Top Things to do in South Island
What to do and see in South Island, New Zealand: The Best Scenic Walking Areas
Discover the best top things to do in South Island, New Zealand including Hapuka Estuary Walk, Bendigo Historic Reserve, The Old Ghost Road, Matatiaho Conservation Area tracks, The Mole (Sea Wall), Banks Peninsula, Lake Matheson Walk, Snow Farm NZ, Beacon Point Walk, Mount John University Observatory.
Restaurants in South Island
1. Hapuka Estuary Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Hapuka Estuary Loop Walk-20mins/ 1km. This stunning boardwalk winds around the intertidal area of the Hapuka Estuary. Interpretation boards explain the ecology of the Estuary. A lookout gives you a view of The Open Bay Islands Taumaka and Popotai. Check the current track conditions and weather forecasts at the Department of Conservation, Haast Awarua 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 at all times.
2. Bendigo Historic Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By marymH8851LH
DOC have done a great job in the historic area with excellent family friendly walks, information boards and preservation of this area. A pleasure to explore.
3. The Old Ghost Road
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 297 reviews
Experience an unforgettable adventure on The Old Ghost Road via our range of exciting new packages. Choose from one of our options and then sit back and let us help connect you with the magic of The Old Ghost Road.
Reviewed By 66kiwitraveller - Dunedin, New Zealand
4 of us walked TOGR over 4 nights, 5 days. It was awesome. We walked south to north, and the first two days it rained, so on Day 3 when we awoke to beautiful blue skies we walked back 2.5klms without our packs first thing in the morning from Ghost Lake hut, so that we could see the views from Heavens Door and the Tombstone. So glad we did, the views were absolutely worth it. The terrain and scenery on this track is ever changing, and always spectacular. Great huts, well equipped and plenty of hand sanitiser available. Thanks to the people who built this track and to those who maintain it. Loved it!
4. Matatiaho Conservation Area tracks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
5. The Mole (Sea Wall)
6. Banks Peninsula
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,169 reviews
Banks Peninsula near Christchurch, New Zealand is a must see for its stunning views, beautiful bays and quirky campgrounds. Little River is the gateway to the peninsula. The township has a hotel/pub, 2 cafes, a petrol station, art gallery, craft store and small museum. There are B&Bs, plus the Little River Campground in Okuti Valley Road. They have affordable campervan parks with power, cabins and tentsites set beside a river. The southern bays have some of the best surf, if you know the secret spots as well as good, safe swimming beaches, walking tracks and the Little River Rail Trail. It is a a place that is often over looked as tourists head to Akaroa. If you want to experience more than the usual, to get off the beaten track and really explore, ask at the craft station, which has an info centre.
Reviewed By Edmundo_de_ABQ - Albuquerque, United States
Beautiful drive between Akaroa and Christchurch with many different points of beauty and interest to see along the way. Worth taking the time to traverse the highway running through it.
7. Lake Matheson Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 944 reviews
Lake Matheson is nestled in ancient forest and is famous for mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Its excellent reflecting properties are due to the dark brown colour of the water – the result of organic matter leached from the humus of the forest floor. Dawn and dusk are the best times to enjoy the reflections in the lake. Time: 1 hr 30 min return Getting there: Turn onto Cook Flat Road in the middle of Fox Glacier Weheka township. Travel 5 km along this road then turn right onto the side road to Lake Matheson.
Reviewed By KayM637 - Devonport, New Zealand
Make sure you do this walk on a sunny day, otherwise you will not get the mirrow affect of the Lake for photos. The loop track took us 1 1/2 hrs and has been upgraded and extened since 2005 with board walks and a walk to the island on the lake.
8. Snow Farm NZ
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 547 reviews
Snow Farm NZ is now open for winter from the 20th June 2020 until Sunday 20th September. We offer backcountry hut overnight stays, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and a Snow Fun Zone with tubing which is great for young children. A visit to this resort is a great way to experience the beauty of New Zealand's alpine environment and take in views of the stunning Southern Alps. We have have a small cafe where you can soak up the view and enjoy hot soup, fries, hot drinks, slices and more.
Reviewed By jrbriscall - Wanaka, New Zealand
Sam Lee and his amazing team run a very professional. customer-centric operation; dedicated to giving you, be this your first time XC skiing or a regular expert, the best possible experience on their beautifully maintained trails and world class equipment!
9. Beacon Point Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By trottz555
If you want to do a bike ride that doesn't take all day, then do this one. Track is pretty much flat all the way and the scenery is eye opening. Thoroughly recommend, especially for oldies
10. Mount John University Observatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 713 reviews
Reviewed By P2112WFkevinh - Auckland, New Zealand
We had another lovely sunny day so took on the walk up to Mt John and then the loop around the lake side. It was a superb walk and nowhere near the 3 hours as advertised. We are in our early fifties and it took us 2.5 hours, including a decent break at the top. Recommended.
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