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

Spooner’s Tunnel Cycle Tour

Spooner’s Tunnel Cycling & Mountain Biking Family & Kids

15 kms

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

🚴 Tunnel to Town via Mapua – Self-Guided Spooners Tunnel Cycle Tour From Alpine Tunnel to Coastal Charm – A Scenic Ride Through Nelson Tasman Your Journey Begins Start your adventure in Nelson City, where you’ll be fitted with your bike and receive a full briefing before boarding a shuttle into the countryside. During the

Farewell Spit Tour Abel Tasman

depart from Collingwood, Golden Bay Nature Wildlife & Beaches

6.5 hours

Price:Included in your tour package

Discover the Wild North: A Guide to Farewell Spit Eco Tours NZ If you are looking for a coastal adventure at the very edge of the world, then Farewell Spit Eco Tours NZ is a journey you cannot miss. Located at the northernmost tip of New Zealand’s South Island, this 22-mile (35km) sand spit is

Abel Tasman Sailing Tour

Kaiteriteri Beach Boat Cruises & Water Activities

6.5 hours

Price:Included in your tour package

Full Day Sail — Abel Tasman National Park Departing from Kaiteriteri Beach, just an hour north of Nelson, this full-day sailing adventure showcases the best of Abel Tasman National Park. Sit back and relax, lend a hand with the sailing, or pick up new skills along the way—your choice on this skippered full-day tour. What’s

Skywire Flying Fox Nelson

25-minute drive from Nelson Active & Adventure

Flexible

Price:Included in your tour package

Skywire Flying Fox in Nelson: One of the world’s longest Flying Fox experiences is available here. This one-of-a-kind ride is a mix of adrenaline and scenic beauty, as you soar high above the forest canopy. It’s only a 25-minute drive from Nelson, and you’ll travel up through the park to the Skywire launch platform. Up

Fox Trail Terminal Face Walk

Fox Glacier, New Zealand Active & Adventure Walking & Hiking

2 hours

Price:Included in your tour package

Witness the Power of Nature: The Fox Trail Terminal Face Walk If you want to see the raw beauty of a glacier without a strenuous hike, the Fox Trail Terminal Face Walk provides the perfect solution. This informative and leisurely trip takes you directly to the dynamic face of the Fox Glacier. Because the path

Milford Sound Nature Cruise – Real Journeys

Milford Sound Boat Cruises & Water Activities Family & Kids

Flexible

Price:Included in your tour package

Embark on an extraordinary journey through Milford Sound with our Nature Cruise. This adventure offers a comprehensive experience of the fiord, combining natural beauty with rich history and wildlife sightings. Highlights of the Cruise Fiord Exploration: Cruise the entire length of the fiord, taking in the breathtaking scenery and sheer rock faces. Waterfall Encounters: Experience

Royal Albatross Centre Tour Dunedin

Dunedin Nature Family & Kids

2 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Witness Majestic Giants: The Royal Albatross Centre Tour If you are traveling to the southern edge of New Zealand, a Royal Albatross Centre Tour offers a rare opportunity to see one of the world’s most magnificent seabirds. Located at the foot of Taiaroa Head in Dunedin (Ōtepoti), this facility integrates perfectly with the rugged coastal

Christchurch Sightseeing Tour

Christchurch - Rolleston Ave City Tours

2 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Discover the Garden City: The Ultimate Christchurch Sightseeing Tour If you want to experience the resilience and beauty of New Zealand’s South Island, a Christchurch Sightseeing Tour is the best way to start. Christchurch is a city defined by transformation. During your journey, you will view areas affected by the past earthquakes and see how

Stewart Island to Invercargill Flight

Stewart Island / Rakiura Scenic Flights

Flexible

Price:Included in Tour Package

Island Bound: Your Complete Guide to Stewart Island Travel If you want to visit New Zealand’s third-largest island, you must choose the right transport. You can reach the island by ferry or flight. While the ferry crossing takes about one hour, flying offers a much faster alternative. Specifically, scheduled flights linking Stewart Island and Invercargill

Bluff to Stewart Island Ferry

21 Foreshore Road, Bluf Boat Cruises & Water Activities

1 hour

Price:Included in Tour Package

  Bluff to Stewart Island Ferry: A one-hour ferry ride from Bluff across Foveaux Strait lies Stewart Island; one of New Zealand’s largely undiscovered eco-tourism destinations. With its network of stunning bays, inlets, golden sand beaches, and densely forested hills, Stewart Island combines a spectacular mix of breathtaking landscapes. Journey Duration: 1 hour Distance: 37