There are many people who have commented on the difference between the people and the cultures found on the South and the North Island of New Zealand, and the rural and more sparsely populated South Island is often cited as being the wilder side of the country. In terms of the amazing natural scenes, both islands have plenty going for them, but if you are heading to the South Island, there are plenty of different places worth adding to your itinerary.


Whether you want a calm and serene experience or a real adrenaline rush, there are plenty of options available.

 

Bungee Jumping Around Queenstown

This town occupies a wonderful area of the South Island, and those who are up early can enjoy the beautiful and calm surface of the lake before the rest of the population wakes up. However, for most people, Queenstown is the undisputed heart of adventure tourism, and there is no better place to go bungee jumping than here. The original bungee jump is little over 43 meters in height and is from an old bridge near the road on the way into the city, while a harness jump can be found on the mountain over the city, while the monster Nevis Highwire bungee is over 140 meters and involves a leap from a cable car fixed over a large canyon.

You can find hotels and accommodations in Queenstown here!

 

Go Whale Watching In Kaikoura

A lovely town on the island's east coast, Kaikoura is one of the best places for spotting marine life, including dolphins and fur seals, but it is whales that really bring the crowds to the town.

The population of sperm whales has recovered significantly since the town was originally at the heart of the whaling industry, and now the opportunity to see the whales in the flesh is one of the most inspiring activities available on the South Island. You can search here to find a hotel near the action in Kaikoura.

 

Hike The Milford Sound Trek

There are many wonderful multi-day hikes on the South Island, but the popularity of the Milford Trek is such that places in the huts have to booked well in advance during the main season. The spectacular steep cliffs that are seen along the Milford Sound make for a truly amazing hiking experience, and the views that are available from the remote path aren't available to those who take a coach trip down to the area.

 

Kayaking In The Abel Tasman National Park

This national park covers the north west of the island, and involves several small islets as well as a peninsula where the natural life is particularly good. If you are an experienced kayaker the surroundings are very good for you to rent a kayak and to explore, while those joining an organized trip can still enjoy remote beautiful beaches, the interesting coves of the park and will often see wildlife which can sometimes include encounters with playful sea lions.

 

Cycling On The Otago Central Rail Trail

Traversing the heart of the South Island for 150 kilometers, this cycling and walking trail covers the route of the old Otago Central Railway, and offers a wonderful perspective on the lovely interior of the region. As it follows an old railway line, the gradient on the climbs rarely gets too steep, and the scenery is wonderful, while you also get to travel through some interesting tunnels and lovely bridges offering wonderful viewpoints across the valley.

 

Quad Biking Near The Franz Josef Glacier

The glacier is one of the main centers of adventure trips on the South Island outside Queenstown, and if you don't fancy the challenge of hiking on the glacier itself, quad biking offers another way to get some great views of the Southern Alps. The hills around the glacier offer terrain ranging from rugged barren areas down to rainforests in the valleys, and this variety helps to make one of the best quad biking experiences in the country.