When the sun dips beneath the horizon, bathing the sky in hues of orange and purple, South Island glows with an almost ethereal beauty. In May, the air is cool and crisp, with just a hint of winter chill. This makes it the perfect destination for those who want to experience the island’s natural wonders without the crowds. From chasing glaciers to hiking through a verdant rainforest, here are nine of the best things to do in South Island in May 2024.
Get up close and personal with Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world, and a visit in May offers the chance to see it at its most magnificent. Take a guided walk up to the glacier’s terminal face, where you can marvel at its towering ice cliffs and listen to the thunderous roar of ice calving into the river below. For an even more immersive experience, book a heli-hike, which will take you to the upper reaches of the glacier, where you can explore hidden ice caves and crevasses.
Trek through the Milford Sound fjord
Milford Sound is one of the most breathtaking fiords in the world, and a hike along its shores is a must-do for any visitor to South Island. The Milford Track is a four-day, 53.5-kilometer hike that takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the country. You’ll pass by towering waterfalls, ancient rainforests, and towering peaks. If you don’t have time for the full track, there are shorter day hikes available, such as the hike to the Sutherland Falls, the tallest waterfall in New Zealand.
Explore the Abel Tasman National Park
The Abel Tasman National Park is a coastal paradise, with golden beaches, lush forests, and crystal-clear waters. There are plenty of ways to explore the park, including hiking, kayaking, and sailing. One of the most popular hikes is the Abel Tasman Coast Track, a 51-kilometer trail that takes you through the heart of the park. You can also take a water taxi to one of the park’s many beaches and spend the day swimming, sunbathing, or fishing.
Visit the Akaroa Harbour
Akaroa Harbour is a picturesque volcanic harbor on the Banks Peninsula. The harbor is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, seals, and penguins. You can take a boat tour of the harbor to see the wildlife up close, or simply relax on one of the beaches and enjoy the views. Akaroa is also home to a number of historic buildings, including the Langlois-Eteveneaux House, which was built in 1832 and is now a museum.
Go whale watching
The waters around South Island are home to a variety of whales, including humpback whales, southern right whales, and blue whales. May is a great time to go whale watching, as the whales are migrating to their feeding grounds in Antarctica. There are a number of whale watching tours available from ports around the island.
Visit the Royal Albatross Centre
The Royal Albatross Centre is a conservation center that provides a unique opportunity to see these magnificent birds up close. The center is home to a number of royal albatrosses, which are the largest seabirds in the world. You can watch the albatrosses being fed, learn about their breeding habits, and see the chicks as they grow. The center also offers a variety of tours, including a guided tour of the colony and a boat tour of the Otago Peninsula.
Hike the Hooker Valley Track
The Hooker Valley Track is a popular hiking trail in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. The trail takes you through a beautiful valley to the Hooker Glacier Lake, which is surrounded by towering mountains. The hike is moderately challenging, but it’s well worth the effort for the stunning scenery. Along the way, you’ll see waterfalls, glaciers, and alpine flowers.
Explore the Fox Glacier
The Fox Glacier is another one of South Island’s must-see glaciers. The glacier is smaller than Franz Josef Glacier, but it’s just as impressive. You can take a guided walk up to the glacier’s terminal face, or take a helicopter tour to see it from above. For a truly unforgettable experience, book a guided ice climbing tour, which will take you to the top of the glacier.
Visit the Lake Tekapo night sky reserve
Lake Tekapo is a beautiful lake in the Mackenzie Basin. The lake is known for its dark night skies, which make it a great place to stargaze. In May, the Milky Way is visible across the sky, and you can also see the Southern Cross and the Magellanic Clouds. Lake Tekapo is one of the best places in the world to see the night sky, and it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in astronomy.
These are just a few of the many things to do in South Island in May 2024. With its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and rich culture, South Island is the perfect destination for an unforgettable vacation.
South Island is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Maori, European, and Asian settlers. The island’s Maori heritage is particularly strong in the South Island, and there are many Maori cultural experiences available, such as marae visits and kapahaka performances.
The best months to visit South Island are November to April, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, May is also a great time to visit, as the crowds are smaller and the temperatures are still pleasant. South Island is well-connected by air and road, and there are a number of airports and ferry terminals around the island. The local food is a mix of Maori, European, and Asian influences. Some of the must-try dishes include hangi (a traditional Maori hangi), fish and chips, and pavlova.
There are a number of great hotels and resorts in South Island, including the Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa, the Hilton Lake Tekapo, and The Lindis Lodge. With its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and rich culture, South Island is the perfect destination for an unforgettable vacation.
