Things to do over the New Year's Day long weekend in South Island (Updated 2026)

South Island, New Zealand
Heritage Highlights Walk

Dunedin is a great wee city and is best explored on foot. Once New Zealand's largest city, and now a university town, Dunedin boasts picturesque …More

Dunedin is a great wee city and is best explored on foot. Once New Zealand's largest city, and now a university town, Dunedin boasts picturesque...

1 hour Free Cancellation
5.0 (16)
from
$28
Christchurch to Queenstown 2-Day Transfer Via Franz Josef

Embark on an unforgettable journey through some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes with Cheeky Kiwi Travel. This two-day tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via …More

Embark on an unforgettable journey through some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes with Cheeky Kiwi Travel. This two-day tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via...

2 days Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (14)
from
$328
Private Full Day Photography Tour in Queenstown - Follow the Gold

This full-day private photography tour takes us further afield than our other tours to the wild and rugged hills and mountains east of Queenstown. First …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

This full-day private photography tour takes us further afield than our other tours to the wild and rugged hills and mountains east of Queenstown. First...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (1)
from
$263
3 Hour in Wanaka Fishing Charters

Wanaka fishing charters offer a unique and interesting experience for several reasons: 1. Stunning Scenery: Lake Wanaka is set in the picturesque Southern Alps, providing …More

Wanaka fishing charters offer a unique and interesting experience for several reasons: 1. Stunning Scenery: Lake Wanaka is set in the picturesque Southern Alps, providing...

3 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (21)
from
$185
Queenstown to Christchurch via West Coast 2-Day Small-Group Tour

This two day small group adventure showcases the dramatic contrasts of the South Island, from the rugged rainforests and glaciers of the West Coast to …More

This two day small group adventure showcases the dramatic contrasts of the South Island, from the rugged rainforests and glaciers of the West Coast to...

2 days Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (11)
from
$328
Routeburn Guided Day Hike from Te Anau with Lunch & Transport

Take in stunning panoramic views of mountains and alpine lakes on this half-day, fully guided small-group hike along the Routeburn Track to Key Summit. Limited …More

Take in stunning panoramic views of mountains and alpine lakes on this half-day, fully guided small-group hike along the Routeburn Track to Key Summit. Limited...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (3)
from
$186
Golden Bay in a Day

Golden Bay is truly a hiden gem providing lots of incredible surprises. Departing  your accommodation and the city we drive over the Waimea Plains in Tasman Bay …More

Golden Bay is truly a hiden gem providing lots of incredible surprises. Departing  your accommodation and the city we drive over the Waimea Plains in Tasman Bay...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (26)
from
$255
E-Bike Hire with Return Shuttle from Queenstown Accommodation

This is winery E-bike rides made easy. If you don’t have your own transport, or plan on sampling some award-winning Otago Pinot Noir, our accommodation …More

This is winery E-bike rides made easy. If you don’t have your own transport, or plan on sampling some award-winning Otago Pinot Noir, our accommodation...

6 to 7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (21)
from
$111
Kaikoura Whales

Soar Above Kaikoura – Whale Watching by Helicopter from Christchurch. Experience the thrill of flight and the wonder of marine wildlife in one unforgettable journey. …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Soar Above Kaikoura – Whale Watching by Helicopter from Christchurch. Experience the thrill of flight and the wonder of marine wildlife in one unforgettable journey....

3 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (1)
from
$1,457
Te Anau Jetboat Experience, Kepler Guided Hike, Transport & Lunch

The most scenic jet boat ride ever: see actual “Lord of the Rings” film locations on the way down to the beautiful Lake Manapouri. On …More

The most scenic jet boat ride ever: see actual “Lord of the Rings” film locations on the way down to the beautiful Lake Manapouri. On...

6 to 7 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (4)
from
$254
Skydive Mt. Cook - 20+ Seconds of Freefall from 10,000ft

Enjoy New Zealand’s most stunning skydiving experience! Located in Pukaki and boasting some of the country’s most epic scenery. Skydive Mt Cook offers quintessential South …More

Enjoy New Zealand’s most stunning skydiving experience! Located in Pukaki and boasting some of the country’s most epic scenery. Skydive Mt Cook offers quintessential South...

2 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (5)
from
$169
Lake Dunstan E Bike Trail Activity

Today is all about value. Your day starts with a bike fit out of our Clyde depot, an Historic New Zealand Railway Station. We'll whisk …More

Today is all about value. Your day starts with a bike fit out of our Clyde depot, an Historic New Zealand Railway Station. We'll whisk...

5 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (26)
from
$93
Mt. Cook Full Day Private Tour via Tekapo from Christchurch

The journey from Christchurch to Mount Cook offers stunning scenery and unique experiences. You can take the scenic route through the Canterbury Plains, passing by …More

The journey from Christchurch to Mount Cook offers stunning scenery and unique experiences. You can take the scenic route through the Canterbury Plains, passing by...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (28)
from
$182
Lake Marian Guided Hike with Transfers, Lunch & Morning Tea

Lake Marian Day Walk offers a captivating hike to one of Fiordland’s hidden gems. This full-day experience leads you to Lake Marian, a stunning alpine …More

Lake Marian Day Walk offers a captivating hike to one of Fiordland’s hidden gems. This full-day experience leads you to Lake Marian, a stunning alpine...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (3)
from
$186
Akaroa Full Day Private Tour From Christchurch

Book an unforgettable day trip to Akaroa! Departing from Lyttelton Port, you'll enjoy stunning coastal views, including a stop at Sumner Beach before arriving in …More

Book an unforgettable day trip to Akaroa! Departing from Lyttelton Port, you'll enjoy stunning coastal views, including a stop at Sumner Beach before arriving in...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (16)
from
$153
Introduction to Wanaka Rock Climbing - Half Day

The ‘Introduction To Rock Climbing’ is our most popular trip. You get the opportunity to experience outdoor rock climbing in a safe and fun way, …More

The ‘Introduction To Rock Climbing’ is our most popular trip. You get the opportunity to experience outdoor rock climbing in a safe and fun way,...

4 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (5)
from
$225
Ultimate Off-Roading In Gibbston Valley

If you’re looking for the best off-roading experience in New Zealand, this is it. Take a ride in our Ultimate Off-Roader, our one-of-a-kind, custom-built all-terrain …More

If you’re looking for the best off-roading experience in New Zealand, this is it. Take a ride in our Ultimate Off-Roader, our one-of-a-kind, custom-built all-terrain...

15 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (7)
from
$84
Mt. Hay Farm Experience Genuine Country Farming(Carbon Positive)

Discover the Mt. Hay Farm Experience, where New Zealand’s high-country farming heritage comes alive! Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Lake Tekapo, this authentic farm …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Discover the Mt. Hay Farm Experience, where New Zealand’s high-country farming heritage comes alive! Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Lake Tekapo, this authentic farm...

1 hour Free Cancellation
4.0 (2)
from
$56
45Min Classic VR (max 3 games)

This is a cutting edge experience that everyone can enjoy. Not just Gamers. No experience required, take a leap and see what the future of …More

This is a cutting edge experience that everyone can enjoy. Not just Gamers. No experience required, take a leap and see what the future of...

45 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (31)
from
$37
West Coast Full Day Tour

This tour offers the best of the central West Coast including the most seen hot spots and all in a day! Perfect if you have …More

This tour offers the best of the central West Coast including the most seen hot spots and all in a day! Perfect if you have...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (8)
from
$209
Three Day Classic Kayaking in New Zealand

If you’re looking for the iconic kiwi adventure, then look no further than a classic, spend three days kayaking the coastline from beautiful Totaranui/Awaroa in …More

If you’re looking for the iconic kiwi adventure, then look no further than a classic, spend three days kayaking the coastline from beautiful Totaranui/Awaroa in...

3 days Free Cancellation
5.0 (7)
from
$780
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