New Zealand is a bucket-list spot for many travelers worldwide, and even more so, the
country’s utterly picturesque South Island.
This incredible locale boasts an enormous range of landscapes, from some of the region’s
tallest mountains and slow-flowing glaciers to golden sand beaches and remote fiords.
And how can we forget that this was where much of the LoTRs film franchise was shot!
New Zealand’s South Island is known as Te Waipounamu in the local Māori, which means
Place of Greenstone.
And this gives a hint to the geological wonders you’ll encounter as you hike, bike, sail,
and helicopter your way around the sites.
Head to Queenstown for adventure sports like bungee jumping, sip wine and snack on local
delicacies at Marlborough wineries, and soak your cares away in one of the island’s numerous
natural hot springs.
Just remember, this is a pretty big place, so hiring a campervan or car is highly recommended
to get the most out of your trip.
Are you looking for things to do in the South Island, New Zealand?
Perhaps you’re curious to see if it’s the spot for your next American vacation.
So pack your hiking boots, wine glasses, and appetite for cultural curiosities, and watch
on for our top picks in this perfect all-season destination.
Mt.
Cook
Aoraki (Mount Cook) is New Zealand’s tallest mountain, and if you’re an experienced alpine
mountain climber, it’s likely already on your radar.
If you want to actually climb to the peak, it’s best to book a guided tour—plan for
about six days round trip.
For those who just want to say they saw this majestic mountain, you can hike the Hooker
Valley Track instead.
The tracks are well marked, so it’s an easy walk for all the family.
Another unique way to take in Aoraki is by taking a boat on the world’s only accessible
glacial lake—with icebergs!
Abel Tasman National Park
Sometimes it seems like everywhere in the South Island is a bucket list spot, and that’s
undoubtedly true of Abel Tasman National Park.
It’s widely regarded as one of the most scenically stunning places in all of New Zealand
due to its golden sand bays, turquoise waters, and rainforest-filled valleys and peaks.
Most people head to Abel Tasman National Park to tackle the wide variety of hiking trails,
but you can also kayak the coastline.
Look out for everything from native birds to seals and even dolphins as you go.
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Larnach Castle
New Zealand isn’t that old of a country by world standards, and while there is an
incredibly long Māori history, there isn’t much in the way of ancient architecture.
So it’s a real treat to visit the country’s oldest castle.
Larnach Castle was built back in 1871 by William Larnach, and a tour of the premises offers
a fascinating peek into the history of Dunedin, one of the leading centers in the South Island.
It’s easy to spend a day here—wander the Victorian-era gardens, admire the period-accurate
restored interiors (there’s a ballroom!), and sit down to high tea in the afternoon.
Cable Bay
Nelson sits right at the top of the South Island and is a renowned beach town, popular
with locals and tourists alike in the summer.
Cable Bay is an even smaller town less than 30 minutes drive from this already quaint
locale.
What’s so special about it is its stunning pebble beach and turquoise harbor, typically
filled with yachts and boats—in the warmer months at least.
Jump in a kayak and explore the waters, go for a swim, or hike the 8-kilometer-long Cable
Bay Walkway.
Rakiura (Stewart Island)
While we’re on the subject of New Zealand’s islands, did you know there are actually officially
three main islands in this lengthy archipelago?
Stewart Island sits right at the bottom of the South Island and is only accessible by
ferry.
It’s as remote as you can get, with pretty much nothing between you and Antarctica!
Head there for the walking tracks, which take you through untouched forests and coastal
climes full of surprisingly friendly native birds and other creatures like the enormous
weka—a cricket-like bug that’s one of the world’s heaviest insects.
Queen Charlotte Track in Marlborough Sounds
The Marlborough sounds were formed around 14,000 years ago, when rising sea levels drowned
the land, creating a network of submerged valleys.
There is an incredible network of hiking trails extending throughout the area, but one of
the most famous is the 72km-long Queen Charlotte Track.
The best way to reach this scenic locale is by water taxi, so we recommend staying in
accommodation near the track.
It’s an easy hike—suitable for most ability levels—through undulating, densely forested
terrain replete with glimpses of azure water.
Expect to see the cheeky weka, a little ground bird that’s unbelievably unafraid of humans.
It will likely pop out onto the track as you're walking, searching for bugs to eat.
Milford and Doubtful Sounds
From the Marlborough Sounds, we head to another set of arguably even more beautiful fjords:
Milford and Doubtful Sounds.
These scenic spots are so incredible that they’re even included in the UNESCO World
Heritage listings.
Why?
Because they’re considered one of the world’s best-preserved representations of what the
ancient continent of Gondwanaland looked like.
So a visit here means literally stepping back in time to admire glacial valleys and living
prehistoric flora and fauna.
Explore this area by foot, boat, airplane, or helicopter.
Marlborough Wine Region
New Zealand is best known for its crisp, herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc wine, and if that’s what
you’re keen to sample, the Marlborough Wine Region won’t disappoint.
The area is home to well over 150 wineries, from tiny boutique family-run vineyards to
enormous commercial estates.
If you don’t want to rely on a driver to get around, we recommend heading to Renwick,
where all 20 or so estates are accessible by bicycle!
Street Art in Christchurch
If you’re keen on a bit of contemporary culture, why not go on a self-guided street
art tour in Christchurch?
The city is widely considered the country’s “home of street art,” so if you’re a
fan of the medium, you’re in for a treat.
And since the earthquake tragically hit the city in 2011, the number of murals ramped
up in an effort to beautify the town and lift spirits.
Top spots include Lichfield Street and the Riverside Mural, Kaitaki in the YMCA Building.
Dolphin, Seal, and Whale Watching in Kaikōura
One of the biggest reasons people want to go to the South Island is for the marine wildlife,
and Kaikōura, a town in the island’s northeast, won’t disappoint.
Here, you can jump on a boat and head out into the wild South Pacific Ocean to look
for dusky and common dolphins, fur seals, orcas, and, most incredibly, enormous sperm
whales.
On some tours, you can even swim with the dolphins!
If you’re visiting in the summer, expect large crowds on the boats—visit in the off-season
for a quieter, more bespoke experience.
Queenstown
Queenstown is the South Island’s largest city and the most popular destination for
domestic and international tourists—not least because it's where you usually fly from
Auckland.
That’s because it boasts everything from world-class eateries and boutique shopping
to incredible scenery and adventure activities.
If you’re into adventure sports, you can go bungee jumping, skydiving, white water
rafting, jet boating, or quad biking.
Those looking for a more subdued time can head out trout fishing, peruse the (surprisingly
not tacky) souvenir shops, or frequent the many lakeside cafes, restaurants, and bars.
Natural Hot Springs
Since New Zealand sits on the edge of two tectonic plates, it’s full of hotspots where
magma rises close to the surface.
And this creates something coveted by lovers of relaxation: hot springs.
There are over 100 hot pools across the country, many of them in the South Island.
Some of the most popular pools are located in Hanmer Springs, Maruia, Tekapo, and Queenstown,
but probably one of the most incredible locales is the Glacier Hot Pools in Franz Josef.
There, you can hike the trails around the glacier and head back for a soak in rainforest-edged
pools.
Mt Aspiring National Park
The alpine Mt.
Aspiring National Park sits just an hour's drive from Wanaka, which is, in turn, just
an hour from Queenstown.
This park is one of the region’s most beautiful, boasting glaciers, crystal clear lakes and
rivers, and some of the most remote wilderness in the world.
You can hike, of course, but there are also adventure sports like jet boating and scenic
flights on offer.
Once you’re done with the park, spend some time in Wanaka itself, visiting the lavender
farm, armoring Lake Wanaka, or glamping in fancy geodesic tents.
Punakaiki
If you’re into geology, definitely plan a stop at Punakaiki on the South Island’s
wild, rugged West Coast.
Most people head here for the Pancake Rocks, where layers of ancient limestone slowly formed
over millennia to create enormous rock towers somewhat resembling stacks of American pancakes.
On the windiest days, there’s also a dramatic blowhole to admire.
The Pancake Rocks are located inside the Paparoa National Park, so take some time to tackle
the trails or take a dip in the Pororari River or Truman Beach.
Hokitika Gorge
Another spot full of unique geology is the Hokitika Gorge, also on the West Coast.
The gorge was formed millions of years ago by the river carving its way through the tough
granite walls of the valley.
Due to the minerals in the natural rock, the water has a distinctive turquoise hue.
There’s a wheelchair accessible viewing platform located just 4 minutes from the parking
area, and a short, family-friendly walk follows the river to a swing bridge.
Fox or Franz Josef Glaciers
The Fox or Franz Josef Glaciers are not to be missed tourist destinations.
Even if you’ve been to a glacier before, it’s worth getting up close and personal
with these stunning examples.
It’s challenging to hike the glaciers—you’ll need a guide and special equipment including
crampons for your boots.
Most people who attempt this unforgettable hike fork out the dollars and get a helicopter
ride to the top of the glacier and hike down again.
Trust us—the incredible ice caves and arches you’ll walk through will make all that money
worth it!
Arrowtown to Gibbston Valley Bike Trail
Nearby Queenstown is the former gold mining town of Arrowtown.
While the town itself is worth a visit for the interesting history and old-world charm,
it’s also the starting point for the Arrowtown to Gibbston Valley bicycle trail.
The trail runs up to 28 kilometers long and is centered around the wineries dotted along
the way.
Even if you don’t drink, the trail is still worth taking for the stunning South Island
scenery and clean, fresh air.
We recommend going in fall while the leaves are changing color.
Do you think this is a comprehensive list of things to do in the South Island, New Zealand?
Or would you add some places, events, or sites we’ve missed?
Debate the not-to-be-missed areas and share your secret scenic spots in the comment section
below.
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