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

South Island, New Zealand
Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown

Discover the untamed beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mount Aspiring National Park on this full-day Dart River 'funyak' (inflatable canoe) and jet boat tour …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Discover the untamed beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mount Aspiring National Park on this full-day Dart River 'funyak' (inflatable canoe) and jet boat tour...

8 hours 15 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (366)
from
$290
Afternoon Marlborough Region Winery Tour inc 4 Wineries

After an early afternoon pickup from your Picton or Blenheim accommodation, travel in a climate-controlled minivan to the Marlborough wine region. Your guide shares commentary …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

After an early afternoon pickup from your Picton or Blenheim accommodation, travel in a climate-controlled minivan to the Marlborough wine region. Your guide shares commentary...

4 to 5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (209)
from
$119
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

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

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
$74
Queenstown Wine Tour: Two Wine Regions & Wine Cave | NZ Guide

Go Beyond the Usual Queenstown Wine Tour Travel beyond the usual Gibbston wine-tour route, through the spectacular Kawarau Gorge and into Bannockburn, exploring two of …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Go Beyond the Usual Queenstown Wine Tour Travel beyond the usual Gibbston wine-tour route, through the spectacular Kawarau Gorge and into Bannockburn, exploring two of...

5 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (227)
from
$135
Small-Group Kayak Adventure in Franz Josef Glacier

A unique kayak adventure, only minutes from Franz Josef Glacier! Set out across Lake Mapourika's mirror-like water and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Southern …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

A unique kayak adventure, only minutes from Franz Josef Glacier! Set out across Lake Mapourika's mirror-like water and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Southern...

3 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (409)
from
$90
Wildwire Wanaka- Level 2 (4 Hours)

Living a rich life is about experiences, not stuff – our spectacular backyard is full of adventure and we want to share it with you. …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Living a rich life is about experiences, not stuff – our spectacular backyard is full of adventure and we want to share it with you....

4 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (480)
from
$220
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 (104)
from
$186
Queenstown Tandem Paragliding from Coronet Peak

We fly from New Zealand's highest commercial take-off point. Offering stunning views of the Wakatipu valley and beyond, let our highly experienced pilots guide you …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

We fly from New Zealand's highest commercial take-off point. Offering stunning views of the Wakatipu valley and beyond, let our highly experienced pilots guide you...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.8 (129)
from
$215
Small Group Lake Mapourika Cruise & Rainforest Walk - Franz Josef

Enjoy exclusive access to our private rainforest trail, only accessible by boat! The rainforest trail journeys through a Kiwi Conservation region and some of Westland's …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Enjoy exclusive access to our private rainforest trail, only accessible by boat! The rainforest trail journeys through a Kiwi Conservation region and some of Westland's...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (105)
from
$90
Small Group Lake Mapourika Scenic Cruise in Franz Josef

Explore Franz Josef's Lake Mapourika on a personalised scenic cruise, where rainforest meets the Southern Alps in a calm setting within a UNESCO World Heritage …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Explore Franz Josef's Lake Mapourika on a personalised scenic cruise, where rainforest meets the Southern Alps in a calm setting within a UNESCO World Heritage...

2 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (116)
from
$76
Lakeland Jet Ski Adventure Tour - Lake Wanaka

Enjoy a jet ski tour exploring all the stunning bays, islands and alpine scenery showcasing the beauty Lake Wanaka has to offer from a different …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Enjoy a jet ski tour exploring all the stunning bays, islands and alpine scenery showcasing the beauty Lake Wanaka has to offer from a different...

1 hour Free Cancellation
5.0 (100)
from
$133
Half day Sea Kayak Guided Tour from Picton

Experience the beauty and seclusion of the Marlborough Sounds on this 4 hour half day guided sea kayak tour. Your tour takes in the western …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Experience the beauty and seclusion of the Marlborough Sounds on this 4 hour half day guided sea kayak tour. Your tour takes in the western...

4 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (160)
from
$68
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

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

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
$204
Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Scenic Flight

Milford Sound is arguably the most scenic destination in New Zealand and a must-see for any traveller. Whether seen in sunshine or rain, the incredible …More

Milford Sound is arguably the most scenic destination in New Zealand and a must-see for any traveller. Whether seen in sunshine or rain, the incredible...

10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (366)
from
$563
Queenstown: Southern Glacier 50 Minute Helicopter Flight

Soar over the majestic Southern Alps on a 50-minute breathtaking helicopter flight from Queenstown. Discover the mystery of Lake Wakatipu's northern shores, before experiencing a …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Soar over the majestic Southern Alps on a 50-minute breathtaking helicopter flight from Queenstown. Discover the mystery of Lake Wakatipu's northern shores, before experiencing a...

50 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (144)
from
$502
25-Minute Remarkables Helicopter Tour from Queenstown

Experience the best view in town. Land on the Remarkables spur, overlooking Queenstown and the Wakatipu basin with Coronet and Cecil Peaks in the distance. …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Experience the best view in town. Land on the Remarkables spur, overlooking Queenstown and the Wakatipu basin with Coronet and Cecil Peaks in the distance....

25 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (120)
from
$244
45-Minute Mount Cook Ski Plane and Helicopter Combo Tour

*WORLD EXCLUSIVE FLIGHT* Join this tour for the unique opportunity to fly in both a Ski Plane and Helicopter, the only flight like it in …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

*WORLD EXCLUSIVE FLIGHT* Join this tour for the unique opportunity to fly in both a Ski Plane and Helicopter, the only flight like it in...

45 minutes Free Cancellation
4.8 (116)
from
$339
Queenstown Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat

Combining two of Queenstown's most iconic activities, this trip is second to none! Starting on the Queenstown Jet Boat, you'll get to experience those famous …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Combining two of Queenstown's most iconic activities, this trip is second to none! Starting on the Queenstown Jet Boat, you'll get to experience those famous...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (178)
from
$186
Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown: Panoramic Views

A seamless journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound, where stunning views are made even better by fascinating stories from your driver. Enjoy a premium coach …More

A seamless journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound, where stunning views are made even better by fascinating stories from your driver. Enjoy a premium coach...

12 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.8 (447)
from
$140
Stewart Island: Rakiura Village and Bays Tour

Explore Oban Village and its surrounding bays on a modern minibus with a knowledgeable guide. A 60 minute tour with our friendly guides who will …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Explore Oban Village and its surrounding bays on a modern minibus with a knowledgeable guide. A 60 minute tour with our friendly guides who will...

1 hour Free Cancellation
4.8 (107)
from
$36
Fiordland Jet Boat and Biking Combo from Te Anau

At Fiordland Jet we want to take tourism back to what it use to be! With a small group of 11-13 passengers per boat, our …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

At Fiordland Jet we want to take tourism back to what it use to be! With a small group of 11-13 passengers per boat, our...

4 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (135)
from
$144
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