The darling of New Zealand and the not-so-secret better of the two islands is the South Island.  It’s massive.  It’s dramatic.  It’s wild.  It’s the adventure capital.  It’s epic.  While we still say the top things to do in the North Island rival the South, it’s almost unfair when you factor in the sweeping mountains, towering fjords, and carpets of glaciers.

With an opportunity to spend 3 weeks in New Zealand that combined both an independent road trip and group touring with Flying Kiwi, we marveled at just how incredibly easy it was to fall in love with the country all over again despite it being our second time to New Zealand.  It’s a country that tempts you to get up close and your hands a little dirty as well.  Here are our top favorite places and activities that everyone should have on their bucket list when planning a trip to NZ.

It’s hard not to have your breath taken away in the South Island.

What You’ll Get Out Of This Article

  • Discover where the best scenery is on the South Island including sea blowholes, sweeping glaciers, and the epic Milford Sound.
  • Get the details on the most incredible place to skydive in New Zealand.
  • Learn where is the best place to enjoy famous New Zealand wines, and learn about their production.
  • We give you the scoop on horseback riding, the best way to explore stunning landscapes.
  • For every activity we give you the details on what to pack, how to prepare, and most importantly, how to book!

Things To Do In New Zealand’s South Island

flying kiwi adventure bus tour review and view of mount taranaki and te rewa rewa bridge

While we’ve already covered Top Things To Do In The North Island, these are places and activities in the South Island that you can’t miss.  These were a dream to see as part of our life-changing 3 weeks in New Zealand.

TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO NEW ZEALAND’S SOUTH ISLAND

  • Where to stay: Our top picks are Closeburn B&B in Queenstown, and the Punakaiki Beach Camp for its close proximity to the Pancake Rocks. We use Booking.com for all of our stays and use the Genius discount to get great deals on our hotel bookings. Alternatively, you can always see if hotel corporate codes might work for you.
  • Must pack item: Bring your best camera so you can capture photos of all the unforgettable places you visit in New Zealand! You’re also going to need good hiking boots for all the exploring you’ll be doing.
  • Recommended tour: The Franz Josef Glacier heli-hike is absolutely a highlight for us; the scenery is stunning and feels out of this world. 
  • Car rentals: While there is public transport and tours you can book onto, the best way to get around the island is with a rental car so you can get to the remote spots and enjoy the sweeping vistas. Check out how to save money with car rental coupon codes and always start your search with Discover Cars and RentalCars so you know what the best deals are.
  • Flights: – If you are flying in from elsewhere, use the Skyscanner “Everywhere” feature to find the best deals from your local airport. Check how much it would be for you to get to Christchurch Airport!
  • Insurance: – Not always required but always recommended! Make sure you’re covered with the best travel insurance. Our go-to is always HeyMondo for great coverage at a fair price, also with our link you automatically get 15% off
  • Hottest deals – Never be without our frequently updated travel deals page.
CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE
Top 10 Things To Do In New Zealand's North Island

#1 – Pancake Rocks

pancake rocks sunset in top things to do in new zealand south island travel guide

This was one of the big surprises for me coming to New Zealand and that may have been because being on Flying Kiwi’s Reverse Traverse allowed me to be a bit lazy when it came to planning.

The Pancake Rocks and Blowholes is an extremely unique geological formation that was created from the bashing and thunderous battering of the Tasman Sea but even then, that barely explains the layers of limestone that form these thin layered columns as if a thick comb brushed through it at one point.

As the tide rises, so too does the intensity of the water that surges up the small openings found here, creating a huge wall of spray.

Beyond the pancakes themselves, you’ll also found a ton of other incredible rock bridge formations and chimney blowholes that also create a mist of fun that makes this 20-45 minutes walk a highlight for any trip to the South Island.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address:  4294 Coast Road, Punakaiki, RD 1, Runanga 7873 (Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre)

Hours and best time to go:  Always open.  The blowholes and splashing of water becomes most evident at sunset when high tide comes in.  Going any other time will not be very dramatic so plan your time around this.

Price:  Free.

Parking:  Plenty of free parking spots near the entrance and visitor centre across the street.

Hiking length and difficulty:  1.1km, easy, 20 minutes to do the full loop.

Photography:  A tripod is mandatory and also prepare for a lot of mist splashing your lens so have a number of dry clothes available to keep things dry and a towel as a cover in between shots.

FAQ:

  • Are drones allowed?  You must have a permit to fly a drone on public conservation land. Visit Drone use on conservation land page for more information.

#2 – Shotover Jet

shotover jet in queenstown is a top activity in the south island of nz

Their moniker is “the world’s most exciting jet boat ride” and having done this experience twice, they’ve certainly cemented themselves in that place.

It is honestly hard to describe as there’s really nothing really like it elsewhere in the world because not only is it an insanely fast boat, you’re also zigging and zagging through narrow canyon rock walls that look like they could immediately bash you in but the pilot so skillfully glides along the water like a choreographed dance.

What’ll surprise you is that it’s a decently lengthy ride that isn’t just a ride out to the canyon and back so there’s a ton of time to savour every inch of the adrenaline rush.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address: 3 Arthurs Point Rd, Arthurs Point 9371, New Zealand

Hours:  This varies by season, but they depart every 30 minutes and operate every day (weather and river conditions permitting) except Christmas day.  Typical slots are available from 9:30AM – 4:00PM.

Getting here: There are two options:

  • Drive – Shotover Jet is located at Arthurs Point, 7km from Queenstown.  Parking is free.
  • Shuttle – Complimentary shuttle transfers depart from ‘The Station’ Information Centre, corner Shotover and Camp Streets, in downtown Queenstown up to every 15 minutes.  Account for 1.5 hours round trip for the shuttle.  No reservation needed ahead of time.

Price:  Starting at $102 per person.

What’s included:

  • Lifejacket and waterproof jacket, along with locker access for your belongings.

What to bring:

  • Sunglasses or general eyewear strongly recommended because of the high winds
  • Warm clothes, jacket, hat and gloves are strongly recommended in winter
  • The only type of camera that’s allowed on the boat are those that are on a head mount so if you plan on filming, make sure you have something like the GoPro headmount and Insta360 (pretty rad 360 spinning footage you see in the video).  Nothing handheld is allowed.

Tips:

  • Dress warmly in the winter!

FAQ:

  • There’s a minimum height restriction – must be a minimum height of 1 meter tall and must be accompanied by adult.  This could rise up to 1.2m if the water conditions are rougher.
  • The check-in area by the river has lockers for your time slot so you can store your bags there.
  • The jetboat ride is roughly 25 minutes.
  • Check-in for your ride is available 30 minutes before.
  • There is free wifi in the Shotover Jet information centre.
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#3 – Franz Josef Glacier

hiking franz josef glacier in new zealand as one of the top activities in the south island

You probably didn’t know this, but New Zealand has not one but two of the most easily accessible glaciers in the worldFranz Josef and Fox Glacier are both along the west coast of the South Island and present one of the most memorable activities you can do in New Zealand.

It’s rare that in a day you can say that you took a helicopter, landed on top of a glacier, slipped on crampons, and got to hike through crevasses and climb up chiseled out staircases.  This is a guided experience that takes you deep into an ever-changing icescape.  It’s a marvel of sight to be up on this huge mound of slow-moving ice.

The only other place we’ve been able to do something like this was part of an 8 day itinerary in Iceland but Franz Josef for us will always be etched as our first and one that is a must-do if you’re exploring this part of the country.

Franz Josef is where we had our glacier hiking experience but you’re probably wondering what the difference is with Fox Glacier.  Both are very similar in our opinion and located virtually in the same area since the two glaciers are in neighboring valleys.  In terms of experience, both are world-class, and the hiking will be of the same variety but of course, the landscape will be very different based on the conditions and movement of ice.  Technically, Franz Josef is steeper than Fox Glacier, but Fox Glacier is larger and 2km longer.  We’ve read that the Franz Josef experience is a bit more hands-on and the route is pre-cut while Fox Glacier can sometimes offer smaller groups and more surprises as the routes are decided by the guides once up at the top.

Where we feel like Franz Josef has the advantage is that afterwards, you can wrap up your experience by dipping into the Franz Josef hot pools which are adjacent to the main office.  This is the perfect companion to the day hike to relax those tense muscles and get ready for the next part of your journey.  The Franz Josef town is also more developed than at Fox Glacier.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The following are the specific information for Franz Josef Glacier heli-hike but if you want to know more, take a look at Fox Glacier as well.

Address:  63 Cron Street, Franz Josef, New Zealand

Hours:  Departures are all in the morning, varying on time depending on the date, with total duration up to 4 hours and 3 hours on the ice.

More info:   Franz Josef Glacier

Price:  Starting at $478 for adults and children all year round.

What’s included:

  • Crampons
  • Suitable walking boots and socks
  • Trekking poles
  • Waterproof jackets
  • Waterproof over-pants
  • A small waist pack to carry your crampons and essentials
  • A warm hat and gloves

What to bring:

  • Dress in multiple layers
  • Hiking pants (jeans not recommended)
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat and gloves (instead of using theirs)
  • Camera/phone – There’s limited space on the helicopter so they don’t allow backpacks.  This means that everything you bring must fit in the fanny pack they provide
  • Small water bottle and snacks (no food provided)

FAQ:

  • What aren’t you allowed to bring? You’re not allowed to bring backpacks, iPads or selfie sticks.
  • Can I bring my bigger camera (non point and shoot)?  The answer is yes but double check with your guide before going.  Since your big camera probably won’t fit in the fanny pack, you’ll need to make sure you have your own neck strap
  • Is there a bathroom on the glacier? No, when we asked that question, the answer was that basically we would have to hold it in.  Guides do have an emergency “poop bag” as we called it but you really don’t want to be using that and making your guide carry it all the way back so we advise you clear everything you can before heading up

#4 – Visit A Kiwi Bird Centre

national kiwi centre in hokitika to see kiwi bird top activity south island new zealand

You see kiwi birds as stuffed animals, on key chains, paper weights, postcards, and stickers but you’ll never see them in real life unless you do one of two things.  You can go on a nighttime safari out into one of the few habitats where they can still be naturally found such as near Okarito or you can go to one of many kiwi centers.

You’d think the national bird of New Zealand would be everywhere but they are in fact endangered in the wild because of introduced predators such as the stout and possum.  To start, there aren’t that many of them and on top of that they’re nocturnal creatures so you won’t see them wandering around during the day.  As a result, the only real guaranteed way to spot them are in places that recreate their habitat.

The biggest reason why it’s worth it to see a kiwi in person is because you really don’t know what they look like and how they move until you’ve seen them with your own eyes.  We can only describe them as these basketball sized birds that have stubby legs with a straw for a beak.  The one particular one we saw here was recently introduced to the space and so was running wildly from one pane of glass to another and drawing semi-circles with his/her beak as a way to mark their territory.  It was quite fascinating to watch.  Their basketball torso is also incredibly cute.

While we wish we could’ve taken a photo, no cameras are actually allowed in the kiwi sanctuary and even if we could, the photos would turn out terribly because it’s in near darkness inside.  It makes sense that cameras aren’t allowed because they know people will accidentally trigger their flash.

Centre such as the National Kiwi Centre in Hokitika are incredibly family friendly and can be explored at your own pace.  Other animals you’ll find here are the giant longfin eels and the native reptile called tuatara that were considered extinct until rediscovered in 2005.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The particular kiwi centre we went to was located in Hokitika but it seemed like you could find one of these in many towns in the South Island.

 Address:  64 Tancred St, Hokitika 7810, New Zealand

Hours:  9:30AM – 4:30PM Monday-Sunday

More info:  The National Kiwi Centre

 Price: Adult $38, Child (5-16 years) $20, Children under 5 are free

Parking:   Street parking is available in Hokitika.

Tips:

  • If you’d like to see eel or kiwi feeding, plan to be here at either 10AM, 12PM or 3PM
  • No need to book tickets in advance.  Purchase tickets at the entrance.
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#5 – Skydiving Above The Abel Tasman

skydive abel tasman is a top thing to do in the south island of nz

If there’s one place to go skydiving in New Zealand, we’d say it would have to be at the north part of the South Island where you can catch glimpses of the North Island, can see how the coast wraps up towards Nelson and Picton, the mountains, river outlets, and famous Abel Tasman National Park.  You can see it all from 18,000, 16,500, 13,000, or 10,000 feet.

We share my full experiences from our 13,000 feet skydive with Skydive Abel Tasman and after you read it, you’ll understand why it was such an incredible experience and even as someone that’s afraid of heights, why I’d totally do it all over again.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address: 16 College St, Motueka 7120, New Zealand

Hours:  There are slots between 8:00AM and 5:00PM but that may change depending on season.

More info:  Skydive Abel Tasman

Price:

  • Jump (in feet)
    • 10,000 – NZ$279
    • 13,000 – NZ$329
    • 16,500 – NZ$529
    • 18,000 – NZ$799
  • Photo/Video (everything is loaded onto a USB key, video is edited and assembled). Save a little money by booking online.
    • Inside Cameraman with Handcam – NZ$249.
    • Personal Outside Cameraman with video and 150-300 stills – NZ$349.
    • Combination of the above – NZ$449.

What to bring:

  • Comfortable loose clothing and shoes that won’t fall off – they provide the rest including goggles, cap, and one-piece windsuit.

Tips:

  • You can request a free shuttle for anywhere in Nelson through to Kaiteriteri and Marahau if you don’t have a car.
  • There’s a huge parking lot of the skydive center and this is free.
  • Go to the bathroom right before suiting up.
  • No need to arrive early – just show up at your booking time.

FAQ:

  • Can I bring my own GoPro? –  I would have loved to have used my Insta360 but as you can appreciate, no personal recording devices are allowed because they want you to focus on the experience.
  • Do I need an oxygen mask?  This is only required for those doing a skydive at 16,500 feet.  In talking to other people that did this, it’s not a big deal at all.  They give you a mask to wear as you ascend in the plane and it comes off right before jumping.
  • Should I book in advance?  Yes!  This is a popular activity and if you want to get a specific time slot to fit your itinerary, I recommend booking in advance.
  • Is there somewhere I can store my things?  There are cubby boxes and lockers available, so your things are nice and secure.
  • How many go up with you on the plane?  In terms of customers, this is a question of weight balance.  Depending on the weight of the skydivers, and need for extra cameraman, there could be up to 5 or less.
  • Is there a weight limit?  Yes, it’s 100kgs / 220lbs for every tandem passenger.
  • Is there that rollercoaster drop feeling?  I’m afraid of heights and honestly there wasn’t anything scary at all.  I barely feel that drop at all and once you’re in free fall, it’s not like bungee jumping where you see the earth coming right up at you really fast.  You can’t perceive how fast you’re falling so it just feels like you’re floating in the air with a lot of wind coming at you.
  • This or bungee jumping?  One big key difference between skydiving and bungee jumping is that someone else is pushing you out of the plane whereas in bungee jumping, you have to will yourself off the platform.
  • What video package should I pick?  Personally I feel like either the outside cameraman or the combo package are the best options to choose. With the separate skydiver following you around, you get way more epic footage.  If you want it all, just go all out and get the combo.
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#6 – Milford Sound

milford sound cruise is a top thing to do in south island new zealand

Another reason why the South Island of New Zealand is so intriguing is because you have such a dynamic range of landscapes.  This being the final frontier of the island, windy roads through Fjordland National Park carved thousands of years ago by ice now opens up to the world-famous Milford Sound.

The best way to see the whole fjord is to get on a cruise which takes you out from the cruise terminal to where the passageway opens out into the Tasman Sea.  Along the way, you’ll see thunderous waterfalls, the iconic Mitre Peak, towering mountains on both sides, and wildlife as well. 

To complete the experience, the cruise & kayak is one we recommend because you then get to combine an experience at the Discovery Centre to see black coral up-close in their underwater observatory and then hit the water via kayak which gives you further appreciation of the scale of what’s around you.

This is top activity in Queenstown that you can add to your itinerary.

If you have extra time, you can also hike the famous Milford track, a 33.25 mile (52.5 km) 4-day hike from Te Anau to Milford Sound. Another famous, and equally challenging hike is the larger Doubtful Sound, it is also slightly less crowded. Both the Milford and Doubtful Sound hikes can also be included with overnight or day cruises, and kayaking. It is also a great way to get the chance to see wildlife such as dolphins, penguins, and seals.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Our tour was operated by Southern Discoveries but for some reason isn’t bookable on their site. Currently, we recommend booking through Klook because it gives you the ability to book a cruise, kayak, and the underwater observatory.

Address: Milford Sound Wharf Visitor Centre, Milford Sound Hwy, Milford Sound 9679, New Zealand

Hours:  The hours vary. The whole Cruise and Kayak experience takes 6 hours, and you’re expected to finish at 7:15PM

More info: RealNZ and Southern Discoveries

Getting here: 

  • This is a 5 hour drive from Queenstown and over 2 hours from Te Anau.
  • If you are driving yourself, make sure to account for extra time because there are always slowdowns at Homer Tunnel so don’t believe what Google Maps tells you.  Locals told us that it’s normally really bad from 11AM – 1PM.
  • If driving, make sure to do a full fill up in Te Anau as there aren’t any reliable gas stations afterwards.  You really don’t want to use this terrible gas station in Milford Sound which is a really long story.
  • There are tour options that include full transportation from Queenstown so if you’re looking to do this as a day trip, that is possible.
  • There’s free parking in the lot right by the Cruise terminal.

Price:  Starts at $89 (cruise only). 

What’s included:

  • One meal is included (Breakfast buffet, picnic lunch, or upgraded buffet lunch).
  • Access to the Discovery Centre and the underwater observatory.
  • 1 hour kayaking in Harrison Cove (highly weather/water conditions dependent).
  • Waterproof pants, jacket, and dry bag included.

What to bring:

  • Backpacks are allowed on the boat so feel free to bring any gear you’d like.
  • It gets windy on the exterior of the boat (i.e. top deck) so make sure you have warm clothes.
  • Kayaking wise, they list “change of clothes” on their list but it’s not really necessary unless you fall into the water which is highly unlikely.
  • Phones and cameras are allowed as they provide a dry bag but only one camera device is recommended.

Tips:

  • On top of being cheaper, the first cruise has incredible morning light for photos and includes a breakfast buffet as well which is not advertised.
  • The last place to get fuel is in Te Anau, so make sure you have enough to get you there – the trip is 242 km (150 miles) return from Te Anau.
  • There is no change room for kayaking but you can use the bathroom in the Discovery Centre.
  • Get all your gear ready for kayaking while at the Discovery Centre because once they bring you over to the kayak building, they’ll want you to get into the kayak pretty swiftly.
  • For the breakfast buffet, the food doesn’t stay the whole cruise so make sure you grab food and try to eat it before the boat departs because you’ll want to be on the top deck for the beginning of the cruise which is the most scenic.
gas station at milford sound
Don’ make the same mistake we did, fill up before driving to Milford Sound.

FAQ:

  • Kayaking is beginner friendly.
  • Double kayaks are available.
  • Children under 14 years have to kayak with an Adult in a double kayak.
  • Fully guided.

#7 – Wineries Of Marlborough

saint clair winery in marlborough top activity to do in south island nz

There are 6 distinct wine regions in New Zealand but perhaps one of the most well known is Marlborough.  Not going to this region if you’re a wine-lover is like going to California and not visiting Napa.

Hemmed between the mountain and the sea, the northeast part of the South Island is geologically perfect for the sauvignon blanc but you’ll also find excellent pinot noir, riesling, and chardonnay.

There are of course quite a number of wineries in the region but if you’re looking for somewhere that has excellent wine and offers affordable tastings and snacks, we’d recommend Saint Clair which we personally visited as part of the Flying Kiwi Reverse Traverse.  They also have an excellent lunch and dinner menu to pair with their wines.

If you’re driving through here independently, and you have some time, you might want to consider the Marlborough Seafood Odyssea Cruise which allows you to see the coastline while tasting local Greenshell mussels and salmon or do a wine day tour (includes lunch) to learn more about the famed wine region and visit 3-5 wineries in an afternoon.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

These are the details for the winery, Saint Clair Family Estate.

Address: 13 Selmes Road, RD3, Rapaura, Blenheim 7273, New Zealand

Hours:  5 days a week (closed Monday and Tuesdays):

  • Winter – 11:00AM – 4:00PM.
  • Summer – 10:00AM – 5:00PM.

More info: Saint Clair Family Estate

Price:  Tasting costs $20 for 3 wines.

FAQ:

  • Do you need to book in advance? – No, drop in is usually fine for this winery but booking ahead is highly recommended.

#8 – Abel Tasman National Park

top activity in the abel tasman south island new zealand with msk ocean and earth

This is a loaded one because the National Park is massive and there are so many ways to explore the whole park.  What makes Abel Tasman unique is that it’s the only place in New Zealand with a coastline that consists of what’s called separation granite which is a big part of the park’s popular golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs and coastal track.

To take advantage of a little bit of everything, we recommend doing Marahau Sea Kayak’s Ocean & Earth which is a 2-day experience that starts with a boat cruise up to Onetatehui, where you get geared up with your tandem kayaks and spend the day heading down to Anchorage.  You’ll stay the night camping at Anchorage and the next day you’ll do the most popular part of the Abel Tasman coast track.

To us, what will stick out as memorable about the Abel Tasman is the unique experience we had both on the water and on land. 

On the water, you have the freedom of kayaking to explore the granite walls, the colony of seals that’s part of the Tonga Island Marine Reserve, and the bays that would reveal itself as you kayaked deeper in. 

On land, the track snakes through the coastline that features a thick forest that’s filled with birdlife, open views of the water, side trails, and secret beaches.

If you don’t have two days to spare, there are a number of day trips that offer kayaking, cruising, and hiking in the Abel Tasman like this one.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

This is specifically for the Ocean & Earth activity with Marahau Sea Kayaks

Address:  MSK Base, 229 Sandy Bay-Marahau Rd, Marahau 7197, New Zealand

Hours:  Check-in at 8:30AM.

Price:  Starting at $328 per person.  Optional lunch for $20 on day one.

Shuttle service:  If your accommodations are in Marahau, there’s a complimentary shuttle service available.

marahau sea kayak boxed lunch for ocean & earth activity

What to bring:  Since we were travelling with Flying Kiwi, we could borrow camping gear from the bus for this 2-day excursion.

  • Sleeping bags
  • Tent
  • Sleeping pad
  • Cooking gear (butane tank, burner, dry food) – You can skip this if you’re preparing your own food ahead of time to eat that doesn’t require cooking
  • Change of clothes
  • Toiletries
  • Waterproof phone pouch – Handy to take photos while kayaking

Tips:

  • Make sure they purchase the right campsite reservation (DOC camp pass) for you as there’s a different one between international travelers and locals.  The camp rangers are very diligent in checking documentation at Anchorage so make sure you have the papers and also double check with MSK to make sure they’re for international guests.
  • The boxed lunch is excellent and includes way more food than you need but is packed with a giant sandwich, fruits, ginger bar, a sausage roll, and trail mix.

FAQ:

  • How should I pack? – This was probably the part that wasn’t clear with MSK but here’s how it works.  You want to have all of your kayak gear ready to have on hand.  They’ll have a water proof bag where you can stuff things in like your camera.  Everything else will be put in this giant stuff sack on the water taxi.  This will get dropped off at Anchorage later on that afternoon so it is there for you when you arrive there.  This will contain your hiking backpack and camping gear.  The next morning, you’ll fill that stuff sack back up with everything you don’t need for your hike and put it back on the beach for pick up.  A water taxi will bring it back to MSK base for when you finish on day 2.
  • Can I bring a bigger camera for kayaking?  Yes you can and I did.  I put this in the waterproof bag and only when we stopped did I get a chance to pull it out for a few quick shots.  Otherwise it was in the kayak compartment most of the time.  That’s why I ended up using my phone more.
  • What are the facilities like?  Don’t expect to shower here.  There are bathroom facilities so we just washed our face and brushed our teeth for the night.  There’s also a kitchen area that is shared with everyone that we used to cook dinner.  The most useful part here was that they had a sink to rinse things out and garbage bins.
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#9 – Arthur’s Pass

arthurs pass otira gorge road top experience in south island new zealand

Arthur’s Pass is a bit of a confusing name because it can mean a lot of things.  There’s the Arthur’s Pass village, which then sits inside the Arthur’s Pass National Park, but for most Arthur’s Pass is often referred to as the drive that cuts through the park on Highway 73.  To us, it’s the drive and what you can see along the way that makes up the whole experience.

This has to be one of the best drives in the South Island if not the whole country and it’s one that takes you from Kamara Junction or Greymouth on the west to Christchurch on the east. 

In the middle of that is the Arthur’s Pass National Park and the mountainous terrain presents a lot to look and reasons to stop as you’re passing by giant waterfalls, deeply gorged rivers, creative viaducts, bridges, and rock shelters to get through the Southern Alps, and dense rainforest.

At every turn, there’s something to look at on this drive which makes it the best drives in New Zealand.  Make sure to stop at the Otira Gorge that you see above, Devil’s Punchbowl Falls, and Arthur’s Pass village which is the country’s highest settlement.  Also pay attention to the birds that you might see here.  It will most likely be the inquisitive alpine parrot, the kea.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

 Directions:  Take State Highway 73 which is the main road between Greymouth and Christchurch in the South Island.

Duration:  The drive from Greymouth to Christchurch is 3.5 hours.

#10 – Horseback Riding In Glenorchy And Paradise

glenorchy dart river adventure horseback riding rees river best activity south island nz

The hidden jewel of the South Island is not too far from Queenstown, known as Glenorchy, and a place aptly named Paradise

If you do your research and read the Location Guidebook for Lord of the Rings, you’ll know that Peter Jackson used this area quite a number of times for both the LOTR and The Hobbit trilogies.  It’s a place that features the mountains, wide shingle-filled riverbeds, and lush green forests.

The best way to see all of it is by horseback and that’s where activities such as High Country Horses’ Paradise Cinematic Trail is an excellent choice to do something a little bit more unexpected in New Zealand.

This horseback riding experience is 1.5 hours where you’ll be guided through Paradise valley, the world-renowned location for not only the Lord of the Rings movies but also Chronicles of Narnia, Wolverine Origins, and Taylor Swift’s “Out of the woods” music video.

If that doesn’t suit your fancy, there is an awesome 4WD Lord of the Rings Tour that guides you into all of spots used in the films.  Whatever you decide to do, it’s not hard to imagine location scouts coming up here and imaging how this place could be the perfect setting for Isengard, Beorn, or Boromir’s last stand.

Make sure you bring your DJI Mini 4 Pro drone here because the views from up above are just stunning.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

This is for High Country Horses’ Paradise Cinematic Trail.

Address: 243 Priory Road, Glenorchy 9372, New Zealand

Hours: 

  • Duration: 1.5 hours

Getting here: 

  • Glenorchy is a 45min/ 48km scenic drive from Queenstown.
  • Parking is free at the check-in office.
  • Glenorchy-Paradise Road is a gravel road and you may need to allow extra driving time.

Price: $300 per person.

Website: Ride of the Rings | High Country Horses

What’s included:  

  • They provide helmets and wet weather gear if necessary.

What to bring:

  • GoPros are allowed but large DSLR’s are not.  The reason for this is that there are no pockets or baskets on the horse, so everything needs to fit on or in your jacket or the trench coat.  Problem is that some of the trench coats may have holes in the pockets so you can’t rely on them either.   GoPros can be on something like a 3-way grip or head mount.  Cameras are okay as long as they’re pocketable.
  • Recommend bringing your own gloves if you feel like you’re going to be cold.
  • Wear appropriate clothes for the outdoors.  Layer if you’re unsure.
  • Your outer layer should be one with large accessible pockets if you want to bring a camera.
  • Camera neck straps are allowed.
  • Full length pants required.

FAQ:

  • No experience required and beginner friendly.
  • Horseback riding is walking-pace only.
  • Fully guided.
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A Quick New Zealand Travel Guide

Money – You’ll never feel like cash is a necessity in New Zealand.  Credit cards can carry you through pretty much through the whole South Island and the rest of the country.  The only time we really needed cash was when we needed coins for the coin wash, and super local spots.

PRO TIP:  When exchanging avoid doing it at the airport as the rates are always worse than what you can get with an ATM withdrawal or at an exchange shop in the city.

When is the best time? – High season is during their summer which is December to February.  As with other destinations, shoulder seasons are always the best so consider Spring (March – May) or Fall (September – November).

Getting here – Auckland (AKL) is the international hub if you’re looking to fly in direct.  Following this in size are Christchurch (CHC), Wellington (WLG), and Queenstown (ZQN), and Dunedin (DUD).  To put alerts on the flights and find the best deals, we recommend using Skyscanner.

How do I get around the South Island? – To get around the North Island, you’re either going to want to rent a car or travel with a company like Flying Kiwi.  Car rental will give you ultimate flexibility, but you’ll have to plan everything from top to bottom and gas can get quite expensive despite super cheap rental rates.  Flying Kiwi is a great option for solo travelers or those wanting to just book something and show up.   Read our review on Flying Kiwi and make sure you head to the NZ travel guide for the discount code for car rental company Hitch.

Where should I stay? – The most comprehensive platform for bookings based on personal experience was Booking.com.  They had everything from hotels, hostels, and guesthouses and we always managed to find an awesome place for a great place.  As an alternative, there’s also Agoda and VRBO.

Do I need a visa? – If you’re on this list of countries, you don’t need a visa to enter New Zealand.  If you do require a visa, reach out to your regional New Zealand embassy to apply for a visa.

PRO TIP:  New Zealand doesn’t mess around when it comes to their bio security.  Answer their questions truthfully even when it comes to where your hiking boots have been and the snacks you’re bringing in.  You don’t want to be slapped with a heavy fee when their sniff dogs or high-tech bio-sensitive x-rays catch you.

Do I need travel insurance? – As always, travel insurance is highly recommended. My philosophy is that you want to make sure you’re covered in case the unknown happens.  Make sure to read our guide on choosing the right travel insurance for you. Overall, HeyMondo has the best balance of price and coverage.

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The Comprehensive New Zealand Travel Guide - Read Before You Go

Map Of South Island

We’ve put together an interactive map to help you easily find all the top things to do in New Zealand’s South Island—plus our recommended places to stay nearby for each spot. It’s the perfect tool to plan your adventure!

HOW TO USE THE MAP

You can use the map as-is by bookmarking this article and coming back to it during your planing or while on the trip.  The other way  is to create a copy onto your Google account.  Simply maximize the map by clicking on the button on the top right.  This will open the custom map in a new tab.  From here, click on the triple dots and “Copy Map”.  This will save a copy of this map to your Google account if you’re logged in.  Now when you open your Google Maps app, you’ll be able to access this map under the “You” tab at the bottom and “Maps” which is located at the very bottom.

Where To Stay In South Island

Below are our top choice accommodations for South Island in New Zealand:

QUEENSTOWN

The

CLOSEBURN HOLIDAY HOUSE

While not in downtown Queenstown, this converted upscale cottage home is set with the perfect view of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables.  There’s an on-site maid which is why everything is so ridiculously clean.  Bonus that it includes laundry facilities.

TripAdvisor

Booking.com

PUNAKAIKI

punakaiki beach house standard cabin

PUNAKAIKI BEACH CAMP

Set right by the beach and below the Punakaiki Valley, this is the optimal place to stay if you’re looking for somewhere that’s affordable and close to the Pancake Rocks.  The lodges here are quite comfortable and come in different sizes to suit your travel party.

TripAdvisor

Booking.com

ABEL TASMAN

abel tasman haven motel near marahau

ABEL TASMAN HAVEN

A ridiculously cheap family-run motel located in Marahau offers queen-sized studios for guests and conveniently located to all the water activities you want to do here and is a short walk away to the entrance of the national park.

TripAdvisor

Booking.com

CHRISTCHURCH

breakfree on cashel hotel in christchurch

BREAKFREE ON CASHEL

Modern hotel in the center of Christchurch that’s walking distance to Container Mall and 20 minutes from the airport.  Each hotel receives 2GB of free wifi.

TripAdvisor

Booking.com

What To Pack For South Island

Here are just a few essential items you’ll want to bring for your trip to New Zealand, but this is just the beginning! For a more detailed breakdown with photos, tips, and everything you might need, be sure to check out our full post: What To Pack For New Zealand – A Visual Super Guide.

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How about you?  What are your top favourites from your travels in New Zealand’s South Island?  Do you have a question planning your upcoming trip?  Drop a comment down below.

South Island Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need to see the South Island of NZ?

We spent 3 weeks in total in New Zealand, and it was packed with activities. For just the South Island at your own pace you’ll need at least two weeks. This will give you time to do plenty of activities, while still enjoying some downtime. If you plan to do multi-day hikes that also needs to be factored into your time planning.

What is New Zealand’s South Island known for?

New Zealand’s South Island is best known for its incredible natural beauty, towering landscapes, and the opportunity to experience adventurous activities. It’s mountains, glaciers, fiords, lakes, and dramatic coastlines are also a main highlight. There is also a lot for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of scope for hiking, skiing, bungee jumping, and many other ways to explore the landscape.

Which is nicer North or South Island New Zealand?

This is an impossible question to answer, with different climates and landscapes and culture, both islands have something different to offer. It depends on your preferences. The North Island is known for its warmer climate, beaches, and Maori culture, while the South Island is famous for its stunning mountains, fjords, and outdoor adventures

What are the best months to visit South Island, NZ?

Depending on what you are planning to experience, will depend on when the best months for you are. The summer months of December to February are warm and sunny perfect for outdoor activities and enjoying the beaches. But if you are coming for the skiing and snowboarding, then the winter months of June to August is the best time to visit. For hiking and fewer crowds, visit during the shoulder seasons, autumn (March to May) or spring (September to November), when the weather is still pleasant but prices are lower and there are less tourists.

Travel Resources For Your Next Trip

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100%.

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card. Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature. Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Rideshare: For new Lyft users, use code WILLIAM4825 to get 50% off your first 2 rides (max $10 USD per ride). Offer valid for 14 days after you take your first ride. For new Uber users, use code psuqbjg4d7rn for the same offer except it’s valid for 30 days.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. We’ve tested several over the years and we have access to a few special promotions.

  • AmigoSIM – Use GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 25% off. Code is re-useable.
  • Gigsky – Use TANG149 to get $3 USD when you sign up, then use code GOINGAWESOME to save 20% on all eSIM orders.
  • KnowRoaming – Use code GAP10 to save 10%.
  • AloSIM – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%.
  • Airalo – Use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase.
  • UbigiAWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key).

Tours and Activities: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

  • HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks. By booking through our link to get a 15% discount (from June 19-29)!
  • RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
  • SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
  • Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
  • InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

William Tang of Going Awesome Places
About The Author

Will Tang

Will Tang, founder of Going Awesome Places, has traveled to 51 countries. He shares his insanely detailed itineraries, travel guides, and packing lists. Will’s travels have been featured on Huffington Post, Men’s Journal, and Entrepreneur.

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