10 TOP Things to Do in South Island (2025 Activity Guide)

Queenstown featuring boating and a river or creek

Kawarau Suspension Bridge showing a sporting event, a suspension bridge or treetop walkway and a gorge or canyon

Bob\'s Peak which includes views, mountains and general coastal views

South Island which includes land animals and mountains

South Island showing a gorge or canyon, a river or creek and boating

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Most popular experiences in South Island

Tours & day trips

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Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Tour

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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

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Private & custom tours

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Kaikoura Whale Watching Day Trip from Christchurch

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History & culture

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Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

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Water activities

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From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride

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What to do in South Island

Popular places to visit

Mount Cook National Park

Ski on a glacier, enjoy hot springs and tackle the peak where Sir Edmund Hillary trained for Everest in this spectacular part of New Zealand.

Milford Sound

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Milford Sound during your travels in Fiordland National Park. Discover the area's waterfalls and glaciers.

Aoraki / Mount Cook

Explore the great outdoors at Aoraki / Mount Cook and enjoy the stunning glacier views during your trip to Mount Cook. Wander the lakeside in this quaint area.

Lyttelton Harbour

Enjoy cafés, markets and boat trips at this scenic European port town, steeped in history and bordered by volcanic hills.

Lake Pukaki

Be amazed by the color of the lake against the snowy backdrop of Aoraki/Mount Cook as you hike, drive or ride through this incredibly picturesque landscape.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens as well as a large group of people

Hagley Park

Explore the great outdoors at Hagley Park, a lovely green space in Christchurch. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the shops in this culturally rich area.

Picton Ferry Terminal

Explore the waterfront in Picton with a trip to Picton Ferry Terminal. You'll find more to see and do in this quaint area.

Tekapo Springs

Lie back and relax in healing waters, enjoy a massage or get involved in a range of outdoor activities, all with a fabulous alpine backdrop.

The Remarkables Ski Area

Skiers and snowboarders will find plenty of inviting slopes at this ski mountain, known for being one of New Zealand’s best venues for freestyle snow riding.

Areas of South Island

Queenstown Beach featuring a pebble beach, parachuting and a small town or village

Queenstown City Centre

The panoramic lake views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Queenstown City Centre. Make a stop by Skycity Queenstown Casino or Queenstown Mall while you're exploring the area.

New Regent Street featuring railway items and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Christchurch City Centre

4.5/5(126 area reviews)

Explore the picturesque and vibrant heart of the city that is getting back to normal after a series of devastating earthquakes.

Dunedin featuring heritage elements, a pond and a garden

Dunedin City Centre

4.5/5(24 area reviews)

Dunedin City Centre is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to First Church of Otago or Grand Casino.

International Antarctic Centre showing interior views

Christchurch Airport

While Christchurch Airport may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like International Antarctic Centre and Harewood Golf Club.

Frankton

4/5(11 area reviews)

Stay in this picturesque part of Queenstown where the airport is located to enjoy spectacular mountain views and relaxed lakeside walks.

Goldfield Heights

Though Goldfield Heights may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Queenstown Mall and Skycity Queenstown Casino.

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