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

See the world’s largest toothed predator, the sperm whale, close up on these Maori-run tours, boasting a 95% success rate. You can whale-watch on kayaks too.

A stupendous fjord of spectacular scenery, surrounded by rainforest, surrounded and crowned by the Mitre Peak. One of New Zealand’s signature experiences – by boat, kayak, helicopter or hike.

New Zealand’s largest, prettiest and most celebrated wine region boasting over 80+ intimate, welcoming wineries.

Adrenaline-pumping white-water rafting for scaredy cats and daredevils, with guaranteed thrills and spills aplenty. Choose either the grade 2-3 rapids of the Kawarau River, or the grade 3-5 rapids of the Shotover River.

The original bunjy jump, from a 43m-high bridge over the Kawarau River, plus valley swings and human catapult experiences alongside. Adrenaline rush guaranteed and spectacular scenery to boot.

Swim amongst hundreds, if not thousands, of wild dusky dolphins, surrounded by the jaw-dropping scenery in Kaikoura’s bay, Tours are responsibly operated and educational.

A brilliantly unique via Ferrata course that requires you to climb to the top of a free-flowing waterfall. Three levels suit different ages and abilities.

Exhilarating 85km/h jetboat ride (with 360-degree spins) through the striking canyons of the Shotover River.

‘Heli-hike’ onto and under, and take flight over, this awe-inspiring glacier, set amidst a wild, pristine landscape of snow-covered mountains. One of the best places in the world to explore these extraordinary natural wonders.

Unique and fascinating cave tours to a vast underground lake, lit by glow worms, followed by a float out on gentle rapids into the surrounding rainforest. Only in New Zealand.

A 32km, 2- to 4-day world-renowned hike, through forested valleys, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and mountain passes with sweeping views.

Historic 4-day walk through some of New Zealand’s most sublime landscapes. A magnificent, world-class hike.

Wild, magical island wilderness that offers natural beauty, serenity and the freshest seafood anywhere. And a chance to see the Southern Lights.

A superb 150km mountain bike adventure across Central Otago following a converted railway track. New Zealand’s most popular cycling trail.

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

One of the world’s greatest skydives, over a spell-binding panorama of snow-capped mountains, ocean, rivers, forest and the magnificent snaking form of the Franz Josef Glacier.

A charming traditional ferry excursion along one of the finest natural waterways in New Zealand – a dramatic landscape of steep cliffs, thickly wooded hills and remote coves and inlets.

Superb regional museum housing the world’s finest collection of WWI aircraft and astonishing memorabilia.

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+ are 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.