South Island

Discover the Magic of South Island New Zealand

Welcome to the South Island—New Zealand’s crown jewel of natural beauty and adventure. From the snow-capped Southern Alps to the serene turquoise lakes, this region offers a breathtaking blend of landscapes that captivate every traveler. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or seeking tranquility, the South Island delivers unforgettable experiences at every turn.

Why Choose the South Island?

The South Island is a dream destination for nature lovers, photographers, and explorers alike. It’s home to:
  • Towering mountain ranges like Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Remarkables
  • World-famous fiords, including Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound
  • Ancient glaciers such as Franz Josef and Fox Glacier
  • Golden beaches and lush forests in Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks
  • Vibrant towns and cities like Queenstown, Dunedin, and Nelson
Each region offers its own unique charm, making the South Island ideal for both short getaways and extended road trips.

Flexible Day Tours & Custom Adventures 🚐

Whether you’re following one of our expertly crafted itineraries or building your own journey, the South Island is packed with optional day tours and activities to enrich your trip. Choose from:
  • Scenic train rides like the Coastal Pacific
  • Iconic hikes, including the Kepler Track and Pack Track
  • Glacier walks, cycle trails, and sunset beach cocktails
  • Wildlife encounters in Kaikoura and Stewart Island
  • Wine tasting in Marlborough and Central Otago
Our tours are designed to fit seamlessly into your schedule, with options for every pace and interest—from relaxed nature walks to high-energy excursions.  

South Island New Zealand: Things to Do

Abel Tasman National Park ○ Akaroa ○ Christchurch – Canterbury ○ Central Otago ○ Doubtful Sound ○ Dunedin ○ Fiordland ○ Fiordland National Park ○ Glacier Country ○ Golden Bay ○ Kahurangi National Park ○ Kaikoura ○ Marlborough ○ Mount Cook & Mackenzie ○ Mt Aspiring National Park ○ Nelson Tasman ○ Queenstown ○ Southland ○ Te Anau ○ Waitaki & Oamaru ○ Wanaka ○ West Coast ○ Stewart Island ○ Chatham Islands

BEST 26 South Island Tourist Attractions

BEST South Island Tourist Attractions

❤️ South Island Map & Trip Planner

To make planning effortless, we’ve integrated all major attractions into a smart Google Maps trip planner, organized geographically from north to south. This intuitive layout helps you visualize your route and optimize travel time, whether you’re driving solo or touring by coach or motorhome.

> South Island tourist attractions in Google Maps

New Zealand South Island Map & Regions

South Island New Zealand Map

6 – 15 Day South Island Self Drive and Independent Coach Tour Packages

Find Your Perfect Activity

Jet Boat + Wilderness Walk: A Thrilling Adventure and Scenic Escape

Central Wanaka Active & Adventure Boat Cruises & Water Activities

4 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Combine the exhilaration of a jet boat ride with the serenity of a guided wilderness walk on this unforgettable Jet Boat + Wilderness Walk tour. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, this tour offers the best of both worlds: high-speed excitement and peaceful exploration of New Zealand’s pristine landscapes. Tour Overview Duration: 4 hours Location:

Mighty Milford Sound Heli Flight: A Journey Above New Zealand’s Iconic Fjord

Central Queenstown Scenic Flights

1 hour, 20 minutes

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Discover the unmatched beauty of Milford Sound and the surrounding alpine landscapes with the Mighty Milford Sound Heli Flight. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure combines stunning aerial views, a glacier landing, and expert commentary for an unforgettable experience. Tour Overview Duration: 1 hour, 20 minutes Flight Route: Departs from Queenstown or Te Anau, covering Fiordland National Park

Rob Roy Glacier Guided Walk: A Journey to Nature’s Masterpiece

Mount Aspiring Walking & Hiking Active & Adventure

1 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand’s Southern Alps with the Rob Roy Glacier Guided Walk. This unforgettable experience takes you through stunning alpine landscapes, culminating in a close-up view of the majestic Rob Roy Glacier. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, this guided trek offers a combination of scenic beauty,

Lake Cruise & Island Nature Walk – Lake Wakatipu

Wanaka Lakeside Wildlife & Beaches

3.5 to 4 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Discover the tranquil beauty of New Zealand’s pristine waterways with the Lake Cruise & Island Nature Walk tour. This relaxing yet adventurous experience combines a serene cruise across picturesque waters with an immersive guided walk on a secluded island teeming with natural wonders. Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours Departure Point: Queenstown Bay Cruise Highlights: Scenic

Mt Aspiring and Glaciers Heli Flight: A Sky-High Alpine Adventure

Mt Aspiring National Park Active & Adventure Scenic Flights

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Embark on a thrilling helicopter ride over the stunning Southern Alps, offering an unparalleled aerial view of Mount Aspiring and its surrounding glaciers. This adventure takes you deep into one of New Zealand’s most majestic alpine regions, showcasing dramatic landscapes, pristine ice fields, and soaring mountain peaks. Key Facts: Tour Duration: Flexible Location: Mt Aspiring

Mt Aspiring & Glaciers: Explore New Zealand’s Untamed Beauty

Mt Aspiring National Park Active & Adventure Scenic Flights

50 Minutes

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Discover the rugged charm of New Zealand’s Southern Alps with the Mt Aspiring & Glaciers tour. This extraordinary experience combines the thrill of flight with the serenity of pristine wilderness, offering unparalleled views of glaciers, alpine valleys, and the majestic Mt Aspiring itself. Tour Overview Location: Mt Aspiring National Park, South Island, New Zealand Duration:

Mt Cook & West Coast Glaciers: A Journey Through Majestic Landscapes

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and the West Coast Glaciers Scenic Flights Active & Adventure

1 hour, 40 minutes

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of New Zealand’s Southern Alps with the Mt Cook & West Coast Glaciers tour. This scenic adventure offers an unforgettable journey through some of the country’s most iconic landscapes, including towering peaks, ancient glaciers, and breathtaking valleys. Tour Overview Location: Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and the West Coast Glaciers, South Island,

Siberia Experience: Fly, Walk, Jetboat Adventure

Mount Aspiring National Park Scenic Flights

4 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Embark on the Siberia Experience, an unforgettable journey through the pristine wilderness of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Combining the thrill of a scenic flight, an immersive nature walk, and an exhilarating jetboat ride, this adventure offers the ultimate way to experience the rugged beauty of Mount Aspiring National Park. Tour Overview Location: Mount Aspiring National

Milford Sound Overfly: A Breathtaking Aerial Adventure

Wanaka Airport Active & Adventure Scenic Flights

1.5 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Take to the skies and witness the unparalleled beauty of New Zealand’s Milford Sound with this awe-inspiring aerial adventure. The Milford Sound Overfly offers a unique perspective of the majestic fjords, towering peaks, and cascading waterfalls, making it a must-do experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Tour Overview Location: Wanaka Airport Duration: 1.5 hours

Taste of Wanaka: A Culinary and Scenic Delight

Central Wanaka Nature Food & Wine

2 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Discover the best of Wanaka with the Taste of Wanaka tour, a perfect blend of culinary delights and breathtaking scenery. This immersive experience is designed for food enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering a journey through Wanaka’s vibrant flavors, stunning landscapes, and rich local culture. Tour Overview Location: Wanaka, Central Otago, New Zealand Duration: 2 hours