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
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
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
❤️ 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
6 – 15 Day South Island Self Drive and Independent Coach Tour Packages
- 15 Day South Island New Zealand Coach Tour: Ultimate South Island
- 8 Day South Island New Zealand Coach Tour: Glacier & Coastal Wonder
- 9 Day South Island Coach Tour: ‘Lakes and Glaciers’
- 9 Day South Island Coach Tour: Bottom of the South
- 8 Day South Island Self Drive Tour: Top of the South
- 8 Day South Island Coach Tour: Top of the South
- 7 Day South Island Self Drive Tour: Wonderful South
- 7 Day South Island Self Drive Tour: Fiords & Glaciers
- 7 Day South Island Self Drive Tour: West Coast Wonder
- 7 Day South Island Coach Tour: Wonderful South
- 7 Day South Island Coach Tour: West Coast Wonder
- 7 Day South Island Coach Tour: Fiords & Glaciers
- 6 Day South Island Coach Tour: Southern Splendour
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

