The South Island of New Zealand is JAM-PACKED with adventures. Seriously. I could have spent months exploring and taking in all the sights. After our recent road trip, it quickly became my favorite vacay. I’m so excited to share this complete list of 21+ of the best things to do on the South Island of New Zealand.
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Best Things to Do on the South Island, New Zealand
From gondola rides to bungee jumping, this list of adventurous things to do on the South Island has something for every adrenaline level. I’m more of a “soft” adventurer (you know…hiking, boat rides, ziplining), however, I’m including bigger adventures on this list for those adrenaline junkies.
Let’s go!
1. Christchurch Gondola
For stunning views of the city and the surrounding Canterbury plains, take a ride on the Christchurch Gondola.
It’s a short ride to the summit of the Port Hills, offering 360-degree panoramas of the Southern Alps, Lyttelton Harbour, and the city.
Once at the top, you can stroll the walking trails or grab a bit to eat at the cafe. The fish platter was delish! It was a great introduction to the South Island after arriving in Christchurch!
2. Swimming with Dolphins
Swimming with Hector’s dolphins in Akaroa is a fun and ethical way to get up close to these rare animals. These endangered dolphins are known for their playful nature and small size, making this a bucket list experience.
The tour emphasizes minimal environmental impact, ensuring the welfare of the dolphins remains the top priority. You only jump in the water when the guides deem the dolphins are ready and willing to “play”. Then, once in the water, you simply float and let the dolphins swim around you.
3. Picnic in the Lupines
If you find yourself visiting the South Island during the spring or summer, the lupine fields in the Mackenzie Basin explode with vibrant colors (mid-November-early January)
Grab a picnic and enjoy the scenery while surrounded by a sea of purple, pink, and blue blossoms. Lake Tekapo is a perfect spot for this scenic treat, however, you can find fields of Lupines all over the country.
4. Paddleboard Lake Tekapo
The crystal-clear waters of Lake Tekapo are ideal for paddling. Paddle Tekapo offers kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and gear for rent during the summer months.
With the Southern Alps in the backdrop, this peaceful (my type of adventure) activity allows you to enjoy the beauty of the area from a unique perspective.
5. Hike the Hooker Valley Trail
This easy-to-moderate hike offers some of the most stunning views of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. It has definitely earned a spot on my favorite hikes list!!
The Hooker Valley Trail takes you through alpine meadows, across 3 swinging bridges, and offers breathtaking views of glaciers and the towering Mount Cook.
6. Visit the Peace Ring (Twizel)
Okay, this one might not be the most adventurous, but it’s still a fun stop on the South Island for LOTR fans. An individual created a gold ring in his yard that overlooks the fields from the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. He charges 10 dollars per person to visit!
7. Chase Waterfalls
You know I can’t go on a vacation without finding all the best waterfalls. A Haast Pass road trip will take to 3 breathtaking falls. It reminded me slightly of the Road To Hana in Maui as it was such a scenic drive jam-packed with waterfalls and fun roadside views.
8. Happy Hour Cruise Lake Wanaka
A boat ride, epic views, AND drinks? That’s my kind of adventure! This short happy hour cruise is a great way to unwind after a day of adventure! It leaves right from the beach in Wanaka.
9. Hike Roy’s Peak
This challenging hike near Wanaka rewards you with spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Wanaka. The hike is STEEP, but the view from the top is well worth the effort. I almost didn’t do it because I was scared of the elevation gain, but it was SO WORTH IT.
10. Queenstown Gondola
Take the Queenstown Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak for one of the best views in New Zealand. From the summit, enjoy views of the Remarkables, Lake Wakatipu, and the town below. You can also try a thrilling zipline tour, the luge ride. or enjoy a meal at the restaurant (both were fun!)
11. Jet Boat
For an adrenaline-packed adventure, take a jet boat ride through New Zealand’s rivers and lakes. The Shotover Jet near Queenstown is one of the most famous, offering thrilling high-speed rides through narrow canyons. Plus, you will not believe the color of the water!
12. Scenic Plane Ride
For a bird’s-eye view of the Southern Alps, take a scenic plane or helicopter ride. Flights over Milford Sound, Mount Cook, and Fiordland National Park provide some of the most spectacular aerial views of New Zealand’s rugged landscapes.
We did one from Queenstown to Milford Sound and it was breathtaking. Although it is quite a splurge, I felt it was 100 percent worth it!
13. Milford Sound Cruise
No visit to the South Island is complete without a Milford Sound cruise. Known for its dramatic fjords, waterfalls, and towering cliffs, this cruise offers one of the most scenic boat rides in the world. Ours was included with the scenic flight (from above).
14. Paragliding
Queenstown is the adventure capital, and paragliding here offers the perfect combination of views and adrenaline. Launching from the top of the Queenstown Gondola or nearby Coronet Peak, this is an unforgettable way to experience the stunning scenery. I’m way too scaredy-cat to do so, but if you try it I’d love to know how it is!
15. Parasailing
Parasailing in the South Island of New Zealand is an exhilarating way to take in some of the region’s most iconic landscapes. In Queenstown, head to Skyline Parasailing on Lake Wakatipu, where you’ll soar up to 600 feet above the water, taking in jaw-dropping views of the Remarkables mountain range and the charming lakeside town below.
16. Skyline Luge
After a gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak in Queenstown, race down the mountain on the Skyline Luge. It’s a fun, family-friendly activity where you can zoom down winding tracks with spectacular views all around. You can buy tickets as a bundle with the gondola ride!
17. Queenstown Ice Bar
For a cool experience, visit the Ice Bar in Queenstown, where everything from the walls to the glasses is made from ice. Enjoy a drink in this unique, frosty setting while surrounded by incredible ice sculptures.
There are three in the downtown area to choose from! We bought our tickets from the counter and had a 2-hour wait until our entry time. The downtown area has plenty of patios to check out though in the meantime!
18. Glowworm Cave
Take a guided tour through the glowworm caves in Te Anau. The caves are lit by thousands of tiny, bioluminescent glowworms, creating a magical, otherworldly atmosphere.
Boat tours allow you to drift quietly through the caves while observing this natural phenomenon. We ran out of time for this one, but it’s the perfect excuse to get back someday. 🙂
19. Go Bungy Jumping
Queenstown is the home of bungy jumping, and there are several spots to take the plunge. The Nevis Bungy, located above a dramatic canyon, is one of the highest in New Zealand, offering an adrenaline rush like no other.
20. Climb a Waterfall
For something truly unique, try waterfall climbing in Wanaka. This adventurous activity involves scaling waterfalls with the help of ropes and climbing equipment, offering an incredible way to connect with nature. There’s a two-hour or four-hour tour depending on your level of skill and comfort level.
21. Canyoning
Explore hidden canyons in New Zealand’s wilderness through canyoning. This activity combines hiking, climbing, swimming, and rappelling through pristine waterfalls and gorges. Popular spots for canyoning are found in Queenstown and Wanaka.
Top Things to Do in New Zealand Recap (+ Other Resources)
The South Island of New Zealand offers endless adventures, whether you’re seeking adrenaline or relaxation. From hikes that lead to breathtaking views to heart-pumping activities like bungy jumping and jet boating, there’s something for every type of traveler.
Whether you’re in Queenstown, Wanaka, Akaroa, or somewhere in between there are SO many things to do in the South Island of New Zealand.
Here are more helpful resources to plan the BEST trip to the South Island!
- Complete Road Trip Itinerary (Christchurch to Queenstown)
- Swimming with Dolphins in Akaroa
- Scenic Plane Ride to Milford Sound
- 13 Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Trip to New Zealand
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