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

South Island, New Zealand
Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch

Travel in a group tour from Christchurch, on a day trip to Aoraki Mount Cook – the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Visit the picturesque …More

Travel in a group tour from Christchurch, on a day trip to Aoraki Mount Cook – the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Visit the picturesque...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (385)
from
$155
Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket

See the city of Christchurch from above by taking a trip aboard the Christchurch Gondola. The cable car takes you on a scenic journey to …More

See the city of Christchurch from above by taking a trip aboard the Christchurch Gondola. The cable car takes you on a scenic journey to...

2 hours Free Cancellation
4.6 (330)
from
$26
Llama Trek (Taster) - Kowhai River Valley and Native Woodland Tour

Enjoy a 1hr Taster Llama Trek - along the Kowhai River banks and riverbed. Surrounded throughout by protected native woodland, and abundant wildlife. …More

Enjoy a 1hr Taster Llama Trek - along the Kowhai River banks and riverbed. Surrounded throughout by protected native woodland, and abundant wildlife....

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (86)
from
$67
Christchurch to Queenstown via Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook (1 way)

Escaping the hustle and bustle of Ōtautahi Christchurch, this 1 way trip adventures via the Canterbury plains, State Highway 79, the world famous Fairlie Bakehouse, …More

Escaping the hustle and bustle of Ōtautahi Christchurch, this 1 way trip adventures via the Canterbury plains, State Highway 79, the world famous Fairlie Bakehouse,...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.8 (66)
from
$212
Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch & Willowbank Tour

Combine a half day city tour of Christchurch taking in not only the damage to the city by several earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 and …More

Combine a half day city tour of Christchurch taking in not only the damage to the city by several earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 and...

6 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.7 (83)
from
$96
Seafood Odyssea Marlborough Sounds Cruise from Picton

Relax and enjoy the stunning Marlborough Sounds, at the top of New Zealand's South Island on this cruise. With a complimentary tasting of local wine …More

Relax and enjoy the stunning Marlborough Sounds, at the top of New Zealand's South Island on this cruise. With a complimentary tasting of local wine...

3 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (132)
from
$85
Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing

Take in magnificent views while flying over the Franz Josef Glacier and surrounding Southern Alps mountains on this scenic flight. We are locally owned by …More

Take in magnificent views while flying over the Franz Josef Glacier and surrounding Southern Alps mountains on this scenic flight. We are locally owned by...

25 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (218)
from
$223
Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45min

Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife …More

Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife...

45 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (129)
from
$393
Half Day Arrowtown and Gibbston Lord of the Rings Film Locations

Epic Adventures to the Real Middle Earth and Back Again! Join our Lord of the Rings “Nerds” aka tour guides who have superior knowledge on …More

Epic Adventures to the Real Middle Earth and Back Again! Join our Lord of the Rings “Nerds” aka tour guides who have superior knowledge on...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (365)
from
$118
Guided eBike Tour 'Ride to the Sky'

Ride to the Sky is a flagship tour through exclusive locations on specially built eBike track. Ride on premium Full suspension e-bike (pedal assisted) to …More

Ride to the Sky is a flagship tour through exclusive locations on specially built eBike track. Ride on premium Full suspension e-bike (pedal assisted) to...

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (182)
from
$138
Dunedin City Highlights, Otago Peninsula Scenery & Albatross Guided Tour

With this tour, you will enjoy a small-group experience with personalised attention while discovering the beauty of Dunedin City and the Otago Peninsula. You’ll also …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

With this tour, you will enjoy a small-group experience with personalised attention while discovering the beauty of Dunedin City and the Otago Peninsula. You’ll also...

6 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (52)
from
$190
Full Day Arrowtown and Glenorchy Lord of the Rings Film Locations

Combine our Half Day in Middle Earth with a second Half Day Adventure into another part of Middle Earth with our partner company. We have a 1 hour …More

Combine our Half Day in Middle Earth with a second Half Day Adventure into another part of Middle Earth with our partner company. We have a 1 hour...

10 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (113)
from
$231
Fox Glacier Nature Tour

This scenic trail meanders through the lush, historic glaciated rainforest of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, where you'll encounter magnificent rata & rimu trees, vibrant …More

This scenic trail meanders through the lush, historic glaciated rainforest of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, where you'll encounter magnificent rata & rimu trees, vibrant...

3 to 4 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (93)
from
$65
Guided Private Milford Sound Day Tour from Te Anau(Cruise Included)

Private guided tour in a luxury Tesla Model X or Model Y. Our knowledgeable guides offer personalized tours into the world-renown Milford Sound from Te …More

Private guided tour in a luxury Tesla Model X or Model Y. Our knowledgeable guides offer personalized tours into the world-renown Milford Sound from Te...

7 to 10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (122)
from
$206
Cardrona High Country Pub Trail Horse Trek (Intermediate level+)

Saddle up on this very unique horse trekking experience, just 20 minutes from Wanaka. The half-day High Country Pub horse trek takes you up into …More

Saddle up on this very unique horse trekking experience, just 20 minutes from Wanaka. The half-day High Country Pub horse trek takes you up into...

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (268)
from
$397
Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region.

Discover the beauty of Marlborough your way. Rent a bike from us and enjoy your own self-guided wine tour. We’ll set you up with quality …More

Discover the beauty of Marlborough your way. Rent a bike from us and enjoy your own self-guided wine tour. We’ll set you up with quality...

6 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (227)
from
$40
Milford Sound Coach & Cruise ex Te Anau Stunning Views with Lunch

Embark on a stress-free Milford Sound adventure from Te Anau. We'll do the driving as you relax in our premium coaches, designed for unbeatable views …More

Embark on a stress-free Milford Sound adventure from Te Anau. We'll do the driving as you relax in our premium coaches, designed for unbeatable views...

8 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.8 (144)
from
$186
Cardrona Valley Mountain Quad Experience from Wanaka

The Cardrona presents New Zealand's best guided quad bike tour. This two hour mountain experience takes you to the top of the mountains of the …More

The Cardrona presents New Zealand's best guided quad bike tour. This two hour mountain experience takes you to the top of the mountains of the...

2 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (246)
from
$203
Iconic Shore Excursion: Dunedin City Highlights Tour

Discover top attractions and iconic sites and lookouts around the city of Dunedin on this half-day city tour. Explore Dunedin with a guide and take …More

Discover top attractions and iconic sites and lookouts around the city of Dunedin on this half-day city tour. Explore Dunedin with a guide and take...

4 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (150)
from
$82
Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise

The Mail has been delivered by boat for over 150 years in the Queen Charlotte Sounds, we are the only official licensed New Zealand Post …More

The Mail has been delivered by boat for over 150 years in the Queen Charlotte Sounds, we are the only official licensed New Zealand Post...

4 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (328)
from
$75
Full Day Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour from Queenstown

Travel by 4WD from Queenstown along Lake Whakatipu, surrounded by the Southern Alps, glacial valleys and native beech forest. Visit 12 Mile Delta for a …More

Travel by 4WD from Queenstown along Lake Whakatipu, surrounded by the Southern Alps, glacial valleys and native beech forest. Visit 12 Mile Delta for a...

9 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (84)
from
$377
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