5 Must-Do Tours in New Zealand’s South Island
5 Must-Do Tours in New Zealand’s South Island
The South Island of New Zealand is packed with incredible scenery, outdoor adventures and wildlife experiences. From Queenstown’s famous adrenaline activities to the spectacular fjords of Fiordland, there is plenty to keep you busy.
If you’re backpacking around the South Island, choosing which experiences to spend your money on can be difficult. You could easily fill weeks exploring the mountains, lakes, coastlines and towns, so it helps to decide which activities really appeal to you.
Here are our five South Island tours and experiences worth considering. They combine adventure, scenery and wildlife, with options for different kinds of travellers.
1. Bungy Jumping in Queenstown
Queenstown is famous for adventure sports, and bungy jumping is one of the experiences most closely associated with the town.
The Kawarau Bridge is the historic home of commercial bungy jumping, where visitors can experience the thrill of leaping from the bridge above the river. There are also other jump locations around Queenstown, each offering a different setting and experience.
Have you got what it takes to step off a platform or bridge and plunge towards the ground? The anticipation can be almost as intense as the jump itself, followed by an incredible rush as you bounce back on the cord.
If you’re already planning to visit Queenstown, bungy jumping may be the adventure you’ve been looking for.
Why we picked it: Queenstown is a major destination for adrenaline activities, and bungy jumping is an iconic experience for anyone keen to push their boundaries.
Before booking, compare the different jump locations, prices, height options and requirements. Check the operator’s safety information and conditions, too.
If a Bungy jump doesn’t make the 5 must book tours – South Island New Zealand we don’t know what should!
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Read our guide to things to do in Queenstown.
2. Franz Josef Glacier: Heli-Hike and Glacier Experiences
New Zealand’s West Coast is known for its dramatic landscapes, where rainforest, mountains and glaciers come together. Franz Josef is a popular base for exploring this remarkable environment.
A heli-hike has traditionally combined a scenic helicopter flight with a guided walk on the glacier. The flight itself can offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, while the guided experience provides an opportunity to learn about the glacier landscape.
However, glacier conditions and access can change, and a heli-hike may not always be available. Helicopter flights are weather-dependent, and walking directly on a glacier is not the same as taking a walk on an ordinary track.
If a heli-hike isn’t suitable or available during your visit, look at alternative guided experiences and walks in the wider Franz Josef area.
Why we picked it: This is an opportunity to experience the dramatic scenery of the West Coast and, where conditions permit, see the glacier environment from a different perspective.
Check current operator information, prices, inclusions and cancellation terms before making plans. If a glacier flight is a priority, leave some flexibility in your itinerary in case the weather causes cancellations.
Read our guide to things to do in Franz Josef
Prefer to Hike? search Franz Joseph.
Kaikōura: Swim with Dolphins or Watch Marine Wildlife
Kaikōura is one of the South Island’s best-known destinations for marine wildlife. Its coastal setting and rich marine environment make it an appealing stop for anyone interested in dolphins, whales, seals and seabirds.
Swimming with wild dolphins is one option for visitors who want a more active wildlife experience. Trips are guided, and participants must follow the operator’s instructions and wildlife-viewing rules.
If you’d rather stay dry, a boat trip to watch dolphins or other marine wildlife may suit you better. Wildlife is unpredictable, however, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Kaikōura is also a wonderful place to appreciate New Zealand’s seabirds. If you enjoy wildlife, allow time to explore the coast as well as considering a paid tour.
Why we picked it: Kaikōura offers a different experience from the South Island’s mountain and adventure destinations, with opportunities to discover its remarkable marine environment.
Before booking a dolphin-swimming trip, check the current operating arrangements, swimming requirements, age or fitness restrictions and cancellation policy. Compare it with a wildlife-watching cruise if you prefer not to enter the water.
Read our guide to things to do in Kaikōura.
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4. Milford Sound: Explore Fiordland by Boat
Milford Sound is one of the South Island’s most spectacular destinations. Surrounded by steep mountains, rainforest and waterfalls, the fjord offers dramatic scenery that is particularly impressive from the water.
A scenic cruise is a popular way to experience Milford Sound. Depending on conditions, you may see waterfalls cascading down the cliffs, seals resting on rocks and dolphins moving through the water.
The journey to Milford Sound is also part of the experience, with mountain scenery and viewpoints along the road. If you’re travelling independently, remember that the drive takes time, and you should plan your transport and departure carefully.
Cruise options vary, so compare trip lengths, departure times, inclusions and transport arrangements. Some trips are sold with coach transfers, while others require you to make your own way to the departure point.
Why we picked it: Milford Sound is a standout natural attraction, and a boat trip gives you a chance to appreciate the scale of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls.
Weather can change quickly in Fiordland, but rain can also bring spectacular waterfalls. Check the forecast, road conditions and operator information before setting off.
Read our guide to things to do in Milford Sound
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5. Queenstown Gondola and Luge
Not every memorable experience needs to involve jumping off a bridge or getting wet in a river. The Queenstown Gondola and Luge combine spectacular views with an activity that can be enjoyed by a wide range of visitors.
Take the gondola up the hill above Queenstown to enjoy panoramic views across the town, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.
Once at the top, you can take in the scenery, enjoy refreshments and, if you choose, have a go on the luge. The luge offers a fun way to race around the purpose-built tracks, whether you’re competing with friends or simply enjoying the ride.
Allow time to enjoy the views rather than treating the gondola as just a quick trip up and down. It’s a good opportunity to see Queenstown from a different angle and take some photographs.
Why we picked it: The gondola offers beautiful views, while the luge adds a little friendly competition without requiring the commitment of a major adventure activity.
Check the current ticket options, operating hours, luge requirements and prices before visiting. Compare the available packages to see which combination suits your plans.
Read our guide to things to do in Queenstown
How to Choose Your South Island Tours
These five experiences are a starting point, not a checklist you have to complete. Your choices will depend on your budget, how long you’re travelling for and the experiences you enjoy most.
Before booking, compare the total cost and check what’s included. Transport, equipment, meals and accommodation may be included in some packages but charged separately in others.
It is also worth thinking about the time each activity takes. A helicopter trip, wildlife cruise or journey to Milford Sound can affect the rest of your day’s plans. Allow enough time to get to the departure point and consider what happens if weather disrupts your booking.
If you’re backpacking on a budget, balance paid tours with free walks, viewpoints, beaches and time exploring towns. A well-planned trip doesn’t have to mean paying for an activity every day.
Plan Your South Island Adventure
From Queenstown’s adrenaline activities and Franz Josef’s glacier scenery to Kaikōura’s marine wildlife and Milford Sound’s spectacular fjord, the South Island offers a huge variety of experiences.
Choose the ones that appeal to you, check current details before booking and leave enough time to enjoy the journey between destinations.
Have you tried any of these experiences, or is there another South Island tour you would recommend? Let us know!
