Top Things to do in South Island
Things to do in South Island, New Zealand: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
Discover the best top things to do in South Island, New Zealand including Nugget Point/Tokata Walks, Friendly Bay Playground, The Royal Albatross Centre, Franz Josef Glacier, Te Waikoropupu Springs (Pupu Springs), Ohau Point Seal Colony, Alexandra Mountain Clock, Brunner Mine Site Walk, Otira Viaduct Lookout, Cardboard Cathedral.
Restaurants in South Island
1. Nugget Point/Tokata Walks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 330 reviews
Reviewed By jackmA3797TF - Brussels, Belgium
Going to Nugget Point Lighthouse added an extra 70 kms to our trip but this was definitely worth it. The winding road leading there was nice to drive, with the foggy ambience building up along the way. And after a 15 minutes walk, arriving at the lighthouse revealed a beautiful scene, quite picturesque. The rugged coast, the mini-archipelago ("the nuggets"), the immense and wild Pacific Ocean and the crushing waves below all make for a great moment. Conclusion: a truly beautiful spot of the Catlins Coast.
2. Friendly Bay Playground
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Melanieg2776
Lots of fun activities for the kids with a handy cafe right beside it for awesome coffee there was a wee small beach there as well
3. The Royal Albatross Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,053 reviews
The only chance to see... the world's only mainland Royal Albatross Breeding Colony. A unique experience to access the nature reserve to see giant albatross court, mate, raise their chicks and show off their three metre wingspans. Taiaroa Head/Pukekura is alive with wildlife species, many of them scarce nesting seabirds. Our jewel in the crown is the Northern Royal Albatross. Experience it for yourself by taking a guided tour through the Nature Reserve into the viewing Observatory. The 2012 latest Lonely Planet publication "1000 Ultimate Sights" features the Royal Albatross Centre alongside the Taj Mahal and Grand Canyon. They say of us: Here at one of New Zealand's hottest attractions the draw card is the bird life. Taiaroa Head is the site of the world's only mainland royal albatross breeding ground, where you can observe the spectacle of the albatrosses with wingspans of up to 3m coming in to land like a succession of 747s. The Royal Albatross Centre is located on the tip of the Otago Peninsula, about a 45 minute drive from Dunedin. We are operated by the Otago Peninsula Trust, a charitable trust formed in 1967 for the protection of the local natural environment. The Nature Reserve on Taiaroa Head is managed by the Department of Conservation. Taiaroa Head is also famous in New Zealand history. From a small Maori camp in the 1300s to a fortified pa where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840; from a wooden flagstaff to 1864 lighthouse to radar entrance for Otago Harbour; from an 1880s underground fortress to a large defence base in WWII. Taiaroa Head is today a Nature Reserve and an iconic wildlife attraction.
Reviewed By FourTravel2013 - Auckland, New Zealand
We did the Unique Taiaroa tour which allowed plenty of time to view the albatross chicks and also a couple of the adult birds flying close by in the strong wind. James was our knowledgeable guide who was informative and happy to answer any questions. The history of the 1889 Armstrong Disappearing Gun and underground tunnels was interesting. A great way to spend a couple of hours even if it’s raining.
4. Franz Josef Glacier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,579 reviews
Westland Tai Poutini National Park, renowned for its Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and the beautiful walks from 5 minutes to 8 hours that you can do in this area to view these amazing ice features, native forest, wildlife and waterfalls. The track up the Glacier river bed is 5.4 km return via same track Suggested duration 1 hr 30 min •This track is sometimes closed due to ice collapse, flooding or landslides – check the latest track conditions and weather forecasts at the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre before starting your trip. •Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly. •Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection. •No drones allowed.
Reviewed By greg_wanders - Auckland Central, New Zealand
An enjoyable and picturesque walk through the Franz Josef Glacier Valley. From the car park its a 1.5 to 2 hour walk depending on how long you stop for photographs. Several waterfalls all around as you make your way to the glacier wall. The Glacier wall itself is quite a way away from the view point as it is receding, though it is still awesome to be so close. Maybe a good idea to keep this in mind so as to not be disappointed. Combine the glacier valley walk with two short walks from the car park (Sentinel Rock for Panoramic views and Peters Pool for reflections) and you have great day out on the west coast. A great FREE way to enjoy you time by the glacier, although you have the options of helicopter tours or heli hikes to get further up close. Would highly recommend this walk in good weather. If it is raining and you have spare time, I would save it for when you get a break in the weather.
5. Te Waikoropupu Springs (Pupu Springs)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 262 reviews
Reviewed By AucklandWiz - Auckland, New Zealand
A beautiful and peaceful place to stroll along on an easy walk to the viewing area. The water was amazing- clear with all the colours of life underneath shining through. It was raining this day and so the visibility was reduced so can only imagine what the vision with no rain disturbing the clarity. Still worth the walk and look. The importance to the indigenous people is explained clearly on signage at the start of the walk and is worth reading for some history.
6. Ohau Point Seal Colony
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,217 reviews
Reviewed By kiwigreenman
Fantastic view of literally hundreds of seals and pups playing in water pools, sunbathing on rocks so close to viewing area -great parking, all free.
7. Alexandra Mountain Clock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By Rhondyru
A 5 minute drive up the asphalt road to the summit over looking the entire town, basin, Clutha river and surrounding mountains - so easy to get to - can be walked or biked - or driven for all ages and physical abilities - in a bigger town there would be a gondola for access and restuarant at the top- take a picnic, kfc or coffee or just your camera - just make sure you don't leave town without going up there, oh and it's FREE :)
8. Brunner Mine Site Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By 202neilb - Auckland, New Zealand
Well preserved remnants of important New Zealand history. Not far out of Greymouth and well worth a visit. Put aside an hour to wander around this well-signed heritage area. Easy walk, lots of information about a once thriving mining settlement. Plenty to see. Sad that a monument to NZ’s worst mining disaster in 1896 has to reference other losses of miners lives, as recent as Pike River in 2010.
9. Otira Viaduct Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 202 reviews
Reviewed By Hondarider1 - Auckland, New Zealand
Great spot to stop and view the Otira viaduct construction Keas wee cheeky and kept all the visitors entertained. Don’t stray too far from your car or motorcycle or the Keas will have a field day
10. Cardboard Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,250 reviews
Reviewed By 258JulieC - Melbourne, Australia
This Cathedral is just amazing, it is a temporary building whilst the original Cathedral is under massive reconstruction which will take many more years. Following the devastating Christchurch Earthquake on 22/2/11 the Cardboard Cathedral was built. It is a delightful place and carries many stories, truly very moving and serene. We took a 20 minute guided tour which was a wonderful way to get to understand the building meaning. I believe this building will become a 'forever' Cathedral in Christchurch as it is truly unique and has so much spiritual meaning. Well worth a visit.
