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

Franz Josef Glacier & Fox Glacier Grand Traverse Aeroplane Flight

Mount Cook National Park Active & Adventure Scenic Flights

50 minutes

Price:Included in your tour package

Soar Above the Southern Alps: The Ultimate Franz Josef Glacier Flight If you want to experience the true majesty of the South Island, a Franz Josef Glacier Flight is an absolute necessity. Known as the “Grand Traverse,” this premier 50-minute journey covers 200 kilometers of New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine scenery. Because you are flying

Moeraki Boulders, Koekohe Beach

Koekohe Beach, Otago Family & Kids Nature Walking & Hiking Wildlife & Beaches

Half/Day Tour

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

The Moeraki Boulders – New Zealand’s Mystery by the Sea Imagine a beach scattered with giant, perfectly round boulders like scattered marbles. That’s the sight that greets visitors to Koekohe Beach, New Zealand, home to the fascinating Moeraki Boulders. These geological wonders have captivated hearts (and sparked imaginations) for centuries. Million-Year-Old Marvels The Boulders are

Dark Sky Summit Experience at Mt John Observatory

Lake Tekapo Nature Family & Kids

1 hour 45 minutes

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Touch the Stars: The Ultimate Dark Sky Summit Experience If you want to witness the universe in its purest form, the Dark Sky Summit Experience at Mount John is an unmissable adventure. Located at an impressive altitude of 1,029 meters, Mount John offers unrivaled 360-degree views across the Mackenzie Basin. Most importantly, this site sits

Cass Valley Backcountry Tour, Mackenzie Country

Lake Tekapo Off-road Driving

3 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Rugged Beauty: Your Cass Valley Backcountry Tour Guide If you want an authentic off-road adventure, the Cass Valley Backcountry Tour offers an unforgettable journey into New Zealand’s high country. This three-hour guided 4WD experience departs from Tekapo township and takes you deep into the alpine wilderness. Specifically, you will enjoy private entry to remote areas,

Braemar Station Mt Cook Tour

Departing from Tekapo township Off-road Driving Nature

3 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

High Country Heritage: The Braemar Station Backcountry Experience If you want to witness the most breathtaking vistas in New Zealand, our scenic 4WD guided tour through Braemar Station is an absolute must. This three-hour backcountry experience departs from Tekapo township and takes you deep into a stunning alpine wilderness. Specifically, you will enjoy exclusive private

Alpine Vista Scenic Helicopter Flight

departs from Glentanner Park helicopter base Active & Adventure Scenic Flights

20 minutes

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Witness the Southern Alps: A Guide to the Alpine Vista Scenic Helicopter Flight If you want a bird’s-eye view of New Zealand’s high country, book the Alpine Vista Scenic Helicopter Flight. This tour is perfect for travelers who want to see majestic snow-capped peaks. It offers the excitement of a helicopter flight in a short,

Tasman Glacier Heli Hike

departing from Mt Cook Airport Active & Adventure

3 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

The Ultimate Guide to a Tasman Glacier Heli Hike A Tasman Glacier Heli Hike is the most exhilarating way to explore the crown jewel of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Your adventure begins at the Mount Cook Airport, where you board a helicopter for a spectacular flight. From the moment you take off, you will soar

Pohatu Penguin Tour from Akaroa Village

Akaroa Village Family & Kids Nature Wildlife & Beaches

3-3.5 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Experience Nature on a Pohatu Penguin Tour If you are a nature lover visiting Akaroa, a Pohatu Penguin Tour offers a rare opportunity to see wildlife in a truly spectacular setting. Pohatu Bay is home to the largest Australasian Little Penguin colony on mainland New Zealand. Because the team has dedicated decades to conservation, these

Sea Kayaking Safari from Akaroa Village

Akaroa Village Nature Wildlife & Beaches

3.5 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Discover the Magic of the Pohatu Marine Reserve with Akaroa Sea Kayaking Are you ready for a truly immersive coastal adventure? If so, you must join us for a journey into one of New Zealand’s most stunning natural sanctuaries. Our Akaroa sea kayaking tours offer a unique way to explore the rugged beauty of the

Akaroa Nature Tour – Pohatu Penguins – 4WD Safari

Akaroa Village Family & Kids Nature

2 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Explore the Wildside with Akaroa Nature Tours Are you looking for an adventure that combines rugged landscapes with rare wildlife? Then you must join us for an unforgettable journey. Our akaroa nature tours offer a deep dive into the natural beauty of the Banks Peninsula. While many visitors stay in the village, we take you