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

South Island, New Zealand
Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise

Cruise through the stunning Akaroa Harbour and encounter some of New Zealand’s most unique marine wildlife, including the rare Hector’s dolphin, NZ fur seals, penguins, …More

Cruise through the stunning Akaroa Harbour and encounter some of New Zealand’s most unique marine wildlife, including the rare Hector’s dolphin, NZ fur seals, penguins,...

2 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (344)
from
$75
Milford Sound Nature Cruise with Southern Discoveries

Discover Milford Sound with the experts. For over 70 years, we've shared our passion for the natural wonders of Milford Sound. Our premium catamarans are …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Discover Milford Sound with the experts. For over 70 years, we've shared our passion for the natural wonders of Milford Sound. Our premium catamarans are...

1 hour 45 minutes Free Cancellation
4.7 (382)
from
$103
Beyond the Vines Full-Day Small-Group Marlborough Wine Tour

Beyond the Vines is a full-day Marlborough wine tour from Picton or Blenheim with The Original Marlborough Wine Tours. You visit five handpicked wineries over …More

Beyond the Vines is a full-day Marlborough wine tour from Picton or Blenheim with The Original Marlborough Wine Tours. You visit five handpicked wineries over...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (473)
from
$143
Small Group Lake Mapourika Kayak & Hike in Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary

Explore all that Lake Mapourika has to offer in this half day guided Kayak & Walk excursion - just minutes away from Franz Josef Glacier! …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Explore all that Lake Mapourika has to offer in this half day guided Kayak & Walk excursion - just minutes away from Franz Josef Glacier!...

4 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (126)
from
$103
Gourmet Food & Wine Tour Queenstown: 4 wineries & 5 dish lunch

Experience an indulgent and diverse full day tour showcasing the very best sights and tastes from the Central Otago region. Let your experienced wine guide …More

Experience an indulgent and diverse full day tour showcasing the very best sights and tastes from the Central Otago region. Let your experienced wine guide...

6 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (391)
from
$194
Wanaka 4x4 Explorer The Ultimate Lake and Mountain Adventure

The Ultimate Lake and Mountain Adventure Wanaka’s boat and 4×4 tour brings you the best of both worlds with views from the lake and land …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

The Ultimate Lake and Mountain Adventure Wanaka’s boat and 4×4 tour brings you the best of both worlds with views from the lake and land...

4 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (101)
from
$189
Whale Watching in Kaikoura - Ultimate Experience

Experience the thrill of whale watching from the sky with Wings Over Whales! This unique activity offers unparalleled views of the resident sperm whales, the …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Experience the thrill of whale watching from the sky with Wings Over Whales! This unique activity offers unparalleled views of the resident sperm whales, the...

30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (186)
from
$152
Mainland Peninsula Tour

Enjoy a full-day tour experiencing lovely Dunedin City and the Otago Peninsula. You will see all the city highlights before journeying along the Otago Peninsula, …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Enjoy a full-day tour experiencing lovely Dunedin City and the Otago Peninsula. You will see all the city highlights before journeying along the Otago Peninsula,...

6 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (73)
from
$167
Queenstown to Christchurch One-Way Tour via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo

Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook, this small group, fully-guided tour combines two of the most stunning locations in the South Island with the time …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook, this small group, fully-guided tour combines two of the most stunning locations in the South Island with the time...

14 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.7 (173)
from
$195
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park Small-Group Tour from Queenstown

Experience Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park in a small group with a knowledgeable local guide, combining spectacular alpine scenery with the flexibility to explore …More

Experience Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park in a small group with a knowledgeable local guide, combining spectacular alpine scenery with the flexibility to explore...

12 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (345)
from
$148
Christchurch to Queenstown One-Way Tour via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo

This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with the famous Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook National Park and …More

This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with the famous Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook National Park and...

14 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.8 (122)
from
$206
Hot Air Balloon Flights from Methven

Our Pilots will take you up to 9500 ft above the patchwork Canterbury Plains with spectacular Panoramic views west to the Mountains and east to …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Our Pilots will take you up to 9500 ft above the patchwork Canterbury Plains with spectacular Panoramic views west to the Mountains and east to...

3 to 4 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (90)
from
$218
Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour

Explore Dunedin highlights on a half-day, small-group tour that goes from the city's historic landmarks to the beaches of the Otago Peninsula. You'll see the …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Explore Dunedin highlights on a half-day, small-group tour that goes from the city's historic landmarks to the beaches of the Otago Peninsula. You'll see the...

3 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.8 (96)
from
$97
Queenstown: Off-Road Self-Drive Buggy Tour with Wakatipu Views

New Zealand's premium guided self-drive buggy experience – you drive, we guide. After a quick training session, follow your guide through steep climbs, creek crossings …More

New Zealand's premium guided self-drive buggy experience – you drive, we guide. After a quick training session, follow your guide through steep climbs, creek crossings...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (191)
from
$398
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Te Anau

Your Doubtful Sound adventure begins as you cruise the crystal clear waters of Lake Manapouri. Then it's over Wilmot Pass, stopping along the way to …More

Your Doubtful Sound adventure begins as you cruise the crystal clear waters of Lake Manapouri. Then it's over Wilmot Pass, stopping along the way to...

9 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (329)
from
$220
Wanaka Wine Tours - Boutique Tour

Explore the remarkable vineyards and stunning scenery throughout Central Otago and Wanaka.  You will taste gorgeous award winning wines from the little gems that are …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Explore the remarkable vineyards and stunning scenery throughout Central Otago and Wanaka.  You will taste gorgeous award winning wines from the little gems that are...

4 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered
4.8 (84)
from
$171
Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch

Immerse yourself in the magic of the Lord of the Rings trilogy on this 9-hour adventure to Edoras (Mount Sunday) from Christchurch. Explore with your …More

Immerse yourself in the magic of the Lord of the Rings trilogy on this 9-hour adventure to Edoras (Mount Sunday) from Christchurch. Explore with your...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.8 (378)
from
$192
Queenstown Quad Bike Adventure Tour - Half Day

Leave Queenstown behind and head into spectacular Queenstown Hill Station for an unforgettable off-road quad biking adventure. After a comprehensive safety briefing and training session, …More

Leave Queenstown behind and head into spectacular Queenstown Hill Station for an unforgettable off-road quad biking adventure. After a comprehensive safety briefing and training session,...

4 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (261)
from
$206
Queenstown Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour - half day

Rediscover the magic of Tolkien’s Middle-earth on a small-group 4WD adventure through Queenstown’s spectacular landscapes. View The Remarkables from Queenstown Hill, featured as the Misty …More

Rediscover the magic of Tolkien’s Middle-earth on a small-group 4WD adventure through Queenstown’s spectacular landscapes. View The Remarkables from Queenstown Hill, featured as the Misty...

4 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (319)
from
$185
Shore Excursion: V8 Trike, Peninsula and City Tour

Take in the sights, sounds, and smells of New Zealand's most beautiful city while experiencing the thrill and excitement of being on a V8 trike. …More

Take in the sights, sounds, and smells of New Zealand's most beautiful city while experiencing the thrill and excitement of being on a V8 trike....

1 hour Free Cancellation
4.9 (234)
from
$46
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