Looking for some extreme adventures on your next trip? Here’s 10 reasons New Zealand’s South Island is the ultimate adventure destination:
1: Chancellor Hut
Chancellor Hut is a hidden gem on the South Island mostly only known to locals. It is the oldest alpine hut in New Zealand that is still on its original site and unless you’re an experienced ice climber the only way in is by helicopter.  The two best options to experience Chancellor Hut are to book a flight with Heliservices or book a guided tour with Fox Glacier Guiding. Heliservices will drop you off that evening and pick you up in the morning allowing you to explore the glacier and mountains on your own.
This is a budget friendly option however it is an un-guided experience so if you’re not an experienced hiker or camper this can be a little intimidating. Fox Glacier Guiding has a guided tour package that includes ice climbing and allows you to stay overnight in Chancellor Hut. Chamois, ibex, and kea are often seen here and the glacier views are insane. It’s one of the best ways to see Mt. Cook and Mt. Tasman and you can drift off to sleep hearing the rumble and crack of the glacier retreating. With travel to New Zealand growing in popularity this is a fantastic way to escape the crowds and have a truly unique, adventurous experience.
2: The Southern Alps & Glaciers from the Sky
Take the Grand Traverse scenic flight with Air Safaris in Franz Josef and you’ll be in for the absolutely best way to experience the grandeur of the Southern Alps.  Despite Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers getting all the fame, there are over 100 glaciers advancing and retreating in the Southern Alps and this scenic flight is the only way to see them all. You also get stunning views of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Climb aboard the little six passenger plane and let your pilot be your guide. During the 60 minute flight he’ll point out some of the most beautiful and iconic landmarks in all of New Zealand.
3. Bungee Jumping in Queenstown
Bungee jumping may have started in Vanuatu, but it was in Queenstown where AJ Hackett put bungee jumping on the adventure map. Commercial bungee jumping started here in 1986 at the Kawarau Bridge, 43 meters above the river. If 43 meters doesn’t get your heart racing, you can go full throttle with a 134-meter jump, 8.5-second free-fall, which is the highest bungee jump in New Zealand.
4: Milford Sound Hiking (Fjordland National Park)
Milford Sound was recently voted the world’s most beautiful place and kiwis dub this majesty the 8th world wonder. It’s obviously a must-see when visiting the south island and there’s really no bad time to go. Fjordland National Park is the largest of the national parks and one of the wettest places in New Zealand, but don’t let the forecast get you down.
Milford Sound is magical in the rain. There are two main waterfalls that are always viewable in the fjord, but a myriad of waterfalls come alive when it’s raining, some reaching thousands of meters in height. Penguins, dolphins, whales, and seals can often be seen on a cruise around the fjord.
5: Swimming with wild Dusky Dolphins in Kaikoura
With tons of epic landscapes and experiences to be had in New Zealand this is one often over-looked, but not to be missed. Dusky dolphins are found in coastal waters in the Southern Hemisphere and are very social creatures. They’re best known for their acrobatic behaviors and can often be seen performing leaps out of the water, flips, twists, and turns. Although Dusky dolphin sightings are regular, because these animals are wild, sightings are not guaranteed. And if you’re lucky orcas, hector dolphins, and albatross can be seen here as well. Swimming with these incredible creatures is absolutely unforgettable and a must-do in New Zealand.
6: Heli-hike on Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier is one of only two rainforests that descends into a temperate rainforest and is the most accessible of the two. It is sandwiched between New Zealand’s highest mountains and the coastline, lying only 300 meters above sea level. Despite the terminal face being viewable from the Fox Glacier village the only safe way to access the glacier is by helicopter due to the significant retreat of the glacier. Fox Glacier Guiding offers a 10-minute helicopter ride that drops you off on the glacier for a guided hike. This is a truly incredible experience and the best way to get in touch with New Zealand’s glaciers.
7: Mueller Hut (Mt. Cook National Park)
Mt. Cook is the highest peak in New Zealand and it’s Maori name, Aoraki, literally means cloud piercer. Due to its proximity to the Tasman Sea, the weather in Mt. Cook National Park is often very unforgiving, but this can make the opportunity to hike Mueller Hut on a sunny day that much more incredible. Along the way are stunning views of the Hooker Valley, Mt. Cook, Mt. Sefton, and the Mueller Glacier. A few hundred meters before reaching the hut is an incredible viewpoint where you can see glaciers calving off and avalanches tumbling down the mountainside. This can be a day hike if you’re of moderate fitness or you can stay overnight and stargaze in the presence of Mt. Cook.
8: Roy’s Peak Hike
Roy’s Peak is one of the most popular hikes in all of New Zealand and with panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and Mt. Aspiring it’s obvious why.  Even for those in shape, this hike feels like a never-ending walk up-hill. It’s a lot of effort, but well worth it. It’s best to start before sunrise because the lack of vegetation provides no shelter from the sun. Also the later you get started the more you’ll have to battle the hoards of people all trying to get Insta-famous at the top.
9: Bike Views
You don’t have to throw yourself off a bridge to have an adventure in Queenstown. If heights aren’t your thing, stay on the ground with a stunning bike ride from Mt. Nicholas to Walter Peak Stations. You can rent bikes and cross Lake Wakatipu on the Spirit of Queenstown boat, take an unguided bike ride with panoramic alpine views, and head home on the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship. The views are truly remarkable.
10: Queenstown Shotover Jet Boat Ride
Jet boating is a crazy adventurous sport originating in New Zealand. Within seconds of accelerating the jet boat gets up to 85km an hour and whips its passengers in 360-degree -spins along the famous Shotover River.  You’ll receive a face full of water as the canyon walls towering over you become a blur. This unique experience provides an adrenaline rush like no other. The only advice I have is to hold on!
Hope these 10 reasons prove to you that New Zealand’s South Island is the Ultimate Adventure Getaway. Enjoy my travel photography? Follow me on Instagram.