The South Island is rich in moments that bring colour and texture to your journey – short, joyful activities that connect you to a place, a person, or a moment in time. Whether it’s jet boating up a remote river gorge, a long lunch on a historic paddle steamer, or discovering a tucked-away gallery with a local guide, these smaller adventures add depth and delight to every day.

Our team can seamlessly weave these into your wider itinerary – making even the in-between moments unforgettable.

Please let us know if anything on the list appeals to the adventurer in you.

South Island Activities

Scenic Helicopter Flight over Glaciers & Aoraki/Mt Cook

Lift off into a world of ice and altitude as you soar above New Zealand’s highest peaks. Fly over vast snowfields, hanging glaciers, and the dramatic face of Aoraki/Mt Cook – an unforgettable aerial encounter with the heart of the Southern Alps.

See Aoraki/Mt Cook & the Hooker Valley

Stand beneath New Zealand’s tallest peak and wander the iconic Hooker Valley Track – crossing suspension bridges and soaking in stunning glacier vistas.

Stargazing in the Aoraki Dark Sky Reserve

Gaze into one of the world’s clearest night skies at Tekapo/Takapō – perfect for marveling at the Milky Way, shooting stars, and distant galaxies in breathtaking detail.

Short Walks in the Haast UNESCO World Heritage Area

Wander through ancient rainforests, moss-covered river trails, and roaring waterfalls in one of the most untouched corners of New Zealand’s wild West Coast. Remote, raw, and deeply rewarding.

Visit the Wild Beaches of Hokitika & the West Coast

Black sand, driftwood sculptures, crashing surf, and dramatic sunsets – the West Coast’s rugged beaches are poetry in motion. A must-see for photographers and coastal wanderers alike.

Lake Tekapo & Church of the Good Shepherd

Marvel at the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, framed by lupin blooms in spring and snow-dusted peaks beyond. The iconic stone church on the lakeshore makes for one of the South Island’s most photographed spots.

High Country Salmon Farm – Feed the Fish

Stop in at this unique floating salmon farm near Twizel, hand-feed giant Chinook, and enjoy sashimi so fresh it melts in your mouth; all with views of glassy canals and alpine peaks.

Ride the TranzAlpine – New Zealand’s Most Scenic Train Journey

Traverse the Southern Alps from coast to coast aboard the legendary TranzAlpine. With panoramic windows, alpine viaducts, and deep gorges, this is rail travel at its most spectacular.

Franz Josef or Fox Glacier Walks & Scenic Flights

Walk to the glacier face or take to the skies for a flightseeing adventure over rivers of ice. On clear days, the contrast between rainforest and snowfields is simply jaw-dropping.

The Top of the South

Marlborough Sounds Kayaking & Wine Tasting

Paddle through sheltered bays and hidden coves amid stunning coastal scenery, then unwind with a glass of world-class Sauvignon Blanc at a boutique vineyard.

Kaikoura Whale Watching & Seal Colony

Get up close with majestic sperm whales on a boat tour and visit lively fur seal colonies along the rugged Kaikōura coastline.

Nelson & Abel Tasman National Park

Explore golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and coastal forest tracks – perfect for sea kayaking, hiking, and wildlife spotting.

Canterbury

Christchurch Botanic Gardens & Avon River Punting

Stroll through lush gardens or enjoy a relaxing punt ride on the Avon River in the heart of the city.

Re:START Container Mall & Arts Scene

Experience the city’s innovative spirit with shopping, street art, and pop-up eateries in the vibrant Re:START container mall.

Banks Peninsula & Akaroa

Akaroa Harbour Dolphin Cruise

Get close to playful Hector’s dolphins in New Zealand’s only French-influenced village, surrounded by stunning harbour scenery.

Banks Peninsula Walking Trails

Explore scenic coastal walks with dramatic cliffs, secluded bays, and native forest habitats.

Queenstown Activities

Jet Boat Ride on the Shotover River

Hold on tight as you skim across shallow waters, spin past canyon walls, and feel the rush of pure adrenaline. The iconic Shotover Jet delivers high-speed thrills in a setting of stunning natural drama just minutes from Queenstown.

Skyline Gondola & Luge Queenstown

Ride high above Queenstown aboard the Skyline Gondola for sweeping lake and mountain views – then race your friends down the luge track in a gravity-fueled ride that’s pure alpine fun. This is a must-do for first-timers and Queenstown locals alike.

Bungy Jumping in Queenstown – The Home of Bungy

Take the ultimate leap in the birthplace of bungy. Whether it’s the historic Kawarau Bridge or the dizzying heights of the Nevis, Queenstown offers the world’s most iconic freefalls. This is pure adrenaline in a world-class alpine setting.

Wine Tasting in Gibbston Valley

Sip your way through Central Otago’s premier wine region, known for world-class Pinot Noir and dramatic vineyard backdrops. Explore boutique cellar doors, meet local winemakers, and enjoy relaxed tastings in the ‘Valley of the Vines.’

TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise & Walter Peak BBQ Lunch

Step aboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw for a nostalgic cruise across Lake Wakatipu. At Walter Peak Station, enjoy a gourmet lakeside BBQ lunch and meet friendly farm animals – all set against breathtaking high country scenery. A timeless Queenstown experience.

Sunrise Hot Air Ballooning – Float Above the Peaks

Drift silently over valleys, lakes, and jagged mountain ranges as the sun rises over the Southern Alps. A peaceful, once-in-a-lifetime perspective on the landscapes below, complete with a celebratory glass of bubbles after landing.

Onsen Hot Pools – Soak with a View

Sink into a cedar-lined tub of pure bliss, overlooking the Shotover River canyon. Private, tranquil, and utterly rejuvenating. This is alpine relaxation at its finest.

Paragliding Over Queenstown

Launch into the skies from Coronet Peak or Bob’s Peak and soar effortlessly above lakes and mountains. No experience needed – just courage and a camera.

Ziplining through the Forest Canopy

Fly tree-to-tree on an eco-zipline adventure through native beech forest. With views over Lake Wakatipu and expert guides, it’s an exhilarating (yet safe) way to explore above the forest floor.

Scenic Lake Wakatipu Cruise

Glide across Queenstown’s iconic lake by modern catamaran or classic steamship. Gaze up at the Remarkables and soak in the serenity — best enjoyed at golden hour with a glass in hand.

Fiordland

Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Adventure

Skip the long drive and take to the skies on a breathtaking scenic flight into Fiordland. Then cruise beneath towering cliffs and thundering waterfalls on the world-famous Milford Sound, before flying back over alpine valleys and glaciers. It’s the most spectacular way to experience this natural wonder.

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

Escape to pristine wilderness on a peaceful cruise through majestic Doubtful Sound with waterfalls, rainforest, and rare wildlife sightings.

Milford Track Guided Hike

Trek the world-famous Milford Track with expert guides, passing alpine meadows, ancient forests, and towering peaks (just make sure book with us a year in advance!)

Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Discover the magical glowworm grotto deep underground, illuminated by thousands of tiny bioluminescent creatures.

Stewart Island

Stewart Island Wildlife & Birdwatching

Experience New Zealand’s southernmost island rich in rare birdlife, including kiwi in the wild, albatross, and penguins.

Ulva Island Eco-Sanctuary

Walk predator-free trails on this protected island haven – a unique spot to encounter native birds and ancient forest.

Fishing & Diving Adventures

Try your hand at world-class saltwater fishing or explore vibrant underwater kelp forests teeming with marine life.

Elsewhere in the South and off the beaten track, here are a few other gems to consider:

The Catlins

Catlins Coastal Wildlife & Waterfalls

Discover dramatic coastline, rugged sea caves, and hidden waterfalls like McLean Falls, plus spotting rare wildlife such as sea lions and yellow-eyed penguins.

Nugget Point Lighthouse

Visit this iconic lighthouse perched on rocky outcrops, with panoramic ocean views and wildlife watching including seals and seabirds.

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Well, that should have provided a taste of what’s possible. Give us your long list and we’ll build an itinerary that exceeds your expectations.