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
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

