Choose from 89 Fun Things to Do in South Island
Lake Wanaka
Practical Info
Christchurch Art Centre
Practical Info
Lake Wakatipu
The Basics
- Tour options are available for families with kids and solo adventurers alike.
- Be sure to dress in layers, as wind can pick up suddenly.
- Tours range from short, 90-minute excursions to full-day, 8-hour adventures.
When to Get There
Legendary Shores
Lake Manapouri
Stunning Lake Manapouri surrounded by the majestic Cathedral Ranges and dotted with thirty-four islands, is beautiful and impressive. The mountains, which make up the north, south and west sides of the lake, descend into the water creating lovely waterfalls and isolated sandy coves perfect for swimming and picnics.
The small town of Manapouri (pop. 300) lies on the east coast and is the major jumping off point for people heading to Doubtful Sound as it can be reached by boat from the Waiau River which feeds the lake.
There are a number of walking tracks around the lake, including the well known Manapouri Track which leads you up Mt. Titiroa to take in the beautiful lake views before finishing with a swim in the lake. Lesser known walks include Percy’s Pass and Dusky Track.
Fishing is also popular on the lake and suits the experienced and novices alike. If you’re after a workout then kayaks are available depending on the weather.
Practical Info
The lake is outside your door if you’re in Manapouri, otherwise it is a 15 minute drive from Te Anau or 2.5 hour drive from Queenstown.
Mitre Peak
Practical Info
Lake Tekapo
Practical Info
Queenstown Hill
Practical Info
Queenstown Garden
Practical Info
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Practical Info
Christchurch Gondola
Practical Info
Otago Central
If you're seeking the thrill of a fine glass of wine or a round of golf then Central Otago could be just your place. The hottest, coldest and driest part of New Zealand is also home to some of its most adorable towns and finer vineyards.
The capital of Central Otago is Alexandra and its boutique hotels are a great base for exploring. The highlights of Central Otago (besides its gourmet delights) include the very well-preserved gold-rush towns of Ophir and St Bathans, the art-deco charms of Ranfurly and the picturesque orchards of the fruit-bowl area surrounding Cromwell.
Eleven golf courses dot the countryside and curling (the ancient Scottish sport) is popular in Naseby where you can play in year-round facilities. Otherwise the majority of action takes place along the Central Otago Rail Trail with walkers, cyclists and horse riders all enjoying the gentle gradient of the former railway line.
Practical Info
Queenstown is 40 minutes drive from Cromwell and an hour’s drive from Alexandra. Dunedin is 2.5 hours drive from Alexandra. A car is the best way to explore the area, moving at your own relaxed pace.
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
- The Botanic Gardens are a must-see for gardeners, arborists, architecture enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a relaxing oasis away from the bustle of the city.
- This family-friendly destination features a children’s playground that’s been popular since the early 1900s.
- Smoking is not allowed, nor are dogs permitted.
- You’ll find a cafe at the Visitor Centre, a restaurant at the Tudor-style Curator’s House, crisscross trails for walking, and inviting lawns for a picnic.
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools
Practical Info
Otago Museum
Practical Info
Lake Pukaki
Christchurch Tramway
- The Christchurch Tramway departs daily, every 15–20 minutes.
- Tickets are typically valid for one day.
- Use your ticket to hop on and hop off at 17 stops and create your own sightseeing itinerary.
- Some combo tours include convenient hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Children up to age 15 travel free; however, the Tramway Restaurant is not suitable for children under 10 years old.
Hollyford Track
Located two hours north of Te Anau on the road towards Milford Sound, the Hollyford Track is often overlooked in lieu of the Routeburn, Kepler, or Milford tracks. Whereas these more popular hikes weave their way through the mountains of the Southern Alps, the Hollyford meanders along the length of a valley which winds towards the Tasman Sea. It’s an area that Maori once used as a trade route for harvesting and selling pounamu (jade), and much of the wilderness remains entirely unchanged since the Maori once wandered this valley.
Following the length of the Hollyford Valley, the trail makes its way over multiple bridges which span the Hollyford River. It’s a corner of New Zealand which is much less frequented than many of the surrounding hikes, and it’s the perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts who are looking to avoid the crowds.
Given its length, however, anyone planning to hike on the Hollyford Track should be sure to arrive prepared. This 34-mile trek from the trailhead to the sea is often completed in four nights, but nearly all trekkers must turn back around and hike back the way they came. Along the way are six different huts which offer primitive backcountry bunks, and camping is allowed outside of the huts for those who have packed their own gear. Whereas the majority of hikers return along the same route, the truly intrepid can return to the trailhead along the rugged Pyke-Big Bay Track. There are also huts along this route to accommodate visiting trekkers, although the trail itself is best reserved for the most accomplished of backcountry navigators.
Even though hiking the Hollyford can be a logistical challenge, however, rewards for the effort can literally be found around every bend in the trail. Watch the sunrise over the waters of Lake Mckerrow, and walk in the shadow of glacially-formed mountains which pierce upwards towards the sky. Trek to a beach which is inaccessible by road, and scan the shoreline for Fiordland crested penguins or even the occasional seal. The Hollyford Track offers long-distance trekking away from all the crowds, and it’s the lone conduit through a segment of the South Island which has rarely been touched by man.
Hagley Park
Olveston
- A guided tour is necessary to see the interior of the house, but the gardens are free.
- Dunedin is a very hilly city and Olveston House is located on a hill, so walking there may not be suited to travelers with mobility issues.
- Not all of Olveston’s guided tours are the same. You can join a tour with morning tea, an art collector’s tour, and other themed options. Check the website for timings.
- Tours operate in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, French, German, and Japanese.