I hope this list of my top 20 South Island experiences gives you a solid roadmap for your own adventure. From gliding under glowworms in Waitomo to sandboarding at Te Paki, each stop brings something fresh and memorable. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline in Queenstown, soaking up serene lake views in Wanaka, or spotting whales off Kaikōura, the South Island delivers on all fronts.
Remember to pack layers and a rain jacket—the weather here can turn on a dime. Book popular tours and hut stays early, but leave room for spontaneous detours; some of the best moments happen at roadside lookouts or tucked‑away cafés.
Chat with locals for insider tips, fuel up on hearty Kiwi fare, and always tread lightly in these wild places. With a bit of planning and an open mind, you’re all set for an unforgettable journey—enjoy every minute!
1. Queenstown – Adventure Capital of NZ
Queenstown really lives up to its “adventure capital” nickname and is a must on any list of things to do in New Zealand, South Island. I’d start my day with a lakeside flat white, then ramp up the excitement with something like a canyon swing or jet‑boat ride through narrow canyons on the Shotover River.
If heights aren’t your thing, the Skyline gondola offers stellar views and a luge track that’s fun without the free‑fall. The town centre is small and easy to wander, with plenty of cafés, craft breweries, and gear shops. In the afternoon, I recommend sneaking off to a nearby vineyard for a glass of Central Otago Pinot and a platter.
Queenstown balances adrenaline and chill perfectly—just be sure to book your big‑ticket activities in advance, especially in summer and winter ski season.
Things to Experience:
- Leap off Kawarau Bridge with a bungy jump for a pure adrenaline kick.
- Speed through Shotover River canyons on a jet‑boat ride.
- Ride the Skyline gondola, then zoom down the luge track with lake views.
2. Milford Sound – Cruise Through Stunning Fiords
Milford Sound is that jaw‑dropping fiord everyone raves about, and it’s worth the early start. I recommend catching a coach or self‑drive from Te Anau, arriving before the midday rush, then hop on a small‑boat cruise. You’ll glide past sheer cliffs, under waterfalls and maybe spot seals or penguins on the rocks.
The water’s calm, and the air’s cool—perfect for photos or just soaking in the view. If you have time, consider a kayak tour for a quieter, up‑close perspective. Wrap up with a quick walk on the Milford Foreshore Trail to catch that classic Mitre Peak shot.
Rain is common here, but the clouds only add to the moody atmosphere, so don’t let a drizzle deter you.
Things to Experience:
- Glide under towering Mitre Peak on an early‑morning fiord cruise.
- Stand on deck as waterfalls cascade around your boat.
- Kayak into hidden bays for a closer look at seals and penguins.
3. Explore the Marlborough Sounds – Scenic Beauty & Water Activities
The Marlborough Sounds feel like an aquatic labyrinth—ideal for anyone who loves being on the water. Base yourself in Picton, rent a kayak, and paddle through sheltered bays, stopping at hidden coves for a snack. Guided boat cruises let you relax and learn about the area’s Maori history and marine life—keep an eye out for dolphins and blue penguins.
For a land‑based twist, the Queen Charlotte Track offers easy day‑hikes with lookout points over the sounds. Accommodation ranges from cozy B&Bs to waterfront lodges.
No matter how you explore—by foot, kayak, or boat—you’ll find that the interplay of forested hills and calm water makes this one of the South Island’s most tranquil escapes.
Things to Experience:
- Paddle a kayak through sheltered coves and past native bush.
- Hike sections of the Queen Charlotte Track for sweeping sound views..
- Sail on a small‑group charter, stopping for beachside picnics.
4. Te Anau & Fiordland National Park – Hiking & Glowworm Caves
Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland’s wild heart. Spend a morning on the Kepler Track, walking through beech forest and along lake shores, then unwind with a glowworm cave tour at Te Anau Glowworm Caves.
You board a small boat in a limestone cavern, drift under a starry ceiling of glowworms, and learn about the cave’s formation. Back in town, grab fish and chips by the lake before heading south to Milford or Doubtful Sound.
Te Anau’s mix of easy hikes and underground magic makes it a perfect base—just remember to book glowworm tours and Kepler huts in advance if you plan to stay overnight on the trail.
Things to Experience:
- Stroll the Te Anau waterfront at sunset for peaceful lake reflections.
- Trek part of the Kepler Track through forest and lake vistas.
- Drift on a silent boat under a ceiling of glowworms in Te Anau Caves.
5. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park – Hike New Zealand’s Highest Mountain
Aoraki/Mount Cook NP feels like the Alps without the crowds. Tackle the Hooker Valley Track—an easy 10 km return walk with swing bridges and glacier‑fed streams, ending at a lake with icebergs floating by. If you’re after something more challenging, the Mueller Hut Route offers high‑alpine views (book huts early).
Scenic flights or heli‑treks give you a bird’s‑eye view of the Tasman Glacier. Stargazers will love the Dark Sky Reserve status here—on clear nights, the Milky Way is so bright it feels like daylight.
Pack layers, sturdy boots, and plenty of water; the sun’s intense at altitude, and the weather can change in minutes.
Things to Experience:
- Walk the Hooker Valley Track with swing‑bridges and glacier‑fed streams.
- Take a scenic flight for aerial views of the Tasman Glacier.
- Stargaze under Dark Sky Reserve status—Milky Way views are unbeatable.
6. Central Otago – Wine Tasting in Top Wine Regions
Central Otago’s vineyards sit in sun‑drenched valleys beneath jagged peaks, making wine tasting here an experience for all senses. You can rent a bike in Cromwell and pedal between boutique wineries, sampling award‑winning Pinot Noirs and aromatic Rieslings.
Many estates have cellar‑door tastings with platter options—think local cheese, venison salami, and honey. Autumn is prime time for leaf‑peeping as the vines turn gold. For a twist, try a bike‑and‑boat tour on Lake Dunstan.
Whether you’re a serious oenophile or just enjoy a relaxed sip with a view, Central Otago’s blend of scenery and flavor is hard to beat. Just don’t forget to designate a driver or join a guided tour if you plan to taste widely.
Things to Experience:
- Cycle between vineyards, sampling Pinot Noir with mountain backdrops.
- Join a cellar‑door tasting paired with local cheeses and olives.
- Explore autumn colours on a scenic drive through Bannockburn vineyards.
7. Hokitika Gorge – Turquoise Waters & Lush Forests
Hokitika Gorge’s intense turquoise water is like stepping into a postcard. A short walk from the car park leads you across a swinging bridge and then onto well‑graded trails along the gorge rim. The water’s color comes from glacial flour suspended in the river—perfect for photos. Pack a picnic to enjoy on a rock overlooking the water.
Early morning visits mean fewer crowds and softer light. Afterward, the nearby town of Hokitika offers artisan shops, greenstone galleries, and the chance to watch glass‑blowers at work. It’s a quick, high‑impact stop on the West Coast drive that showcases the region’s raw beauty.
Things to Experience:
- Cross the suspension bridge for the best gorge views.
- Picnic on a riverside rock and watch the water’s milky hue.
- Visit the nearby Hokitika town for greenstone galleries and artisan crafts.
8. Abel Tasman National Park – Kayaking & Marine Life Encounters
Abel Tasman’s golden beaches and clear water make kayaking here a dream. Launch from Marahau, paddle through sheltered bays, and beach‑hop—stop at Anchorage for a snack, then glide on to Bark Bay.
Along the way, you might see fur seals sunning themselves or little blue penguins at dusk. The park’s coastal track offers alternative foot access, so you can mix paddling with a scenic hike. If you’d rather stay dry, water taxis ferry you between bays.
Pack a waterproof camera bag and a lunch, and you’ll have a full day of beach time, wildlife spotting, and lush coastal forest—all without big waves or crowds.
Things to Experience:
- Join a water‑taxi hop‑on‑hop‑off tour to explore secluded bays
- Paddle to Anchorage Beach, then hike the coastal track to Bark Bay.
- Snorkel in clear waters among fish and friendly seals.
9. Lake Pukaki & Lake Tekapo – Scenic Lakes & Stargazing
Lake Pukaki’s milky‑blue water and Mount Cook’s backdrop make it one of the South Island’s most iconic scenes. Pull over at the roadside viewpoint for that classic shot, then continue to Lake Tekapo, where the little Church of the Good Shepherd sits on the shore.
Tekapo’s Dark Sky Reserve status means that nighttime stargazing is spectacular—join an astro tour or simply lie back on a blanket. In the daytime, wander the lakeshore, grab a coffee at a café with mountain views, and maybe hike up to the Tekapo Canal walkway for a different perspective.
It’s a serene duo of stops that blend alpine charm and celestial wonder.
Things to Experience:
- Snap the classic Mount Cook reflection shot at the Lake Pukaki viewpoint.
- Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on Lake Tekapo’s shore.
- Stay late for stargazing—Tekapo’s Dark Sky Reserve is world‑class.
10. Farewell Spit & Wharariki Beach – Remote Beauty & Stunning Sunsets
Farewell Spit feels wonderfully remote—this 35 km sandbar is a bird‑lover’s dream. Book a 4WD eco‑tour to learn about the tidal flats and see nesting shorebirds up close. Next, a quick drive takes you to Wharariki Beach, where windswept dunes and rocky outcrops frame the sunset.
The walk from the car park is short, but wear sturdy shoes for uneven sand and windblown paths. If you time it right, you’ll catch seals basking on the rocks at dusk. It’s a double whammy of solitude and dramatic scenery that rewards anyone willing to venture off the main highways.
Things to Experience:
- Join a 4WD tour across Farewell Spit’s shifting dunes and birdlife.
- Walk to Wharariki Beach for sea‑arch photos and seal sightings.
- Time your visit for golden‑hour sunsets over the Tasman Sea.
11. Christchurch – The Garden City with Vibrant Culture
Christchurch surprises you with its creative energy. Start at the Botanic Gardens for a stroll among roses and towering conifers, then hop on the tram for a city loop. The Re: START container mall shows the city’s rebuild‑with‑style attitude—café‑lined walkways in repurposed shipping containers.
If you’re planning your list of things to do in New Zealand, South Island, this city definitely earns its spot. Don’t miss street art in the CBD or the Quake City museum for context on the 2011 earthquakes. The Avon River punting is a lazy way to see it all from the water.
With new restaurants popping up alongside heritage buildings, Christchurch balances resilience and reinvention in a way that feels genuinely welcoming.
Things to Experience:
- Punt along the Avon River for a relaxed city‑centre perspective.
- Ride the historic tram loop, stopping at the Botanic Gardens.
- Discover street art and pop‑up cafés in the revitalized CBD.
12. Kaikoura – Spot Dolphins, Whales, and Seals
Kaikōura’s marine life is world‑famous. Book an early‑morning whale‑watching cruise—sperm whales and humpbacks often surface just meters from the boat. Back on shore, you can stroll the coastal path, watching fur seals laze on the rocks.
If you’re keen, join a swim‑with‑dolphins tour in inflatable boats; the dolphins here are playful and curious. Kaikōura’s rugged coastline and mountain backdrop make every sighting feel cinematic.
Don’t skip the local crayfish (lobster) at a roadside stand—fresh from the ocean and perfect after a morning of wildlife watching.
Things to Experience:
- Cruise offshore to watch sperm whales surface in deep waters.
- Swim with dusky dolphins in inflatable boats for an interactive encounter.
- Stroll the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway to see fur seals sunning on rocks.
13. Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers – Explore Ancient Ice Formations
On the West Coast, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers feel startlingly close to sea level. Book a guided glacier walk to learn about crevasses and ice formations—no crampons are needed for the lower ice walks. For a bird’s‑eye view, a helicopter flight with a snow landing is unbeatable.
Afterwards, soak in the glacier hot pools in Franz Josef Village—warm water with a view of the ice-carved valley. Dress warm and waterproof; the weather here can shift from sunshine to drizzle in minutes, but that adds to the adventure.
Things to Experience:
- Join a guided glacier walk on the lower ice for safe, up‑close views.
- Take a helicopter flight with a snow landing on the glacier’s snout.
- Relax in the glacier hot pools, soaking with valley views.
14. The Catlins & Southland – Hidden Waterfalls & Wildlife
The Catlins region is a treasure trove of hidden gems. Hike to McLean Falls through lush forest and then drive to Purakaunui Falls for that tiered cascade shot. Nugget Point Lighthouse offers sweeping ocean views and a chance to spot fur seals and sea lions.
The area’s sleepy roads mean you’ll often have these sights to yourself. Accommodation is simple—think beachfront cabins or rustic lodges—but the upside is total immersion in unspoiled nature. It’s a perfect detour for anyone wanting to get off the beaten path.
Things to Experience:
- Hike to McLean and Purakaunui Falls through lush native forest.
- Spot sea lions and yellow‑eyed penguins at the Nugget Point lighthouse.
- Drive the scenic Southern Scenic Route for coastal lookout stops.
15. Glenorchy – Scenic Paradise Near Queenstown
Glenorchy is 45 minutes from Queenstown via one of the most scenic roads you’ll ever drive. Stop at Bennetts Bluff to look for a photo, then wander the small town for coffee and local crafts. The nearby Glenorchy Lagoon Track is an easy walk with mountain reflections in the water.
If you’ve got time, horseback rides or jet‑boat trips on the Dart River add a bit more excitement. Glenorchy feels like a quieter sibling to Queenstown—just as beautiful, but without the hustle.
Things to Experience:
- Drive the Glenorchy‑Queenstown Road, stopping at Bennetts Bluff lookout.
- Walk the Glenorchy Lagoon Track for mountain reflections in still water
- Book a jet‑boat tour on the Dart River for remote valley views.
16. Wanaka – Lake Views & the Famous ‘Wanaka Tree’
Wanaka’s solitary tree in the lake is a quick photo stop, but the town has more up its sleeve. Rent a bike to explore the lakeside cycleway, then grab brunch at a café with mountain views. For a bigger challenge, the Roy’s Peak Track offers panoramic vistas—be ready for a steep climb and bring plenty of water.
In winter, Treble Cone ski area is just a short drive away. Wanaka balances small‑town friendliness with easy access to big outdoor playgrounds.
Things to Experience:
- Photograph the lone “Wanaka Tree” at sunrise for soft light and empty shores.
- Cycle the lakefront path, then grab brunch at a café with mountain views.
- Hike the Roy’s Peak Track if you’re up for a challenging climb with epic vistas.
17. Arrowtown – Historic Gold‑Rush Town
Arrowtown’s tree‑lined main street feels like stepping into a history book. Wander past restored 19th‑century buildings, pop into a gold‑panning tour on the Arrow River, and then reward yourself with a flat white at a heritage café. Autumn brings a riot of color as the leaves change, and the annual Autumn Festival adds local crafts and live music.
It’s a compact, walkable town that offers a charming counterpoint to Queenstown’s adrenaline rush.
Things to Experience:
- Pan for gold in the Arrow River for a hands‑on history lesson.
- Stroll down Buckingham Street’s heritage buildings and artisan shops.
- Sample autumn treats at the Arrowtown Autumn Festival in April.
18. Oamaru – Steampunk & Little Blue Penguins
Ōamaru blends Victorian architecture with a playful steampunk vibe. Stroll past limestone buildings and quirky metal sculptures, then head to the harbour at dusk for the little blue penguin parade.
These tiny penguins waddle ashore after dark—tour operators keep the groups small so it never feels crowded. Afterward, explore local galleries or try a seafood chowder at a café. Ōamaru’s unexpected combination of history, art, and wildlife makes it a standout stop.
Things to Experience:
- Explore Victorian precinct galleries and quirky steampunk sculptures.
- Join a nightly penguin tour to watch little blue penguins waddle ashore.
- Try local seafood chowder at a harbourside café after your penguin visit
19. The West Coast – Dramatic Coastal Landscapes
Driving down the West Coast, Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki are a must‑see: layered limestone formations with blowholes that spurt seawater at high tide. Time your visit for incoming waves, then wander the nearby Truman Track through lush rainforest.
If you’re building a list of things to do in New Zealand, South Island, this spot deserves a top place. Further south, explore Franz Josef or Fox Glacier, then grab a whitebait fritter in a roadside shack.
The rugged coastline and dense bush create a moody, atmospheric road trip that feels truly untamed.
Things to Experience:
- Visit Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks and blowholes at high tide for the best show.
- Wander the Truman Track through lush rainforest dripping with moss.
- Stop at small‑town cafés for a West Coast whitebait fritter
20. Nelson – Arts, Crafts, and Sunny Beaches
Nelson basks in more sun than almost anywhere else in NZ, and its creative vibe is infectious. Browse Saturday markets for handmade pottery and local honey, then cycle to Tahunanui Beach for a swim.
The nearby Abel Tasman Coast is just a day trip away, but even in town, you’ll find art galleries and boutique cafés aplenty. Nelson’s blend of sunshine, art, and easygoing coastal life makes it a perfect finale to any South Island journey.
Things to Experience:
- Browse Saturday markets for handmade crafts and local produce.
- Cycle to Tahunanui Beach for a refreshing swim and beachside snack.
- Tour local art galleries and studios in the sunniest city in NZ.
Top 20 Things To Do In New Zealand, South Island – Summary
That’s my down‑to‑earth take on the South Island’s top 20 experiences. Each spot offers its own flavor—adventure, relaxation, culture, or just plain wonder. Use this guide to pick your must‑sees, but don’t forget to leave gaps for unplanned detours and local tips.
Pack for all weather, pace yourself, and get ready to fall in love with one of the world’s most diverse and stunning islands.
Chat with friendly locals, follow your curiosity, and let the island’s stunning diversity surprise you. Here’s to an unforgettable South Island adventure—enjoy every moment!
