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

Antarctic Centre Christchurch

Christchurch Nature Family & Kids

2-3 hours

Price:Included in your tour package

Experience the Magic of the International Antarctic Centre Christchurch The International Antarctic Centre Christchurch is undoubtedly one of New Zealand’s most iconic and immersive attractions. Conveniently located just an eight-minute walk from Christchurch Airport, or a quick 20-minute drive from the city centre, it offers a world-class look into the frozen continent. Because Christchurch serves

Christchurch Tram Tour

Christchurch City Tours Hop-On Hop-Off Family & Kids

flexible

Price:Included in your tour package

The Canterbury Museum, Botanic Gardens, The Terrace and Riverside Market, Margaret Mahy Playground, New Regent Street, … Explore Christchurch’s city centre on board a beautifully restored heritage tram, one of the city’s best-loved attractions. The all-day hop-on hop-off ticket allows you to visit the best of the central city sights at your leisure while friendly

Punting on the Avon River Christchurch

Christchurch City Boat Cruises & Water Activities City Tours

30 minutes

Price:Included in your tour package

Sink back into the plush seats of your boat and let your thoughts drift away on this relaxing 30-minute eco-friendly journey through the center of Christchurch City. Your skilled punter dressed in traditional Edwardian attire expertly propels you past the trailing willows and leafy banks of the prettiest stretch of the Avon River. CHRISTCHURCH &

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa

depart from central Kaikoura Volcanic & Geothermal Family & Kids Hot Pools & Health Spas

5 hours

Price:Included in your tour package

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa – Alpine Relaxation & Family Fun Nestled in the heart of Hanmer Springs village, this award-winning thermal complex   In the center of town, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa is a large thermal complex in an alpine environment that boasts extensive native gardens. The complex offers a variety

Kaikoura Sightseeing Tour

Kaikoura Wildlife & Beaches

3 hours

Price:Included in your tour package

Ohau Point Begin your tour around Kaikoura’s dramatic seaside with a stop at Ohau Point, where you’ll witness numerous seals playing by the rocky coastline. Paparoa Point Next, visit Paparoa Point, which tells the enchanting story of Paikea, the whale rider. Here, you’ll learn about the historic whaler’s cottage, constructed from native timber atop a

Whale Watch Tour Kaikoura

Kaikoura Family & Kids Boat Cruises & Water Activities Nature

3 hours

Price:Included in your tour package

Kaikōura, New Zealand, is renowned as the whale-watching capital of the world. 80% of the world’s whale and dolphin species migrate past the Kaikoura coastline. Hence, there are always opportunities to spot other species of marine mammals. Minibus departs from central Christchurch or central Kaikoura. Kaikoura Whale Watching from Christchurch The modern catamarans used for

Albatross & Seabird Watching Tour Kaikoura

depart from central Kaikoura Boat Cruises & Water Activities

2.5 hours

Price:Included in your tour package

Kaikoura is a well-known birding destination famous for its diverse seabirds and pelagic birdlife. You can take a boat tour designed for this purpose, which accommodates only 12 people per trip to ensure the best chance of seeing birds up close. It takes just 15 minutes to reach the birdlife, during which you can enjoy

Dolphin Watching Tour Kaikoura

depart from central Kaikoura Boat Cruises & Water Activities Nature Wildlife & Beaches

2.5 hours

Price:Included in your tour package

🐬 Dolphin Encounter – Kaikoura Swim With or Watch New Zealand’s Most Acrobatic Dolphins Marine Magic in Kaikoura Kaikoura is one of New Zealand’s premier wildlife destinations, renowned for its rich marine life and seabird populations. It’s the best place in the country to observe whales, dolphins, seals, and majestic albatross—all set against a stunning

Native Forest Tour Kaikoura & Ziplining

depart from central Kaikoura Ziplining

3.5 hours

Price:Included in your tour package

  Depart from central Kaikoura by minivan and take a short drive to Rakanui Station. This stunning working farm is surrounded by native-tree-covered hills, verdant valleys, braided rivers, and cascading waterfalls. Enjoy the breathtaking 360-degree views of the snow-capped mountains, blue lakes, and shimmering inland plains. Transfer to a 4×4 vehicle to cross the river

Seafood Odyssea Cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound

departing from Picton Wharf Food & Wine Boat Cruises & Water Activities

3 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

  Departing from Picton Wharf, cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound and sample local seafood such as salmon, and Greenshell mussels, with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc for the definitive wine/food match. Discover the natural beauty of Queen Charlotte Sound while relaxing aboard the well-appointed catamaran and take in the picturesque scenery, keeping an eye out for local