Best things to do in South Island, New Zealand: our top picks

Esteemed for its epic alpine scenery, glacier-carved fjords and exhilarating outdoor activities, New Zealand’s South Island is a dream destination for adventurers, road-trippers, photographers, nature lovers and serenity seekers. If you’re thinking of heading here, read on to discover the best things to do in the South Island, Zealand — ideas you’ll surely be tempted to include in your own New Zealand itinerary.

1. Explore majestic Milford Sound

First up in our overview of the best things to do in the South Island, New Zealand, is exploring Milford Sound.

Located in Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is a breath-taking fjord of towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and serene waters.

Cruises are the best way to experience the Sound’s dramatic beauty, with options for kayaking and overnight stays. 

Alongside serving epic views, visitors here are treated to the sight of seals, dolphins and penguins.

How to get to Milford Sound

Milford Sound can be reached via 2-hour drive from Te Anau, or 4–5-hour drive from Queenstown. 

Flights and coach-cruise combos are also widely available.

When to visit Milford Sound

That depends on what you’re looking for — the peak-summer season (December–March) offers clear skies, while winter (June–August) brings fewer crowds and snow-capped peaks.

In the early stages of planning your New Zealand itinerary? Use our guide to how to plan a trip to New Zealand.

2. Hike the Routeburn Track

One of New Zealand’s Great Walks, the Routeburn Track is a 32 km alpine trail connecting Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. 

Expect to be wowed by sweeping valleys, wild waterfalls and panoramic mountain views through the entire trek.

Well-maintained huts can be found along the way and it’ll take 2-3 days to complete the entire route, so this is something for committed hikers. 

Into adventurous hikes? Discover the best alternative treks in New Zealand.

How to get to the Routeburn Track

Start at Glenorchy (near Queenstown) or The Divide (near Milford Road). 

Local transport providers offer car relocations or shuttles.

When to visit the Routeburn Track

Late October to April is best for full hut services and safe conditions. 

Want wider context on the weather? Read up on the best time to visit New Zealand.

3. Unleash your inner adventurer in Queenstown 

Surrounded by mountains and Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is the South Island’s adrenaline capital, and one of the best cities in New Zealand.

Undecided about where to include in your itinerary? Read our guide to whether to visit North or South Island, and wise up on the best things to do on the North Island, New Zealand.

4. Cruise Lake Wānaka

Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, visiting the tranquil alpine lake of Lake Wānaka is for sure one of the best things to do in South Island, New Zealand, for travelers seeking romantic enchantment during their vacation.

Aside from taking a scenic cruise and relaxing on the lakeshore, here you can kayak to Mou Waho Island, and enjoy the town’s events, festivals and excellent food offerings.  

How to get to Lake Wānaka

Lake Wānaka is one-hour drive from Queenstown.

When to visit Lake Wānaka

While October to April is best for lake activities, fall offers gorgeous golden foliage, and winter brings a cozy mountain-town feel.

5. Explore Franz Josef Glacier

Located on the West Coast, Franz Josef Glacier offers rare access to a glacier descending into temperate rainforest. 

The glacier spans 12 kilometers and is accessible through a variety of guided adventure experiences, include heli-hiking, that sees a helicopter transport you to the icy upper reaches for a guided trek through shimmering blue crevasses and ice caves.

Alternatively, you could take a scenic flight for views of the Southern Alps., or embark on the Franz Josef Glacier Walk. This 90-minute hike leads to a breath-taking viewpoint.

How to get to Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier is located two hours from Hokitika or five hours from Queenstown by car. 

Also note that regular shuttles run here from nearby towns.

When to visit Franz Josef Glacier

November to April is best for stable weather and hiking. 

6. Discover Abel Tasman National Park

Though the smallest of New Zealand’s national parks, Abel Tasman National Park is one of the most spectacular and accessible national parks. 

As a result, this is one of the best things to do in South Island, New Zealand if you're less mobile, or traveling with children.

Located at the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, the park is renowned for its turquoise bays, native forest, kayaking experiences, and golden beaches, including some of the best beaches in New Zealand.

Many come here to walk the Abel Tasman Coast Track — a 60-kilometer trail that stretches between Marahau and Wainui Bay. This can be walked in sections or tackled in whole as a multi-day hike. 

How to get to Abel Tasman National Park

Drive to Marahau or Kaiteriteri (1 hr from Nelson) — water taxis and guided tours depart from both towns.

When to visit Abel Tasman National Park

November to April is best for sunny weather, calm seas and full transport schedules.

Love heading off the beaten track? Read up on Golden Bay, New Zealand, the alternative to Abel Tasman National Park.

7. Visit Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is an absolute paradise for those who adore nature. In this case, we mean alpine scenery, glacier walks and long nights of sublime stargazing.

A World Heritage-listed region, the park encompasses the country’s highest mountains and largest glaciers, with networks of walking and cycling tracks for all abilities — take your pick from short scenic strolls through to moderate hikes and challenging alpine treks.

Also part of New Zealand's only International Dark Sky Reserve, it’s a wonderful place to spend a few nights. A word of warning, though — you’ll want to book your New Zealand accommodation early.

How to get to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is located four hours by car from Christchurch or Queenstown. 

There’s no public transport there, so you’ll have to drive or book a tour.

Want more transport context? Read up on getting around New Zealand.

When to visit Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

While this place attracts visitors year-round, December to March is best for hiking, though winter offers clear skies.

8. Ride the TranzAlpine train

One of the most scenic rail experiences in the world, riding the TranzAlpine train delivers a breath-taking experience.

Covering 223 kilometers across New Zealand’s South Island — from Christchurch to Greymouth on the West Coast — in just under five hours, it traverses a remarkable diversity of landscape, from the fertile Canterbury Plains and the winding Waimakariri River to the dramatic Southern Alps and misty West Coast rainforests.

A highlight is the ascent through the Otira Tunnel, a 100-year-old engineering marvel that cuts through the heart of the Alps. 

The train operates in both directions daily, making it ideal for day trips or as part of a longer South Island itinerary.

It's also a top trip for those visiting New Zealand with kids.

How to get to the TranzAlpine train

Board the train at Christchurch or Greymouth — be sure to book tickets in advance.

When to ride the TranzAlpine train

Any season is wonderful spring and fall offer vibrant scenery, while winter serves scenes of snow-covered mountains.

9. Watch wildife in Kaikōura

Located on New Zealand’s east coast between Christchurch and Picton, Kaikōura is one of the best places in the world for marine wildlife watching. 

Thanks to a deep ocean trench, nutrient-rich waters around these parts attract an astonishing variety of sea life.

While sperm whales can be seen around the year, tours also offer chances to see humpback whales (June–August), orcas and blue whales (summer). 

Kaikōura’s coastline is also home to New Zealand fur seals, which are often seen lounging on the rocks along the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway. 

Offshore, albatross and other seabirds are abundant, making it a paradise for birdwatchers too.

Oh, and this is also one of the best surf spots in New Zealand.

How to get to Kaikōura

Kaikōura is a 2.5-hour drive north of Christchurch. InterCity buses and trains also serve the town.

When to visit Kaikōura

Visit year-round for sperm whales and seals, while summer (December–March) offers calmer seas and a broader range of species.

10. Explore the Catlins Coastline

Located in the south-eastern corner of New Zealand’s South Island, the Catlins Coastline is a rugged, remote region of natural beauty and wildlife. 

Stretching between Balclutha and Invercargill, the Catlins is characterized by wild beaches, dense native forests, cascading waterfalls and dramatic headlands. 

As such, it’s a dream destination for nature lovers and road trippers.

Must-see stops include Nugget Point, where a lighthouse stands atop sheer cliffs overlooking sea stacks teeming with seabirds and seals. 

Meanwhile, Curio Bay is famous for its petrified forest, and one of the best places to see Hector’s dolphins swimming near shore. 

How to get to the Catlins Coastline

Drive 1.5–2.5 hours from Dunedin or Invercargill. 

When to visit the Catlins Coastline

November to April is best for milder weather and accessible roads.

11. Marvel at the Moeraki Boulders

Located on Koekohe Beach on the Otago coast, the Moeraki Boulders are one of the country’s most unique — and most photographed — natural wonders. 

These massive spherical boulders (some over two meters in diameter) were formed over millions of years by mineral sedimentation and erosion.

Alongside being a geological marvel, they’re a source of local Māori legend — the boulders are believed to be the remnants of food baskets from a mythical canoe shipwreck.

At low tide, you can walk among the boulders against the backdrop of crashing waves before exploring charming Moeraki Village, which serves excellent seafood and scenic views. 

How to get to the Moeraki Boulders

By car, the Moeraki Boulders are one hour from Dunedin, and 1.5 from Oamaru.

When to visit the Moeraki Boulders

Year-round; visit at low tide to see the boulders fully exposed.

12. Walk the Hooker Valley Track

Located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, the 10-kilometer return Hooker Valley Track is one of the South Island’s most accessible alpine walks.

Pretty flat, it’s suitable for most fitness levels, and offers breath-taking views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, the Hooker River, alpine meadows and glacial lakes replete with floating icebergs.

Along the way, you’ll cross three dramatic swing bridges and countless waterfalls, with the final viewpoint at Hooker Lake revealing the majestic Mount Cook towering above an icy, milky-blue lake.

At a relaxed pace, the walk takes around three hours as a round trip.

How to get to the Hooker Valley Track

Drive to Mount Cook Village via SH80 — around four hours from Christchurch.

When to visit the Hooker Valley Track

Visit between October and April for mild weather and a bounty of wildflowers.

13. Taste world-class wine in Marlborough

Located at the north-eastern tip of South Island, Marlborough is New Zealand's premier wine region, especially when it comes to world-renowned Sauvignon Blanc. 

With more than 150 wineries set in sun-drenched valleys and rolling hills, it offers unforgettable tasting experiences, vineyard tours and gourmet food pairings. 

Alongside biking the Marlborough Wine Trail, be sure to explore the Marlborough Sounds — a network of sunken river valleys and hidden coves, with calm waters to kayak and boat.

Want something more high-octane? Follow the Queen Charlotte Track — a scenic multi-day hike through coastal forest.

With its mix of outdoor adventure, boutique accommodation and culinary experiences, Marlborough is a favorite among leisure and luxury travelers.

How to get to Marlborough

Fly to Blenheim from Wellington or Auckland, or drive from Nelson (1.5 hrs) or Picton (30 mins).

When to visit Marlborough

Visit in February to April (harvest season) for more vineyard action.

14. Chill out in Hanmer Springs

Hanmer Springs, nestled in the foothills of the Southern Alps, is one of New Zealand’s top alpine spa destinations.

Here, a complex of mineral-rich thermal pools, private spas and family-friendly waterslides boasts waters fed by natural geothermal water, all surrounded by mountain views and native gardens.

Beyond the hot pools, Hanmer Springs offers a range of outdoor activities. 

For example, you could explore the Hanmer Forest on foot or mountain bike, tackle white-water rapids on the Waiau River, or go bungy jumping, quad biking and jet boating. 

Come winter, the nearby Hanmer Springs Ski Area provides accessible slopes for snow sports.

How to get to Hanmer Springs

Hanmer Springs is a 1.5-hour drive from Christchurch. Bus services are also available.

When to visit Hanmer Springs

Winter offers snowy landscapes and cozy soaks, while summer is perfect for hiking and outdoor adventures.

15. Tour Larnach Castle

Located on the Otago Peninsula near Dunedin, Larnach Castle is New Zealand’s only castle. 

Built in 1871 by wealthy merchant and politician William Larnach, the castle features intricate woodwork, imported marble, and stained-glass windows.

In addition to exploring opulent rooms filled with antiques, visitors can climb the tower for panoramic harbor views, and stroll award-winning gardens.

Beyond the castle, Dunedin is rich in Scottish heritage, culture and wildlife, thanks to the nearby Otago Peninsula being a haven for yellow-eyed penguins, albatrosses and New Zealand fur seals.

How to get to Larnach Castle

Larnach Castle is a 30-minute drive from central Dunedin, which is itself accessible by air from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.

When to visit Larnach Castle

Visit in October to April for full garden blooms and better weather.

Excited to visit New Zealand? You will be after discovering the best things to do in New Zealand, with practical planning tips to be found in our New Zealand travel advice.

Not keen on planning? Check out our customisable New Zealand itineraries, and contact our local New Zealand travel experts, who can plan and book every detail of your trip.