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

South Island, New Zealand
Arthur’s Pass Tour with Jet-Boat Ride from Christchurch

Nestled at the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana), Arthur’s Pass is steeped in history. Home of the world’s only …More

Nestled at the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana), Arthur’s Pass is steeped in history. Home of the world’s only...

10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.5 (2)
from
$212
Kaikōura Day Tour From Christchurch (Small Group, Carbon Neutral)

Kaikōura, whose name translates to ‘eat crayfish’ in English, is a small coastal town often overlooked by tourists. Caught between the Kaikōura Ranges - which …More

Kaikōura, whose name translates to ‘eat crayfish’ in English, is a small coastal town often overlooked by tourists. Caught between the Kaikōura Ranges - which...

8 to 10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.7 (3)
from
$127
New Zealand: Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

You absolutely will not find another tour out there as packed with activities and attractions as this one, provided by CharlieTheTraveler. You will also not …More

You absolutely will not find another tour out there as packed with activities and attractions as this one, provided by CharlieTheTraveler. You will also not...

9 days
5.0 (5)
from
$6,638
Private Wine Gourmet and Scenic Delights Tour from Picton

Enjoy stunning scenic views of the Marlborough wine region and taste the sensational wines and seriously delicious gourmet treats and cuisine with your experienced local …More

Enjoy stunning scenic views of the Marlborough wine region and taste the sensational wines and seriously delicious gourmet treats and cuisine with your experienced local...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (3)
from
$563
Quickie Tours 1 Hour City Sights Tour Cruise Ship days Only

Dunedins most popular 1 hour tour which departs from the cruise ship shuttle area on cruise days. We take you for a locals view of …More

Dunedins most popular 1 hour tour which departs from the cruise ship shuttle area on cruise days. We take you for a locals view of...

1 hour Free Cancellation
4.8 (9)
from
$23
Riverside Electric Bike Tour

A stunning guided ride along the banks of one of NZ’s most beautiful and powerful rivers. Varied riding, beautiful vistas and plenty of photo opportunities …More

A stunning guided ride along the banks of one of NZ’s most beautiful and powerful rivers. Varied riding, beautiful vistas and plenty of photo opportunities...

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (7)
from
$182
Anchorage Walk and Sail

Start your day with a 3.5 - 4 hour freedom walk along the Abel Tasman Coastal Track through native forest to Anchorage Bay. At 1.15 …More

Start your day with a 3.5 - 4 hour freedom walk along the Abel Tasman Coastal Track through native forest to Anchorage Bay. At 1.15...

8 hours Free Cancellation
4.6 (11)
from
$86
The Two Gods - Guided Kayak & Unguided Walk - New Zealand

This is a fantastic kayak and walk combo in the middle section of the park. Tailoring the start and finish kayaking points around the tide …More

This is a fantastic kayak and walk combo in the middle section of the park. Tailoring the start and finish kayaking points around the tide...

1 day Free Cancellation
5.0 (2)
from
$232
Dunedin Private Tour: City Sights & Otago Peninsula

We are Dunedin specialists in high end tour guiding private tours with years in the industry. We pride ourselves on immaculate vehicles, great guides and …More

We are Dunedin specialists in high end tour guiding private tours with years in the industry. We pride ourselves on immaculate vehicles, great guides and...

3 to 6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (3)
from
$1,022
Electric Bike Rental

Locally owned and operated business, comfortable step-through bikes designed for our amazing city cycle network, explore our amazing peninsular powered by our electric! Collect bikes …More

Locally owned and operated business, comfortable step-through bikes designed for our amazing city cycle network, explore our amazing peninsular powered by our electric! Collect bikes...

1 day
5.0 (6)
from
$56
Queenstown More Than A Wine Tour

Our Queenstown More Than A Wine Tour is not so much about swirling, sniffing and chatting about gooseberries, oak and tannins. It’s more an opportunity to …More

Our Queenstown More Than A Wine Tour is not so much about swirling, sniffing and chatting about gooseberries, oak and tannins. It’s more an opportunity to...

6 to 9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (1)
from
$795
Milford Sound Grand Tour Helicopter Scenic Flight Departing from Milford Sound

Combine all that Milford Sound is famous for into one flight! Explore Mitre Peak, the Sutherland Falls, and Tutuko Glacier. A minimum of four passengers …More

Combine all that Milford Sound is famous for into one flight! Explore Mitre Peak, the Sutherland Falls, and Tutuko Glacier. A minimum of four passengers...

45 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (5)
from
$508
Private 8hr Akaroa Tour: Lunch, Transport, Guide. Optional Cruise

This private tour, starting and finishing in Christchurch, is a genuinely scenic experience. Visit some of the small settlements around Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbours. …More

This private tour, starting and finishing in Christchurch, is a genuinely scenic experience. Visit some of the small settlements around Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbours....

7 to 8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (1)
from
$248
Private Couples Photo Shoot in Queenstown

* Tailored to your story - Whether it’s a surprise proposal, an anniversary or just because, the itinerary and shooting style are customized to suit …More

* Tailored to your story - Whether it’s a surprise proposal, an anniversary or just because, the itinerary and shooting style are customized to suit...

3 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (9)
from
$670
Cruise Abel Tasman to Golden Bay

Explore the Best of Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay in One Day! Your friendly guide will pick you up from your accommodation for …More

Explore the Best of Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay in One Day! Your friendly guide will pick you up from your accommodation for...

9 hours 45 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (8)
from
$312
Discover Doubtful Sound // Helicopter Scenic Flight from Te Anau

Discover the beauty of the second largest Fiord in the Fiordland National Park. Being 10 times larger than Milford Sound there is plenty to view …More

Discover the beauty of the second largest Fiord in the Fiordland National Park. Being 10 times larger than Milford Sound there is plenty to view...

1 hour Free Cancellation
4.9 (9)
from
$616
Lupin Flowers Tour Lake Tekapo

Lupin Flower Tour Through The Mackenzie's Stunning Landscapes. Journey with us through remote High Country Stations, which are private farms surrounded by rugged mountain ranges …More

Lupin Flower Tour Through The Mackenzie's Stunning Landscapes. Journey with us through remote High Country Stations, which are private farms surrounded by rugged mountain ranges...

3 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (3)
from
$238
Private Christchurch City Highlight Half Day Tour

This will be Private tour just for you and your group. There will be no disturb, no noise. You can enjoy the tour with your …More

This will be Private tour just for you and your group. There will be no disturb, no noise. You can enjoy the tour with your...

4 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.4 (5)
from
$161
Kidz Club Queenstown

Treat your kids to an action-packed day at the Kidz Club while you head off to enjoy Queenstown at your own pace. Whether you are …More

Treat your kids to an action-packed day at the Kidz Club while you head off to enjoy Queenstown at your own pace. Whether you are...

1 to 10 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (4)
from
$48
Totally Local Wildscene Private Shore Excursion With 8 travelers

If you want easy access to Dunedin's most popular attractions or some various unknown locals only attractions. I own this business and take great pleasure …More

If you want easy access to Dunedin's most popular attractions or some various unknown locals only attractions. I own this business and take great pleasure...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (8)
from
$99
Wanaka High Country Walk

This is the Wānaka most locals have never seen. We take you well off the beaten track exploring private backroads high into the mountains of …More

This is the Wānaka most locals have never seen. We take you well off the beaten track exploring private backroads high into the mountains of...

6 to 7 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (7)
from
$281
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