Top Things to do in South Island
Things to do in South Island, New Zealand: The Best Islands
Discover the best top things to do in South Island, New Zealand including Ulva Island, Quarantine Island / Kamau Taurua, Quail Island, Monkey Island, Rabbit island, Maud Island.
Restaurants in South Island
1. Ulva Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 682 reviews
Reviewed By Kiwifreespirits - Auckland, New Zealand
We did a self guided walk using the guide book ( $2) we bought in Oban before going We used the excellent Rakiura Charters Water Taxi to get to Ulva having spent a wonderful few hours with them before hand around Patterson Inlet and the Mussel and Salmon Farm area in Big Glory Bay . Great people !!. We allowed ourselves 3 hours on Ulva . Way too short !!! . Should have made it 4 ( it was a fine day which helped ) to give sufficient time to just stop listen and watch frequently eg . Late in the walk we saw a Kiwi very close to us . But we were tight for time and could only spend 2 or 3 minutes looking which was frustrating. Many of the birds are very friendly eg Stewart Island robins that hop on your shoes and check out the laces , Wekas who hang out at the two beaches etc .
2. Quarantine Island / Kamau Taurua
3. Quail Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By NickiJ125 - Christchurch, New Zealand
I took my daughter who is 6 years old for a day trip to Quail Island. I booked the tickets online first thing which is advisable as you get priority boarding. We got a free all-day park on Norwich Quay then walked over the bridge to the jetty. We caught the 10:20am ferry and left on the 3:20pm ferry. The lady who checked our tickets was friendly and gave us a map of the island – a must have! The boat trip to the island took about 15 minutes – you can sit upstairs or downstairs. We looked for dolphins but were not lucky. We disembarked and walked uphill towards the beach. We decided to end at the beach for a swim so headed towards the Stables and Otamahua Hut to check it out for a possible future overnight stay. The hut is great - two bunk rooms each with 3 bunks. Two dining tables, kitchen, log burner and indoor flush toilet - need to go outside and walk around back of building to access toilet. The weather forecast was for a fine day but maybe some light morning rain. We had packed our bags with everything from sunhats and sunblock to rain jackets and puffer vests and togs and towels - being January we didn't need the puffer vests but the morning weather was changeable so we wore everything else at least once! Then we walked on around the island way up high looking down at the sea below. The distant views were a little hazy due to the Australian Bush Fires but would be magnificent on a clearer day. We walked to the seagulls nesting area where it was alive with squawking seagulls flying. Further around were the shipwrecks then views of King Billy Island (a tiny wee island) before a bit more walking resulted in the beautiful beaches. We were running out of time for a decent swim so we missed the Leprosy Hut. There is a jet ski bay called Skiers Bay then Swimmers beach. It has tiny little pebbles which don't hurt to walk on which I was pleased about! A few metres into the water is Margaret Mahy's guggliwug squelchy mud. There are different length walks you can take around the island. Walking around the whole island took us about 2.5 hours - lots of stops to enjoy the moment, take photos, put on jackets, take off jackets, eat lunch, pretend the thistle seeds were our makeup brushes - you get the picture! However, you could shorten the time easily by half if you kept walking! DO: Take food and water (although there are taps dotted around the island); DO take your rubbish home with you; DO take a jacket and warm top, even in January; DO wear suitable walking shoes; DO read the information posts; DO take photos; DO swim in the sea; DO pick up a map of the island; DO allow enough time (ten minutes) to walk back to catch the boat; (some people missed the first boat but a second one came about ten minutes later). COST: $30 per adult; $15 per child; Free for under 5s PS I noticed an accessible toilet at the beach but the walk uphill from the boat would be hard work.
4. Monkey Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By mikehD2246QF
What great spot to freedom camp, new toilet's and rubbish bin but NO ewater. The beach is lovely with a very gentle contour making it great for swimming, climb up monkey Island at low tide for a great view of the beach. Liked it so much stayed 4 days.
5. Rabbit island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
Reviewed By kinx81 - Hamilton, New Zealand
White sandy beach with some driftwood. Cycle trails and lots of parking. Don’t have to take a ferry, you can drive across on the bridge. Closes at 8:30 pm. Toilets, outdoor showers and picnic tables and bbq sites around. Safe swimming beach and good for paddle boarding.
