18 Best Things to do in South Island, New Zealand

If you are planning a trip of a lifetime to New Zealand, you are undoubtedly starting to think about where you will go. Without a doubt, you need to spend time on both the North Island and the South Island. This post will help you plan your trip with all the best things to do in South Island, New Zealand.

I spent two months travelling around New Zealand, and a month on the South Island. So I managed to hit quite a few of the best things to do in South Island, New Zealand.

For a full list of everything you might want to see in New Zealand, check this post out:
Things to do in New Zealand: the ultimate list

South Island, New Zealand – the Must-Sees!

Read on for the best things to do in the South Island of New Zealand.

Take a cruise on Milford Sound

Visiting Milford Sound is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in South Island, New Zealand. Named as one of the Natural Wonders of the World, and deservedly so. This is a place that captivates in every season. Cruises run whatever the weather. It is easy to see why: sunshine, mist, rain, or cloud each transform the landscape in its own way. Each offering a different experience and a new perspective every time.

Top Tip: A day trip from Queenstown is possible, but it make the most of your time, stay in Te Anau to be able to catch a morning cruise.

Find Peace During the ‘Sound of Silence’ on Doubtful Sound

It is much harder to get to Doubtful Sound than Milford Sound. Involving a drive, a ferry and a bus before reaching the cruise on the Sound. But you are rewarded with peace like you have never experienced before. One of the highlights of the cruise is the ‘Sound of Silence’. Where the engines are turned off, and everyone goes completely silent. Genuinely, I have never heard peace like it. Worth the journey for that moment alone.

Top Tip: If you only have time for one ‘Sound’ and can’t decide which is right for you, this post will help!
Milford Sound vs Doubtful Sound: How to choose

Take a hike in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park

Pictures of Mount Cook don’t do this place justice. The scenery here is just like nothing else. If you get there on a clear day, you will have the most outstanding view of the tallest mountain in New Zealand. There are plenty of hikes you can do in the National Park.

For beginners, the Hooker Valley trail is very flat and easy, albeit very busy. If you are after a more challenging experience, then embark on the hike/scramble up to Sealey Tarns and Mueller’s Hut. It is hard work, but the views more than make up for it. You can also book to stay overnight in Muellers Hut, and you would be rewarded with a stunning sunset and then sunrise the next day.

If you are visiting Mount Cook, then find out the best things to do:
Three days in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park

Go helihiking on Franz Josef Glacier

One of the most exciting and unique ways to explore the Franz Josef Glacier – take a helihike! (Find out if it’s worth it: Franz Josef Helicopter Hike: Is it worth it? And everything you need to know). It is frequently cancelled due to the weather, so you are going to need luck on your side. After a short helicopter ride, you’ll land on the ice. Then take a guided walk through crevasses, tunnels and icy blue caves. A true bucket list experience that is one of the most humbling things to do in New Zealand, with the knowledge that the glacier will soon be gone.

Top Tip: Allow a few days in Franz Josef on your New Zealand itinerary, so that if the weather doesn’t play ball, you have more than one chance to fly. Tours, such as this one, will try to arrange your date!

Lake Tekapo and Church of the Good Shepherd

One of the most famous pictures of New Zealand’s South Island is the image of the Church of the Good Shepherd, located on the shores of Lake Tekapo. The church itself is going to be incredibly busy, particularly at lupin season when the tourist descend in their droves. But the lake is huge, and there are plenty of hikes, including the one up to Mount John, which offer amazing views. Lake Tekapo is also part of a Dark Sky Reserve, making it a brilliant place for stargazing. It’s also a great spot to relax by the lake or soak in the hot pools.

Hokitika Gorge – Best Things to do in South Island, New Zealand

Also located on the West Coast is Hokitika Gorge, which is known for its unreal turquoise water. A short, easy walk takes you through a forest to a swing bridge, where you can get the best views of the river flowing beneath it. There are several viewing platforms along the walk, each one offering a beautiful photo stop. It’s a perfect short stop, and worth the small detour of the West Coast Road.

Swim with Dolphins in Kaikōura – Best Things to do in South Island, New Zealand

Kaikōura is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with wild dolphins in their natural habitat. Here, pods of dusky dolphins, which are known for being playful and acrobatic, can be found of the coast in Kaikōura in their hundreds, offering an unforgettable experience in the open ocean. Guided tours provide wetsuits, snorkelling gear, and expert knowledge to help you slip into the water and watch these intelligent creatures up close. Even if you choose to stay on the boat, seeing the dolphins leaping and twirling alongside is spectacular. Surrounded by Kaikōura’s mountain-to-sea scenery, this is a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter that feels both humbling and exhilarating.

Top Tip: You can book a day trip to swim with the dolphins from Christchurch, a great option if your itinerary is jam-packed

Find the very Instagrammable Three Creeks

Find the very Instagrammable Three Creeks, a quirky roadside stop in Burkes Pass, just outside Lake Tekapo. This eclectic spot is part retro café, part art gallery, part antique store, and part petrol station. All blended together with a vintage Americana feel. Brightly painted buildings, classic cars, old petrol pumps, and rustic signs make it a photographer’s dream, while the coffee, crafts, and locally made goods make it worth lingering for more than just a quick snap.

Explore the Wild Beauty of Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park, often called the “Little Switzerland of the South,” is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. Here, you can hike world-class tracks like the Routeburn, Dart, and Rob Roy Glacier walks, taking in valleys carved by glaciers, crystal-clear rivers, and snow-capped peaks. For the adventurous, mountaineering and heli-hiking offer a chance to get up close to Aoraki’s striking neighbour, Mount Aspiring itself. Scenic flights and jet-boat trips give you a chance to see the park’s dramatic landscapes from different angles, while shorter walks provide easier access to waterfalls and alpine meadows. Whether you’re after multi-day tramps or a taste of wilderness in just a few hours, this national park allows you to immerse yourself in raw, untamed beauty.

Top Tip: Blow the budget and take a helicopter flight to view Mount Aspiring from the air. A once in a life time opportunity!

Get your Adventure on in Queenstown – Best Things to do in South Island, New Zealand

There isn’t a world where Queenstown doesn’t feature in a post about the best things to do in South Island, New Zealand. This city is the adventure capital of New Zealand; there is an activity for everyone! From skiing, jet boating, bungee jumping, sky diving, paragliding, and white water rafting. The choices are endless!

While you are there, don’t miss grabbing a famous Ferg Burger and enjoying it on the waterfront.

Visit Wanaka and Hike to Roy’s Peak track

Wanaka is Queenstown’s little brother and is worth a spot on the list of best things to do in South Island, New Zealand, for Roy’s Peak alone. Possibly one of the most photographed hikes in New Zealand, it rewards you with sweeping views over Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps. It’s a long, steady climb but feels like a rite of passage for hikers.

While in Wanaka, don’t miss the photo opportunity at #thatwanakatree and Blue Pools.

Find out all you need to know about Roy’s Peak, including how hard it is and whether it is worth it:
Roys Peak Hike: Is it Worth it? And all you need to know

Explore History in Arrowtown

Located near Queenstown is the historic mining town of Arrowtown. A visit here is like stepping back in time. The town is full of old cottages, boutique shops and treelined streets. The main street is untouched from its mining days. Also, don’t miss the Chinese Settlement, one of at least ten that were established near gold mining towns in 19th-century Otago. It is a rare glimpse into the tough and segregated lives of these miners.

Lake Wakatipu – Best Things to do in South Island, New Zealand

Lake Wakatipu, the third-largest lake in New Zealand, is famous for its dramatic setting surrounded by mountains and its unusual “heartbeat” tide that rises and falls every 25 minutes. Some of the best places to take in its beauty include Queenstown’s lakeside promenade, where you can stroll right along the water’s edge, and the Queenstown Gardens for peaceful, framed views. For a higher vantage point, head up the Skyline Gondola to see the lake stretching out beneath the Remarkables. On the road to Glenorchy, there are countless lookout spots with breathtaking perspectives, while in Kingston at the southern tip, you’ll find quieter, less-visited views. Every angle offers a different mood of this stunning alpine lake.

Explore the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman is New Zealand’s smallest National Park and is very worthy of its place on a list of the best things to do in South Island, New Zealand. Paddling through the crystal clear bays of it is one of the best ways to take in the park’s golden beaches and forested coast. You might even spot seals sunbathing on the rocks as you paddle by.

Take the time to walk the Abel Tasman Coast Track. It offers a stunning mix of golden beaches, native bush and turquoise water. You can do the whole multi-day hike or just dip into one section for a shorter stroll. Stop off at beaches, coves and sights along the way, such as Torrent Bay, Cleopatra’s Pools and Anchorage Bay.

Driving is not the easiest way to get around the Abel Tasman. Instead, take the water taxi. More than just a boat ride, it offers gorgeous views of the coastline and drops you off at various bays to walk, kayak or relax.

Punakaiki Pancake Rocks – Best Things to do in South Island, New Zealand

On the West Coast, the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes are a natural wonder not to be missed. Over millions of years, the sea has sculpted layers of limestone into curious “pancake stack” formations. When the tide is high and the swell is strong, seawater surges through underground channels and erupts dramatically through blowholes, sending plumes skyward with a thunderous roar. An easy loop walk makes it very accessible to view the formations from different angles. Best visited at high tide for the most impressive displays, but the scenery alone is spectacular at any time.

Experience the French-influenced Harbour Town of Akaroa

Akaroa, nestled on the Banks Peninsula near Christchurch, is a charming harbour town with a distinct French flair. Once a French settlement, its heritage is still visible today in the street names, architecture, and café culture. Stroll along the waterfront lined with colonial cottages and enjoy French-inspired cuisine at one of the many bistros. The sheltered harbour is perfect for wildlife encounters. It is the only place in the world where you can swim with Hector’s dolphins, the rarest and smallest of their kind. Akaroa is the perfect mix of culture, history, and natural beauty in one lovely little stop.

Arthur’s Pass National Park – Best Things to do in South Island, New Zealand

If you are blessed to have a drive through Arthur’s Pass when the weather is on your side, you are one of the lucky ones. It is often closed due to landslides and in the winter, due to snowfall. It is one of the prettiest drives, and therefore one of the best things to do in the South Island, New Zealand. Stop at the viewpoint at the Otira Viaduct, which replaced the old, dangerous road. This was replaced due to its steepness and danger. This historical route featured a challenging zigzag section and more accidents than the modern viaduct, which was built to provide a safer and more direct path across the mountains.

On the way to Arthur’s Pass, stop at Castle Hill, a vast field of giant limestone boulders scattered across rugged hillsides. The village of Arthur’s Pass gives you a good chance of seeing a Kea. There are plenty of walks nearby, including to the dramatic Devil’s Punchbowl waterfall.

Take a Drive to Mount Sunday

Including Mount Sunday in this post might seem niche, as it definitely isn’t one of the more well-known spots in the South Island. Unless you are a Lord of the Rings fan! However, even if you aren’t, this is still a stunning spot to visit. It isn’t the easiest to get to, with a drive down a very long track. But once you are there, you are treated to sweeping 360-degree views of dramatic peaks and vast valleys.

Mount Sunday is a small, isolated hill rising from the braided rivers of the Rangitata Valley. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in atmosphere. Surrounded by towering Southern Alps, it was famously used as the filming location for Edoras, the capital of Rohan in The Lord of the Rings. A gentle walk takes you across swing bridges and open tussock plains to the top of the hill. Even without the movie connection, Mount Sunday feels otherworldly, offering one of the most memorable short hikes in the South Island.

Want to visit the real Edoras? This post will help you plan your trip to Mount Sunday:
Visiting Mount Sunday, New Zealand: The Real Edoras

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