Top things to do in new Zealand South Island
Main activities in New Zealand South IslandBeing a New Zealander, I often lose sight of how unbelievable my homeland really is. As a memento of myself and to help others get inspired to come and see this secluded island destination, I have put together a shortlist of the 35 most important activities in New Zealand to make your stay a memorable one!
It is a relatively small and easily visited state. New Zealand's main tourist destinations are mostly within driving distance and nowhere more than a few hours away by road. I' ve put together a basic New Zealand sightseeing guide so you can make your own route!
The country is home to several icebergs. Some of the most stunning are Fox Glacier and Franz Joseph Glacier near the west coast of the South Island. However, the journey is part of the adventure and contributes to the excitement of hiking on a huge ice mountain! New Zealand's native cultures can be explored in many ways, from staying overnight in the Caribbean Sea, seeing the might of a coca, dining a hangover, going to an old M?ori town, getting a green stone from Hokitika or getting to know the Te Papa legacy.
Whatever way you want to get to know New Zealand's past, you will get away with a new level of esteem for the country and its peoples. Tekapo is an international Dark Skys reserve, which makes it one of the best places in the worid for serious stargazing.
As a result of this fame, several astronomical watching trips have been created in the area, giving you an even more unforgettable stellar adventure. An amazingly brief stroll takes you to Auckland's highest volcano hill, Mount Eden. Take a deep breather (it's a brief but sharp walk) while you enjoy the wide view of Auckland City and its bustling docks.
Do you know that New Zealand is home to the only huge octopus exhibition in the whole wide open air? It is a very popular New Zealand iconic and now another of the country's iconic Giapo has turned the octopus into an eatable work of artwork! Visiting Giapo's Auckland is always an adventure in itself, so make your way to the city centre to try an incredible selection of tastes (including many different vegans!) and check New Zealand off your wish list! Just make sure you're not on the wrong side of the road!
Ranghitoto Island is New Zealand's youngest vulcano - it erupted from the ocean only 600 years ago. The island is a nature conservation area and inhabited, with the exception of the indigenous bird life that flourishes here. There is a regular boat trip to the island, where you can enjoy the various hikes on the island, as well as the most famous ones.
You' ll be rewarded with stunning 360 degrees view of Auckland and its islets on this brief, sharp trail. Kayaking in the evenings is one of the most spectacular ways to experience Rangitoto Island. Hector Delphine is an imperiled porpoise resident of the South Island of New Zealand. Located at the estuary of Akaroa Harbour, a sea preserve has provided shelter for Hectorine, making it the best place to see these exceptional species in the wilderness.
Last year I had a swim with the Hector Delfins and it was really an memorable one. Whilst it is quite simple to spot one of New Zealand's indigenous night owls in a wildlife park, it is less common to spot one in the open. Most New Zealanders (including myself) haven't had a chance to see a savage chiwi yet.
One of New Zealand's Great Walks, the Milford Track has a calling for the unbelievable scenery you'll encounter along the way. It is so stunning that it was once shaped by the writer Blanche Baughan about 100 years ago as "the most beautiful stroll in the world". The greatest thing about New Zealand is its reachability.
That sounds just as good as in the Bay of Iles. Something that looks like a prosperous shrine with pristine sandy shores, abandoned island and remote coves is open to everyone. Rent a canoe or a canoe and dive into this piece of paradise on the northern island of New Zealand. Today, tourists stream into the dainty city to get another kind of bullion.
New Zealand travellers often jump over the Katlins to explore the main South Island. However, the south-facing part of New Zealand merits your full and heartfelt consideration! Hike past falls, look for yellow-eyed pinguins in Curio Bay, experience the magical world of Nugget Point and see the Cathedral Caves of the South Island.
A paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, the Catlins should not be ignored if you want to enjoy the real wilderness of New Zealand. Caikoura is known as the place for New Zealand wildlife observation. Roys Peak Walk has become a kind of online phenomenon. Photos of Roy's Peak (like the cover of this article) kidnap your fantasy and seem to embody the New Zealand beauties in a unique one.
Start near Wanaka and climb 1,500m to the most stunning view of Wanaka Mountain Range. Spend a while and appreciate the isles, creeks and hills that make up the most charming scenery before you make your descent. Here's what you'll see and do. A visit to a forest in a pond may not be your vision of an memorable adventure, but it certainly will lead to some of the most magic photographs of New Zealand!
In spite of the ascent of the treetop to Instafame, Wanaka is still a quiet alpine village to be visited - like a quieter side of next year' Kingstown. Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve, Cathedral Cove is considered to be one of the best places in New Zealand. Situated on the North Island, its secluded location on the Coromandel peninsula contributes to its compelling allure.
Excursions by kayak allow you to discover the caverns and rocks and at the same time learn about the local historical heritage, while canoeing offers a more private adventure with the possibility to parking and enjoying the beaches when the need comes up. Whilst observing these feral animals is an everyday occurrence for many Dunedinites, the adventure will enchant you.
It is an adventure you should not miss! The Mine Bay M?ori is one of New Zealand's most underestimated but important attractions. Whatever you see the beautifulness of these engravings, they will make a permanent impact on you. The Waiheke Island is a favourite daily excursion from Auckland City and is easily reached by boat.
Though the island has remarkable sandy shores, it is without a doubt the award-winning local produce that draws the visitor back. Featuring nearly 30 vines that compete for land on the 92 square kilometre island, it's not difficult to understand why it has built a name for itself as a fun place for winemakers.
An enjoyable way to pass the time is a winetour to some of the most beloved wineries, or a sojourn for a few nights in an excellent vacation mansion and a tasting of the island's fine local cuisine. Waiau Uwha River runs near Hanmer Springs and is a favourite place for adventure outdoors!
Our decision was for the family-friendly, but still exciting trip by jets, but there is also the more physical version of whitewater down the raft. Experienced driver and tour guide will make this an unforgettable experience on your New Zealand outing. There are miles (deceptively only 55 of them) of clean snow sandy beaches at the tip of New Zealand's island.
Favourite hobbies are windsurfing in the bends to the right or bodyboarding on the huge sands. Hobbiton is one of the most famous tourist destinations on the Northern Island and one of the most spectacular New Zealand destinations! It' certainly an event like no other, no matter if you are a Peter Jackson movie or not!
Everybody has ever seen the aurora borealis, but did you know that another show is taking place in the south? Best place to see the highlights of the south is in the far south, far away from big towns and disturbing lighting. Their best bet is in wintry conditions, in secluded places like Stewart Island, the Katlins and around Lake Tekapo.
There is a brief stroll, but the true pleasure is to build your own path. Climb to the summit, crush between the huge chalk rock formation and admire the beautiful scenery. Guess it's more busy now than when I visited as a teenager, but I'm sure it's still one of the best things you can do in New Zealand for thrill seekers!
Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, is surrounded by a national park of the same name. A number of shorter walks are available to enjoy the rugged natural beauties of your area, or for those who want a more demanding walk, there is the Müllerhüttenroute.
Nevis Jump, New Zealand's most awful bungee, takes a four-wheel drive and funicular trip to get you into the heart of Queenstown's Nevis Valley. New Zealand is not for the weak, but it will be a story you will tell for many years to come.
The Abel Tasman Nationalpark, which includes one of New Zealand's most memorable and untouched coastlines, is like a real paradise in the tropics. Situated at the tip of New Zealand's South Island, the beach of the New Zealand Marine Reserve is only reachable on feet or by boating. Cruises and kayaking are also favourite choices and a good way to find remote places in this quiet haven.
This is a New Zealand adventure that you will probably not want to miss. In the Coromandel, not far from the Cathedral Cove, Hot Water is one of the most loved places in New Zealand. Not only for local people but also for tourists! It is a stunning place to go and see at any moment, but 2hrs before and after the flood you will find family, couple and friend who will swivel their garden equipment as they drive to the shore.
Arachnocampa luminosa, the New Zealand glowworm, can be found in many parts of the nation, but the Waitomo caverns house the most open and stunning collections. Immerse yourself in the old caverns beneath the gentle verdant King County mounds to see the sight of these luminous beasts.
You can see White Island releasing vapour near the east coast of the North Island. Excursion boat or helicopter will bring you closer to one of the most stunning sites in the world! Here you can enjoy boiling rivers, gushing sludge baths, an active sea and steamy air inlets.
The White Island walk would be almost at the top of the New Zealand wacky things to do! See the great cascades, hear the birds ong and drive through this magnificent part of New Zealand. Moeraki Boulders, one of my favourite pieces from my early years, is a legendary place on the South Island.
At one time the subject of popular culture, M?ori, the rocks have an etheric character that attracts the visitor to this otherwise quiet area. There is a brief stroll at the other end of the strand to the entry, which gives you a nice look at the strand and its strange rocks.
New Zealand is undoubtedly an exhilarating travel spot that will captivate you. Hopefully this collection of the best things you can do in New Zealand has been an inspiration for your next one!