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

South Island, New Zealand
Milford Extended Helicopter Tour from Queenstown

Explore the spectacular Fiordland National Park by air on this half-day Milford Sound helicopter flight from Queenstown. Fly over Milford Sound by helicopter with a …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Explore the spectacular Fiordland National Park by air on this half-day Milford Sound helicopter flight from Queenstown. Fly over Milford Sound by helicopter with a...

2 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (66)
from
$995
Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Sights

Embark on a half-day sightseeing tour of Christchurch while your ship is at port in Lyttelton. This tour highlights both the damage to the city …More

Embark on a half-day sightseeing tour of Christchurch while your ship is at port in Lyttelton. This tour highlights both the damage to the city...

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.6 (222)
from
$64
Jimmy’s Classic Marlborough Wine tours

Marlborough’s wines are treasures that have only come to light in a relatively short space of time. Jimmy has worked in the Marlborough wine industry …More

Marlborough’s wines are treasures that have only come to light in a relatively short space of time. Jimmy has worked in the Marlborough wine industry...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (57)
from
$227
A 2 hour Small Group Dunedin City Highlights Tour

Join a small-group tour to discover the highlights of Dunedin, the oldest city in New Zealand. Our City Tour is the perfect choice for those …More

Join a small-group tour to discover the highlights of Dunedin, the oldest city in New Zealand. Our City Tour is the perfect choice for those...

2 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (32)
from
$77
Morning Guided with Afternoon Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour

If you are looking for a guided experience of the Marlborough Wine region but also want to do a bit of exploring on your own …More

If you are looking for a guided experience of the Marlborough Wine region but also want to do a bit of exploring on your own...

7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (33)
from
$129
Quad Biking adventure through native forest & farm tracks

Designed to suit all abilities, this tour follows native forest trails, progressing through fields and along the banks of the river. …More

Designed to suit all abilities, this tour follows native forest trails, progressing through fields and along the banks of the river....

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (20)
from
$80
Glentanner High Country Heli Hike

Soar over the Southern Alps, take in breathtaking views during an 8 minute scenic helicopter flight and walk a trail of High Country history on …More

Soar over the Southern Alps, take in breathtaking views during an 8 minute scenic helicopter flight and walk a trail of High Country history on...

4 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (54)
from
$284
Kaikoura Whale Watching - 45 Minute Ocean Safari

Experience the ultimate Kaikōura helicopter tour and witness New Zealand’s incredible marine life from above. Fly over the renowned Kaikōura Canyon to spot Sperm, Humpback, …More

Experience the ultimate Kaikōura helicopter tour and witness New Zealand’s incredible marine life from above. Fly over the renowned Kaikōura Canyon to spot Sperm, Humpback,...

1 hour 15 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (44)
from
$487
30-Minute Alpine Scenic Flight from Queenstown

A winning combination: Experience breathtaking alpine scenery, from the dramatic Skippers Canyon to the expansive Queenstown Basin, with a landing on one of the region’s …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

A winning combination: Experience breathtaking alpine scenery, from the dramatic Skippers Canyon to the expansive Queenstown Basin, with a landing on one of the region’s...

30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (70)
from
$312
Christchurch Sightseeing Pass

Visit 3 of Christchurch's top attractions with a sightseeing pass that can be used on different days, allowing you to set your own pace. Soar …More

Visit 3 of Christchurch's top attractions with a sightseeing pass that can be used on different days, allowing you to set your own pace. Soar...

2 days Free Cancellation
4.6 (79)
from
$70
Private Christchurch Walking Tour

The Green Kiwi Tours 'Private Christchurch Walking Tour' is an informative and entertaining way to get the express history of Christchurch! From Māori and European …More

The Green Kiwi Tours 'Private Christchurch Walking Tour' is an informative and entertaining way to get the express history of Christchurch! From Māori and European...

2 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (31)
from
$24
Akaroa Shore Excursion: Akaroa Harbour and Giants House Local Tour

Enjoy a local 2.5 hour guided sightseeing shore excursion of Akaroa exploring the beautiful township, harbour, and this portion of the Banks Peninsula. After being …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Enjoy a local 2.5 hour guided sightseeing shore excursion of Akaroa exploring the beautiful township, harbour, and this portion of the Banks Peninsula. After being...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.4 (17)
from
$57
Full Day Mavora Lakes Adventure Lord of the Rings Film Locations

Embark on a Legendary Lord of the Rings Journey from Queenstown Operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays this exclusive LOTR tour takes you deep into …More

Embark on a Legendary Lord of the Rings Journey from Queenstown Operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays this exclusive LOTR tour takes you deep into...

7 to 10 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (44)
from
$178
Queenstown Wine Tour

Discover why Central Otago is one of the world's most celebrated cool-climate wine regions on this small-group tour through Gibbston Valley. Visit four of the …More

Discover why Central Otago is one of the world's most celebrated cool-climate wine regions on this small-group tour through Gibbston Valley. Visit four of the...

5 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (26)
from
$139
Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise

Travel the Milford Road in our luxurious & comfortable vehicles specially designed for small groups tours to Milford Sound from Queenstown. Modern comforts such as …More

Travel the Milford Road in our luxurious & comfortable vehicles specially designed for small groups tours to Milford Sound from Queenstown. Modern comforts such as...

12 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (190)
from
$228
Epic Milford Guided Tour from Te Anau

Explore the magic of Milford Sound on our, unforgettable Milford Sound Day Tour! Discover New Zealand’s pristine beauty as you journey through Fiordland's rugged landscapes, …More

Explore the magic of Milford Sound on our, unforgettable Milford Sound Day Tour! Discover New Zealand’s pristine beauty as you journey through Fiordland's rugged landscapes,...

9 hours 15 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (19)
from
$171
Wanaka Private Day Trip from Queenstown: TravelnGo

Escape the crowds with a fully private, customizable 6-hour day trip from Queenstown to Wanaka — including scenic stops in Arrowtown, Cardrona, and Cromwell. Discover …More

Escape the crowds with a fully private, customizable 6-hour day trip from Queenstown to Wanaka — including scenic stops in Arrowtown, Cardrona, and Cromwell. Discover...

7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (32)
from
$361
Queenstown to Dunedin with Taieri Gorge Train One-Way Tour

Follow gold rush trails, explore historic towns, and journey through breathtaking landscapes. This isn’t just a transfer, it’s an odyssey through the heart of Central …More

Follow gold rush trails, explore historic towns, and journey through breathtaking landscapes. This isn’t just a transfer, it’s an odyssey through the heart of Central...

10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (26)
from
$171
ZIPCHCH - Single Zipline Long Ride: NZ's Longest Zipline

The 4th zipline, aka The Long Ride, is the longest in New Zealand at a whopping 1.1 kilometers! It’s the perfect option if you’re short …More

The 4th zipline, aka The Long Ride, is the longest in New Zealand at a whopping 1.1 kilometers! It’s the perfect option if you’re short...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (23)
from
$57
Milford Sound Cruise with Live Nature Guide and Hot Drinks

Join your longest and most immersive Milford Sound cruise, giving you over two hours to experience everything that makes this destination famous around the world. …More

Join your longest and most immersive Milford Sound cruise, giving you over two hours to experience everything that makes this destination famous around the world....

2 hours 15 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (21)
from
$114
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