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

Kawarau River Rafting

Departs from Queenstown Active & Adventure Boat Cruises & Water Activities

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Experience Middle Earth: The Ultimate Kawarau River Rafting Adventure Kawarau River Rafting stands as the premier choice for those seeking a perfect blend of excitement and serenity. Whether you are a first-time rafter or simply desire a more relaxed pace, this journey offers an unforgettable way to explore Queenstown’s rugged beauty. While the river provides

Helicopter Scenic Flights Queenstown

Fly from Queenstown Airport Scenic Flights

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Experience the Majesty: The Ultimate Helicopter Flight Queenstown Experience Queenstown is a picture-perfect alpine paradise, beautifully set against the backdrop of The Remarkables mountain range and nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. To begin your adventure, The Helicopter Line operates from a convenient base at the Queenstown Airport, located just 8 kilometers from the

Dart River Wilderness Safari

45 Mull Street, Glenorchy, New Zealand Active & Adventure Boat Cruises & Water Activities

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Experience the Wild: The Ultimate Dart River Safari New Zealand If you want to discover the true heart of the Southern Alps, the Dart River Safari New Zealand offers a world-class journey into Mount Aspiring National Park. This diverse adventure combines high-speed thrills with serene exploration, taking you deep into a “World Heritage” wilderness that

AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge Bungy Jump

Kawarau Bungy Centre on State Highway #6 (SH6), Gibbston Valley Active & Adventure

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Leap from Legend: Bungy Jumping New Zealand Kawarau Bridge If you want to experience the ultimate adrenaline rush, you must try Bungy Jumping New Zealand Kawarau Bridge. This historic site is the world home of bungy, where pioneers AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch launched the global phenomenon in 1988. Standing 43 meters (141 feet)

Village & Bay Tours Stewart Island

12 Elgin Terrace, The Red Shed, Oban, New Zealand Nature City Tours Family & Kids

90 minutes

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Explore Oban and the surrounding bays in our modern mini-buses. Our guides take great pleasure in sharing their local knowledge of Stewart Island’s history and environment. Gain an entertaining insight into New Zealand’s southernmost community. Stewart Islanders are proud of their island, enjoying its simpler, slower pace. During your tour, there is plenty of time

Ulva Island Birds & Forest Tour, Stewart Island

14 Main Road, Oban, New Zealand Family & Kids Nature Wildlife & Beaches

3.5-4 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Discover the Magic of Ulva Island with Stewart Island Tours Step back in time and experience New Zealand as it once was. Our Stewart Island Tours take you to the heart of Ulva Island, a world-renowned sanctuary located within Paterson Inlet. Just an eight-minute water taxi ride from Golden Bay, this 269-hectare treasure is managed

Speights Brewery Tour

200 Rattray Street, Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand Food & Wine

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Still on the same site it has occupied since 1876, Speight’s Brewery has become on of Dunedin and Otago’s biggest icons. Not just the “Pride of the South”, the Speight’s brand is one of New Zealand’s most loved beers. The Speight’s Brewery Tour is an award winning interactive and informative tour guided tour through an

Penguin and Seal Tour

Departs from Dunedin Wildlife & Beaches

3 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Coastal Adventure: The Ultimate Seals and Penguins Wildlife Tour If you are looking for a wild encounter on the Otago Peninsula, our Seals and Penguins cross-country tour is the perfect choice. You will travel on a powerful 8-wheel drive all-terrain vehicle. Consequently, this exhilarating journey takes you off the beaten path to witness New Zealand’s

Paterson Inlet Cruise, Stewart Island

14 Main Road, Oban, New Zealand Boat Cruises & Water Activities

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Discover Stewart Island by Water: Paterson Inlet Cruise & Ulva Island Guided Walk Experience the best of Stewart Island from the water with a leisurely cruise through the stunning Paterson Inlet. This scenic Stewart Island boat tour includes a visit to Ulva Island, an internationally acclaimed open wildlife sanctuary known for its thriving native birdlife

Larnach Castle Dunedin

Dunedin Heritage & Art City Tours

2 hours

Price:Included in your tour package

This morning we’ll visit the famous Larnach Castle of Dunedin, the only castle in the country. A full commentary of local landmarks is given on the journey to the Castle. New Zealand’s only Castle. Unique architecture, a Neo-Gothic Castle with a Colonial veranda. Fascinating history, of William Larnach, his three wives, his career in politics