Choose from 89 Fun Things to Do in South Island
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Olveston
Olveston House, an unmissable Dunedin attraction, was constructed in the early 1900s and is still decorated as when it was built. The original owner collected unique items worldwide, making this not just a house but a museum. Visitors can view the interior and the large, beautiful gardens.
The Basics
An Olveston House tour is like touring the world through the eyes of the original owner, businessman and philanthropist David Theomin. He collected items from across the globe, which are now on display. Theomin family members lived in the house until 1966, after which the house was gifted to the city of Dunedin. It’s been a historic house museum ever since.
A guided tour of the house and gardens is a good way to learn about the history and culture of Dunedin, one of New Zealand’s most important cities. Travelers often visit as part of a full-day tour around Dunedin. Such tours usually include a few city attractions, followed by an excursion to see wildlife on the Otago Peninsula.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A guided tour is necessary to see the interior of the house, but the gardens are free.
- Dunedin is a very hilly city and Olveston House is located on a hill, so walking there may not be suited to travelers with mobility issues.
- Not all of Olveston’s guided tours are the same. You can join a tour with morning tea, an art collector’s tour, and other themed options. Check the website for timings.
- Tours operate in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, French, German, and Japanese.
How to Get There
Olveston House is in Royal Terrace in North Dunedin, a suburb quite close to central Dunedin. It’s about a 20-minute walk from the Octagon, the Otago Museum, or the University of Otago. Guided bus tours take you directly to Olveston.
When to Get There
Olveston House is open 9am to 5pm daily year-round, except Christmas Day. Guided tours run six times per day. As this is mostly an indoor activity, and Dunedin sees a lot of rainy days, a visit to Olveston House is an ideal activity when the weather is bad.
Edwardian Games at Olveston
Olveston, built from 1904 to 1906, is an Edwardian-era house. For a fun morning or afternoon with friends or family or to celebrate an event, such as a birthday, book the “Edwardian Games” tour at Olveston. You’ll get the regular guided tour, followed by croquet in the manicured gardens, with a cup of tea or coffee. Bookings should be made a week in advance.
Address: 42 Royal Terrace, North Dunedin , Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
From $ 16
Port Hills
Separating Christchurch from Lyttleton Harbor, the Port Hills are a playground for Christchurch outdoors-lovers who are looking to work up a sweat. Rising to height of nearly 1,800 feet, the Port Hills are located a short distance from downtown and are criss-crossed by multi-use trails. Hit the hillside on a rented mountain bike or go for a scenic hike, or watch as paragliders leap from the slopes overlooking the beach town of Sumner. Many of the trails were closed as a result of landslides in the 2011 earthquake, but most of the trails have since been reopened and are a refreshing getaway from the city.
In addition to the trails, the Port Hills are known for the native birds which make their homes on the hillsides. Catch a glimpse of a New Zealand wood-pigeon as it floats above the hills, or hear the call of a native bellbird as it rustles about the bush. Or, if you’d prefer to simply take a drive and get high above the city, the roads leading up to the crest of the Port Hills offer some of the best views in Christchurch. On clear days you can see north up the coast towards Kaikoura, and the snowy peaks of the Southern Alps can often be seen in the distance. The south side of the hills offers dramatic views of Lyttleton Harbor and the Banks Peninsula, and it’s a romantic place to find your own patch of grass and enjoy a sunset followed by the stars. Though much construction still needs to be completed until all of the trails are open, the Port Hills are still one of the best places in Christchurch to get high above the rush of the city.
Address: Port Hills Road, Christchurch, New Zealand
From $ 25
Nevis Swing
To put in perspective just how high the Nevis Swing actually is, the launch deck from where the swing is released is higher than the highest elevation of three different US states. From a platform approximately 530 feet above the valley floor, drink in the panoramic view of the surrounding Southern Alps—and then fly at speeds over 70mph in a free fall down towards the ground. Unlike traditional bungy jumping (which is located right next door), the Nevis Swing is an enormous pendulum where travelers race across the sky in a high-speed, 300-meter arc. Also unlike bungy jumping, it’s possible to strap yourself into your harness in whichever position you choose—whether that’s backwards, upside down, facing forward, or tandem jumping with a friend. Since the Nevis Swing is operated jointly with the nearby Nevis Bungy, travelers can combine the pendulum swing with the highest bungy in New Zealand, and get a double dose of adrenaline in the adventure capital of the world.
Practical Info
The minimum age for the Nevis Bungy is 10 years old, and all jumpers must weigh between 78 and 485 pounds. Since the Nevis is located on private land all guests must meet in the center of Queenstown and travel by 4x4 bus. Round trip travel time is approximately 4 hours from Queenstown, and guests should pack multiple layers of clothing during any time of the year.
Address: Queenstown, New Zealand
Hours: 8:40AM-2:40PM
Admission: Adult $195, Tandum $175pp, Child (10-14) $145
From $ 152
Queenstown Garden
In a town that runs on non-stop adrenaline, sometimes it’s nice to simply slow down, relax, and catch your breath. Set minutes outside of downtown Queenstown, Queenstown Gardens is the perfect spot for a relaxing moment of tranquility, where walking paths hug the shore of the lake, and flowers burst with brilliant color from spring through early fall.
Horticulturists will appreciate the wealth of native and indigenous plants, and joggers will love the network of trails that weave across 36 acres. Even if it’s just stopping to play on the rope swings, or feed the ducks at the pond, Queenstown Gardens is a place where families can find some free entertainment. It’s also a popular place to spend an hour riding a bike, or visit as part of a Segway tour of central Queenstown sights. Of all the different flowers in the park, it’s easily the roses that get the most attention when they begin to bloom in the spring, engulfing whole hillsides in blankets of color as fountains splash in the distance. You’ll also find two memorials in the garden, one of which honors Robert Falcon Scott and his team that died in Antarctica, and the other commemorates the city’s first settlers, who arrived in 1860.
Insider's Tip: For a fun and affordable Queenstown experience, rent some golf discs from a shop in town and play the 18-hole disc golf course that’s hidden inside the gardens.
Practical Info
Queenstown Gardens is about half a mile away from downtown Queenstown. By foot the walk takes 15 minutes, and it’s less than five minutes away from downtown if you hire a bike for the day. There are toilets and basic facilities in the gardens, as well as a bowling club, tennis courts, skate park, and popular ice rink in winter.
Address: Queenstown Gardens, Queenstown, South Island 9300, New Zealand
Hours: 24/7
From $ 63
Mt. Aspiring National Park
In the rugged wilderness outside of Wanaka, Glenorchy, Makarora, and Haast, Mt. Aspiring National Park sits waiting to be explored. Here in New Zealand’s third largest park, glaciers hang suspended on mountainsides that are crossed by backcountry trails. Views of this pristine, South Island landscape are reserved for the hardiest of trekkers—or helicopter passengers who share the skies with kea, or alpine parrots. The hiking here in Mt. Aspiring National Park is some of New Zealand’s best, with the Routeburn Track being the most famous of the multi-day hikes through the park. Experienced trekkers seek out solace on the winding, Reed-Dart and Caples Tracks, and a large network of shorter day hikes make a playground of outdoor adventure. In the middle of it all towers Mt. Aspiring, which at nearly 10,000 feet is New Zealand’s tallest peak outside of Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park. Outside of Wanaka, the Rob Roy Track is a classic day hike with panoramic views of the lake, whereas Matukukituki is laden with trails that explore the isolated valley. Wherever you hike, scan the skies for the 59 bird species found flitting across the skies, and take the time to drink in the scenery of this stunning South Island park.
Practical Info
The best months for hiking in Mt. Aspiring National Park are from late November-March. Weather can change quickly here in the mountains, and snow and ice are possibilities during any month of the year. Before venturing into the backcountry, be sure to check in with the local DOC office for any alerts or closures.
Address: South Island, New Zealand, New Zealand
From $ 169
Mount Cook Hermitage Hotel
Don’t miss the chance to stay in New Zealand’s most famous hotel, the Hermitage.
In prime position with fabulous views of Mount Cook, there’s been a hotel on this site since 1884. Several incarnations later, the current building dates from the late 1950s, with a new multistory wing which was added in the past decade.
A visit is a must even if you’re not staying here. The hotel has a well-regarded restaurant, offering a la carte, buffet or informal cafe-style dining. And, of course, a drink with mountain views at the bar, beside a crackling fireside, is another essential Mount Cook experience.
Practical Info
The Hermitage hotel dominates the northern edge of Mount Cook village. The hotel’s chalets, motel rooms and lodge accommodation are in several locations around the village.
Address: Terrace Road, Mount Cook 7946, New Zealand
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 136
Queenstown Hill
Arguably one of Queenstown’s best hikes, Queenstown Hill is home to the popular Queenstown Hill Time Walk, where informative placards provides an overview of Queenstown’s fascinating history. To native Maori, this hill was known as Te Tapu Nui, or mountain of intense sacredness, which makes sense considering the epic views you’ll get from the top.
Climbing over 1,500 feet in only 1.5 miles, the steep climb is rewarded by views looking out over Lake Wakatipu, as well as The Remarkables and Southern Alps that are often snowcapped in the distance.
Aside from hiking, ATV and quad bike tours are a popular way to visit, which crisscross over 15 miles of off-road trails on the hill.
Practical Info
The trailhead for Queenstown Hill is off Belfast Terrace about 1 mile from downtown. Be sure to bring water and have proper walking shoes, and the trail can often be snow covered in winter. Allow 2-3 hours round-trip for the hike, and bring extra layers since the temperature at the top is much chillier than the bottom.
Did You Know: Near the top of the walking trail, there’s a steel sculpture called “Basket of Dreams” which encourages visitors to look inwards at themselves and the time we are here on the Earth.
Address: 9300, 58 Belfast Terrace, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
From $ 194
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
New Zealand took a heavy toll in the fighting of World War I. By most estimates, the young nation lost 5% of its men of military age—a proportion that far outnumbered any of the other nations at war. Despite New Zealand’s heavy losses, the nation still commemorates the event and is proud of its military involvement, and the Omaka Aviation Heritage Center nearly brings the war back to life.
Through the use of historic World War I aircraft and the help of Peter Jackson—who created Hollywood-quality exhibits to show the atrocities of war—the center has become one of the world’s foremost exhibits on early aviation. While strolling the exhibit called Knights of the Sky, admire the impeccable dioramas that detail the tragedy of war—all of them featuring historic aircraft that served in World War I. There are scenes of pilots being shot down and artifacts belonging to The Red Baron, and by the time you finish wandering the halls of the shockingly real exhibits, you might swear you were actually on the Western Front in the summer of 1918. There’s also a museum with general info on World War I aviation, and even if you aren’t an aficionado of military biplanes or aircraft, the special effects and professional lighting combine to create a museum experience that's impressively entertaining.
Practical Info
The Omaka Aviation Heritage Center is just eight minutes from the center of Blenheim, and guided tours are offered daily at 10:30am and 2pm. You’re also free to explore the exhibit on your own, which is one of the world’s largest collections of aircraft from The Great War.
Address: 79 Aerodrome Rd, Blenheim, New Zealand
Hours: 9am‐5pm December‐March; 10am‐4pm April‐November. Closed Christmas and Boxing Day.
Admission: Adults (15+) $30; Child (5-14) $12; Seniors (60+) $25
From $ 14
Mitre Peak
Set smack in the middle of Milford Sound, Mitre Peak is the undisputed star in an already impressive show. Craggy, lonely and often shrouded in mist, this iconic spire thrusts a mile upwards from the placid waters of the Sound. When you arrive in Milford Sound after the serpentine road through the mountains, Mitre Peak rises before you like a sentinel to congratulate you on making the journey. This is easily one of the most oft-photographed sites in New Zealand—and when you stare at its stoic profile against the water you can immediately
understand why.
To get a closer view of Mitre Peak, crane your neck upwards at the 5,500-foot summit during a cruise of Milford Sound. Or, paddle beneath its alpine shadow as you kayak in search of marine life.
Practical Info
Mitre Peak is located in Milford Sound about 73 miles from Te Anau. You can view the peak as part of a guided tour from either Te Anau or Queenstown, or drive yourself on the winding road that weaves its way toward the Sound. The summer months of December through March are the most popular time to visit, and while this can also be the wettest time of the year, it makes for dozens of wispy waterfalls that seem to cascade from the sky.
Address: Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Fiordland, New Zealand
From $ 33
Otago Museum
From cuneiform tablets to Moa eggs and a tropical indoor rainforest, the Otago Museum holds thousands of treasures for Dunedin visitors to explore. As Dunedin’s most popular and visited sight, the Otago Museum has enough displays to fascinate travelers for hours, from exhibits on South Pacific cultures to New Zealand’s ancient wildlife. See the cup Sir Edmund Hillary used when he summited Everest, or a 50 ft. Maori war canoe that was completely carved by hand. The nature exhibit is one of the best in the entire Southern Hemisphere, where displays range from a whale skeleton that dominates an entire room, to the skeleton of a giant Haast Eagle that’s been extinct for 500 years. There are also displays of Maori arts such as carvings from bone and jade, and a dizzying journey through a Planetarium that highlights the stars, heavens, and cosmos that shine on Dunedin each night.
Practical Info
This four-story building is one of Dunedin’s best visitor attractions, and the perfect place for travelers on a budget, given the free admission. It’s located just north of the city center by the University of Otago, and there’s a small café that’s located on site for refueling between exhibits. Discovery World Tropical Forest is $10 for adults and $5 for children, and Perpetual Garden Planetarium is $10 for adults and $7 for children.
Address: 419 Great King Street, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
Hours: Open daily 10am-5pm
From $ 20
Mona Vale
Mona Vale is a sanctuary of calm in the midst of bustling Christchurch. Gardens lined with rhododendrons and camellia sit next to a brilliant fernery, and a colorful rose garden provides the perfect moment for stopping to smell the flowers. The 13-acre gardens border the Avon River, and surround a homestead of Victorian architecture that is listed on the historic registry. Dating back to 1897, the elegant property has seen numerous owners make their own improvements to the grounds, and the exceptional gardens are a favorite location for wedding ceremonies in summer.
Unfortunately, the devastating earthquake of 2011 damaged many of the historic buildings, although the gardens remain open for strolling the grounds and drooling over the architecture from afar. In 2014, however, the city council approved the funds for the renovation of Mona Vale, and the famous buildings such as the Bath House and Homestead will be once again be open for visitors. Though nowhere as large as Hagley Park that dominates the center of Christchurch, the boutique nature of this Fendalton estate makes it one of Christchurch’s most peaceful outings.
Address: Riccarton, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
From $ 25
Mirror Lakes
Though Milford Sound is inarguably one of New Zealand’s most popular attractions, the Road to Milford is as much of a sight as the actual Sound itself. Lined with waterfalls, vistas, and trails, the road to Milford is a weaving journey that’s best when traveled slowly—taking time to enjoy the sights and break up the lengthy drive. One of those sights is Mirror Lakes, where small lakes often bear the reflection of the snowcapped Earl Mountains. It’s only a short walk on a wooden boardwalk to reach the popular lakes, and aside from it being a nice place to stretch and shake out your legs from the sitting, there’s an alpine serenity and sense of calm that accompanies the lakeshore scene. Oftentimes, mornings will have the calmest conditions and the least amount of wind, which reduces the ripples and increases the chance of a classic mountain reflection. This is the perfect spot for landscape photographers to capture the beauty of Milford, and perhaps go home with a shot that captures a different side of the journey.
Practical Info
The Mirror Lakes walk is located about 34 miles north of Te Anau, and there is plenty of parking in the associated parking lot as well as along the roadside. Average hiking time is about 10 minutes, and the trail is only about ¼ mile long and is well maintained and signposted.
Address: Te Anau, New Zealand
From $ 120
Milford Sound
With its soaring cliffs, dramatic glacial valleys, and thundering waterfalls, it’s easy to see why Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most visited sights. This natural wonder is the star attraction of Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and wildlife haven for dolphins, seals, and penguins.
The Basics
Whether you cruise around the fjord, fly overhead in a helicopter, or explore Fiordland National Park by coach, Milford Sound is unforgettable from all angles. Most tours of the fjord run from Queenstown or Te Anau, and also visit highlights such as Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, and Mount Pembroke.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The weather in Milford Sound can be unpredictable, so prepare for wind and rain even in summer.
- If hiking, wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, as places to purchase supplies are limited.
- Cell phone coverage is limited, but free Wi-Fi is available at the Milford Sound Information Center.
- Most Milford Sound cruises are wheelchair accessible, but not all activities within Fiordland National Park are accessible to those with limited mobility, so it’s best to check in advance.
How to Get There
Milford Sound is located on the southwest coast of New Zealand’s South Island, about 178 miles (287 kilometers) or 3.5 hours by road from Queenstown, and two hours by road from Te Anau. The quickest way to get to Milford Sound is by taking a plane tour from Queenstown, where the nearest international airport is located.
When to Get There
Summer (December through February) is the most popular time to visit Milford Sound, so if you want to avoid crowds, opt for spring or autumn. Winter visitors will be at the weather’s mercy, but tours and accommodation can be cheaper during this time and the area’s snow-covered peaks are a sight to see.
Natural Wonders of Fiordland National Park
The journey to Milford Sound is just as impressive as the fjord itself, and photo opportunities abound along the Milford Road. Stop at Pop’s Lookout, Mirror Lakes, and Eglinton Valley; marvel at the views as you pass the Chasm and Homer Tunnel; and look out over Lake Wakatipu, Lake Te Anau, and the Remarkables mountain range.
Address: Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Admission: Free
From $ 32
Mount Cook (Aoraki)
The highest peak in New Zealand, the magnificent Mt. Cook (Aoraki) stands 12,349 feet (3,764 meters) tall.
The Maori name Aoraki means "cloud piercer" and its striking beauty makes it one of the island's finest mountains. Of New Zealand’s 27 mountains over 8,400 feet (3,000 meters) 22 of them are in this mountain range offering a spectacular display of snow-capped peaks and lush rainforested slopes.
The mountains glacial lakes are popular with people wanting to fish and sail while the rest of the mountain offers horse riding, 4x4 safaris, scenic flights and excellent mountain climbing for experienced climbers. Sir Edmund Hillary reached the summit of Mt. Cook in 1948 before climbing Everest in 1953.
The Tasman Glacier falls down the east side of the mountain with the Hooker Glacier falls to the west. It is possible to take guided skiing trips on Tasman Glacier while Hooker Glacier offers some excellent walking tracks.
Practical Info
Mount Cook Village is also referred to as "The Hermitage" and is situated 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) from the summit. It’s a popular base with climbers and tourists. It is a 2.5 hour drive from both Christchurch and Queenstown.
Address: New Zealand
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 212
Otago Central
If you're seeking the thrill of a fine glass of wine or a round of golf then Central Otago could be just your place. The hottest, coldest and driest part of New Zealand is also home to some of its most adorable towns and finer vineyards.
The capital of Central Otago is Alexandra and its boutique hotels are a great base for exploring. The highlights of Central Otago (besides its gourmet delights) include the very well-preserved gold-rush towns of Ophir and St Bathans, the art-deco charms of Ranfurly and the picturesque orchards of the fruit-bowl area surrounding Cromwell.
Eleven golf courses dot the countryside and curling (the ancient Scottish sport) is popular in Naseby where you can play in year-round facilities. Otherwise the majority of action takes place along the Central Otago Rail Trail with walkers, cyclists and horse riders all enjoying the gentle gradient of the former railway line.
Practical Info
Queenstown is 40 minutes drive from Cromwell and an hour’s drive from Alexandra. Dunedin is 2.5 hours drive from Alexandra. A car is the best way to explore the area, moving at your own relaxed pace.
Address: New Zealand
Admission: Free
From $ 110
Picton Cruise Port
Small but lively, Picton may be one of the sunniest ports in New Zealand. Located at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, it links the country’s South Island with the north, making it a hub for inter-island ferries across the Cook Strait. It is also a jumping off point for exploring the Marlborough Sounds.
How to Get to Picton
Cruise ships dock at the Waitohi Wharf, about a half mile from the center of Picton. There is no bus service in Picton, but taxis are generally available to make the short trip into town.
One Day in Picton
A day in Picton is likely to be an active one. Spend an hour exploring the town on foot, perhaps stopping at the small Picton Museum along the way. Then, move on to any one of a number of outdoor activities. Dive to the wreck of a Soviet cruise ship or join a dolphin watching cruise. Hike along the Queen Charlotte Walkway or to the Snout, a peninsula between Picton and Waikawa Bay. Biking, kayaking, fishing and sailing are all great options as well.
If you’re looking for souvenirs before you depart, try the Oriel Gallery or The Gallery for jewelry, paintings, photographs and other crafts from local artists.
How to Get to Picton
Cruise ships dock at the Waitohi Wharf, about a half mile from the center of Picton. There is no bus service in Picton, but taxis are generally available to make the short trip into town.
One Day in Picton
A day in Picton is likely to be an active one. Spend an hour exploring the town on foot, perhaps stopping at the small Picton Museum along the way. Then, move on to any one of a number of outdoor activities. Dive to the wreck of a Soviet cruise ship or join a dolphin watching cruise. Hike along the Queen Charlotte Walkway or to the Snout, a peninsula between Picton and Waikawa Bay. Biking, kayaking, fishing and sailing are all great options as well.
If you’re looking for souvenirs before you depart, try the Oriel Gallery or The Gallery for jewelry, paintings, photographs and other crafts from local artists.
Port Information
The local currency is the New Zealand dollar and the official languages are English and Maori, with English most commonly spoken. ATMs are widely available and some tourist shops may accept foreign currencies, such as US dollars or Euros. A tourist information kiosk is available at the port.
Address: New Zealand
From $ 17
Penguin Place
On the New Zealand’s South Island, a short drive from Dunedin, Penguin Place is a conservation reserve for the endangered Yellow-Eyed Penguin. It’s entirely funded through guided tours, so your visit will directly contribute to the birds’ preservation. In addition to bird sightings, the reserve offers beautiful views of Otago Harbour.
The Basics
Started in 1985, Penguin Place was the first place in the world to fund conservation entirely through tourism. It aims to protect and grow the population of Yellow-Eyed Penguins, and numbers of these birds varies from year to year. Trees and plants are planted every year throughout the reserve to provide shelter for the penguins. The center also scientifically studies the penguins, so provides valuable research that can be used to protect them further.
Most people visit Penguin Place from nearby Dunedin, either on its own or as part of a wildlife-themed day tour of the Otago Peninsula, the rugged, nature-rich outcrop of land that spreads out from the city.
Things to Know Before You Go
- You are allowed to take photos at Penguin Place, but don’t use a flash as it can scare the birds.
- The reserve tour is only suitable for travelers with good mobility, as it covers more than 0.5 miles (1 kilometer) and includes quite a lot of steps.
- The wildlife seen on guided tours can vary day to day, so you could be in for a surprise!
- Penguin Place has its own lodge with budget accommodation (closed from May to August.)
How to Get There
To reach Penguin Place by car, drive half an hour on the single road from Dunedin to the Otago Peninsula. Bus 18 makes the trip from central Dunedin in over an hour. Tours begin on Harrington Point Road (the main road along the peninsula), from which participants are transported to the preserve.
When to Get There
Ninety-minute tours operate regularly in the summer months (October to March), once in the morning and once in the early evening; in the winter they run in the mid-afternoon. Summer is a more comfortable time to visit, as the Otago Peninsula can get very windy and cold in winter. What you see on the tour depends on the behavior of the birds and the weather conditions on the day, so every day can be different.
Visit the Royal Albatross Colony
The Otago Peninsula is rich in wildlife. Bird lovers can combine a visit to Penguin Place and the Royal Albatross Centre at Taiaroa Head, farther along the peninsula. It’s the only place in the world where the enormous birds breed and nest on a mainland, and renowned conservationists consider it one of the finest examples of ecotourism.
Address: Harrington Point Road, RD2, Dun, New Zealand
Admission: Free but reservation required
From $ 124
Milford Sound Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory
For as stunning as the Milford Sound scenery can be when viewed above the water, there’s an entire other, underwater world that visitors rarely see. Thankfully, the Milford Sound Discovery and Underwater Observatory allows visitors to journey beneath the waves without even getting their hair wet. After descending over 30 feet beneath the Milford Sound surface, see rare species of black coral and schools of colorful fish, all from the air-conditioned, protected enclosure of the underwater observatory. Aside from simply catching a glimpse of the underwater environment, travelers can also visit the discovery center that’s located above the surface, and hear the ancient Maori history of Milford, or Piopiotahi. There are even videos of terrifying avalanches crashing down on the Milford Road, and documentaries showing the struggles of building the Milford Tunnel.
Practical Info
The Milford Sound Discovery Center and Underwater Observatory are offered as add-ons to Southern Discoveries cruises within the Sound. It’s the only floating structure in the Sound, and accessing the bottom of the underwater observatory requires walking down 64 steps.
Address: Harrison’s Cove, Milford Sound 9600, New Zealand
Hours: Open daily 9am-4pm
Admission: Adults: $36; Children: $18
From $ 33
New Regent Street
When first constructed in the 1930s, New Regent Street was famously lauded as “the most beautiful street in New Zealand.” Today, after the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, the street has rebuilt its colorful façade—built in a Spanish Mission style—where colorful, two-story buildings host retailers, restaurants, coffee shops, and cafés. When the street was first built in the Great Depression, only 3 of the original 40 buildings were occupied by lease-paying tenants, due to the economic hardships of the time and the tenants’ inability to pay rent. Gradually, an increasing number of businesses were established, and the street was reconstructed as a pedestrian mall in 1994. When the fateful Christchurch earthquakes struck, New Regent Street was one of the first places to rebuild and reopen its doors—though many repairs were only temporary and are in need of a permanent fix. Either way, it remains as one of downtown Christchurch’s most popular venues for shopping, with the pastel colored, lightly hued buildings contributing an architectural charm.
Practical Info
New Regent Street is in central Christchurch and is easily accessible by foot. It’s a 10 minute walk from the metro central bus station, and is also accessible by riding the tram, which runs from 10am-5pm daily, with expanded hours in summer.
Address: New Regent Street, Christchurch, New Zealand
From $ 14
Milford Track
Lush, rugged and impossibly scenic, the Milford Track is the gold standard of all of New Zealand’s hiking trails. In a country already known for its hiking, this famous track through the heart of Fiordland has been known to trump all others. Tramp your way through alpine scenery where mountains thrust upwards from the lakeshore, and walk beneath the famous Sutherland Falls that spill 1,900 feet down the mountainside. Delve through forests that are brilliantly painted in nearly every shade of green, and then finally emerge at the placid waters of famous Milford Sound.
Practical Info
As one of New Zealand’s famous “Great Walks,” the trail on the Milford Track is well defined and accessible to most levels of hikers. The trail is 31 miles long, takes four days to complete and has shelter provided in pre-booked huts along the way. The trail begins at Glade Wharf along the shores of Lake Te Anau and reaches a dramatic terminus when it finishes at Milford Sound. It can only be walked in one direction (it’s easy to arrange transport back to Te Anau), and the hiking season is only open from late October until late April. Reservations are essential for hiking, and space can regularly be fully booked up to six months in advance.
Address: Fiordland National Park, Southland, Fiordland, New Zealand
From $ 298