Choose from 89 Fun Things to Do in South Island
Nevis Swing
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Picton Cruise Port
How to Get to Picton
Cruise ships dock at the Waitohi Wharf, about a half mile from the center of Picton. There is no bus service in Picton, but taxis are generally available to make the short trip into town.
One Day in Picton
A day in Picton is likely to be an active one. Spend an hour exploring the town on foot, perhaps stopping at the small Picton Museum along the way. Then, move on to any one of a number of outdoor activities. Dive to the wreck of a Soviet cruise ship or join a dolphin watching cruise. Hike along the Queen Charlotte Walkway or to the Snout, a peninsula between Picton and Waikawa Bay. Biking, kayaking, fishing and sailing are all great options as well.
If you’re looking for souvenirs before you depart, try the Oriel Gallery or The Gallery for jewelry, paintings, photographs and other crafts from local artists.
Port Information
Kawarau River
- The region is a must-visit for nature lovers and water-sports enthusiasts.
- Tours, activities, and day trips most often include hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Remember to dress for variable weather, bring sturdy footwear, and wear sun protection.
Mount Cook Hermitage Hotel
Don’t miss the chance to stay in New Zealand’s most famous hotel, the Hermitage.
In prime position with fabulous views of Mount Cook, there’s been a hotel on this site since 1884. Several incarnations later, the current building dates from the late 1950s, with a new multistory wing which was added in the past decade.
A visit is a must even if you’re not staying here. The hotel has a well-regarded restaurant, offering a la carte, buffet or informal cafe-style dining. And, of course, a drink with mountain views at the bar, beside a crackling fireside, is another essential Mount Cook experience.
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The Hermitage hotel dominates the northern edge of Mount Cook village. The hotel’s chalets, motel rooms and lodge accommodation are in several locations around the village.
Mt. Aspiring National Park
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Milford Track
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Marlborough Sounds
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Mount Cook (Aoraki)
The highest peak in New Zealand, the magnificent Mt. Cook (Aoraki) stands 12,349 feet (3,764 meters) tall.
The Maori name Aoraki means "cloud piercer" and its striking beauty makes it one of the island's finest mountains. Of New Zealand’s 27 mountains over 8,400 feet (3,000 meters) 22 of them are in this mountain range offering a spectacular display of snow-capped peaks and lush rainforested slopes.
The mountains glacial lakes are popular with people wanting to fish and sail while the rest of the mountain offers horse riding, 4x4 safaris, scenic flights and excellent mountain climbing for experienced climbers. Sir Edmund Hillary reached the summit of Mt. Cook in 1948 before climbing Everest in 1953.
The Tasman Glacier falls down the east side of the mountain with the Hooker Glacier falls to the west. It is possible to take guided skiing trips on Tasman Glacier while Hooker Glacier offers some excellent walking tracks.
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Mount Cook Village is also referred to as "The Hermitage" and is situated 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) from the summit. It’s a popular base with climbers and tourists. It is a 2.5 hour drive from both Christchurch and Queenstown.
Larnach Castle
- High tea is served daily in the Ballroom Cafe; bookings should be made in advance.
- The castle gardens have been rated by the New Zealand Gardens Trust as a Garden of International Significance, so don’t fail to check them out.
- The castle itself is a private residence, but visitors can stay at accommodations on the grounds, from 4-star Larnach Lodge to more budget options at the Stable Stay.
Mackenzie Basin
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Penguin Place
- You are allowed to take photos at Penguin Place, but don’t use a flash as it can scare the birds.
- The reserve tour is only suitable for travelers with good mobility, as it covers more than 0.5 miles (1 kilometer) and includes quite a lot of steps.
- The wildlife seen on guided tours can vary day to day, so you could be in for a surprise!
- Penguin Place has its own lodge with budget accommodation (closed from May to August.)
Milford Sound
- The weather in Milford Sound can be unpredictable, so prepare for wind and rain even in summer.
- If hiking, wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, as places to purchase supplies are limited.
- Cell phone coverage is limited, but free Wi-Fi is available at the Milford Sound Information Center.
- Most Milford Sound cruises are wheelchair accessible, but not all activities within Fiordland National Park are accessible to those with limited mobility, so it’s best to check in advance.
Milford Sound Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory
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Jack's Point Golf Course
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Marlborough
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Port Hills
International Antarctic Centre
Experience everything you want to know about the icy continent of Antarctica at the International Antarctic Centre, from indoor ice storms to Hagglund rides and penguins.
Feeding time at the NZ Penguin encounter is hugely popular, as is the Penguin Backstage Pass tour for an up-close view of these cute creatures.
Go for a rough and ready ride on the Hagglund all-terrain vehicle, watch snow being made and throw snowballs, chill out in an ice cave and see displays of Antarctic wildlife. Don’t worry about keeping warm: chillproof jackets and overshoes are provided.
Practical Info
The International Antarctic Centre is a 15-minute drive northwest of central Christchurch, just across the road from the city’s airport.
The free Penguin Express bus leaves hourly from Canterbury Museum on Rolleston Avenue.