Things to do in Manapouri

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Southland

Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Te Anau Glowworm Caves are located on the western shore of Lake Te Anau in the Fiordland region of New Zealand's South Island, a limestone cave system continuously carved by underground streams. In Māori, "Te Ana-au" means "cave of the swirling waters," referring to the dark river that surges through the cave. In 1948, local explorer Lawson Burrows followed clues from ancient Māori legends and spent three years searching caves across the South Island, eventually finding this entrance on the western shore of Lake Te Anau that had previously existed only in legend—when he crawled through a rock crevice and passed through the entrance, the eerie blue glow of countless glowworms deep in the cave came into view. Since then, it has gradually become a favored destination on the shores of Lake Te Anau. The cave is geologically very young, having formed about 12,000 years ago, and is still being shaped by the rushing underground river. To reach the cave, visitors must first take a boat across Lake Te Anau, then cross native bush after arriving on the western shore to enter. The cave tour is divided into two parts, walking and boating: first, bend down to pass through the low rock crevice entrance and walk along the winding limestone passages, where swirling currents and roaring underground waterfalls can be seen along the way; then transfer to a small boat and, pulled along by the guide, glide quietly into the depths of the dark cave. Thousands of New Zealand's unique glowworms inhabit the cave ceiling, emitting pinpricks of blue light like an inverted starry sky. To protect the glowworms and allow eyes to adjust to the darkness, photography and filming are prohibited throughout the cave, and visitors must remain quiet when viewing the glowworms. The temperature inside the cave is low year-round, and the paths are slippery with steps, so extra care should be taken underfoot.

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Parklocated at the southwestern tip of New Zealand's South Island and covering approximately 12,000 square kilometers, it ranks among the largest of the country's national parks. Successive glacial movements have carved more than a dozen deep fjords into the coastal mountains, with Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and Dusky Sound being the most notable examples. About two-thirds of the park is covered by native beech and podocarp forests, while the landscape is dotted with towering peaks, alpine lakes, and moss-covered valleys. The area was designated a World Heritage Site in 1990. An extensive network of walking trails allows visitors to explore this pristine wilderness of mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and moss-clad valleys.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise

Born in 1912, the TSS Earnslaw, known as "The Lady of the Lake," dates back to the golden age of steamships—an era that included the world-famous Titanic. Today, as a coal-fired ferry, she has been sailing for over 100 years and isLake WakatipuA charming sight that takes you back in time to experience the splendor of early 20th-century Europe. During the cruise, you can lean on the railing on the deck and gaze at the beautiful lake and mountain scenery of Queenstown, or step onto the bridge to secretly admire the captain's superb steering skills, or venture into the steam boiler room to learn how the steam engine works. △ Boat tourLake Wakatipu, you can enjoy magnificent mountain views and tranquil lake waters △ Visit the engine room and mini museum on board, listen to songs accompanied by piano, and savor the elegance of the turn of the century △After arriving at Walter Peak High Country Farm, you can view and feed the farm animals up close, and attend sheep shearing and sheepdog demonstrations

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

Milford Sound Scenic Cruises

Take in Milford Sound on a modern and spacious Milford Sound Cruise, with unobstructed views outside the boat from any area of the interior cabin. The boat features a comfortable indoor lounge and large panoramic picture windows, allowing you to see waterfalls and wildlife up close from the bow. From the spacious upper outdoor deck, you can look directly down on the water, and the captain will provide informative commentary, and the cruise will play commentary in other languages at certain times.

Kepler Track

Located in Te Anau, New Zealand, the Kepler Trail is 67 kilometers long and is a scenic loop. On the trail, visitors can enjoy numerous scenic views, such as Lake Te Anau, Mount Luxmore, Mount Kepler, Alice Bain Valley and more.

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

NZONE Skydive Queenstown

Gold tier trial period: October to April of the following year NZONE Skydive Queenstown in New Zealand 1. Tandem skydiving origin experience: New Zealand tandem skydiving started in Queenstown in 1990. Complete the challenge at this legendary starting point. 2. New Zealand tourism awards certification: A skydiving brand awarded by the New Zealand tourism awards, ensuring both safety and experience with double authority. 3. Queenstown core view aerial perspective: Free fall to enjoy the "S"-shaped bay of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables mountain range and the panoramic view of Queenstown. 4. 360° unobstructed "God's-eye view": Aerial panoramic vision, far surpassing cable cars and viewing platforms, truly seeing all the highlights of Queenstown at once. 5. Multiple height options suitable for all ages: Offers various skydiving height choices, available for ages 6 and up. 6. Tandem skydiving for beginners: Professional instructors provide one-on-one guidance throughout the experience, no prior skydiving experience required. 7. Complies with New Zealand safety standards: equipment, processes, and instructor qualifications have all met the high standards of New Zealand's aviation and safety regulatory system certification. 8. Scenic flight + free fall + dual gliding experience: First enjoy a scenic fixed-wing flight in Queenstown, followed by the thrill of high-speed free fall, then glide smoothly under the parachute to admire the scenery. 9. Free shuttle service in Queenstown downtown: Located in the heart of Queenstown, offering complimentary transfers year-round (weather permitting) for more flexible itinerary arrangements.

No. 3 of Night Attractions in New Zealand

Skyline Queenstown

Skyline Queenstown is located atop Bob's Peak in Queenstown, a viewpoint overlooking downtown Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the distant mountains. The cable car boarding point is just a few minutes' walk from downtown, and the southern cable car takes you up to the summit. The summit observation deck offers an expansive view of about 220 degrees, framing the Queenstown town, lake, and distant mountains together; at sunset, the shifting light and shadows make the scenery especially captivating. The summit is more than just an observation deck—it also brings together a variety of activities. In addition to sightseeing, there is a very famous Stratosfare restaurant that serves dishes made with local New Zealand ingredients in buffet style, allowing you to dine while enjoying the panoramic lake and mountain views through floor-to-ceiling windows—an iconic dining experience at the summit. △ Ride the cable car and enjoy the town views △ 220-degree bird's-eye view of distant alpine lakes △ Experience more thrilling rides

Possum Lodge

Punanga Manu o Te Anau / Te Anau Bird Sanctuary

No. 9 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences

Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences take you soaring over Mount Cook National Park, offering breathtaking aerial views of vast glaciers and snowfields. Feel the majestic embrace of towering mountains from high above as your helicopter navigates through narrow ridges before landing on alpine terrain, where you'll marvel at the park's spectacular scenery. During this unforgettable journey, you'll witness natural wonders like the Tasman Glacier and Hooker Valley from above, experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty of glacial landscapes and snow-capped peaks. Under the guidance of professional pilots, you'll enjoy low-altitude flights for close-up observations of glacial crevasses and ice caves while learning about glacial formation processes. More than just a visual feast, Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences offer a profound spiritual awakening amidst nature's grandeur.