The South Island of New Zealand is a place of stunning natural beauty, with towering mountains, pristine lakes and glaciers, and a rugged coastline. It’s also home to some world-famous tourist destinations, including Milford Sound and Queenstown.
There are plenty of things to do in the South Island. What time of year you visit will depend on what kind of holiday you’re after. In summer, the days are warm and long, so it’s perfect for hiking and swimming in the lakes.
Whereas in winter, the snow-covered peaks make it a paradise for skiers and snowboarders. No matter what time of year you visit, there’s always something to do in the South Island of New Zealand.
If you’re looking for an adventure, then this is the place to find it!
Hit the slopes in Queenstown
Have you even been to the South Island if you haven’t been to Queenstown? This tourist hotspot MUST be at the top of your list. It’s usually included in every New ZealandTour Packages you’ll find online and for good reason.
It’s known for its awesome skiing, so if that’s your thing, then grab your skis (or snowboard!) and make your way up the Remarkables or Coronet Peak.
There are loads of different runs to suit all levels, so whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. If you don’t have any gear, it’s possible to hire it in the mountains.
If skiing or snowboarding isn’t really your thing, never fear! There are plenty of other things to do in Queenstown, such as jetboating, bungy jumping, and even taking a helicopter ride. Of course, there are a ton of delicious cafes and restaurants, too, so be sure not to miss this awesome city.
And if you want to explore more, here’s a Queenstown itinerary to help you plan your trip!
Take a day trip to Arrowtown
Not too far from Queenstown, you’ll find Arrowtown. A gorgeous little town with a ton of history to soak up. Be sure to allow time to take in the stunning drive,
Wander down the quaint streets and take in the old-world feel of this place. There are plenty of cafes to stop off at for a bite to eat too.
If you’re feeling up for it, there are some great walks to be done in Arrowtown, such as the Arrow River Trail and the Arrowtown Millenium walk – to name a couple of easy ones.
Both of these walks take about an hour and are pretty easy going, but if you want more of a challenge, there’s always the Big Hill Trail which takes 5-6 hours.
Arrowtown really is the perfect place to explore if you love being outdoors!
Discover Milford Sound
One of the most popular tourist attractions in New Zealand, Milford Sound is a must-do when you’re in the South Island. It’s situated on the west coast and is spectacular, rain or shine!
Take a cruise through this stunning fiord and enjoy the incredible views of towering mountains and cascading waterfalls such as Stirling and Bowen falls.
The fiord is home to penguins, dolphins and fur seal colonies, so if you’re lucky, you might spot some along the way.
Unwind at Omarama Hot Pools
Omarama hot pools are the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day of exploring.
As the name suggests, the pools are located in Omarama, a small town situated between Christchurch and Queenstown.
The unique thing about these pools is they are woodfire hot tubs. The smell of the wood burning really adds to the ambience of the place. When you arrive, the fire is already burning, so the water is nice and toasty. Then there’s a door you can open or close to adjust the temperature.
The hot pools are situated in a beautiful location, surrounded by mountains and native bush. It’s the perfect place to relax and soak up some stunning views. They are also very private from one another, and you have your own changing room.
I visited these pools in Autumn, which was gorgeous with all the leaves changing colour, but if I were to visit again, I would choose to go in the Winter. It truly would be like you’re own winter wonderland!
Visit Lake Pukaki
Lake Pukaki is drop-dead gorgeous, and it’s often overshadowed by Lake Tekapo. Both are great, don’t get me wrong, but if I had the choice to visit a lake just as beautiful but less popular, then Lake Pukaki would be my pick.
If you’re travelling on a budget, there are some awesome campgrounds in the area located super close to the lake. Be sure to get up early so you can watch the awesome sunrise!
Being a lake, the water is chilly, but it’s the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer’s day. Take a dip, go for a paddle or just enjoy the views.
Stay a night in Picton
IMO Picton is super underrated. This beautiful little town is worth spending a night in.
There’s plenty to do in Picton, from exploring the marina and checking out the cafes. The marina is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset. I’ve seen some absolute stunners! Be sure to check out Bob’s Bay too.
This hidden gem is just a short drive from the main town and a place you can easily spend the whole afternoon relaxing at.
You do need to walk down to the bay itself as it’s only accessible by foot, but it’s very manageable and so worth it!
Walk the Abel Tasman
Being one of the great walks in South Island, New Zealand, of course, Abel Tasman makes the list!
This coastal track is stunning, taking you through golden beaches, lush native bush and rocky cliff-top lookouts. It’s an amazing way to see some of the best secluded beaches the South Island has to offer.
There are a few different ways to do the Abel Tasman. You can walk it (which takes 3-5 days), take a water taxi or even kayak between the different bays!
If walking for 3-5 days isn’t your jam, don’t worry. It’s easy to start the track, walk as far as you want, then turn back around, or catch a boat back to the start. A great option for when the huts are fully booked, but you want to see what all the hype is about.
On that note, the huts are very popular and book out waaay in advance, so you want to make sure you’re super organised if you plan to walk the whole track and book these ahead of time.
Relax in Marlborough Sounds
The Marlborough Sounds are a group of sea-drowned valleys located at the top of the South Island. With 1500kms of coastline, there’s a ton to explore.
The area is made up of 3 main sounds – Queen Charlotte Sound, Kenepuru Sound and Pelorus Sound – and plenty of smaller bays and coves.
It’s an absolutely beautiful place to explore, whether you’re doing it by foot, bike, boat or kayak. The Queen Charlotte Track you can do as either a single or multi-day hike, and is a great way to explore the area. The 72km hike will see you passing by stunning landscapes plus accommodation and cafe options along the way.
There are two seaside towns you can begin your journey through the Marlborough Sounds from, Picton (which I’ve already mentioned) and Havelock.
Both of these towns make great bases for exploring the Marlborough Sounds as they offer plenty of accommodation options, cafes and restaurants.
Spend a weekend in Wanaka
If you’re looking to escape the busyness of Queenstown and find something a bit slower-paced, then Wanaka could be the perfect weekend escape for you.
Wanaka is a great place to relax, enjoy some good food and wine and just take things slow. Of course, the lake is one of the main attractions here, and you can’t leave Wanaka without getting a photo of ‘That Wanaka Tree’.
There are plenty of beautiful walks to do in Wanaka, too, such as the Roys Peak track, Blue Pools track and Mount Iron track.
Drive to Glenorchy
Glenorchy is a small town located in the heart of the South Island, about an hour’s drive from Queenstown.
The drive to Glenorchy is one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand, taking you through some of the most beautiful landscapes the country has to offer. It’s Glenorchy’s landscapes have been featured in The Lord of the Rings and Narnia films, so they are definitely worth seeing with your own eyes.
There are plenty of things to do in Glenorchy such as exploring the many walks and hikes on offer. The Routeburn Track begins here, which is another one of New Zealand’s great walks. For something a bit more light-hearted, the Glenorchy Boardwalk will give you some stunning views to marvel over and is an easy 5 kilometres.
Don’t miss hitting the Glenorchy Jetty and Railway Shed. This is the red shed which often features in iconic photos of Glenorchy, and the views from the jetty are gorgeous.
Getting around the South Island is a lot easier with a rental car. Use a rental car company like Go Rentals, which are available at airports and in some city locations too.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider renting a campervan in New Zealand. It will not only provide you with transportation, but also a comfortable place to sleep while you explore all the wonders that the South Island has to offer.
Which is Better New Zealand North or South Island?
This is a difficult question to answer as both islands have so much to offer.
If you’re looking for stunning scenery, then the South Island is definitely the place to be, especially if you love mountains and lakes. The North Island is more varied with things like volcanoes and stunning beaches (the best beaches in New Zealand are found in the North Island). It has lakes and mountains, too but not quite on the same level that the South Island does.
The South Island does tend to be a bit cooler than the North Island, especially during winter, but in the summer months, it still can hit 30 degrees in some places.
In terms of things to do, both islands offer a wide range of activities and attractions. The South Island is definitely the place to go if you love outdoor pursuits such as hiking, biking and kayaking. The North Island is more geared towards things like beach holidays, Maori culture and geothermal activity.
So, it really depends on what you’re looking for as to which island is better if you can’t decide then why not visit both!
Conclusion: Best Things to Do in South Island, New Zealand
So there you have it, the ten best things to do in the South Island, New Zealand. If you’re looking for an unforgettable Kiwi holiday, then the South Island is definitely where you want to be.
With so much to see and do, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip now!
