7 of the NZ South Island’s Best Kept Secrets

Winter or summer, these seven South Island adventures will knock your socks off, writes Sarah Tayler.

The Seven Secrets of Maui’s Canoe

It’s not often I’m completely blown away. But floating in a thermal spring, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, listening to ancient legends and astronomical tales, is quite something.

The Māori creation story of New Zealand is just one of the stories your guide will tell you as you gaze up at the starry sky above – thermal steam rising around you. As the story goes, Demi-God, Maui, and his five brothers are out finishing one day and Maui catches something so huge that he can’t reel it in on his own.

Together, the brothers help Maui and they bring a fish, bigger than they’ve ever seen, into the boat. Maui can tell this fish is special and asks the brothers to wait until the gods tell them what they’ve caught, but the brothers ignore him and start cutting bits off the fish to eat it. And that, as the legend goes, is how Aotearoa / New Zealand was made. The Te Ika-a-Māui / North Island is Maui’s fish, the Te Waipounamu / South Island is Maui’s canoe, and Rakiura / Stewart Island is the canoe’s anchor. The rugged mountainous landscape of New Zealand’s islands are the chunks cut out by Maui’s impatient brothers. 

The Stargazing Experience at Tekapo Hot Springs is just one of the many incredible experiences on the South Island that are well worth the visit – come with me as I discover the seven best-kept secrets of Maui’s canoe (New Zealand’s South Island… in case you weren’t paying attention).

Hot Tip! If you have a specific adventure in mind, make sure you know which season it suits and the best time of year to travel to fit in all the activities you want to do.

1. Punting on the Avon River, Christchurch

Walking through Christchurch’s huge Hagley Park in the centre of town, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in a European city as you stroll along the meandering paths that follow the water, shaded by huge trees.

To add to the European vibes, punting is on offer on Ōtākaro / the Avon River. While it might not live up to the adrenaline-fuelled rafting some Explorers are used to, it’s a lovely way to see the river and enjoy the crisp South Island air. 

2. Penguins, Seals, and Dolphins in Akaroa

Price: Varies depending on the tour chosen, hiking is FREE
Location: Akaroa, Banks Peninsula
Distance: 1.5 hours from Christchurch

Akaroa is packed with hikes, wildlife, bakeries, and vineyards – all surrounding a rural harbour town perched on the eroded banks of an ancient volcano. There are a lot of different boat trips and tours available to explore the harbour – from joining a pod of wild dolphins for a swim, to a sunset penguin tour to take part in conservation activities and stay overnight amongst the penguin colony. 

There are hiking and biking tracks to suit all levels and getting up high along the rim of the old volcano is the best way to take in the views. Try out Stony Bay Peak (8km/4 hours) for a half-day challenge or Newton’s Waterfall (4km/1.5 hours) if you’re short on time.

3. Stargazing at Tekapo Hot Springs

Price: $119NZD
Location: 300 Lakeside Drive, Lake Tekapo, NZ
Distance: 2 hours 45 minutes from Christchurch

Located in the centre of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, Tekapo is the perfect place to contemplate the night sky. The Tekapo Stargazing experience includes being shown various constellations and planets by the experienced guide, with a hot choc in hand of course.

Follow it up with a soak in a floating hammock in the hot springs while your guide regales you with mystical star-filled stories and Māori legends passed down through the generations. 

As well as the incredible stargazing experience you can walk the Mount John Walkway trail which takes about three hours and loops up to the observatory. The views over Lake Tekapo help you realise the sheer scale of this stunning waterway.

4. Hooker Valley Track, Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park

Price: FREE
Location: Hooker Valley Road, Mount Cook, Canterbury
Distance: 4 hours from Christchurch

The best thing about Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in New Zealand is that even the drives between adventures are breathtaking, and the scenic roads up to Mount Cook Village are no exception.

The Hooker Valley Track is a three-hour walk with amazing scenery. The terrain along the walk is so barren and extreme with snow, ice, and rocks – yet surprisingly accessible. It’s not steep or difficult, so it’s a great trail for people who don’t usually venture too far off the beaten track to get up close to this ancient landscape, carved by millions of years of geology and weather. When you get to the end of the track, you’re hit with the view of Glacier Lake which is like stepping into another world. 

This track, like most hiking, is best done early to avoid the crowds. There’s accommodation in the village or you can camp at White Horse Hill Campground at the start of the Hooker Valley Track. If you’re a day visitor, park up at the car park at the end of Hooker Valley Road.

Read more: Photo Essay on Journey To Aoraki/Mount Cook

5. Twizel Salmon Fishing, High Country Salmon

Price: $10NZD booking fee + $35NZD per kg of the fish you take home
Location: 2602 Twizel-Omarama Highway, Glenbrook, TWIZEL 7999
Distance: 2.5 hours from Queenstown

I always think fishing looks peaceful. Just you, the water, and the rod—waiting for the right fish to come along. But with no understanding of the equipment, or how to use it, fishing has always evaded me. The guys at High Country Salmon have set up an experience for people just like me.

Photo thanks to High Country Salmon

They provide the equipment, instruction, and the picturesque backdrop at their farm in Twizel. They even take the fish off the hook, clean it, and put it on ice for you so it’s ready to cook. For those more into eating salmon than catching it, there’s also a fish shop and cafe.

6. Māori Point Wines, Wānaka

Price: $15NZD for a tasting (waived with a wine purchase of $50NZD or more)
Location: 413 Māori Point Rd, Tarras 9383
Distance: 1 hour 15 minutes from Queenstown

Māori Point Wines has to be one of the most scenic wineries around. The wine tasting is fascinating, not only do you get to sample each of their hand-crafted tipples, but the knowledgeable staff can explain the growing, picking, and fermenting process as well. 

They welcome visitors to walk through the vineyard and take in the mountain views, bring a picnic, and even a fishing rod if you want to catch trout in the river. 

Hot Tip! You can purchase the super tasty sparkling wine in a can – the perfectly-sized non-smashable vessel for hiking or camping.

Photo thanks to Maori Point Wines

7. Cross-country Skiing at the Snow Farm, Cardrona

Price: $97NZD for a one-hour lesson and half-day pass and equipment
Location: Snow Farm Access Rd, 2127 Cardrona Valley Rd, Wanaka 9381
Distance: 1 hour 15 minutes from Queenstown

I love cross-country skiing. But sometimes when I travel with downhill skiers or snowboarders, it feels like I’m the only one! Imagine my delight when I found an entire resort in Cardrona dedicated to my favourite snowsport. And let me tell you, it won’t disappoint.

I spent my late teens perfecting my ski de fond classique technique around the lakes of the French Alps and getting back on those big ol’ narrow skis made me feel right at home. 

The tracks at Snow Farm Cardrona are well-maintained and not busy so you can take your time. The best package for beginners includes a one-hour intro lesson and then half a day hire so you can explore by yourself. 

There are other activities if your fellow travellers can’t be convinced about cross-country skiing. There’s a snow park where you can play in the snow with the kids and go tubing, snowshoeing for those who want to do a little exploring, and for the very adventurous you can even stay overnight in a hut and ski back the next day. 

Travelling in summer? No worries, they have walking and biking trails once the snow’s cleared with overnight options in the mountain huts. Second only to my love of cross country, is my love of European-style aprés ski. Grab yourself a mulled wine at the nearby Cardrona Hotel and enjoy it out the back next to the fire with the view of the mountains and the fresh crisp air. Nothing better. 

New Zealand Delights All Year Round

You could spend many years exploring the national parks, small towns, ski resorts, and wine regions of New Zealand’s South Island. With the hiking and biking trails, wild swimming spots, kayaking, and camping, Maui’s Canoe is chock full of adventure. And the best thing is, there’s quite literally something for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts (even nerdy cross-country skiers!).

Whether you love watching animals in their natural environment and learning about conservation, sampling farm-to-plate produce and catching your own dinner, or seeing ancient frozen rivers cascading through rugged mountains on a wintery hike, New Zealand’s South Island is astounding in every way.

FAQs NZ South Island

What are the four cities in the South Island of NZ?

The four cities located in NZ’s South Island are: Christchurch, Dundedin, Invercargill, and Nelson. Places like Queenstown, Rolleston, and Wanaka are technically towns, not cities.

When is the best time to visit the NZ’s South Island?

The best time to visit NZ’s South Island depends on what activities you want to do. For hiking, eating, and sunshine, head there during summer between December and February. If you’re keen to hit the slopes aim for the winter months of July to August.

Is the South Island better than the North Island?

Many people believe that the South Island is more beautiful than the North Island but it’s all subjective. Why don’t you visit both and let us know what you think?

How many days do I need to see NZ’s South Island properly?

The average amount of time recommended to see the South Island well is about ten days. That’s plenty of time to check out all seven highlights on this list!

Want more South Island adventures?

• 6 Unknown Hikes On New Zealand’s South Island 2023
• The Old Ghost Road – Aotearoa / New Zealand’s Best Multi-Day Mountain Bike Ride
• Aotearoa New Zealand’s Copland Track is a Dreamy Hike and Hot Pools Combo
• Road Trip Aotearoa New Zealand: 7 Campervan Campsites Worth Pulling Up at 2023

Feature photo thanks to Maori Point Wines