Explore the wonders of the things to do in South Island of New Zealand with our guide to the top things to do. From thrilling adventures in Queenstown to cultural immersion in Maori heritage, discover the best experiences that make this destination truly unique.
THINGS TO DO IN SOUTH ISLAND
The South Island of New Zealand is a haven for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those longing for cultural richness. With its diverse landscapes and vibrant communities, this destination offers a plethora of activities that cater to every traveler's interests.
1. Go bungy jumping
Commercial bungy was born on the South Island of New Zealand! The first-ever commercial bungy in the world was the Kawarau Bridge Bungy and it’s now considered one of the best adventure activities in Queenstown. That’s why there’s no better place to bungy jump in New Zealand than on the South Island.
When it comes to the best place to bungy, Queenstown really is the place to go. There’s not one but three places to bungy in Queenstown all offering a unique experience. The first is the 43 meter-high Kawarau Bridge Bungy which offers fantastic views and the bragging rights as the first-ever commercial bungy jump in the world. This is also the only place on the South Island where you can do a tandem bungy jump (perfect for any thrill-seekers on their honeymoon in Queenstown).
Next up is the Ledge Bungy. This bungy jump is located right in Queenstown at the top of the gondola. The bungy is only 47 meters high but with an elevation gain of 480 meters over Queenstown it sure has the best views!
Last is the Nevis Bungy which is the tallest in NZ at 134 meters! Although the views don’t compare to the above two options, you’ll get one hell of an adrenaline rush. To me, this is the best option when it comes to an adrenaline-filled activity on the South Island.
Fun fact: New Zealand spells it “bungy” jumping (not “bungee” like the rest of the world). This is how they spelled it back in the day when the first commercial bungy jump opened, so the spelling has remained to this day!
Without a doubt, bungy jumping is one of the best things to do on the South Island. So what are you waiting for? Take the plunge!
2. Relax in some hot springs
After a day exploring New Zealand’s South Island, what could be more rewarding than relaxing in warm hot springs? Soothe those muscles and get some much-needed relaxation time while you’re at it!
There is a huge range of hot springs all over the South Island of New Zealand and they range from natural outdoor springs to indoor heated pools. Here are the 8 best you need to check out:
Omarama Hot Tubs (Omarama) – Omarama Hot Tubs are artificially heated hot tubs sit in a beautiful valley with the Southern Alps as a backdrop. The tubs are private so it’s a really intimate experience located in the town of Omarama near Mount Cook National Park.
Onsen Hot Pools (Queenstown) – The Onsen Hot Pools are the most popular hot pools in NZ. They overlook the Shotover River near Queenstown and the private setting makes them one of the best. Be sure to book in advance though as this is one of the most popular relaxing activities in Queenstown!
Kamana Lakehouse (Queenstown) – This next hot pool is located in Queenstown as well and it has arguably the best views of any hot springs on this list. Unfortunately, only guests who stay at Kamana Lakehouse can use them, however, the hotel itself is one magnificent place to stay in Queenstown.
Glacier Hot Pools (Franz Josef) – The Glacier Hot Pools are one of my favorite public hot pools on the South Island. Set in a beautiful tropical garden in, the three pools provide the most relaxing place to unwind after exploring the best things to do in Franz Josef. They also have private experiences available but the public pools cost less than $30 NZD to enjoy.
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools (Hanmer Springs) – This is the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools has 22 thermal pools and 4 waterslides, plus a kid’s area, so it’s great for families. If you book tickets in advance, you can drop by whenever you want and won’t be turned away at peak times.
Tekapo Springs (Lake Tekapo) – Tekapo Springs is another very popular public hot spring on the South Island. Set near the shores of Lake Tekapo the springs have magnificent views over the blue lake. Better yet, visit at night and see the stars in an official dark sky reserve!
Maruia Hot Springs (Lewis Pass) – One of the least known hot springs on the South Island is Maruia Hot Springs. Located on the beautiful Lewis Pass these natural thermal spas will have you soaking up minerals and giving your skin some much-needed pampering.
Waiho Hot Tubs (Franz Josef) – For a more luxurious and private experience in Franz Josef visit the Waiho Hot Tubs. Situated among stunning rainforests, the hot tubs offer a very intimate experience for up to 4 people. Also, the water is changed out between visits so it’s always fresh!
3. Go on a road trip
Road trips are what make the South Island such an awesome place to visit. I have done so many that I’m now an expert at finding the best places to stop between each destination. Don’t believe me? Then check out the road trip category on my blog! You’ll find all the best itineraries there as well as lots of road trip ideas (there are too many to talk about here!).
Without a doubt, the best way to road trip around the South Island is in a campervan or motorhome. “Vanlife”, as it’s called, is an adventurous way to travel that has you staying in remote DOC campsites, freedom camping spots, and holiday parks. You’ll have your very own home on wheels and get to explore the South Island at your own pace. Plus, staying in a campervan is generally much cheaper than hotels!
Campervan rentals start at around $100 NZD per day, but for two people in a comfortable van, you’d best budget around $200 NZD. I rented through JUCY and had a great experience each time! Of course, motorhome rentals in New Zealand cost a lot more but they are pretty comfortable. With that said, traveling in winter will save you a ton as discounted winter rates are always available. The best place to find a campervan or motorhome is on Motorhome Republic. It’s a huge search engine for rentals (similar to Booking.com for hotels!)
Of course, if you don’t want to live in a vehicle you can also rent a car in New Zealand and explore. It’s cheap and by using the website Discover Cars you’ll find great deals. Once you have your transport you’ll need to plan your routes and stops. To help, check out my blog about the best road trips on the South Island!
4. Go jet boating
On a high-powered boat, you’ll scream across the water doing 360’s and coming within inches of rocks, trees, you name it. You’ll get wet, let out a few screams, and have so much fun.
On the South Island, Queenstown is the home of jet boating in New Zealand and being a local there means I’ve been lucky enough to go more than a few times. There are actually 5 jet boating experiences that leave from Queenstown – talk about being spoilt for choice!
Most jet boating tours around the South Island are the same. You’ll basically book your tour based on the amount of time in the jet boat and most tours run for 1 hour. Then with your experienced guide, you’ll set off and his job is to scare you as much as possible in that time. Most tours also involve a talk about the area at beautiful locations.
The most popular jet boating tour is the Shotover River Extreme jet boat ride in Queenstown. I have personally done this ride, and I can attest- it’s awesome! This 25-minute jet boat ride is a little more budget-friendly and the Shotover River is the most thrilling place to take a jet boat ride. A shorter jet boat ride makes this a great activity, even in winter! I recommend booking this tour in advance, as it is by far the best in Queenstown!
Jet boating is easily one of the best activities you can do on the South Island and the best part is that tours start from as low as $50 NZD! Some of the other best locations include jumping on a tour in Wanaka, Waiaurahiri Jet in Fiordland National Park, Discovery Jet near Mt Hutt, and Goldfields Jet between Queenstown and Cromwell.
5. Hit the slopes
Did you know I came all the way to New Zealand from Canada to enjoy my first ski season? A pretty silly thing to do when I think about it now, but “spring” skiing all year round sounded like my kind of season! The winter temperatures in New Zealand are pretty mild and remind me of what I could expect in Canada in the Spring months.
There are ski fields (resorts) all over New Zealand, but mostly on the South Island. The ski season in NZ runs from around the start of June to the middle of October depending on where you are. To play it safe, go in July and August for the best conditions.
I’ve personally only ever skied on the South Island in NZ visiting 4 different ski fields in that time. If you want to ski on the South Island then heading to Queenstown or Wanaka is the best option as there are 4 ski fields (The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Cardrona, and Treble Cone) in that area with another large one near Christchurch called Mt Hutt. In fact, skiing is easily one of the best things to do in Queenstown in the winter.
There are also a few other small ski fields on the South Island. These include Ōhau, Mt. Lyford, Mt. Dobson, Porters Alpine Resort, Roundhill Ski Area, and many more you can check out here. I’ve never visited the small family-run resorts but I have heard amazing things especially if you love off-the-beaten-path experiences!
6. Go on a scenic flight
I did my first ever scenic flight on the South Island of NZ and to this day it’s still hard to process the experience! I chose to do my scenic flight in Mount Cook National Park and without sounding biased, it’s got to be the most beautiful place to do it.
In a helicopter, I soared above the Southern Alps coming so close to Mount Cook that I felt as though I could reach out and touch its sharp peak. We also landed on a glacier, which in itself was an experience I’ll never forget. If you’ve never done a scenic flight before then consider making the South Island your first! You can book the same 25-minute scenic flight that I took for $329 NZD!
You can do scenic flights all over the South Island and although Mount Cook is a great place to do it, I also have Milford Sound on my bucket list. A scenic flight in Milford Sound is cool, because tours like this one include a cruise in the fiord too, so you can see it up close and from an aerial view!
Other places to consider include Franz Josef, the Marlborough Sounds, Kaikoura, Wanaka, and Queenstown – there are lots of scenic flight options in Queenstown! Without a doubt, a scenic flight is one of the best activities on the South Island of New Zealand.
7. Tour boutique wineries
Did I move to the South Island for the gorgeous landscapes, food, and lifestyle – or was it for the wine? Who knows, maybe it was a little bit of everything…but the wine certainly helped!
Regardless though, if you love wine you’ll love the South Island. You’ll find some of the best boutique wineries here that produce amazing wine. The best part is there isn’t a South Island itinerary that doesn’t bring you close to a winery!
Central Otago – My hometown doesn’t disappoint when it comes to wine, and without a doubt one of the most romantic things to do in Queenstown is to take a wine tour. The Central Otago Wine Region is one of the best and most beautiful. Within that region is the Gibbston Valley, my absolute favorite place to tour the best wineries and drink wine on a hot summer’s day in Queenstown.
You can find a range of wine tours in the Gibbston Valley, ranging from a gourmet lunch and all-inclusive wine tasting to a hop-on-hop-off bus tour so you can move at your own pace.
Marlborough – With the South Island’s beautiful beaches, bays, and islands it’s no wonder the Marlborough Sounds is one fabulous place to drink wine. Visit the wineries on a tour or let your designated driver lead the way. This region is famous for Pinot Noir, and also has some of the best views of all the wine regions!
Nelson – Nelson is a small and rather unknown (to visitors) wine region on the South Island. It’s well known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. You can join a hop-on-hop-off tour in Nelson, which takes care of all the driving for you! It is a cheaper way to visit multiple wineries than an all-inclusive tour, and you can hang out at each for as long as you want.
Waitaki Valley – Located in Northern Otago on the east coast, Waitaki is a small wine region that produces amazing Pinot Noir.
North Canterbury – Last is the North Canterbury Wine Region. This popular wine region is located north of Christchurch along the South Island’s stunning eastern coastline. It’s the perfect place to try a variety of wines with stunning views. I love this wine trail tour from Christchurch, as it lets you explore a handful of the best wineries in the region!
8. Hike one of the South Island’s Great Walks
The Great Walks are some of New Zealand’s most amazing multi-day hikes. There are 10 Great Walks and they’re known as some of the most diverse in the country showcasing New Zealand’s unique landscapes, flora, and fauna. They’ve been hand-picked by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and hiking part or all of at least one Great Walk is a must.
The trails are spread over both islands and range in difficulty and length. One of the Great Walks, the Whanganui Journey is actually a canoe trip down a river and not a hike at all! I’ve done it before and wow, what an adventure! Personally, though, I love the 6 Great Walks on the South Island the most. My favorites are the Routeburn Track and Kepler Track. Both are alpine hikes on the South Island with some of the most magnificent views in New Zealand!
On the Great Walks, you’ll stay in either campsites or New Zealand huts if you plan to hike the entire trail or go overnight. Of course, you can do shorter day hikes on some of the Great Walks completely free, which I do often!
The Great Walks do need to be booked before you go if you plan on spending the night. Trails such as the Milford, Kepler, and Routeburn Track book up months in advance. If you plan on hiking one of the above trails, be sure to do some research before you go and plan ahead to avoid disappointment!
However, if you want to explore one of these routes for just one day you can take a guided hike on the Routeburn Track. This is great for those who are new to hiking or if you simply don’t have hiking gear with you! This half-day tour includes transportation from Queenstown and a naturalist guide so you can learn about the area’s ecosystem and history. You can book a guided day hike in advance here!
Related Read: Another great way to combine hiking and sightseeing (and not have the hassle of planning it all) is on a multi-day guided tour in New Zealand!
9. See glowworms
Can you really come to New Zealand and not see glowworms? Although not entirely unique to New Zealand, you won’t see the sheer number occupying the inside of caves and lighting them up like a starry night sky anywhere else. I was blown away the first time I saw them.
You can see glowworms all over New Zealand and on both islands. And, if I’m being honest seeing them on the North Island is a much better experience. Places such as the Waipu and Waitomo Caves are hard to beat. With that said, there are some good places to see glowworms on the South Island too.
Te Anau Glowworm Caves – One of the youngest glowworm caves in New Zealand at only 12,000 years old is the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Because they’re located so close to Queenstown they are quite popular, especially for those who road trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound. This is easily one of the best things to do in Te Anau and done on a guided tour! You’ll cruise across Lake Te Anau and be led by your expert guide, as they know just where to find the glowworms.
If you’re in Te Anau, you can’t miss seeing the glowworms! Book this tour in advance here.
Paparoa National Park – Next are the glowworm caves on the west coast of the South Island in Paparoa National Park. These caves are visited on an epic cave tubing tour that has you floating below what appears like the night sky. It’s an adventure activity as well as a glowworm cave tour!
10. Spend the night in a mountain hut
New Zealand is famous for its 950 mountain huts dotted all over the country. From the Southern Alps to the epic coastlines of the North Island there are huts everywhere for hikers to take refuge and spend a night.
These huts range in size and comfort level but can be broken down into 4 categories; Great Walk huts, serviced huts, standard huts, and free huts. Prices vary depending on the hut, and bookings are required for the most popular huts in NZ.
On all the Great Walks there are mountain huts, but below I’ll list the best South Island huts you can hike to in a day and spend one night. I’ve stayed at them all and you should seriously consider adding them to your South Island bucket list!
Mueller Hut – This is my favorite hut on the South Island! Located in Mt Cook National Park its location over the valley is out of this world. The hut costs $45 NZD per night and needs to be booked in advance in the summer months. In winter, it’s first come, first serve but still costs the same. Getting there is easily one of the best hikes in Mount Cook National Park.
Brewster Hut – On the rugged west coast of the South Island the Brewster Hut sits high above the clouds accessed by a gruelingly steep 3-hour hiking trail. It’s more off the beaten path than most and only sleeps 12 people.
Luxmore Hut – The Luxmore Hut is the most breathtaking hut on the Kepler Track. Although part of the 3-day trail, you can hike up to the Luxmore Hut for the night and back down the same way the next day.
Routeburn Falls Hut – Another Great Walk hut you can visit for a night is the Routeburn Falls Hut. Once again, its location is magnificent and the views over the valley are epic. If you’re up for the challenge, hiking to the Routeburn Falls Hut and back again is one of the day hikes you can do on the Routeburn Track.
Liverpool Hut – Last is the Liverpool Hut located in Mount Aspiring National Park. The hut is accessed via the Liverpool Track which is a 15-kilometer advanced hike each way. Once there you can enjoy this tiny 10-bunk alpine hut.
Be sure to click the link for each hut for more info on bookings and the difficulty of each hut’s hiking trail.
11. Go stargazing
With such a small population you don’t have to go far to see the stars without any light pollution on the South Island. I actually first started astrophotography in NZ and haven’t looked back – I love it.
The Milky Way core is only visible on the South Island during winter but at any time of the year, you can see amazing stars and even do stargazing tours. The most popular place is Lake Tekapo. In the region, there is an official dark sky reserve, and on the tour, you’ll visit the Mt John Observatory to stare through a high-powered telescope at the planets. It’s one of the best things to do in Lake Tekapo.
This 2-hour stargazing tour is truly an immersive experience. You’ll get to access the incredible high-powered equipment at the Mt John Observatory, and even more valuable is the astronomer’s commentary and information. Even though it will be a cold experience, it’s totally worth it. I’d never seen that many stars in my life! You can book this tour for $190 NZD.
Other places you can view the stars include Queenstown, Glenorchy, Wanaka, and anywhere outside a large city or town. Seriously, on the South Island, the stars come alive!
Oh, and did I mention the Southern Lights? Yep, that’s right, during the wintertime you can see the Southern Hemisphere’s answer to the Northern Lights. You do have to check the forecast and have a little luck on your side, but if you do get to see them, you’ll be amazed!
12. Drink the best craft beer on the South Island
The craft beer scene on the South Island has exploded in recent years. Nowadays, in just about every city and tourist town, you can drink delicious NZ craft beer straight from the tap. For beer lovers like myself, trying a little craft beer in each town and city is one of the best things to do on the South Island.
There’s certainly no shortage of craft beer in Queenstown, in fact, there are four breweries within a 30-minute drive of town that you can either visit on your own or on a tour. I love taking brewery tours because transportation is provided (so you can indulge in the beer!) and you get to go behind the scenes of the brewing process. So if you enjoy learning about the beer as you taste it, you’ll love this tour! There is also a beer-paring lunch, which boasts the flavors of the brews. You can book this tour in advance for $185 NZD.
There are many more breweries all over the South Island so be sure to look them up in each city and town you plan on visiting – you’ll be surprised just how many there are! Also, before going ask if they offer a brewery tour. They’re usually free and involve a tasting!
13. Sample the local cuisine
New Zealand is the perfect place to stuff your face with great food. One of the most famous foods to try is a New Zealand meat pie.
My partner is Australian and loves meat pies. However, you may be surprised to know that he says the best meat pies come from New Zealand, and I agree (sorry Aussies!). The best part is they are literally everywhere on the South Island, seriously, I don’t think you’ll ever be more than 15 minutes from a meat pie.
You can get a huge range of flavors but my favorite is steak and mushroom, steak and blue cheese, lamb, or butter chicken. There isn’t one single must-try place but be sure to hit up the small corner store bakeries. Support the local businesses and you’ll find the best pies in NZ!
Other than pies, be sure to try some New Zealand lamb and if you get a chance a Hāngi (a traditional underground oven used by the Maori).
14. Skydiving
Another adventure activity you can do all over the South Island is skydiving. Now, this sport may not have been born in NZ, but after going twice I can say it’ll make you feel more fear and excitement than you’ve ever felt before. Afterward, you’ll be so high from the feeling you won’t be able to wipe the smile off your face.
Without a doubt, the best place to skydive in New Zealand is on the South Island. I might be a little biased, but hear me out. Imagine skydiving over the breathtaking Southern Alps! Falling from 9,000, 12,000, or 15,000 feet over huge mountain peaks, glaciers, and lakes. It’s basically a scenic flight and skydive all in one – not that you’ll remember much of it!
I took this skydiving tour in Queenstown and highly recommend it! You can choose what height you jump from, and that will essentially dictate how much time you have freefalling (anywhere from 25-60 seconds). There are tandem jumps available at 9,000 ft, 12,000 ft, or 15,000 feet for the most hang time. Be sure to book your tour in advance so you don’t chicken out!
Franz Josef is another great place to skydive, as you get incredible views of Mt Cook National Park and Franz Josef Glacier! You can also check out skydiving in Wanaka or Glenorchy.
Fun fact: When you skydive it’s hard to remember the jump because you get a thing called sensory overload. That’s why you need to get the video!
15. Go on a bike ride
Bike riding on the South Island has to be one of the best ways to get around and explore the stunning natural landscapes. There are trails everywhere and even some hiking trails and bike-rider friendly. Some of the best places to go bike riding include my hometown, Queenstown. In Queenstown, there are a ton of awesome bike trails to explore and even some really crazy downhill tracks.
One of my absolute favorite bike routes is one you can ride on a tour from Arrowtown to Queenstown. Aboard this tour, you’ll be shuttled 25 minutes north to Arrowtown and given a map with recommended stops along the route. You can take as long as you want stopping at wineries, local bakeries, scenic viewpoints, and notable Lord of the Rings film locations. It’s a fun way to explore the area, so check out the details and book your bike tour here!
Other places to enjoy a bike ride include trails around Wanaka, Franz Josef, The Catlins, Punakaiki, Abel Tasman, and the Marlborough Sounds. Seriously, no matter where you’re visiting there’s a place to rent and ride a bike!
The Lakes District on the South Island is known for, you guessed it – plenty of beautiful freshwater lakes! This region includes my hometown of Queenstown, Wanaka, Kingston, and Glenorchy. These next best things to do on the South Island are all located in and around these towns so be sure to add them to your bucket list if you’re heading this way.
16. Explore Glenorchy and Paradise
Glenorchy is one of the most picturesque towns in New Zealand. I love a day trip to Glenorchy via the stunning Glenorchy-Queenstown Road.
There are actually a ton of awesome things to do in Glenorchy and one of my favorites is this tour with Wilderness Jet. On this epic jet boating experience, you’ll zoom down the Dart River making crazy twists and turns on a thrilling jet boat ride. After, you’ll get off in a remote region called Paradise (yes there’s a place called Paradise) to explore on a guided walk. It’s a nature and adventure tour in one, so be sure to book this popular tour in advance!
Of course, if you’re looking for a free thing to do in Glenorchy consider walking the Glenorchy Walkway. This 5-kilometer (3-mile) completely flat walk takes you through the Glenorchy Lagoon to view stunning reflections of the Humboldt Mountain Range. It’s an easy hike that’ll take your breath away.
Or you can explore a true New Zealand experience and visit the Glenorchy Animal Experience! This is an interactive petting zoo where you can get up close to sheep, llamas, alpacas, and more. It’s a great activity if you’re traveling to New Zealand with kids.
Regardless of what you do, you need to explore this quaint town, so be sure to read up on my Glenorchy blogs before you go!
Related Read: Love hiking? There are a ton of awesome hikes on Glenorchy for all fitness levels.
17. Go on a Lord of the Rings Tour
Any Lord of the Rings fans here? If you are then you already know the movies were filmed in New Zealand. All over the country, you can visit famous film locations.
Living in Queenstown means I have a ton right at my doorstep, in fact, in the small town of Glenorchy you’ll find lots of famous scenes including Isengard, Ithilien Camp, Forest of Fangorn, and more! Visiting them is one of the best free things to do in Glenorchy. You can also choose to join a Glenorchy LOTR tour from Queenstown, which is a super popular option!
If you’re a die-hard LOTR fan, you’ll love this full-day tour. You’ll travel to remote film locations in a 4WD vehicle, which really lets you get off the beaten path and see unique film locations. The scenery on this tour is incredible, and you’ll get to dress up in authentic costumes to really dive into the experience. You can book this tour in advance for $550 NZD. It lasts for 9 hours and includes lunch, transportation, and your expert guide.
However, if you want to take a Lord of the Rings tour but don’t want to spend an entire day (or $500), you can opt for a half-day tour out of Queenstown. This is one of the most popular LOTR tours and not only does it explore film locations, but also makes scenic stops along the way. This is great because the drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is one of my favorites- it’s so beautiful! You can spend 4 hours exploring for $189 NZD, and transportation, expert LOTR commentary, costumes to dress up in, and coffee/snacks are included- book this tour in advance here!
Obviously, there are a ton more so if you’re a LOTR fan be sure to check out the best film locations around NZ before you go. Map them out and hit the road!
18. Cruise Lake Wakatipu
A scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu is the perfect way to take in Queenstown’s stunning scenery. Cruises depart from right in town and head along Lake Wakatipu towards Glenorchy and back.
There are two different scenic cruises you can choose between in Queenstown. The first is on the Million Dollar Cruise, where you get incredible views from either the sundeck or inside the heated cabin, so it’s doable year-round. This sightseeing cruise goes the furthest along the lake, and it’s also one of the cheapest things to do in Queenstown at about $59 NZD per person. Drinks are available to purchase onboard, making this cruise a bit more fun!
The other scenic cruise is onboard the TSS Earnslaw operated by RealNZ (formally Real Journeys). It’s the last remaining vessel from the gold rush and somewhat of a historic experience. The TSS Earnslaw is a traditional coal-powered ship where you can actually observe workers shoveling coal into the burner as you cruise along the lake. You can combine this scenic cruise with a gourmet BBQ lunch that is super tasty and one of the best meals you can have in Queenstown – trust me on this! That upgrade also includes a visit to Walter Peak High County Farm complete with live demos – like sheep shearing. It’s a fun afternoon!
I’ve done both cruises and honestly can say they are both great! The TSS Earnslaw is unique in the fact it is coal-powered, but it is also always a lot busier onboard and almost double the price. The Million Dollar Cruise is a more relaxing journey with a smaller group on board and plenty of space. Ultimately the choice is yours, but just do one or the other, there is no need to do both.
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Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
19. Ride the Skyline Gondola and the Luge
The gondola in Queenstown takes visitors up 450 meters to the top of Bob’s Peak in a quick 5-minute ride. It’s from here that you’ll see that famous view of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and The Remarkables – it’s easily one of the best views on the South Island!
The gondola leaves from the station at the end of Brecon Street right in Queenstown town center. The ride costs $52 NZD for adults and $36 for children. Package deals are available if you pair the gondola ride with the Luge, lunch or dinner buffets, as well as other experiences like stargazing tours.
Things to do at the top of the gondola at Bob’s Peak include some of NZ’s best ziplines, paragliding, hiking, and downhill mountain biking. There are multiple zipline adventures to choose from, ranging from 2-6 ziplines and including a 21-meter (69-foot) drop! This activity can get busy, so booking your ticket in advance ensures availability for this thrilling activity- it’s especially loved by kids!
Paragliding is another adrenaline-pumping activity to take on while at Bob’s Peak, and possibly the best way to take in the scenery! A paragliding experience lasts 1.5 hours total and will be a tandem paraglide, so it’s beginner-friendly or can be as adventurous as you’d like. You can book a paraglide from Bob’s Peak for $320 NZD.
The most family-friendly activity at the top of the gondola is riding the Luge! This gravity-pulled go-kart will have you racing down a track on the side of a mountain! The best part is that you control the speed, so if you’re nervous about it, just use the break and have a more controlled ride. But if you’re looking for a thrill, then let go of that break and you’ll fly (seriously, over the jumps you’ll get real air)!
But even if none of that interests you, the gondola ride alone is worthy of your time simply for the view – just be sure to go on a clear day when the clouds won’t block that picture-perfect photo.
The gondola runs every day all year round but times vary depending on the season and day of the week.
20. Hike Ben Lomond Track
Ben Lomond Track is one of my personal favorite trails on the South Island! It is a challenging hike, but the views are so worth it! The stunning scenery is breathtaking.
Ben Lomond Track officially starts at the end of the Tiki Trail at the Skyline building at the top of Bob’s Peak. You can choose to hike the Tiki Trail from Queenstown and then transfer onto Ben Lomond Track or skip the Tiki Trail and take the gondola. Riding the gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak takes you directly to the start of Ben Lomond Track and makes the track a lot easier and shorter.
If you hike the entire Ben Lomond Track you will end at the summit of Ben Lomond. The views from here are unrivaled by any hike in the area! However, getting to the summit can be a challenge, and in some cases, dangerous when it’s slippery or icy. For this reason, I only recommend hiking to the saddle when trail conditions aren’t ideal.
From Queenstown, getting to Ben Lomond Summit and back down will have you covering 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) return, and gaining 1,483 meters (4846 feet) in elevation. It’s a full-day hike that takes most people around 8 hours.
21. Walk up Queenstown Hill for sunrise
Hands down one of the most popular easy hikes in Queenstown is Queenstown Hill! Not only are the views from the top fantastic, but this trail also starts from right in Queenstown making it easily accessible. On Belfast Terrace Road, you’ll find a small parking lot and signs marking the Queenstown Hill trailhead. You can drive here (but might struggle to get parking during the summer months) or walk from downtown Queenstown.
Queenstown Hill Track is an out-and-back trail that takes you high above Queenstown. At the top, you’ll find the Basket of Dreams which is a sculpture meant to inspire dreaming, as well as some seriously impressive viewpoints. The trail is 2.5 kilometers (1.55 miles) one way and gains about 600 meters in elevation from downtown Queenstown.
It is a really well-maintained trail that is easy to follow, and although somewhat steep in areas, not overly challenging. Most people complete the whole thing in under 3 hours.
Quick tip: If you do drive up to the trailhead at Belfast Terrace, you’ll knock a whopping 200-meter elevation gain off this hike!
22. Tackle Roy’s Peak
Roy’s Peak is an iconic hike on the South Island of New Zealand. The trail starts just outside of Wanaka and is hiked in one day. Although stunning, the trail is considered hard. In fact, there is over a 1,300-meter (4,265-foot) elevation gain over the 16-kilometer (almost 10-mile) trail. Certainly not for the faint-hearted.
Once at the top though, you’ll get to enjoy one of the best viewpoints in NZ. Stare out over Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps. You can even spot Mt Aspiring.
Roys Peak is easily the best activity you can do in Wanaka and a must-do for hiking enthusiasts! It is perhaps my favorite hike on the South Island, and is even better at sunrise!
In the guide, you'll find many different road trip itinerary ideas, so you can easily choose one that works for you!
The guide includes the best stops, attractions, road trip routes, and how much time you need!
23. Eat Fergburger
Fergburger is arguably the most popular place to eat in Queenstown. Visitors from all over the world come to try what many claim to be the best burger in New Zealand (and even the world)! Seriously, Fergburger is so popular that you’ll find a line-up out the door even at 10 am!
Before I ate there for myself I was unsure if the hype was warranted, but now I’m totally sold. The bun is fresh, the patty is juicy, and the selection of sauces and cheese make this quick burger meal feel gourmet. They have a selection of different burgers available including a vegetarian option, but my personal favorite is the Classic Ferg with blue cheese – don’t judge me until you try it!
Ferg is open from 8 am to 2 am and until 4:30 am on Fridays and Saturdays (you read that right, that’s 18.5 hours!). If you want to skip the line, phone in your order and pick it up for takeout, that’s what us locals always do!
24. Get a photo with the Wanaka Tree
Easily the most famous tree in New Zealand, if not, the Southern Hemisphere. The Wanaka Tree tells a story of resilience, it has stood the test of time despite flooding and storms in the area. The ‘Tree’ as it is known locally, is extremely photogenic – with the Southern Alps standing proudly in the background.
Aim to get to the Tree for sunrise or sunset for the best photo opp. The Wanaka Tree is a short walk from the town center, it is located along the Lakefront at Roy’s Bay – look for the crowds gathered at the far end of the lake and you’ve found it.
This tree even has its own hashtag #thatwanakatree. This is a must-visit stop on the South Island for photographers who come to shoot this unique attraction. It’s easily one of the best things to do in Wanaka.
25. Spend a day in Arrowtown
Arrowtown is an old gold mining town located only a 20-minute drive from Queenstown. Visiting is a must-do even just for half a day from Queenstown. With that said, It’s very popular to spend a night or two here and enjoy a place much quieter and more relaxing than Queenstown.
If you don’t have your own means of transportation, you can still explore Arrowtown on this half-day tour from Queenstown! This tour also visits Wanaka, and you’ll be led by a local guide so you can learn all about the town’s fascinating history. Visit the Chinese Settlement, stop by the historic Cardrona Hotel for a complimentary beer, and have free time to explore on your own. You can reserve a spot on this tour for $209 NZD.
The town itself is cute and the streets are lined with old architecture. Go for a day of shopping, a short hike, enjoy some amazing cafes, and even have lunch/dinner at The Blue Door or Slow Cuts. Both places are unique in their own way but serve amazing food and even local craft beer. Seriously, there are a ton of awesome things to do in Arrowtown!
26. Hike Isthmus Peak
Isthmus Peak is known as the “other Roy’s Peak”. The trail starts just outside of Wanaka, and although it’s less popular than Roy’s Peak, is still considered one of the best hikes in Wanaka. The trail is slightly easier (only just) than Roy’s Peak with a 1,113-meter (3,651-foot) elevation gain over 8 kilometers (5 miles) one way. But it’s still really hard!
The views from Isthmus Peak rival those at Roy’s Peak only you get to enjoy them without the crowds, which I love. Isthmus Peak is perfect for the hiker who really wants to avoid the large crowds that Roy’s Peak attracts. It’s beautiful, and one of the best free things to do in Wanaka!
27. Watch the sunset at Nugget Point
Moving all the way over on the east coast of the South Island sits the epic coastline of Nugget Point. This famous viewpoint and lighthouse is one of the best places to visit on the South Island, especially for those driving from Dunedin to Invercargill or those heading north from the Catlins to Christchurch. Like other stops on this list, you’ll only need a short amount of time to enjoy it but if you can, come at sunset.
Stare out at the rough seas and enjoy the rocky coastline and huge cliffs as the sunsets. Or, come at night to see the stars or even the Southern Lights! It’s really a magical place!
28. Surf/explore the coast in Dunedin
I must admit, Dunedin isn’t a city I personally love on the South Island. With that said, the surrounding beaches and landscapes are! When I visit Dunedin I often only spend my nights in the city and during the day I’m out exploring places such as Tunnel Beach.
Tunnel Beach is the most beautiful place to visit in Dunedin and via a short 20-minute walking trail from the parking lot you can venture down to see the rock formations up close. Low tide is the best time to go and you can access the beach (although I wouldn’t recommend swimming as there are strong currents in the area.)
If you love surfing then I suggest you head to St Clair Beach. It’s one of the best surf spots on the South Island. You can rent a board and a much-needed wetsuit right from the beach so even without your own gear you can give this activity a go.
In the city, I recommend visiting the steepest street in the world. Seriously, Baldwin Street in Dunedin has the title and lots of visitors get some cool photos there. Other than that, some other fun things to do in Dunedin include visiting a museum, walking the Dunedin Street Art Trail, or even just going out for drinks on the town!
You can even enjoy the area’s vast outdoors without having to venture too far out of the city! You can take a wildlife harbor cruise to explore the Otago Harbour. This area is known for being home to the Royal Albatross, and you’ll also be able to spot yellow-eyed or blue penguins and fur seals. This 2-hour guided cruise is an excellent way to learn about these animals and see them in their natural habitat.
I love that this is a short cruise, so you can easily fit it into your South Island itinerary. You can book this experience for $160 NZD departing from Port Chalmers.
Related Read: For information on an epic road trip, read my blog about the drive from Queenstown to Dunedin.
29. See the Moerakai Boulders
The most unique attraction I’ve seen on the South Island of New Zealand is the Moeraki Boulders. As you wander Moeraki Beach just north of Dunedin, you’ll come across perfectly round rocks in the sand. Some have cracked open like eggs, others are still intact, but one thing is for sure…they’re weird!
Apparently, the boulders are formed by erosion from the ocean but it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. Visiting the boulders only takes an hour or so and there is a café nearby with parking and access to the beach. They do require a small fee to use the beach access though.
If you don’t want to pay, you can also access the boulders via the DOC parking lot nearby. Just be sure to look on Google Maps and go to the public parking area, not the café.
As far as interesting things to do on the South Island go, Moeraki Boulders is a clear winner!
30. Explore the Catlins
Technically in Southland and Otago, the Catlins is one of my favorite places to road trip. Not only does it remain off the beaten path compared to other regions, but it’s also a wild place with very few people. What it lacks in people though, it makes up with waterfalls, wildlife, and unique attractions. Seriously, it’s my kinda place!
The best way to explore the Catlins is to drive. Start either north from Dunedin or from the South near Invercargill. Head out and explore giving yourself at least two days. I recommend freedom camping along the way or staying in small guest houses either way you’ll fall in love.
I’ve stayed at the Hilltop Accommodation Catlins in Papatowai before and it was perfect! It is only 20 minutes from McLean Falls and decently priced for very comfortable rooms.
There are a lot of waterfalls in the Catlins, some awesome… and some less awesome! You’ll want to check out Curio Bay, Koropuku Falls, McLean Falls, Slope Point, Jack’s Blowhole, Surat Bay, Matai Falls, Cathedral Caves, Lake Wilkie, and many more. Just be sure to skip “Niagara Falls” – trust me!
The West Coast region in New Zealand is known as one of the wildest places to explore. Home to Glacier Country, more waterfalls than you can count, stunning mountain views, and lush rainforests it’s certainly a place you need to explore on the South Island. This region includes Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Punakaiki, West Port, and more.
FAQs
Is the South Island of New Zealand suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely! The South Island offers a range of activities suitable for solo travelers, from serene nature retreats to thrilling adventure sports.
What is the best time to visit for outdoor activities?
The summer months (December to February) provide ideal weather for outdoor activities, but each season offers a unique charm.
Are there guided tours available for cultural experiences?
Yes, many tour operators offer guided tours that provide in-depth cultural experiences, ensuring you gain insights into Maori traditions.
Can I see the Southern Lights in the South Island?
Yes, the South Island, particularly in the southern regions, offers opportunities to witness the Southern Lights, also known as the Aurora Australis.
Are there vegan-friendly options in the South Island?
Absolutely! Many restaurants and cafes across the South Island cater to vegan dietary preferences, offering a diverse range of plant-based dishes.
What safety precautions should be taken for outdoor adventures?
For outdoor activities, always follow safety guidelines, wear appropriate gear, and, if needed, hire experienced guides to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the South Island of New Zealand beckons with a tapestry of experiences that cater to every traveler's desires. From the captivating landscapes to the rich cultural heritage and adrenaline-pumping adventures, this destination promises a journey that transcends the ordinary. Embark on an exploration of the South Island, and let its wonders leave an indelible mark on your travel memories.
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