20 Epic Adventures Across New Zealand’s Top of the South
From alpine trails and high-country roads to wild coastlines, dolphin encounters, kayaking experiences and adrenaline-fuelled jet boat rides, the Top of the South is packed with ways to get out and explore.
Whether you’re up for a serious challenge, chasing an adrenaline rush or looking for a new perspective on the region’s incredible landscapes, there’s an adventure waiting around every corner.
We’ve picked 20 ways to get active across Hurunui, Kaikōura, Nelson Tasman, Marlborough and the West Coast, from cycling and mountain hikes to wildlife encounters, river adventures and remote road trips.
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Hurunui
🏔️ Mountain & high-country adventure
- Hanmer Springs Attractions
Get your heart racing with a range of outdoor adventures around Hanmer Springs. Take on the Waiau Gorge by jet boat, with high-speed turns and dramatic mountain scenery, or get off the water and explore the region on a quad bike tour through rugged backcountry terrain.
You can also try bungy jumping, rafting and horse trekking, making it easy to add a little adrenaline to your Hanmer Springs stop.
Get on two wheels and explore the backcountry landscapes around Hanmer Springs on the St James Cycle Trail. The multi-day Great Ride takes you through wide-open valleys, rivers, mountains and high-country scenery.
For a shorter adventure, tackle the climb up Conical Hill above Hanmer Springs. The track winds through native bush before opening up to panoramic views across the town, surrounding mountains and Hanmer Basin.
4. Waipara Valley Vineyard Trail
Swap the walking boots for two wheels and explore the Waipara Valley Vineyard Trail, winding through one of New Zealand’s best-known wine regions. Ride between vineyards, cellar doors and rural landscapes, stopping along the way to sample local wines and enjoy the scenery.
Kaikōura
🐋 Ocean & wildlife adventure
Get closer to Kaikōura’s famous Dusky Dolphins with Dolphin Encounter. Join a boat trip to watch these wild animals in their natural environment, or get in the water for a dolphin swim.
Explore the coastline from the water with Kaikōura Kayaks. Paddle beneath the mountains, explore the rocky coastline and keep an eye out for seals, dolphins and other marine life along the way.
Take to the treetops with EcoZip Adventures Kaikōura, combining ziplining with stunning views across the Kaikōura mountains and coastline. Soar through the native forest, tackle a series of ziplines and get a different perspective on this spectacular part of the South Island.
Take on one of Kaikōura’s biggest hiking challenges and climb Mount Fyffe for sweeping views across the Kaikōura Peninsula, Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains. The summit track is a serious uphill workout, but the panoramic views from the top make the effort worthwhile.
Nelson Tasman
🥾 Coastal & national park adventure
Swap the road for the water and explore the golden coastline of Abel Tasman National Park by kayak. Paddle through clear waters, around sheltered bays and along beaches backed by native forest.
Hit the trail on one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. The Abel Tasman Coast Track follows the coastline through native forest and golden beaches, with plenty of opportunities to stop for a swim along the way.
Explore Nelson and the surrounding region on two wheels with Cycle Nelson. With access to a network of trails and scenic cycling routes, it’s a great way to see more of the region under your own steam.
12. Nelson Lakes National Park
Head into the mountains for some of the Top of the South’s best hiking in Nelson Lakes National Park. Take on the Lake Rotoiti Circuit for sweeping views over Lake Rotoiti, tackle the Travers-Sabine Circuit for a multi-day backcountry adventure, or follow the Robert Ridge Route to Angelus Hut for alpine scenery and panoramic views.
Marlborough
🚣 Water & Sounds adventure
13. Travel the Acheron Road through Molesworth Station
Journey through New Zealand’s largest high country farm on one of the countries most scenic and remote roads. Packed full of alpine and glacial geology and braided rivers to explore, it's an area with a rich history of Māori explorers, hardy settlers and modern farming.
14. E-Ko Dolphin Swimming & Wildlife Tour
Get out among the wildlife of the Marlborough Sounds with E-Ko. Keep watch for dolphins, seals, seabirds and other marine life as you explore the sheltered waterways and coastline.
Lace up your boots and take on the Queen Charlotte Track, winding through native forest and along ridgelines above the Marlborough Sounds. Choose a section for a day adventure or take on the full multi-day experience.
16. The Waterfall Track and Takorika Summit
For a more challenging adventure, take on the Waterfall Track and Takorika Summit. Climb through native bush, reach a waterfall you can cool off in, and make your way towards Takorika Summit for well earned views across the surrounding landscape.
West Coast
🧗 Wild & extreme adventure
Head deep into the rainforest of the Oparara Basin to discover enormous limestone arches, rivers and ancient native forest. The walking tracks take you into one of the West Coast’s most unusual landscapes.
Explore the remote wilderness of the West Coast on a Waiatoto River Safari as you embark on the only jet boat tour in New Zealand that takes you from the Ocean to the Alps, all within a UNESCO World Heritage Area.
Travel deep into the rainforest by jet boat, taking in rugged landscapes, native bush and the wild scenery of one of the region’s most remote rivers.
19. Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
Take your West Coast adventure to the ice with a heli hike on Franz Josef Glacier. Fly into the Southern Alps before exploring the glacier on foot with an experienced guide.
Lace up your boots and explore some of the West Coast’s wildest walking tracks, from short day hikes to multi-day backcountry adventures.
Tackle Alex Knob, or Robert's Point Track for spectacular glacier views.
Take on the Copland Track to Welcome Flat Hot Pools, one of the best rewards after a days hiking you will ever experience!
Explore a Great Walk
From lush rainforest and rugged coastlines to alpine passes and remote river valleys, the West Coast is home to two of New Zealand’s spectacular Great Walks. Tackle the Paparoa Track, or Heaphy Track for an unforgettable backcountry adventure on some of the worlds best trails.
Ready to plan your Top of the South adventure?
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