalleled haven for breathtaking natural wonders and unforgettable experiences. From the soaring peaks of the Southern Alps to the pristine coastal landscapes, the region captivates visitors with its diverse offerings. Every corner of the South Island showcases awe-inspiring sights waiting to be explored. Whether you're an adventure seeker, nature enthusiast, or cultural explorer, the South Island offers an array of activities and attractions that promise to make your visit truly unforgettable. If you are visiting, there are a number of things that must be experienced and appreciated! Keep reading for the best things to do on any occasion.
Explore Marlborough Sounds.
Heli-Fish Marlborough Sounds is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines a private helicopter ride with a fishing trip. The helicopter will take you to a remote location within the Marlborough Sounds, where you will have the opportunity to fish the reef for some of the region's most sought-after species. In this unique fishing trip, all you have to do is turn up, all the gear is sorted!
Kayak with seals!
This Seal Kayak Tour is a unique way to explore the Marlborough Sounds by kayak. You'll paddle through the sound's pristine waters and see the local wildlife, including seals and dolphins. You'll also have the opportunity to stop and explore some of the region's beautiful beaches and islands.
Queenstown Segway Tour.
Bay Ride with a Segway tour around Queenstown. This tour takes you on a Segway ride around Queenstown Bay, where you can see the beautiful scenery of the region and learn about Queenstown history. You'll have the opportunity to ride along the shore of Lake Wakatipu and see the stunning Remarkables mountain range.
West Coast Private Helicopter Tour.
Wild North West Mountain to Sea by private helicopter is a helicopter tour that takes you to some of the most remote and beautiful areas of the West Coast. You will fly over rugged mountains, glaciers, and rainforests, and see some of the region's most spectacular scenery.
See Queenstown by Hot Air Balloon!
Scenic Hot Air Balloon Flights: Take a hot air balloon ride over the beautiful landscape of the south island. You'll get a bird's eye view of the region's stunning mountains, lakes, and valleys, and see the beautiful colors of the sunrise or sunset.
Top fun activities in the South Island
The South Islands' terrain creates great opportunities for fun activities for all ages, price ranges and duration.
Milford Sound Cruise
Take a cruise in one of the most picturesque places in the world! This is one of the most popular attractions in the South Island, and for good reason. A cruise through Milford Sound allows you to see the stunning fiords, waterfalls, and wildlife of the region, including seals and dolphins.
Bike Wineries for a Full Day
Take a leisurely bike ride through the stunning wineries of Central Otago, visiting several wineries and tasting some of the region's best wines. You'll also have the opportunity to see the beautiful scenery of the region and learn about the history of winemaking.
Paragliding at Coronet Peak
Take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys as you paraglide from the higher take-off at Coronet Peak. With the Higher take off point, you can reach higher altitude and enjoy the stunning view for longer. This paragliding location is one that cant be missed!
Remarkables Scenic Helicopter Ride
This helicopter ride takes you over the Remarkables mountain range, one of the most spectacular mountain ranges in New Zealand. You'll see the beautiful glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and alpine meadows of the region and get a bird's eye view of the area.
Underworld Rafting in limestone caves
This is an adventure that takes you into the underground limestone caves of the Waitomo region. You'll raft through the caves, see the glowworms and explore the unique subterranean ecosystem of the area. It's a unique and exciting way to experience the beauty of the South Island.
Fun things to do with kids and children’s activities in the South Island
Many activities in the North Island are kid-friendly, yet memorable for everyone. Check out the list below for some ideas of activities to do with kids and with the whole family.
Explore top Glow Worm Caves in the South Island.
This Glow Worm Cave Tour is a fun and educational experience for kids of all ages, where you can explore underground limestone caves and see the glowworms, which are found only in New Zealand. The tour is suitable for children and is a great way to learn about the unique subterranean ecosystem of the region.
Experience Queenstown from a birds-eye-view.
Special Queenstown helicopter Flight: Take a scenic helicopter flight over Queenstown and the surrounding area, with a special route designed for children. You'll see the beautiful scenery of the region, including the Remarkables mountain range, and have the opportunity to spot local wildlife.
Kid-friendly Jet boat ride on the Shotover & Kawarau Rivers.
This is a thrilling experience for kids and adults alike, where you'll take a jet boat ride through the narrow canyons and rapids of the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers. There are slow and fast options for different levels of thrill, but all levels provide memorable experiences. It's a great way to see the beautiful scenery of the region and get your adrenaline pumping!
Olveston Historic Home Tour.
This is a fascinating tour of a historic home in Dunedin, which has been preserved to look as it did in the early 1900s. Kids will enjoy exploring the house and learning about the lifestyle of the people who used to live there.
Spend a day with penguins!
This 24/48 Hour Pohatu Package at a Penguin Colony is a unique experience where you can spend 24 to 48 hours at a penguin colony, watching the penguins come ashore to nest and care for their chicks. The package includes a guided tour of the colony, accommodation and meals. It's a great way to see the penguins in their natural habitat and it's a great educational experience for children.
Things to do in the South Island when it's raining
The weather in the South Island is not always perfect. However, there are still many activities that are available when it rains that are just as fun and memorable.
Massage & Day Spa Treatments.
When it's raining outside, what could be better than relaxing with a massage or spa treatment? Many spas in the South Island offer a variety of treatments, such as massages, facials, and body wraps, that will help you relax and unwind.
Indoor Skydiving.
The Kickstart 2 Flight Indoor Skydiving Package is an awesome indoor skydiving experience that allows you to experience the sensation of freefall without the need for good weather! You'll fly in a vertical wind tunnel and enjoy the feeling of flying.
Glow Worm Cave Tour.
This is a great option for a rainy day, as it takes place underground in the limestone caves where you can see the beautiful glow worms. You'll learn about the unique subterranean ecosystem of the area and enjoy the sights and sounds of the caves.
Puzzling World.
Puzzling World is a fun and interactive attraction filled with illusions and mazes. It's a great option for a rainy day as it offers plenty of indoor activities that will keep the whole family entertained.
Milford Sound Discover More Cruise.
Even if the weather is not perfect, you can still enjoy a cruise through Milford Sound, one of the most spectacular fiords in New Zealand. The Discover More Cruise will take you to the base of Stirling Falls, where you'll have the opportunity to see the waterfall up close and experience the beauty of Milford Sound in all its glory. On cloudy days, Milford Sound displays stunning deep green water that may be missed when the sun is shining.
Best day trips in the South Island
Here are some of the top activities to do when you have a whole day to fill in! These activities range all over the south island and offer the most spectacular, memorable views and experiences.
Fish from a Helicopter in Marlborough Sounds.
A unique experience that combines a helicopter ride with a fishing trip in the Marlborough Sounds. You'll be flown to a remote location within the sound and have the opportunity to fish for some of the region's most sought-after species.
Queenstown Wine & Cheese Cruise.
Enjoy a relaxing cruise on Lake Wakatipu while tasting some of the local wines and cheeses. The cruise will take you around the lake and you will get to see the stunning views of the Remarkables mountain range.
Sledging down a river.
This is a thrilling experience where you'll be pulled by a jet boat along a river while sitting on a sled. This is a fun and exciting way to see the beautiful scenery of the region while getting an adrenaline rush.
Milford Sound Scenic Flight and Nature Cruise.
This is a comprehensive tour of Milford Sound, which includes a flight to Milford Sound, a cruise through the fiord, and a flight back. You'll see the stunning scenery of Milford Sound from above and below, and have the opportunity to spot wildlife such as dolphins and seals.
Aoraki and Mt Cook Luxury Private tour.
This tour takes you to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest mountain. You'll have the opportunity to see the stunning alpine scenery and glaciers of the region and to explore the area with a private guide.
Great Experiences in the South Island
Below are some of the best things to do on the South Island to create long-lasting memories with friends and family.
Abel Tasman helicopter Experience with a landing at Awaroa Beach
This is a unique way to experience the beauty of the Abel Tasman National Park. Take a helicopter ride that lands on the secluded Awaroa Beach, where you can enjoy a picnic and take in the stunning views. With a capacity of up to 6 people, this is a great option for a group of friends or family.
South Island Kayak and walk
This experience combines the best of both worlds, a kayak trip and a walk through the Abel Tasman National Park. Kayak through the crystal-clear waters of the park, taking in the stunning scenery and wildlife. After kayaking, take a walk on one of the many beautiful coastal tracks and explore the park further.
Helicopter ride in Nelson
Take a scenic helicopter ride over the Nelson region and see the beautiful landscapes from above. See the stunning beaches, mountains, and forests of the region and get a bird's eye view of the area.
Kayaking at Queen Charlotte Sound
This is a beautiful spot for kayaking, with crystal clear waters, stunning scenery and wildlife. Kayak through the sound and take in the views of the surrounding mountains and forests. It's a great way to explore the area and get some exercise.
Private Vineyard Tour by car
Visit some of the best vineyards in the region and learn about the winemaking process from the experts. You'll get to taste some of the wines and learn about the different varieties and the regions they come from. With a private tour, you can tailor the experience to your preferences and enjoy a more intimate experience.
Best hikes and walking tracks in the South Island
The South Island is made up of spectacular rugged coastline and beautiful snow-capped mountain ranges that make for the most amazing walks. There are a variety of walking tracks on offer, from coastline tracks and bush walks to mountain ranges for serious hikers. The tracks can range from one hour to complete to several days. Hikes are one of the best ways to explore the stunning and vast South Island.
Abel Tasman National Park
The Abel Tasman National Park is perfect for everyone as it contains walks for all experience levels and all durations, from 2 hours to 5 days! The park is located at the top of the South Island and features both coastal and inland tracks. The best features on offer are stunning snorkelling beaches, unusual rock formations, lush native bushes, a beautiful waterfall and New Zealand’s deepest vertical shaft!
Milford track
The Milford track is an unforgettable experience located in Fiordland that must be done. It is world-renowned and the most famous trek in New Zealand. The well-maintained path makes this 4-day excursion suitable for beginners. This track takes you through viewpoints that showcase towering glaciers, magnificent waterfalls and native bush. After the walk, there is a breathtaking boat ride back through the sounds.
Mount Sunday
This mountain is well known from a scene in the Lord of the Rings! Take an easy 30-minute stroll up the mountain and see if you recognise the stunning glacial valley.
Kepler track
This track is a 3-4 day hike that spans through 60km of tussock, mountain ranges and forest in the Fiordland region. The track is well maintained for intermediate experience levels. Limestone rock formations and waterfalls are just some of the amazing highlights along this track. If you are planning on completing this track, make sure to book and secure a bed!
Mt John Walkway in Tekapo
The Mt John Walkway is a short but steep walking track that shows off panoramic views of Lake Tekapo, the Southern Alps, and the Mackenzie Basin flats. This track has several pathways that allow you to tailor it to your preference. Whether you have a full-day hike in mind or just a brisk walk, the Mt John Walkway is perfect. If you do make it to the top, there is the famous Astro cafe waiting for you.
Queenstown Hill Time Walk
This walk is perfect for locals and tourists alike. After only 3 hours of walking up the Queenstown hill, you are greeted with the most spectacular view of Queenstown and the surrounding lakes and mountain ranges. Located just a 4-minute drive from Queenstown, this is the best way to fill in an afternoon.
Jack’s Point
Jack’s point is an easy-going walk that rewards you the whole way. Take in the shutting mountain and lake views as you stroll through open grassland for 4 hours.
Rakiura Track
Walking tracks on Stewart Island are not to be overlooked. This walk takes you over 32 km of untouched history that is home to a wide variety of wildlife. For 3 days, you will be immersed in nature that few other people have experienced.
Beaches in the South Island to Visit
The South Island of New Zealand boasts some of the most picturesque and diverse beaches. Beaches in the South Island are all worth visiting as each one is unique and beautiful. From surf beaches, black sand beaches and rocky beaches to stunning shist beaches, the South Island has something for everyone.
Abel Tasman National Park - Kaiteriteri Beach
As the gateway to the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, Kaiteriteri Beach is a stunning golden sand beach surrounded by native bush. It offers a perfect starting point for exploring the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park by foot or kayak.
Moeraki Boulders Beach
Known for its unique spherical boulders scattered along the shore, Moeraki Boulders Beach on the Otago coast provides a captivating and otherworldly seascape. The boulders are a must-see geological wonder.
Wharariki Beach
Located at the top of the South Island, Wharariki Beach is a remote and wild coastal gem. Visitors can enjoy the sight of dramatic sea stacks, huge sand dunes, and the resident seal colony, making it a truly magical destination.
Punakaiki Beach
Home to the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, Punakaiki Beach on the West Coast offers a unique coastal landscape with limestone formations. The pancake-like rock structures and the powerful blowholes attract visitors from around the world.
Stewart Island - Mason Bay
Mason Bay on Stewart Island is a pristine and secluded beach. It's surrounded by native bush, providing a tranquil escape and an opportunity to explore New Zealand's third-largest island.
Golden Bay - Wharariki Beach
A different Wharariki Beach, this one is located in Golden Bay and is equally stunning. It features massive sand dunes, arches, and rock formations. The beach is part of the Farewell Spit nature reserve, offering a unique coastal experience.
Sumner Beach
A popular beach near Christchurch, Sumner Beach offers a relaxed atmosphere with a backd-r-o-p of rugged cliffs. It's a great spot for swimming, surfing, and enjoying the vibrant local community.
Akaroa - French Bay
Nestled in the Banks Peninsula, French Bay in Akaroa is a charming and sheltered beach with a French-inspired village nearby. The bay offers a picturesque setting for relaxing strolls and water activities.
Haast Beach
Situated on the West Coast, Haast Beach is a wild and untamed stretch of coastline. With its black sand and remote location, it provides a peaceful environment to appreciate the raw beauty of New Zealand's West Coast.
Kaikoura - South Bay
Known for its marine life, South Bay in Kaikoura offers a scenic beach with a backd-r-o-p of majestic mountains. Visitors can enjoy the views, go for a swim, or even spot whales and dolphins in the nearby waters.
Oreti Beach
Located near Invercargill, Oreti Beach is a long and straight stretch of golden sand famous for its association with Burt Munro, the world-famous motorbike racer. It's a great spot for a peaceful walk or to witness the roaring surf.
Curio Bay
Curio Bay on the Catlins Coast is known for its ancient petrified forest and resident Hector's dolphins. The beach offers a unique blend of natural wonders and wildlife, making it a must-visit destination in the South Island.
