With just over 4 million people in its territory, New Zealand is one of the world’s least crowded countries, making it the perfect getaway for relaxation and becoming one with nature.
South Island in particular is a spectacular haven for nature-lovers. With its picturesque snow capped mountains, gorgeous fjords, and never-ending adventures, it offers a memorable trip for anyone.
The gorgeous landscape and classic Kiwi experiences attract millions of visitors from all over the world. Recently, BTS, the biggest boyband in the world, filmed in South Island for their travel show and fell in love – claiming it as their “favorite destination”.
Check out our list of the best things to do in South Island and find out how it can be your next favorite destination!
1. Go on a road trip with your own camper van
Campervan in New Zealand’s South Island | Iain Urquhart, Shutterstock
There are plenty of ways to get around the huge expanse of South Island, but the favorite is the classic camper van. It’s the perfect way to see all the island has to offer with the freedom to create your own schedule at your own pace. The best part? Driving on roads with unimaginable views, almost like a computer screensaver, and exclaiming “is this real?”.
2. Gear up at Kathmandu
View of Kathmandu retail shop | Emagnetic, Shutterstock
Kathmandu is one of the biggest retailers of clothing and travel/adventure equipment in New Zealand. Founded in 1987 in Christchurch, the outdoor shop offers apparel and gear to help adventurers take on the rugged landscape of New Zealand. Head to a Kathmandu store before you start your South Island adventure. Don’t forget to buy the perfect hiking shoes for you.
Kathmandu
Mountaineer Retail Building Cnr Beach &, Rees Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Admission: Free
Ph: +64 3-409 0880
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Rātā (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• The Bunker Restaurant (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Botswana Butchery (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Kathmandu.
The best hotel to stay near Kathmandu based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Hotel St Moritz Queenstown – MGallery (8.7/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
3. See Milford Sound
Mirror lakes along the way to Milford Sound, New Zealand | Christopher Meder, Shutterstock
A trip to South Island is practically unimaginable without seeing the grand Milford Sound. Located in Fiordland National Park, the stunning rock faces that rise high above the dark waters offers an otherworldly visual scenery. People often call it the eighth wonder of the world and also New Zealand’s most famous tourist destination. You can take a hike via the Milford Track; hop on a cruise around the fjord or see it from up high on a helicopter
Milford Sound
Fiordland National Park, Fiordland, New Zealand
Admission: $169 – $240 (tour package)
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Bao Now (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Fumi (5/5 stars, Takeout Restaurant, $$)
• FOGO Brazilian BBQ Experience (4.9/5 stars, Barbecue, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Milford Sound.
The best hotel to stay near Milford Sound based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Radfords on the Lake (9.3/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
4. Marvel at Lake Tekapo
Autumn in Lake Tekapo | Det-anan, Shutterstock
Lake Tekapo – New Zealand | Mark Gee, YouTube
When Lake Tekapo enters your sight, it’s hard not to gasp in awe. With the gorgeous turquoise waters of the lake against the picturesque snowy mountains of the Southern Alps, the sight at Lake Tekapo is a vision to behold. The iconic turquoise waters are a result of the glacier particles from the Southern Alps fusing with the warmer waters. Take a short walk to the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd with the colorful lupins for the best views of Lake Tekapo in South Island.
Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo, Canterbury 7999 New Zealand
Admission: $$
Ph: 080023538283
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Blue Lake Eatery & Bar (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Red Stag Restaurant (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Lisah’s Bar & Restaurant (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Lake Tekapo.
The best hotel to stay near Lake Tekapo based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Mt John Homestead (9.5/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
5. Stop by Farm Barn Cafe
Farm Barn Cafe | Farm Barn Cafe, Facebook
The long scenic drives in South Island can get tiring. Get refreshed and power up at many stop-over cafes along the highway. One of these cafes has a unique attraction: farm animals. Farm Barn Cafe has an area where you can pet and have close encounters with sheep and other farm animals as well as a play area. It also serves great coffee and has fantastic lunch options. The cafe is on the way to Mount Cook.
Farm Barn Cafe
4 Mount Michael Road, R D 17, Fairlie 7987, New Zealand
Admission: $$
Ph: +64 3-685 8271
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Old Library Cafe (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Lisah’s Bar & Restaurant (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Austin 92 Resturant (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Farm Barn Cafe.
The best hotel to stay near Farm Barn Cafe based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Mount Dobson Motel (8.5/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
6. Stargaze at Mount John Observatory
Mount John’s Observatory at Mt. John in autumn season | Photo by John Kasawa via Shutterstock
Mount John Observatory is one of the best places to visit in New Zealand to see the wonders of the night sky. Located at a hilltop overlooking Lake Tekapo, it is a magnificent spot to appreciate the lake from afar. The observatory is also home to New Zealand’s largest telescope.
Tour the observatory at night and watch the universe come alive through state of the art telescopes, guided by the educational hosts. Millions of stars, galaxies, and planets can be seen on clear nights.
Mt John Observatory
2F77+VM Lake Tekapo, Canterbury, New Zealand
Admission: $10.25 ($10.00 + $0.25 fees)
Ph: +64 3-680 6000
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Blue Lake Eatery & Bar (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• FishTail restaurant and bar (4.6/5 stars, Indian, $$)
• Ben Ohau Road Cheese (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Mt John Observatory.
The best hotel to stay near Mt John Observatory based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Lakestone Lodge (9.7/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
7. Take photos at Lake Pukaki
Lake Pukaki, New Zealand | Dmitry Pichugin, Shutterstock
Lake Pukaki, South Island, New Zealand | Nick Gregory – Queenstown Real Estate Agent, YouTube
At 178 square kilometers, Lake Pukaki is the largest alpine lake in South Island. It is located on the edge of the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. The lake is world-famous for its unique, vibrant blue color, deemed so otherworldly that it has served as the backdrop for the famous Lord of the Rings movies.
Lake Pukaki
Mackenzie District, Canterbury region, South Island New Zealand
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Altitude 720 Cafe (5/5 stars, Cafe, $$$)
• Astro Cafe (4.6/5 stars, Cafe, $$)
• Panthers Rock Bar & Cafe (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Lake Pukaki.
The best hotel to stay near Lake Pukaki based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Te Waonui Forest Retreat (8.5/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
8. Walk the Hooker Valley Track
Lone traveler hiking on Hooker Valley Track in New Zealand | KYPhua, Shutterstock
One of the best walks you can take in New Zealand is the Hooker Valley Track. A relatively easy three-hour round trip, 5-kilometer trail, the scenic track takes you through the Hooker Valley and ultimately ending in a glacier lake with an amazing view of Mount Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain.
Make your way through the gravel paths and boardwalks as you immerse yourself in the natural wonders. Bring your cameras as the track has spectacular, sweeping views of the glacier lake and Mount Cook in the background.
Hooker Valley Track
Hooker Valley Track, Mt Cook National Park 7999, New Zealand
Admission: Free
Ph: +64 3 435 1186
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Blue Lake Eatery & Bar (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• FishTail restaurant and bar (4.6/5 stars, Indian, $$)
• Ben Ohau Road Cheese (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Hooker Valley Track.
The best hotel to stay near Hooker Valley Track based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• YHA Aoraki Mt Cook Backpacker Accommodation (9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
9. Experience outdoor spas at Hot Tubs Omarama
Hot Tubs Omarama | Mountain Bike Mt Cook, New Zealand, Wikimedia Commons
Hot Tubs Omarama | MustDoNewZealand, YouTube
Hot Tubs Omamara is an eco-friendly spa, with private tubs filled with fresh mountain waters and amazing views of the Omarama landscape. Imagine this: the gorgeous New Zealand landscape in your view as you submerge yourself in a relaxing hot tub. One of the weird and unique Kiwi experiences is to take a bath out in the wilderness.
Relax after a long day of exploring New Zealand by dipping in a private hot tub with amazing views of New Zealand. You can bring your own food and drinks, allowing you to truly unwind in the outdoor spa.
Hot Tubs Omarama
29 Omarama Ave, Main Omarama Twizel Highway, Omarama 9448, New Zealand
Admission: $$
Ph: +64 3-438 9703
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• The Wrinkly Rams (4.4/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• CJs Bar and Resturant (4.4/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Combined Services Club Twizel (4.1/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Hot Tubs Omarama.
The best hotel to stay near Hot Tubs Omarama based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Heartland Lodge (9.3/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
10. Get an adrenaline rush at Nevis Swing & Catapult
Nevis Swing & Catapult | AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand, Facebook
Nevis Swing & Catapult | AJ Hackett Bungy NZ, YouTube
Thrill seekers will love the Nevis Swing and Catapult. Nevis Swing, the most famous swing in the world, will swing you through the 300m arc by yourself or with a friend in tow. On the other hand, the Nevis Catapult, the world’s biggest catapult, will throw you 150m across the Nevis Valley, achieving speeds of 100 kph in 1.5 seconds.
Feel the adrenaline course through your veins with these exciting, superhero-inspired thrilling rides. Each one-of-a-kind experience is a luxury at 225 NZD, but it is well worth the price. The site is accessible through the Bungy Bus, departing from the company’s store in Queenstown.
Nevis Swing & Catapult
Queenstown Bungy Centre, Corner of Camp and Shotover Street, Queenstown, New Zealand
Admission: NZD$225.00 solo, swing tandem (per person) NZD$220.00
Ph: 0800 286 4958
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• FOGO Brazilian BBQ Experience (4.9/5 stars, Barbecue, $$$)
• Botswana Butchery (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Caribe Latin Kitchen (4.6/5 stars, Latin American, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Nevis Swing & Catapult.
The best hotel to stay near Nevis Swing & Catapult based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Azur Luxury Lodge (9.6/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
11. Enjoy Marlborough Sounds
Marlborough Sounds, view over French Pass | Ricard MC, Shutterstock
Exploring Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand | Tom Archer, YouTube
Spanning over one-fifth of the New Zealand coastline, the 150-km long Marlborough Sounds is the perfect destination to enjoy various outdoor activities. With its rolling green spaces and scenic sunken river valleys, it is a paradise for nature lovers.
There are plenty of things to do at Marlborough Sounds. You can walk or bike the 70-km Queen Charlotte Track, drive down the French Pass, swim with dolphins, or just take a cruise around the tranquil Marlborough Sounds. You are sure to find something to enjoy in the natural wonder.
Marlborough Sounds
Picton 7220, New Zealand
Ph: +64 3-577 5587
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• The Chartroom Restaurant (4.5/5 stars, Fine dining, $$$)
• Nosh Patisserie (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Jai Ho Indian Restaurant (4.8/5 stars, Indian, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Marlborough Sounds.
The best hotel to stay near Marlborough Sounds based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Escape To Picton Boutique Hotel (8.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
12. Get in touch with nature: Go camping
Man looking at lake by illuminated tent at dusk | Photo by sirtravelalot via Shutterstock
One of the best ways to enjoy the various natural landscapes of New Zealand is to truly immerse yourself in it, that is – go camping! The camping-friendly South Island offers many campsites where you can really become one with nature as you experience life out in the wilderness.
Set up camp at any of the campsites across South Island and wake up to the beautiful New Zealand scenery. Before you go, get yourself acquainted with the country’s rules on camping and familiarize yourself with the types of campsites so you can choose the one that’s best for you.
13. See New Zealand from a different perspective
Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters | Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters
While the country’s natural wonders are easily accessible by land or by sea, seeing them from the sky offers a new and unique perspective. Take flight and view the surreal alpine scenery South Island has to offer. There are plenty of agencies offering luxury helicopter flights.
Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters is one of the most popular agencies, as they have handled the aerial filming for the Lord of the Rings movies. They offer a helicopter flight tour with an alpine landing, allowing you to experience untouched snow up in the alpine ranges.
Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters
35 Lucas Place, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Admission: $$
Ph: +64 3-442 3016
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Frank’s + Go (4.5/5 stars, Takeout, $$$)
• Saigon Kingdom Vietnamese Restaurant Remarkables (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Paulies Fish n Chips Queenstown (4.8/5 stars, Fish & chips, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters.
The best hotel to stay near Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• The Rees Hotel, Luxury Apartments & Lakeside Residences (9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
14. Explore Glenorchy
Glenorchy wharf wooden pier, South island of New Zealand | Andrii Slonchak, Wikimedia Commons
A trip to Glenorchy | Queenstown NZ, YouTube
Located in the northern shores of Lake Wakatipu, Glenorchy is a small rustic town that is gaining international popularity. The town is surrounded by amazing and out of this world landscapes which have become the staple for many fantasy films like Lord of the Rings and Narnia.
Visit the many filming locations located in the town and recreate your favorite scenes, or go on a hike to absorb the gorgeous views you saw on the big screen. There are plenty of activities to partake in a small town. A popular favorite is going horseback riding in the wide plains.
Glenorchy
Otago 9372 New Zealand
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Kinloch Lodge Restaurant (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Steamer Wharf (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Attiqa Bar & Med Kitchen (4.6/5 stars, Bar & Kitchen, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Glenorchy.
The best hotel to stay near Glenorchy based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Eichardt’s Private Hotel (8.9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
15. Catch a whopper of a fish
Photo of a boy sitting on dock fishing in Tauranga Harbour New Zealand | Photo by Brian S via Shutterstock
New Zealand’s amazing selection of bodies of water offers many opportunities to fish. As a result, it has an excellent fishing culture and beginners to expert anglers have many ways to enjoy the sport. Head out on a chartered boat to the waters and spend an afternoon fishing or fish along the shallow rivers and lake shores to enjoy the fish-filled waters of New Zealand.
16. Have fun at the Queenstown Skyline Luge
Luge track with beautiful lake and mountain at Skyline, Queenstown | aiaikawa, Shutterstock
Queenstown Skyline Luge | Skyline Queenstown, YouTube
Seeking more adventure? Queenstown offers a fun, fast-paced activity: the Skyline Luge. Think bumper cars, minus the motor, but at breakneck speeds. The luge has two tracks to choose from as you go down the hill and the scenic alpine views whiz past you.
Best enjoyed with family and friends, hop on the thrilling luge, making your way through the curves and bumps of the tracks. As you get off at the end, run to the chairlift and go up to do it again! The luge opens daily at 10 am.
Skyline Luge Queenstown
Brecon Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Admission: $$
Ph: +64 3-441 0101
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Botswana Butchery (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Fergburger (4.6/5 stars, Hamburger, $$)
• The Bunker Restaurant (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Skyline Luge Queenstown.
The best hotel to stay near Skyline Luge Queenstown based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Sofitel Queenstown – Hotel & Spa (9.2/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
17. Appreciate art at Christchurch
A walk around the city, Christchurch New Zealand | Jocelyn Kinghorn, Flickr
Christchurch is brimming with contemporary art. The 2011 earthquake may have closed some galleries in the city, but the art scene is thriving with newly open galleries, active exhibit spaces and public art dotting the city. SCAPE Public Art has a walkway displaying the many sculptures and artworks that are bringing life into the vibrant city.
SCAPE Public Art at Christchurch
794 Colombo Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Admission: Free
Ph: +64 3 365 7990
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Habanero’s Urban Mexican Grill (5/5 stars, Tex-Mex, $$$)
• Twenty Seven Steps (4.7/5 stars, Modern European, $$)
• Inati restaurant (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near SCAPE Public Art at Christchurch.
The best hotel to stay near SCAPE Public Art at Christchurch based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• The Classic Villa (9.1/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
18. Immerse yourself in the coffee culture
The Origin coffee shop | Courtesy of The Origin
The coffee scene in New Zealand is in a league of its own. Try out the many coffee shops all over South Island for your caffeine kick. The country prides itself in many independent and trendy cafes, with micro-roasters who serve the best and innovative coffee concoctions. Check out The Origin, famed as one of the best coffee shops in Christchurch, for great brews and vegetarian meal options.
The Origin
95 Westminster Street Corner of Cranford Street &, Westminster Street, St Albans, Christchurch 8014, New Zealand
Price range: $$
Ph: +64 3-355 5939
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• Gatherings Restaurant and Living Wine Bar (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Pedro’s House of Lamb (4.5/5 stars, Takeout, $$)
• Chillingworth Road (4.6/5 stars, Fine dining, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near The Origin.
The best hotel to stay near The Origin based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Colombo In The City (8.8/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
19. Become a wine connoisseur in the Gibbston Valley
Gibbston Valley winery in Central Otago | Rolf_52, Shutterstock
Gibbston Valley Wines | GibbstonValleyWines, YouTube
Gibbston Valley is called “Valley of the Vines” for good reason – it is home to New Zealand’s internationally acclaimed wineries. The valley also has the most scenic wine orchards, perfect for your next Instagram photo or a romantic walk with your loved one. Taste the outstanding wine selection at the many top-notch wineries in the valley.
Gibbston Valley
1820 State Highway 6 Queenstown, New Zealand 9371
Tour costs: $$
Ph: +64 (0) 3 442 6910
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby according to locals and visitors:
• The Meat Preachers (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Hikari Teppanyaki Queenstown (4.7/5 stars, Teppanyaki, $$)
• St Pierre’s Sushi (4.5/5 stars, Sushi, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Gibbston Valley.
The best hotel to stay near Gibbston Valley based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Stoneridge Estate Queenstown (9.2/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
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