Skip to main content

Top South Island landmarks

Beyond South Island

South Island trip ideas

Top South Island Nature Parks

11 results

Best Seller

Our most popular astronomy experience at the world-renowned astronomical research centre. Prepare for an awe-inspiring evening of discovery. Immerse yourself in the stunning surrounds, pristine night skies and sophisticated viewing technologies as our expert guides share the science and stories of our Southern Skies. High atop Mount John’s 1,029 metre peak, you'll be at the heart of the Southern Hemisphere's largest International Dark Sky Reserve. Every night sky reveals something new. The incredible Milky Way. Far-off planets. Star clusters, solar systems, constellations. You might even glimpse a distant galaxy. Don't miss New Zealand's premier stargazing experience. Exclusive to Dark Sky Project, the Summit Experience at Mt John Observatory is in partnership with the University of Canterbury.

Mount John Observatory Stargazing Experience, Tekapo

1 hour 45 minutesFree Cancellation

Explore the forest canopy from high above the ground with tickets to the West Coast Treetop Walk, where a steel platform stretches more than 1,475 feet (450 meters) through towering rimu and kamahi trees. Booking tickets in advance ensures you won’t miss out on visiting this spectacular site, where clear days mean views of the snowy Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea from the panoramic observation tower.

West Coast Treetop Walk

45 minutesFree Cancellation

Learn about the New Zealand native bird, the kiwi, with admission to the Franz Josef Wildlife Center. Tour the largest kiwi hatching facility on the South Island and opt to include a Backstage Pass Tour, where you'll get 30 minutes of access behind the scenes. Your ticket also includes access to the West Coast storytelling areas and an interactive glacier exhibition. Buy your passes in advance to guarantee your admission to this popular attraction, great for all weather and all times of year.

Skip the Line: Franz Josef Wildlife Center Ticket with Optional Backstage Pass

Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour

Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour

2 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

Jet boating on the Shotover River | Queenstown

KJet Queenstown Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers

1 hourFree Cancellation

The Fox Glacier is widely considered among New Zealand’s most impressive natural attractions—but it’s impossible to appreciate its beauty from ground level. On this tour, take to the skies by helicopter for panoramic views over the glacier, and trek deep into the icy wilderness with your guide—where the forces of nature work their magic. With safety kit and crampons included, see the best of the Fox Glacier up-close.

Heli Hike Fox Glacier

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Premium Milford Sound Tour, Cruise & Lunch from Te Anau

9 hoursFree Cancellation

Remarkable Shotover Canyons

Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

25 minutesFree Cancellation

Travel from Queenstown to the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Milford Sound on an easy day trip. Enjoy live commentary along the way, and many scenic photo stops. At Milford Sound, don’t worry about waiting in lines as tickets are included. Admire views of waterfalls and Mitre Peak from your cruise. Refuel with a tasty picnic lunch in a scenic location. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from listed locations for added convenience.

Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

13 hoursFree Cancellation

Cruise the Milford Sound fiord on a two hour nature boat cruise.

Experience Milford Sound’s towering peaks and gushing waterfalls on a small-group tour from Queenstown. After a handy hotel pickup, travel through Fiordland National Park without the hassle of self-driving through the distractingly beautiful landscape. Stop to take pictures or go for optional walks en route. Relax on a 1-hour 45-minute cruise on Milford Sound with provided hot drinks, and refuel with the included picnic lunch.

Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

13 hoursFree Cancellation

Make the most of the pristine night skies over the Mackenzie Basin with this observatory experience tailored for first-time stargazers. Watch the night sky through one of Cowan’s Observatory’s telescopes, finding stars, constellations and other hidden secrets with the help of one of the observatory’s knowledgeable astronomy guides. With discounted tickets for visitors aged 17 and under, this is a great way to introduce children to the wonders of the Milky Way.

Stargazing Experience at Cowan's Private Observatory

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Top Attractions in South Island

1 / 2

Reflection of the mountains in Milford Sound, New Zealand

Attractions

Milford Sound

Mirror Lakes

Attractions

Mirror Lakes

Fiordland National Park

Attractions

Fiordland National Park

A boat moored on the shore of Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown.

Attractions

Lake Wakatipu

en

3fa5146c-f017-452d-aa80-ee649f1f5409

things_to_do_tag

Banner for Geo Experiences

Not seeing something you are looking for?

More Tours in South Island

Things to do near South Island

Popular on Viator

South Island Best Experiences

Thermal Spas & Hot Springs Zoo Tickets Water Equipment Rentals Multi-day Tours Museums Ziplining City Tours Bike Rentals Spring Break Attractions & Museums Water Transfers Hiking Tours