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

Cadbury World Tour Dunedin

280 Cumberland Street, Dunedin Family & Kids

Half Day Tour

Price:Included in your tour package

A Sweet Escape: The Ultimate Cadbury World Tour Dunedin If you have a sweet tooth, the Cadbury World Tour Dunedin is a chocolate lover’s dream that truly overwhelms the senses. Located right in the heart of the city at the historic Cadbury factory site, this attraction offers an immersive journey into the world of confectionery.

Shantytown Heritage Park

Rutherglen Road, Paroa Family & Kids City Tours Heritage & Art

90 minutes

Price:Included in your tour package

Relive the Gold Rush: A Guide to Shantytown Heritage Park If you want to step back into the wild days of the 1860s, Shantytown Heritage Park offers an immersive journey into New Zealand’s pioneer past. This faithfully recreated town sits nestled within 500 acres of lush, regenerative native rainforest. Because the park captures the true

Glacier Scenic Flight, West Coast

Franz Josef and Fox Glacier Scenic Flights

2 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Experience the Majesty: Your Guide to a Glacier Scenic Flight A Glacier Scenic Flight from Franz Josef or Fox Glacier will undoubtedly take your breath away. While many explore the West Coast from the ground, you will soon discover that the stunning views of New Zealand’s National Parks, glaciers, and alpine lakes look best from

Glacier Hot Pools – Private Pools

Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools & Health Spas Family & Kids

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Revitalize Your Senses at Glacier Hot Pools New Zealand Nestled deep within a lush rainforest, Glacier Hot Pools New Zealand serves as a haven of natural tranquility. It offers the perfect way for visitors to unwind and reach a blissful state of pure relaxation. Whether you have spent the day traveling along Te Tai o

‘Fox Trot’ Guided Walk

Fox Glacier Active & Adventure Walking & Hiking

Half day

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

  Fox Trot: Half-Day Glacier Walk – A Scenic Eco-Adventure Perfect for those with limited time, the Fox Trot Half-Day Walk offers an unforgettable eco-adventure on the stunning Fox Glacier. This guided experience is full of variety, natural beauty, and geological wonder. The Journey Begins Your adventure starts with being outfitted in sturdy leather boots

Fox Trail: Fox Glacier Guided Walk

Fox Glacier, West Coast Active & Adventure

2 hours

Price:Included in your tour package

Fox Glacier Guided Walk: The Terminal Face Experience Experience the raw power of nature on our premier Fox Glacier guided walk. This informative and leisurely tour takes you to the dynamic face of the glacier, where the mighty Fox River emerges from the ice. It is the perfect choice for travelers with limited time or

Westcoast Treetop Walk & Cafe

1128 Woodstock-Rimu Rd, Hokitika Family & Kids Walking & Hiking

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

High-Altitude Harmony: The West Coast Treetop Walk Guide If you want a bird’s-eye view of New Zealand’s rainforests, visit the West Coast Treetop Walk near Hokitika. This scenic reserve dates back to 1907. Today, it offers a peaceful adventure high above the forest floor. Specifically, you will stroll along safe platforms to see the ancient

Tekapo Springs Lake Tekapo

Tekapo Springs Hot Pools & Health Spas Family & Kids

Half Day Tour

Price:Included in your tour package

The Ultimate Escape: Discovering Tekapo Springs Lake Tekapo If you are traveling through the heart of the South Island, Tekapo Springs Lake Tekapo offers a world-class destination that combines relaxation with high-energy fun. This facility sits at the foot of Mt. John and provides some of the most breathtaking views of the Mackenzie region. Because

Mt Cook Scenic Flights

Mt Cook Scenic Flights

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Reach New Heights: The Ultimate Mt Cook Scenic Flights Guide If you want to experience the grandeur of the Southern Alps in a short amount of time, our mt cook scenic flights are the perfect choice. This 20-minute helicopter adventure is designed for those who crave high-altitude thrills and breathtaking views. Specifically, you will depart

Sir Edmond Hilary Alpine Centre

Mt Cook Village Heritage & Art Family & Kids Museums

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre: Aoraki Mount Cook’s Premier Museum & Planetarium The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre is a world‑class tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary — humanitarian, ambassador, and one of the greatest explorers in history. Located within the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, the centre celebrates the region’s mountaineering heritage, its people, and