Scenic viewpoint looking out over the whole Dunedin area. Short drive from the CBD
https://www.dunedin.govt.nz/community-facilities/walking-tracks/skyline-walks/mt-cargill
Stunning coastal town and dramatic beach. Has a massive sea cave at one end of the beach.
Another stunning coastal town with massive sand dunes, and a breakwater extending into the ocean, normally featuring lots of seals.
https://dunedinattractions.nz/aramoana/
Rugged coastline at the mouth of the Dunedin Harbor. Has an albatross colony which you can visit
Marine research labaoratory on the way to the Albatross colony
Great spot for coffee and brunch next to the ocean. 10min from the CBD.
Classic Scottish castle with rich histroy and beautiful gardens. Castle tours do cost money though
https://www.larnachcastle.co.nz/
Centre of the CBD. Beautiful architecture and great spot for food and drink
Gorgeous beach for surfing and dolphin watching
Petrified forest, just next to Curio Bay
Scenic lookout, lighthouse, and rugged coastline.
Southern most point of the South Island
https://southlandnz.com/the-catlins/natural-attraction/slope-point
Natural sea caves. Make sure your visit coincides with low tide
https://www.cathedralcaves.co.nz/
Can drive, take a bus tour, seaplane, or flight from Queenstown. The ocean cruise is a great option if you have time. Also short walks, and kayaking tours that you can do in Milford.
Seaplane: https://www.wingsandwater.co.nz/ Queenstown flight: https://www.glenorchyair.co.nz/
As beautiful as Milford, but more remote. Milford is a better option if you're pressed for time.
2 hr loop walk through native forest, ridgelines, lakes, and waterfalls
Loop walk round a hidden lake in the heart of the mountains
Short 2hour walk above the Queenstown CBD. Incredible views - make sure to go all the way to the summit.
https://www.newzealand.com/nz/feature/queenstown-hill-time-walk/
Short (but steep) walk up the side of the mountain (on the drive from Te Anau to Queenstown) Great views
https://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/stories/post/lower-wye-creek-walking-track/ NB: The track to the lookout is much shorter than this one. I can draw you a map.
Historic mining village. Great for a wander and a coffee
Looks out over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu - great for lunch or dinner. Awesome scenery.
https://www.skyline.co.nz/en/queenstown/
Incredible full day trip into the heart of the mountains, via jetboat and canoe. HIGHLY RECCOMEND :)
Remote jetboating in the heart of the moutains, through ancient gold mining sites. Impressive and scenic drive in.
https://www.skipperscanyonjet.co.nz/
Vintage steamship, and gourmet buffet at a remote high-country station
https://www.realjourneys.co.nz/en/experiences/cruises/tss-earnslaw-lake-cruises/
Any scenic flight out of Queenstown will be breathtaking. Heli is more expensive but allows for snow / glacier landings
https://glenorchyair.co.nz - Plane https://www.flynz.co.nz/ - Heli
20min walk to look over the Tasman Glacier and terminal lake. Full of icebergs. Very cool.
Short walk in the depths of Mt Cook's beautiful scenery
Numerous options for scenic flights depending on budget. All of them will be breathtaking :)
https://www.helicopter.co.nz/english/heli-tours/view/tasman-glacier-heli-hike