35 Best things to see & do in New Zealand’s South Island

There are many remarkable things about Whale Watch Kaikoura, not least their 95 per cent success rate at finding giant sperm whales – the world’s largest toothed predator – regardless of when you step on board.

The operation is owned by a number of local Maori families and combines state-of-the-art whale finding technology and traditional folklore – and plenty of Maori humour. Passengers are also likely to see other whale species, dolphins, seals and many local seabirds.

Kayaking is another great way to spot whales – as well as dolphins, fur seals and orca. Kaikoura Kayaks offers kayak hire, expert instruction and guided trips along the coast.

This gorgeous 22km long fjord – one of New Zealand’s most accessible – is hallmarked by beautiful upland scenery, crowned by the Mitre Peak. Despite the crowds, it remains an awe-inspiring landscape of snow-capped mountains, dense forests and spectacular waterfalls.

There are several bucket list ways you can get out into the wilderness and appreciate it in all its natural glory.

The most popular way is on a pleasure cruise along the Milford Sound waterway – justifiably ranked as one of New Zealand’s signature experiences. A range of cruises are available, from thrill rides on jetboats to gentle two-hour tours on historic steamboats. You can also take an overnight cruise along the entire fjord to the Tasman Sea.

You could take it all in from the water on a kayak, soar over Mitre Peak on a helicopter or spend 4-days hiking the world-renowned Milford Track around it, through pristine, fern-filled rainforest.

The Marlborough wine region (which includes Wairau River) is New Zealand’s largest and most internationally celebrated wine-growing district, famous for its Sauvignon Blanc.

Despite its modest size, the region now offers a wide range of wine styles (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are gaining in popularity), over 80 small wineries and a ravishing rural landscape.

Many of the vineyards offer excellent cellar doors and conduct wine tastings; some have relaxed vineyard restaurants, but everything is wonderfully small-scale and intimate.

As well as wine, the region is also known for superb green-lipped mussels and venison.

Queenstown’s original adrenaline-pumping adventure, there are two white water trips on offer.

First-timers and scaredy cats should choose the grade 2-3 rapids of the Kawarau River. Daredevils should opt for the Shotover River, which features grade 3-5 rapids and a narrow passage called Skippers Canyon, which was carved by gold miners more than 120 years ago. Ever wanted to raft through a washing machine? Then try this. Guaranteed thrills (and hopefully no spills).

Tour operators also offer a 3-day, 2-night rafting trip to the Landsborough River, and an opportunity to explore a remote, magical setting of 10,000ft mountains, hanging glaciers, and pristine rainforest.

Kawarau Bridge is where, in 1988, this whole crazy thing began, with the first commercial bungy jump pioneered by AJ Hackett.

Set in a small, pretty ravine, this 43m jump with a dip in the icy river provides an idyllic setting for your first bungy – and great views for spectators.

Those looking for a more extreme jump experience should book into either The Ledge or the Nevis, AJ Hackett’s other two locations.

Do the swing or catapult instead

If the thought of jumping off a high bridge (understandably) terrifies you, save face amongst friends by braving the Ledge Swing instead. This self-release swing pings you 400m out over Queensland. You can even do it at night. Or opt for the ‘Human Catapult‘, which shoots you 150m out into the Nevis Valley with a 3G force.

If you’re either a total adrenaline junkie, or just a bit crazy, you can sign up for combo packages that include a combination of some or all of the above.

The easy way out

Still a thrill, but without the gut-wrenching freefall drop, the 130m long zip line offers the chance to speed across the Kawarau River at 60km/hr, solo or in tandem. A great option for families and scaredy cats.

Origins of Bunjy

Modern bungy jumping was preceded by similar sports played by indigenous tribespeople in various locations around the world, including South America and the Pacific. Young men would test their metal against one another by climbing a wooden tower and leaping off with lengths of rattan tied to their ankles.

Kaikoura is one of the best places in the world to encounter these charismatic mammals as pods of hundreds – sometimes thousands – of wild dusky dolphins cluster every day just off this dramatic coastline. When the boats find dolphins, (or vice versa), conscripts, equipped with snorkels, smartly ease into the water to marvel at the grace of these magnificent creatures, swimming barely an arm’s length away.

If you’d rather stay out of the water, local operators offer an alternative dolphin-watching tour on a bigger, more comfortable, catamaran-style boat.

There are not many places in the world you can climb a waterfall – at least this site hasn’t found one yet – and this also happens to be the highest.

Set on the shores of stunning Lake Wanaka, the ‘Lord of the Rungs’ (their name, not ours) via Ferrata-esque course has 3 levels to suit varying abilities.

All three courses combine a mix of climbs on steel rungs, and crossing of suspension bridges. The full 5-7 hour climb to the top (450m) also goes behind the waterfall, sees you climb through an airy overhang, and helicopters you back down from the top. Brilliant!

This big red jetboat has become as much a part of the Queenstown experience as skiing and bungy jumping. Over three million people have surrendered to its charms since 1970.

The trip runs through the steep-sided canyons of the Shotover River – though since the boat travels at speeds up to 85km/h and pulls off dazzling 360-degree spins, you’re unlikely to see much of the landscape.

Along with nearby Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier is the main tourism draw card on the wild and pristine West Coast.

These wonders of nature mesmerize from afar with their sheer size and beauty, and delight close up with magical ice caves and tunnels, filled with spectacular ice formations. A magnet, then, for our door enthusiasts.

Due to the combination of the temperate zone and high rainfall, the two glaciers are unique in the world in existing at low altitudes – making them easier to access.

Twelve-kilometre-long Franz Josef Glacier, the steeper and more dramatic of the two, descends from over 3,000m into the lush rainforest of the Westland’s National Park. Using a fleet of helicopters, visitors can take scenic flights from the nearby township, or be dropped onto the ice for exhilarating hikes, which also include exploring ice caves and other natural formations.

One of the best places in the world to get up close to a glacier, all with a constant backdrop of snow-covered mountains. Unmissable.

Anyone with even the slightest in caves – and a moderate degree of fitness – should sign up for this unique underground cave experience. Where else can you float in a magical glow worm-infested cavern?

Half-day tours start with a train ride into the wildlife-filled rainforest. It’s then a short walk to the start, where you climb down into the ancient Te Ananui cave system of

Expert guides, offering commentary along the way, take you through the maze of caves, caverns and grottoes filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Your destination is a huge underground lake in a vast cavern, eerily lit by a galaxy of fluorescent blue bulbs, belonging to the millions of glow worms dangling from the cavern ceiling. From here you float out on the gentle rapids of the Waitakere River, back into the rainforest.

One of the country’s greatest walks, the 32km Routeburn Track takes hikers across some of New Zealand’s most inspiring alpine country. The scenery is spectacular and will literally take your breath away; think forested valleys, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and mountain passes with sweeping views.

Although relatively short – it takes between 2-4 days – this rugged walk tests the hiker, with terrain that’s both mountainous and heavily wooded, Fortunately, the overnight huts are exceptionally comfortable with good, modern facilities.

The Routeburn can be combined with either the Caples and Greenstone tracks to provide a round-trip from Queenstown. Walkers should allow 8 days to complete the three walks.

A favourite with hikers for more than a century, the Milford Track takes the walker deep into the Fiordland National Park, traversing ice-carved valleys, mountain passes and majestic forests.

Despite its modest length (53.5km) the Milford offers some of the world’s most sublime landscapes. The 4-day, 3-night hike takes you from high mountain passes to peaceful beech forest.

Such is its popularity that the track can only be walked in one direction (northerly).

Wild, untouched and steeped in mystery, New Zealand’s third biggest (and southernmost) island is a paradise for the hiker, kayaker, hunter, angler and ornithologist. Just 40km wide, this is a real wilderness.

The terrain is rugged, with patches of thick forest and wild heath, but achingly beautiful. It’s a place of great tranquillity. It’s one of the best places to see the enigmatic kiwi, and nearby Ulva Island is a world-renowned bird sanctuary.

There’s excellent walking here for all fitness levels and abilities, varying from 10 minutes to 3 hours. The island is laced with steep trails so is not suitable for younger children. Older kids will love the adventure possibilities, from mountain biking to kayaking.

See the ‘Southern Lights’

The island is also famous for beautiful sunsets, and spectacular night-time displays of the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) – a similarly awesome phenomenon to its more famous northern cousin. Its Maori name Rakiura translates as ‘glowing skies’.

Central Otago is one of the South Island’s jewels – an immense area of spectacular upland scenery.

The 150km Otago Trail, from Clyde to Dunedin, passes through mountain ranges, hills and gorges, past old goldmines, across the vast Maniototo plain, ending in the fruit-growing areas of Central Otago.

The route follows a converted railway track and has been designed specifically for use by long-distance walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders. It’s New Zealand’s most popular cycling trail.

If you don’t fancy the full 3-, 4- or even 5-day epic adventure, there are one-day customised options, including pick up from Queenstown or Dunedin.

This 5-hour (one-way) coast-to-coast train takes you through New Zealand’s ‘Great Divide’, the spine of mountains running down the islands’ centre.

You’ll wind along the Waimakariri River valley, cross the Canterbury Plains, pass through gorges and rainforests, ascend into Arthur’s Pass, and explore the lush plains of Inchbonnie.

The carriages have glass sides to maximise the views from the comfort of your seat, and there is also an outdoor viewing carriage that anyone can use.

If you can work it into your itinerary, it’s a relaxing way to see New Zealand’s spectacular interior.

If you’re ever going to skydive, this must surely rank as the place to do it. Muster the courage to jump out of the plane (if not you’ll be ‘encouraged’ to by your instructor) and be rewarded with a spell-binding panorama of snow-capped mountains, ocean, rivers, forest and the magnificent snaking form of the Franz Josef Glacier.

You will jump amongst New Zealand’s highest mountains, the largest glaciers and picturesque blue lake and ocean views. This skydive features some of New Zealand’s most iconic scenery.

You can choose tandem jumps between 10,000 feet and 20,000 feet, with varying periods of heart-stopping freefall (30s-85s).

The 40 or so families living in traditional, isolated settlements around Queen Charlotte Sound rely on the ‘Magic Mail Run’ ferry to bring them their post and groceries.

Apart from offering the chance to experience a charming local ritual, this four-hour round trip takes the visitor deep into one of New Zealand’s remarkable wilderness regions – the Marlborough Sounds – a truly dramatic landscape of steep cliffs, thickly wooded hills and remote coves and inlets. Seals, dolphins, seabirds and other wildlife abound.

Without the creative genius of Sir Peter Jackson (who donated his private collection), this would be a forgotten aerodrome with a few broken-down old planes.

But Omaka now has the world’s finest collection of WWI aircraft (most of them operational) and an astonishing display of memorabilia, including field uniforms, rare medals and captured German booty. Weta Studio’s recreation of real-life battle scenes is enthralling.

Kayaking doesn’t come much better than this, amid the stunning setting of Lake Wanaka. Hire kayaks and go it alone, or book onto this guided 1-hour excursion across to Ruby Island. You’ll then spend two hours (or longer) picnicking on the island, before returning by their water taxi.

New Zealand’s premier astronomical research observatory, sited 1,029m up, sits in the largest accredited International Dark Sky Reserve in the world – offering unrivalled star-gazing. 1 hour 45 mins tours from Takapo allow you to spy through 16-inch optical telescopes. Operates daily, all year round, weather permitting.

This 25km (2- to 3-day) hiking trail follows an old miners’ walking track through forested limestone canyon and fern-filled beech forests of the Paparoa National Park. There are no huts; camping only. You can, however, do shorter stretches of 1-3 hours.

This charming town showcases New Zealand’s gold-mining history – a rare taste of heritage in this modern nation. Founded in 1862, at its height it was home to over 7,000 residents (today around 3,000). Many of the original buildings have been preserved, creating a character-filled main street – that’s now home to some excellent shops and restaurants.

Museum home to over 150 iconic classic cars, beginning with a 1908 Renault AX and then showcasing the development of motor vehicles through the decades. Vauxhalls, Triumphs, Cadillacs, Jaguars and Ferraris also feature.

Nature lovers, especially bird lovers, should not miss a cruise on this huge estuarine lagoon, filled with birds and other wildlife. Two-hour guided tours on a flat-bottomed jetboat allow you access even to shallow areas, where you can spot iconic white herons, godwits and oystercatchers. All to a magnificent backdrop of Mount Cook. Daily tours Nov-May.

Train fans and sightseers will love the half-day trips on this heritage train pulled by a World War I locomotive (circa 1915), with authentic carriages to match. Morning and afternoon tours make the return trip (1 hour each way) from Blenheim to Seddon, with an hour layover in Seddon.

This 1912 Edwardian twin screw steamer – the only remaining commercial passenger-carrying coal-fired steamship in the southern hemisphere – offers 1.5-hour scenic cruises on Lake Wakatipu. Passengers can view the engine room, and read onboard displays about the boat’s history, as well as soaking up the jaw-dropping scenery.

These striking 30-million-year-old limestone rock formations, located at Dolomite Point, are worth a stop if you’re driving the rugged West Coast. Blowholes, fed by underground caves, provide a daily show as sea spray canons into the air. There’s a special designated circular walk that takes 20-45 minutes to complete.

This small wildlife centre is dedicated to understanding and conserving the Northern Royal Albatross, a magnificent bird with an incredible 3m wingspan. Inside there are interactive displays, just up the hill is a special glass observatory that allows you to watch the birds at home in the only mainland breeding colony in the world. 1-hour guided and private tours available. Open daily.

This national museum for New Zealand’s Air Force (RNZAF), dedicated to the country’s aviation history, occupies 37 hectares in a Christchurch suburb. The six display buildings feature historic aircraft, engines and components, enemy memorabilia, informative and interactive displays and even a Mosquito plane simulator. Open daily.

Inspired by the Japanese tradition of onsen, these cedar-lined hot tubs are filled with local mountain water heated to 38.5°C. Both indoor and outdoor tubs are available for up to 4 people per tub (they have special couples ones too), and all come with views of the Shotover River. Perfect for post-adrenaline-activity recovery.

The South Island’s major art museum houses an excellent collection of artworks throughout the ages, from old masters to modern art. Unsurprisingly, it’s also the place to see the best local and national art. Check the website for free guided tours.

This vibrant indoor farmer’s market and foodie hub was initially meant as a temporary pop-up type facility in a shopping mall damaged by the Christchurch earthquake. Seven years on it’s now one of the city’s top shopping and dining destinations, and a real post-tragedy success story.

This Dunedin institution, founded in 1876, is recognised internationally for its outstanding craft ales and beers. One hour 15 minute guided brewery tours take you behind-the-scenes and explain the process, and finish with tastings and purchases at the in-house shop. Children 5+ welcome.

This small museum tells the story of the terrible 2010 & 2011 earthquakes that destroyed much of Christchurch and the Canterbury Plain. A sobering reminder of the power of nature, and our dependence on her goodwill.

This artisan, family-run distillery is renowned for its handcrafted single-malt whisky, gin, vodka and liqueurs. 75-minute guided tours take you behind the scenes to see the production process, and of course, to sample some of the outputs.