South Island Travelers Recommend

Immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of Milford Sound on our full-day trips from Queenstown. Carved by a massive glacier in the last ice age, Milford Sound is one of the most treasured regions of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Your journey starts along Lake Wakatipu traveling beneath the rugged Remarkables to Te Anau. Entering Fiordland National Park to the Mirror Lakes, through Upper Hollyford Valley and past stunning Christie Falls. The road climbs to the Homer Tunnel, emerging above the CleddauValley and descending to Milford Sound. One of the best ways to check out the breathtaking pristine scenery, marine and bird life is a cruise aboard the Milford Sound Red Boat. See waterfalls, wilderness, and wildlife including seals, dolphins and penguins, and learn about the rich history and environment of the Sound. Fancy a visit to Fiordland along with the Milford Heaven cruise and BBQ Lunch?

If you want to terrify yourself, you can do it here, in every possible way you can imagine. Take the plunge that started it all on the original Kawarau Bridge Bungy Jump, or leap over the Queenstown Urban Ledge Bungy Jump - guaranteed to take your breath away! Dive into the deep end with the Triple challenge: a jet boat ride on the Shotover River, helicopter flight over Skippers Canyon, and white-water rafting down the rapids. If that hasn’t got your heart beating fast enough try skydiving from 15,000 feet, flying downhill on mountain bikes, paragliding from Coronet Peak, canyoning through perilous gorges, and speeding along the river on a purpose-built body board. Queenstown is the perfect base for a movie safari - a scenic journey into the heart of alpine New Zealand to explore the spectacular backdrops used in the Lord of the Rings and Wolverine films.

Enjoy the dramatic landscape of magical Fiordland, take a relaxed cruise on the sound or a more active experience with treks and kayaks. Whether starting out from Milford Sound or the trekking hub of Te Anau, you're perfectly positioned for cruising the Milford or Doubtful sounds and experiencing the unique beauty and wilderness of New Zealand's World Heritage-listed Fiordland. Located in 3 million acres (1.2 million hectares) of the Fiordland National Park, featuring magnificent untouched native forests, pristine waterways, lakes, glacier and high peaks, Milford Sound is arguably the most scenic destination in New Zealand. Travel along the Eglinton River to mountain lakes and the ancient alpine beech forest. Head towards Homer Tunnel for incredible mountain views alongside the crystal clear waters of the Hollyford River, then wind your way down the Cleddau Valley.

Taking a guided walk on a glacier has to be one of the coolest experiences you'll have in New Zealand. Whether hovering over the spectacular ice formations by helicopter or strapping on crampons to hike the ice, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are truly unforgettable destinations. A helicopter is the ideal choice for sightseeing, taking you up close to towering peaks, crevasse-filled glaciers and sparkling waterways. Embark on a Twin Glacier flight to marvel at the mantle of pure white snow, landing at the head of either Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. Make a snow landing and walk along the Main Divide before heading back down towards the lush rainforests at the edge of the Tasman Sea. Experience this wonderful alpine environment and get up close to touch snow, viewing the glaciers as they carve their way slowly down the frozen valleys from their origin in the mountains high above.

Filled with inherit charm, this modern New Zealand City is packed with things to do. Day 1: Christchurch Meander Visit the Big 5 most popular attractions in Christchurch: Experience the re-created Antarctica at the International Antarctic Centre, view native kiwis at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, ride the historic Christchurch tram, take a harbour cruise, and see the city up high from the Christchurch Gondola. Day 2: Get Outdoors Christchurch is packed with many outdoor activities. Swim with Dusky Dolphins and whales in Kaikoura, ride a horse on the Banks of the Waimakariri River, or go ski at Mt. Hutt. Day 3: Day Trips from Christchurch Choose from many South Island multi-day excursions like a three-to seven-day tour to the Scottish influenced city of Dunedin or ride the TranzAlpine train through the Southern Alps.

Coastal Otago, and its one major city, Dunedin, has, in typical New Zealand manner, attractions both urban and rural, offering you the chance to see New Zealand’s indie music heartland, while having the island’s most accessible wildlife at your fingertips. With three days at your disposal, it’s best to make the most of it. Upon your arrival, you’ll find Dunedin a compact, quirky little town, full of charming bars, restaurants, and cafes, all with a distinctly New Zealand feel. The smattering of bars gives this town a reputation for good nightlife, and it’s well earned. Spend your first day waltzing the streets, seeing some of the beautiful Victorian and Edwardian architecture. From its pioneering history you’re liable to hear a good mix of the indie-rock scene floating through the air. Enjoy it, and sleep well. Tomorrow, you head off into wild. Dunedin acts as the gateway for the Otago Peninsula and all the wildlife it engenders.