10 TOP Things to Do in South Island (2025 Activity Guide)

Queenstown which includes boating and a river or creek

Kawarau Suspension Bridge featuring bungee jumping, a bridge and a suspension bridge or treetop walkway

Bob\'s Peak featuring mountains, general coastal views and views

South Island which includes mountains and land animals

South Island which includes a gorge or canyon, a river or creek and boating

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What to do in South Island

Popular places to visit

Mount Cook National Park

Ski on a glacier, enjoy hot springs and tackle the peak where Sir Edmund Hillary trained for Everest in this spectacular part of New Zealand.

Milford Sound

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Milford Sound during your travels in Fiordland National Park. Discover the area's waterfalls and glaciers.

Lake Tekapo

Explore the great outdoors at Lake Tekapo, a popular spot to commune with nature in Lake Tekapo. Wander the lakeside in this quaint area.

Aoraki / Mount Cook

Explore the great outdoors at Aoraki / Mount Cook and enjoy the stunning glacier views during your trip to Mount Cook. Wander the lakeside in this quaint area.

Lyttelton Harbour

Enjoy cafés, markets and boat trips at this scenic European port town, steeped in history and bordered by volcanic hills.

Lake Pukaki

Be amazed by the color of the lake against the snowy backdrop of Aoraki/Mount Cook as you hike, drive or ride through this incredibly picturesque landscape.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens as well as a large group of people

Hagley Park

Explore the great outdoors at Hagley Park, a lovely green space in Christchurch. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the shops in this culturally rich area.

Picton Ferry Terminal

Explore the waterfront in Picton with a trip to Picton Ferry Terminal. You'll find more to see and do in this quaint area.

Tekapo Springs

Lie back and relax in healing waters, enjoy a massage or get involved in a range of outdoor activities, all with a fabulous alpine backdrop.

Areas of South Island

Queenstown Beach featuring a pebble beach, parachuting and a lake or waterhole

Queenstown City Centre

The panoramic lake views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Queenstown City Centre. Make a stop by Skycity Queenstown Casino or Queenstown Mall while you're exploring the area.

New Regent Street which includes railway items and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Christchurch City Centre

Explore the picturesque and vibrant heart of the city that is getting back to normal after a series of devastating earthquakes.

International Antarctic Centre which includes interior views

Christchurch Airport

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Christchurch Airport and surrounding area, you can visit International Antarctic Centre and Harewood Golf Club.

Dunedin showing heritage elements, a garden and a pond

Dunedin City Centre

Travelers come to Dunedin City Centre for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like First Church of Otago and Grand Casino while you're in town.

Frankton

Stay in this picturesque part of Queenstown where the airport is located to enjoy spectacular mountain views and relaxed lakeside walks.

Riccarton

A noteworthy feature of Riccarton is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Westfield Riccarton Mall and Riccarton Road.