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

Ziptrek Ecotours Queenstown

Departs from Queenstown Active & Adventure Ziplining

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Fly Through the Canopy with Ziptrek Ecotours If you are looking for the ultimate sky-high adventure, Ziptrek Ecotours offers a spectacular way to experience the beauty of Queenstown. As New Zealand’s original zipline tour, this eco-adventure takes you through a lush forest canopy high above the city. Your journey begins at the Ziptrek Treehouse, which

Wanaka Highlights Safari

Wanaka Active & Adventure Off-road Driving

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Come with us for an insight into Wanaka’s “must see” highlights. Included is a visit to a 30000 acre sheep cattle and deer farm, exclusive hill-top views over Lake Wanaka and beyond to snow-capped mountains. Enjoy refreshments then a stroll in an alpine meadow. This journey offers Wanaka’s best scenic locations and an unique insight

TSS Earnslaw with Walter Peak Cruise, Queenstown

Queenstown Boat Cruises & Water Activities Family & Kids

3.5 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

TSS Earnslaw with Walter Peak Cruise Relive the elegance of turn-of-the-century travel with a cruise on Queenstown’s iconic vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. Launched in 1912, the TSS Earnslaw is the largest and grandest vessel ever to ply Lake Wakatipu. Today, the TSS Earnslaw is believed to be the only coal-fired passenger-carrying vessel still operating in

Skyline Gondola Queenstown

Queenstown City Tours Family & Kids

5 mins

Price:Included in your tour package

A Journey to Remember Nestled in the heart of Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital, the Skyline Gondola offers an unforgettable aerial experience that begins just moments from the city center. A mere five-minute walk from downtown Queenstown leads visitors to the gondola base, making it one of the most accessible scenic attractions in the region.

Shotover Jet Queenstown

Departs from Queenstown Boat Cruises & Water Activities

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Experience the Thrill of the Iconic Queenstown Shotover Jet Prepare yourself for the ultimate adrenaline rush with the world’s most exciting jet boat ride. Acknowledged globally as the premier jet boat operation, the Queenstown Shotover Jet offers an experience that many try to imitate, but none can match. As the only company permitted to operate

Shotover Canyon Swing

Departs from Queenstown Active & Adventure

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Conquer Your Fears with the Shotover Canyon Swing Queenstown If you are hunting for the ultimate adrenaline rush, the shotover canyon swing queenstown stands as a legendary rite of passage. This experience offers more than just a simple drop; instead, it provides a heart-pounding leap from a 109-meter high cliff edge. As you launch yourself

Queenstown Tour Packages

Complimentary pick up & drop off at Queenstown accommodation City Tours

3 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

[wonderplugin_gallery id=”153″]   Queenstown Highlights Tour Package There are so many reasons to choose the Queenstown Highlights tour package. See Queenstown’s 5 best sights and activities in one very affordable fun fun-packed morning. Group sizes are small, vehicles are luxurious, and friendly local driver-guides plus hotel pick-ups all ensure that Queenstown Highlights is the best

Nzone Skydiving Queenstown 12,000 ft/15,000 ft

Queenstown Active & Adventure

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Master Your Fear with NZONE Skydive New Zealand If you want to experience the ultimate adrenaline rush, then NZONE Skydive New Zealand offers a life-changing challenge. Standing at the edge of an airplane door high above Queenstown, you will likely encounter a total sensory overload. Your mind and soul may fight against every natural self-preservatory

Quad Bike Tours Queenstown

Queenstown Hill Active & Adventure

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Conquer the Trails: The Ultimate Quad Bike Tours Queenstown Experience If you crave off-road excitement, Quad Bike Tours Queenstown with Nomad Safaris offer the perfect adrenaline-fueled escape into the rugged New Zealand backcountry. As professional adventurers, the team provides a unique journey across diverse terrain that perfectly combines high-speed fun with unparalleled safety. Specifically, you

Nomad Safaris Queenstown Tours

Glenorchy Active & Adventure Family & Kids Off-road Driving

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Nomad Safaris: Queenstown’s Premier 4WD Adventure Tours When it comes to exploring New Zealand’s South Island wilderness, Nomad Safaris stands as the original and premier 4WD tour operator in the Queenstown region. With over two decades of experience, they’ve perfected the art of combining breathtaking scenery, rich history, and heart-pumping adventure into unforgettable experiences. Lord