Top Things to do in South Island
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Things to do in South Island, New Zealand: The Best Geologic Formations
Discover the best top things to do in South Island, New Zealand including Saddle Hill, Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, Waimakariri River, Sandymount Track, Castle Hill Rocks, Tasman Glacier, Otago Peninsula, Devil's Boots, Franz Josef Glacier, Sumner Beach (Cave Rock).
Restaurants in South Island
1. Saddle Hill
2. Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
3. Waimakariri River
4. Sandymount Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Diovt - Panton, United States
There are several ways to experience this track. You can just climb Sandymount from the carpark but the views are limited. You can hike out to the new overlook and see amazing panoramas of the whole Otago Peninsula, including Allan's Beach and Hooper's Inlet. If you wish, continue and circle around to Sandymount from the overlook but be prepared for some arduous climbing up some very sandy slopes up the top of the mount. You will encounter sheep along the way.
5. Castle Hill Rocks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By MagicRoundabout365 - Queenstown, New Zealand
Amazing place - easy to find - good spacious carpark - toilets - this is a great place for children of all ages, teen, young adults to oldies that are sturdy on their feet.... we loved this place, great to walk around, lots of tracks, take a picnic as plenty of space... views are amazing, lots of photo opportunities... highly recommend.. and bonus it's free.........
6. Tasman Glacier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
Located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National park, the glacier extends eighteen miles in length and descends to an altitude of only 2,300 feet.
Reviewed By klvmar
We viewed the Tasman Glacier from a viewing area, accessed by a trail called the "Tasman Glacier View", a 20-minute steep incline to the top of a range overlooking the glacier lake and the tip of the glacier. On the way, we passed the Blue Lakes, which were named for their beautiful blue color back in the 1800's when they were fed by turquoise glacial melt from the Tasman Glacier. Today, the Blue Lakes are green because the Tasman Glacier has shrunk and its melt water no longer reaches the Blue Lakes. The warmer rainwater that now feeds the lakes supports algae, which has turned the lakes green. The green Blue Lakes and the shrinking Tasman Glacier were beautiful sites, but also a sad testament to the effects of global warming.
7. Otago Peninsula
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,056 reviews
The Otago Peninsula is a long, hilly indented finger of land that forms the easternmost part of Dunedin, New Zealand. Volcanic in origin, it forms one wall of the eroded valley that now forms Otago Harbour. The peninsula lies south-east of Otago Harbour and runs parallel to the mainland for 20 km, with a maximum width of 9 km. It is joined to the mainland at the south-west end by a narrow isthmus about 1.5 km wide.
Reviewed By kiwikeen2020 - Gold Coast, Australia
We did a bus tour visiting sights around Otago Peninsula - Larnach Castle, Sandfly bay, Royal Albatross colony and Penguin Place and Penguin cafe for lunch - we all had a lovely time and beautiful sunny day which made it even better.
8. Devil's Boots
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
9. 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.
10. Sumner Beach (Cave Rock)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 326 reviews
Reviewed By Juliea1928 - Tauranga, New Zealand
Easy to get to by bus or car the beach is just lovely and takes you back in time. There is a lovely big rock you can walk through on low tide which is amazing. Quant shops nearby and a fun place to visit
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