Wondering what to add to your itinerary in NZ?
Below is my selection of the 25 best things to do in New Zealand South island: best attractions, best views, best wildlife experiences, best drives…
All the must-see (in my opinion) with pictures to help you decide if you want to add them to your itinerary.
Content
10 best things to do in New Zealand South Island
Let’s start with my absolute top 10 favorites
1. Drive Arthur’s Pass – best road in NZ south island
- Why visit –
Arthur’s pass is definitively my favorite road in New Zealand. It has it all: mountains, lakes, rock formations, waterfalls… At each turn you discover a new magnificent scenery where the mountains seem to have been painted by mother Nature. - Location –
South Island
Northern half, between Christchurch and Greymouth
Christchurch to Arthur’s pass village = 2h drive - Access / Cost / Time –
The road is sinuous with a few steep sections but not difficult overall.
Free access to the road and to the attractions
Plan a full day to explore the area - Tips –
I recommend spending the night in Arthur’s pass. This way you have 2 opportunities to see the road under a correct weather. The afternoon before and the next morning. You increase your chances of seeing it in its full glory. - Where to stay nearby –
Check out the accommodations in Arthur’s pass
2. Play with the Moeraki Boulders
- Why visit –
The Moeraki boulders are one of the most fascinating geological wonders in New Zealand South island.
Most of those giant round rocks are 1 to 2m in diameter and can be up to 3m (weighing several tonnes).
They formed 65 to 13million years ago. Erosion is revealing them on the beach.
See more photos on my article about them. - Location –
East Coast, Southern half
North of Dunedin
Dunedin to Moeraki Boulders = 1h drive - Access / Cost / Time –
Easy access just off Road 1
Free access from the beach public carpark – or 2NZD donation box from the café
Plan 30min to a couple of hours depending on your love fro geology. - Tips –
The best time is at Mid to low tide and at sunrise. This way you have access to all of them and get reflections on the wet sand.
The light in the morning is perfect. - Where to stay nearby –
Check out the accommodations in Hampden / Moeraki
3. Be an astronomer at Tekapo – best view in South Island New Zealand?
- Why visit –
Lake Tekapo is one of the beautiful glacial lakes in South island. It is surrounded by mountains.
Located in the Dark sky reserve, it is home to the Mt John Observatory.
Even if you are not here to visit during the night, go up there during the day to admire the lake from above. The colors are fascinating! - Location –
Center of NZ South island
Christchurch to Tekapo = 3h drive
Queenstown to Tekapo = 3h drive - Access / Cost / Time –
On Road 8 – Easy drive (but mountainous)
Free access to Lake
8NZD access to Observatory by car during the day (or you can hike up there for free).
1h at the observatory to take in the view - Tips –
Walk by the water to admire its color.
Don’t miss the most famous church in New Zealand: the church of the Good Shepherd.
You can also book nighttime tours to the observatory – Check out program and book - Where to stay nearby –
Check out the best rated accommodations in Tekapo
4. Marvel at the vertical walls of Milford Sound
- Why visit –
Milford Sound is the most famous of all the fjords in NZ. It is included in all the lists of best things to do in New Zealand. And for good reasons: accessible by car, it has some of the most vertical cliffs and many beautiful waterfalls. Whatever the weather, the cruise will allow you to marvel at this magnificent work of Nature. - Location –
West Coast, West of Te Anau
Te Anau to Milford Sound = 2h
Queenstown to Milford Sound = 4h drive - Access / Cost / Time –
Free access to the road until the carparks.
Pay for one of the cruises.
Plan at least a full day (Staying before and after in Te Anau, will reduce your driving time) - Tips –
I recommend planning a good amount of time to also appreciate the road to Milford Sound. There are many sights and attractions to see along the way. But complete them on the way back so you don’t have to rush to be on time for your cruise.
There are also day trips from the main surrounding lakes if you want to just seat back and relax and con’t worry about parking at the end.
See all the options on Getyourguide - Where to stay nearby –
Check out the best rated accommodations in Te Anau
5. Enter a fantasy world at the Omarama Clay Cliffs
- Why visit –
The shapes and colors of those clay cliffs are fascinating. If you are like me and love rock formations, you cannot miss it. It is not very well known, but it was to my opinion one of the best places in the South island of New Zealand.
See many more photos on my article - Location –
Center of the island
Near Omarama, South of Lake Pukaki
Queenstown to clay cliffs = 2h50 drive
Pukaki to clay cliffs = 40min drive - Access / Cost / Time –
Off Road 8 – 7km on gravel road + 10min walk slightly uphill
Pay 5NZD at the white box at the entrance
Plan 2h for drive + walk + enjoying the scenery - Tips –
Prefer the morning for better light. - Where to stay nearby –
Check out the best rated accommodations in Omarama
6. Enter the darkness at Cathedral Caves – best thing to do in lower South Island
- Why visit –
The Cathedral caves are only accessible around low tide. The giant 30m high caves are quite impressive.
You can even walk rom one to the other since they connect at the back.
Plus to walk from the carpark through forest to the beach is stunning.
Not to be mixed up with Cathedral cove in North island.
See more photos - Location –
South East coast, in the Catlins
South of Dunedin
Dunedin to Cathedral caves = 2h drive - Access / Cost / Time –
Last 2km are unpaved and quite bumpy
20min walk down hill + 10walk on beach (and walk back up at the end)
Plan 1h30 to 2h
5NZD to pay to carpark attendants - Tips –
Start your visit before low tide so you don’t have to rush as the tide is closing the caves. Plus you will get fantastic reflections. - Where to stay nearby –
Check out the accommodations in Curio bay and the Catlins (further South with beach, dolphins and penguins)
7. Chase the reflections at Wharariki beach
- Why visit –
One of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand is Wharariki and one of my best memories from NZ South island. The giant seastacks stand tall above the large flat sand area.
Plus you can see seal pups playing is natural pools (check #11 further in the article)
More photos here - Location –
North West tip of South island, close to the Spit
Nelson to Wharariki beach = 2h40 drive - Access / Cost / Time –
Last 6km are unsealed + 20min walk to the beach + 10min walk through the sand dunes
Free access
Plan half a day - Tips –
Go at least 1h before low tide so you have plenty of time to check out both the reflections of the stacks and the seal pups - Where to stay nearby –
Check out the accommodations in Collingwood
Need to rent a car in New Zealand?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Prefer a car with enough power for the mountain areas
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
8. Feel small between the Castle Hill Rocks (Kura Tawhiti)
- Why visit –
I love rock formations so much that I have selected others within my top 10 of the best things to do in New Zealand South Island…
Kura Tawhiti are not round boulders. But they are massive, up to 30m high (98ft) and surrounded by magnificent mountains. It is really fun to get lost in the Labyrinth they create.
See more photos - Location –
Along Arthur’s pass drive, between Christchurch and Greymouth
Christchurch to Castle Hill Rocks = 1h15 drive - Access / Cost / Time –
Along Road 73 – 5min walk from carpark
Free access
Plan 2h to explore - Tips –
Have fun looking at the shapes and imagine animals and mystical creatures. - Where to stay nearby –
Check out the best rated accommodations in Christchurch
9. Visit a young cave at Te Anau
- Why visit –
It is 3 in 1 experience! One of the best attractions in New Zealand South island.
First you enjoy a beautiful cruise on Lake Te Anau with its islands, and arms.
Then you get to visit a young cave will in “rapid” transformation with its waterfall. Most caves you can visit around the world are old with impressive stalagmites and stalactites. This one is a lot younger without those formations but being cut and transformed by water at a higher speed.
Plus you enjoy a short boat ride in the dark to see a sky of glowworms! - Location –
Departure fro the center of Te Anau
Queenstown to Te Anau = 2h drive - Access / Cost / Time –
Price of the tour
Not difficult to walk inside the cave
2h30 - Tips –
If you are afraid of the dark or claustrophobic, DO NOT go.
Not photos allowed inside the cave
Afternoon tours get full quickly – book early - Where to stay nearby –
Check out the best rated accommodations in Te Anau
10. Relax or get an adrenaline rush at Lake Wakatipu (Queenstown)
- Why visit –
Queenstown is the most famous town in South island. It is the Adrenaline capital of the world.
But even if you are not into skydiving, canyoning or bungy jumping there is so much to do. Starting by simply enjoying Lake Wakatipu, one of the most beautiful lakes in New Zealand… - Location –
Queenstown is the main town in the South East part of South island
Christchurch to Queenstown = 6h drive
Dunedin to Queenstown = 3h30 drive - Access / Cost / Time –
Free to drive around the lake
All level of prices for activities from renting a Kayak to an helicopter tour with glacier landing to private wine tour… - Tips –
Plan at least 2 days on your road trip
Queenstown is also a great place as a base for a 1 week holiday
Check out the many activities in Queenstown - Where to stay nearby –
Check out the best rated accommodations in Queenstown
Attractions in South Island New Zealand – Tourism Map
Want a general idea of where those top 10 attractions are located? Below is my NZ tourism maps with those 10 to help you plan your road trip around New Zealand.
Want more?
The complete maps with my selection of the most amazing attractions in New Zealand South island are available in my eBooks:
Plan your dream trip to New Zealand with my guides!
- 12 easy-to-plan maps
- 200+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates
- Useful planning tips
- 285+ large photos
- 6 easy-to-plan maps
- 110+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates
- Useful planning tips
- 190+ large photos
Wildlife highlights – 3 Tourists attractions in South Island
11. Seal Pups at Wharariki beach
- Why visit –
OMG. I was not expecting that. I had heard about the seal pups of Wharariki beach but it was so much more than I imagine. At low tide , pools remain on the beach and wild seal pups play freely in the water. They are so happy to be swimming around. You can stand and watch quietly. The adults are used to having humans around and remain calm. But be warned, that you might not realise how long you have been staring at them!
More Photos and a video here - Location –
North West tip of South island, close to the Spit
Nelson to Wharariki beach = 2h40 drive - Access / Cost / Time –
Last 6km are unsealed + 20min walk to the beach + 10 walk through the sand dunes
Free access
Plan half a day - Tips –
Go at least 1h before low tide so you have plenty of time to check out both the reflections of the stacks (#7) and the seal pups - Where to stay nearby –
Check out the best rated accommodations in Collingwood
12. Swimming with wild dolphins in Kaikoura
- Why visit –
Kaikoura has a special geography with mountains and underwater canyon, attracting many large ocean mammals. It is famous for its whale watching but my favorite activity is swimming with wild dolphins.
You are right in the middle of the ocean and as soon as you find a pod of wild dolphins you jump in the water and they swim around you out of curiosity
More photos on my article - Location –
Kaikoura, North East coast - Access / Cost / Time –
1 or 2 days to stop in Kaikoura on your road trip
Christchurch to Kaikoura = 2h30 drive
Picton (ferry) to Kaikoura = 2h drive - Tips –
Make sure you don’t eat too much before (as boat and water move a lot) but eat a little to have enough strength - Where to stay nearby –
Check out the best rated accommodations in Kaikoura
13. Penguins on the South East Coast
- Why visit –
The South East coast of South island is home to several penguin colonies including little blue penguins and the rare yellow-eyed penguins.
Oamaru is ‘penguintown’ with a complete set up with benches and commentary.
But there are also many wild areas where you can seat in the distance and hope to spot penguins such as Curio bay or Katiki point lighthouse (with no guarantee of course) - Location –
The South East Coast from Dunedin down to the Catlins and to Stewart island - Access / Cost / Time –
Free access in wild area – Oamaru is a guided tour
You will be more likely to spot them at dusk
Be patient - Tips –
Bring layers of clothes to protect yourself from the wind and the cold (gloves, hat…).
And bring binoculars to see them better (check out my comparison guide to choose your binoculars) - Where to stay nearby –
Check out the best rated accommodations in Oamaru
Where to stay in New Zealand?
My favorites on North Iceland:
- In Auckland, to explore the vibrant city – see best rated accommodations
- In Rotorua, to visit the geothermal parks – see best rated accommodations
- In Wellington, to feel the vibe of the capital city – see best rated accommodations
- In New Plymouth, to admire Mount Taranaki – see best rated accommodations
My favorites on South Island:
- In Kaikoura, for dolphins and whales – see best rated accommodations
- In Queenstown, for the mountains – see best rated accommodations
- In Dunedin, to explore the Catlins – see best rated accommodations
- In Lake Tekapo, to admire Lake Pukaki, Mount cook and the Dark Sky – see accommodations
- …
7 Best places to visit in the New Zealand South Island mountains
14. Head to Paradise via Glenorchy
- Why visit –
Don’t stop in Queenstown. Continue driving along the lake towards Glenorchy… the scenery is stunning! with mountains and glacier.
You can even keep driving past Glenorchy on a gravel road to the tiny village of Paradise 🙂 - Location –
Glenorchy is along Lake Wakatipu, north of Queenstown
Queenstown to Glenorchy = 45min - Access / Cost / Time –
Plan at least 3hours to stop along the drive, walk in Glenorchy and if you can take the gravel road to Paradise - Tips –
My favorite stop is at the Bennets Bluff lookout - Where to stay nearby –
Check out the accommodations in Glenorchy (for those looking for something quieter than Queenstown)
15. Drive the Lindis Pass
- Why visit –
The Lindis pass is another of my favorite drives in New Zealand. But quite different from Arthur’s pass (#1).
The shapes of the bare mountains are so beautiful that it can get dangerous by the driver as he/she gets distracted… - Location –
On road 8 between Omarama and Wanaka
Wanaka to Lindis pass viewpoint = 1h drive
Pukaki to Lindis pass viewpoint = 45min - Access / Cost / Time –
Easy drive (sinuous but not technically difficult) - Tips –
If you can drive a little in both directions around the viewpoint (there are stopping area where you can turn around). Because the views are different and interesting in both directions. - Where to stay nearby –
Check out the best rated accommodations in Wanaka
16. Watch glacial valleys around Lake Pukaki
- Why visit –
At the North end of Lake Pukaki you can find several walks to glaciers and their lakes.
I recommend the walk up the staircase to the Tasman glacier: not so much for the glacier itself, but for the view of the valley in the other direction! - Location –
Mount Cook village at the end of Road 80
Pukaki (south of the lake) to Mount Cook = 40min drive
Queenstown to Pukaki = 2h30 - Access / Cost / Time –
Free access to all the hikes
Plan 45min for the Tasman Glacier walk, longer for the others - Tips –
Even if you can’t walk much, drive all the way to Mount Cook and turn to the carpark of the Tasman glacier walk. The drive is through the valley and quite impressive. Read my article - Where to stay nearby –
Check out the accommodations in Mount Cook village
17. Listen to the silence at Doubtful Sound
- Why visit –
The Fjord of Doubtful Sound is a lot less crowded than Milford Sound.
This tour combines a cruise on Lake Manapouri a bus transfer on the pass and the cruise in Doubtful sound.
Thanks to the isolation, the boat can stop and you can listen to complete silence. - Location –
Departure of the boat from Manapouri - Access / Cost / Time –
The tour is a fair bit of money but includes a lot of scenery!
It takes 2/3 of your day - Tips –
Sometimes you can get inside the pilot’s area. Don’t hesitate to go and ask questions! - Where to stay nearby –
Check out the best rated accommodations in Manapouri
18. Photograph the famous Tree Wanaka
- Why visit –
Probably the most famous tree in New Zealand (even more than the giant Kauri tree in North island).
It is probably due to its isolation in the water and the surrounding mountains. - Location –
Along the shore of Lake Wanaka. From the town center, when facing the lake, head left.
Queenstown to Wanaka = 1h drive - Access / Cost / Time –
Free access on the lake shore
10min to 1h depending on your photography obsession - Tips –
Best at sunrise to get the light on the tree and on the mountains behind - Where to stay nearby –
Check out the best rated accommodations in Wanaka
19. Admire reflections at Lake Matheson
- Why visit –
This is a classic in NZ. A favorite spot for photographers. Sadly the weather was really bad when I visited and I did not capture anything interesting.
But the even if the mountains are in the clouds, the walk around the lake with the forest and the moss is worth the time. - Location –
West of Fox Glacier town = 5min drive
Queenstown to Fox Glacier = 4h30 - Access / Cost / Time –
Easy and Free access
Plan 1h30 to complete the loop - Tips –
Best at sunset (West coast) - Where to stay nearby –
Check out the best rated accommodations in Fox Glacier town
20. Visit one of the glaciers such as Franz Josef
- Why visit –
There are 2 famous glaciers on the West coast: Fox and Franz Josef. My favorite is Franz Josef with the nice valley, the trees, the waterfalls and the angle of the view. See my comparison article. - Location –
Central West Coast
South of Greymouth
Greymouth to Franz Josef = 2h15 drive
Wanaka to Franz Josef = 4h drive - Access / Cost / Time –
Free access
Large carpark – complete walk 1h30 return. But you can go to a viewpoint further from the glacier in 25min - Tips –
There are some gorgeous colorful rocks along the way. Look down! - Where to stay nearby –
Check out the best rated accommodations in Franz Josef town
And keep track of your own trip!
3 Coastal walk and activities in South Island New Zealand
21. Cruise & Walk at Abel Tasman
- Why visit –
Abel Tasman National Park is one of the most famous places sin New Zealand South island. It is dues to the fine golden sand beaches and the many opportunity for easy hiking.
You can either walk or take a boat around the park or both! - Location –
North coast of South Island, West of Nelson
Most boat departures are from Kaiteriteri beach
Nelson to Kaiteriteri = 1h drive - Access / Cost / Time –
Free access to the park – Boat rides for a fee
Plan half a day to a day.
Multidy walks also possible - Tips –
If you have only a short time – use the ferry boat as a cruise. You can stay on board and see most of the main beaches along the way, as well as dolphins - Where to stay nearby –
Check out the best rated accommodations in Kaiteriteri
22. Enter the cliff at Tunnel Beach (Best on New Zealand South Island East Coast)
- Why visit –
This is some of the most beautiful coastal cliffs in NZ South island. The walk down with the view of the bridge is gorgeous.
Plus you can walk inside a man-carved tunnel to reach a hidden sandy beach
See more pictures on my Tunnel Beach article - Location –
Just South of Dunedin
Dunedin to Tunnel beach = 10min drive - Access / Cost / Time –
The carpark is not very big but easy to access.
The walk is quite steep (30 to 40min return). Downhill on the way to the beach. No shade
Free access - Tips –
Visit at low tide! - Where to stay nearby –
Check out the best rated accommodations in Dunedin
23. Punakaiki rocks
- Why visit –
This is another one of the most famous geological wonders in New Zealand. The formation of the Pancake Rocks is not yet fully understood by the geologists.
The whole area is covered with them stacked on top of each other.
Erosion has created pools and a blowhole in between. - Location –
North West Coast
North of Greymouth, on road 6
Greymouth to Punakaiki = 40min - Access / Cost / Time –
Easy walking loop – free access (donations welcomed)
Direct access from Road 6 - Tips –
Visit at high tide for a chance to see the blowhole blow up (but this is not guaranteed) - Where to stay nearby –
Check out the best rated accommodations in Punakaiki
I don’t drink coffee 
But I also like other drinks and sweets!
Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…
What to do in New Zealand’s South Island – other suggestions
24. Wine Marlborough
- Why visit –
The South island of New Zealand is also home of one of the most well-known New Zealand wines: Marlborough.
The vineyards are on a flatland surrounded by hills creating beautiful scenery. All the wineries are very close together so you can easily do a tasting tour 🙂 - Location –
All around Blenheim, North of South island
Picton (ferry arrival) to Blenheim = 25min drive - Access / Cost / Time –
Free access to drive between the vineyards.
You can visit or taste at many of them.
Plan a drive through on your way to Kaikoura or stay longer to taste the local wines. - Tips –
At the Vines Village, you can walk to the back where they have set up a platform to better photograph the lines of vines. - Where to stay nearby –
Check out the best rated accommodations in Blenheim
25. Drive the rim at Akaroa
- Why visit –
And let’s finish with another one of my favorite drives in New Zealand. This is quite different. The Banks peninsula is an ancient volcanic area.
The upper road to Akaroa is on the rim of the ancient volcano, where water has entered on one side. This scenery is fantastic in every direction. - Location –
South of Christchurch
Christchurch to Akaroa = 1h20 drive via the shore road or 1h50 via the rim - Access / Cost / Time –
Free access
The road on the rim is narrow but has a lot less traffic. - Tips –
I recommend spending the night in Akaroa to enjoy the changes in colors with the light - Where to stay nearby –
Check out the best rated accommodations in Akaroa
Planning a South Island New Zealand Road Trip itinerary
Must-see New Zealand South Island destinations
When planning your trip I do think the unmissable destinations / regions are: Tekapo-Pukaki, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Kaikoura, Abel Tasman.
But I have been blown away everywhere, so it is really difficult to tell you where not to go…
Planning your NZ South Island road trip
Tips to consider when planning your Road Trip itinerary around South Island NZ:
- The island is quite long with mountains – driving times are thus longer
- For wildlife, the East Coast is best,
- For dreamy beaches, head North
- And for mountains of fjords head South West
- You can check out my suggested itineraries around the South Island
- or Check out my eBooks with practical maps to help you plan your NZ road trip:
Plan your dream trip to New Zealand with my guides!
- 12 easy-to-plan maps
- 200+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates
- Useful planning tips
- 285+ large photos
- 6 easy-to-plan maps
- 110+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates
- Useful planning tips
- 190+ large photos
And keep track of your own trip!
Things to do in New Zealand North Island – Intro
North island also has a lot off amazing things to do with volcanoes, geothermal wonderlands and coastal landscapes. You can check out my Top 25.
And if you are limited time and need to choose between North and South island, you can also read my comparison article to help you decide.
Want to see more of New Zealand?
- New Zealand in 50 photos – read article
- 20 Best waterfalls in New Zealand – read article
- 15 most beautiful beaches in New Zealand – read article
- New Zealand hidden gems – read article
- How to plan a New Zealand road trip – read article
- New Zealand 2 week itinerary – read article
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