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
Kaikoura Day Tour including Whale Watch
collected from your Christchurch accommodation Wildlife & Beaches
Day Tour
Price:Included In Your Tour Package
Coastal Wonders: Your Guide to a Kaikoura Day Tour If you want to experience the incredible beauty of the New Zealand coastline, a Kaikoura Day Tour offers a perfect escape. This region is one of the few places in the world where towering mountains meet the deep sea. During this journey, you will travel from
International Antarctic Centre
Christchurch Family & Kids
2 hours
Price:Included in your tour package
Explore the Icy South: International Antarctic Centre New Zealand If you are looking for an immersive escape into the wild, the International Antarctic Centre New Zealand is an absolute must-visit. Located right next to Christchurch International Airport, this world-leading attraction brings the mystery of the frozen continent to life. Because it sits so close to
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre Blenheim
Blenheim, Marlborough Museums Heritage & Art
3-4 hours
Price:Included In Your Tour Package
Step Back in Time at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre Looking for a truly unforgettable historical experience? Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre houses a display like no other, and you don’t have to be an aviation buff to enjoy it. Human Stories Brought to Life Here, human stories from the Great War come to life through innovative,
World of Wearable Art & Classic Cars
Nelson Heritage & Art Museums
Flexible
Price:Included In Your Tour Package
The World of WearableArt (WOW) museum in Nelson closed in 2020, but the phenomenon lives on through the massive annual World of WearableArt theatrical show in Wellington. Discover the World of Wearable Art Museum Looking for a truly unique cultural experience? The World of Wearable Art (WOW) museum offers visitors a one-of-a-kind blend of avant-garde
Glacier Explorer
Depart from Mount Cook Village Active & Adventure Boat Cruises & Water Activities
2.5 hours
Price:Included In Your Tour Package
Explore Glaciers Like Never Before with Glacier Explorers New Zealand Looking for a truly magical alpine adventure? Glacier Explorers New Zealand takes you deep into the Tasman Valley for an unforgettable combination of bus travel, alpine walking, and boat touring near the base of Mount Cook. Journey from Mount Cook Village Your adventure begins with
Arthur’s Pass Day Tour from Christchurch
from Christchurch Nature Rail Journeys Family & Kids
Day Tour
Price:Included in your tour package
Experience the Heart of the Southern Alps: The Ultimate Arthur’s Pass Day Tour New Zealand’s South Island is a land of dramatic contrasts. Consequently, there is no better way to witness its raw beauty than a journey into Arthur’s Pass. This full-day expedition takes you from the rolling Canterbury Plains to the rugged peaks of
Akaroa Swim with Dolphins
Akaroa Harbour Active & Adventure Boat Cruises & Water Activities Nature
3 hours
Price:Included In Your Tour Package
Dive Into Adventure: The Ultimate Akaroa Dolphin Swim If you are looking for a truly once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter, an Akaroa dolphin swim should be at the top of your New Zealand bucket list. Akaroa Harbour is actually the flooded crater of an extinct volcano. Because of this unique geography, the water is surrounded by awe-inspiring
Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise
Akaroa harbour Boat Cruises & Water Activities
2 hours
Price:Included In Your Tour Package
Explore Ancient Wonders on an Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise Just a scenic 90-minute drive from Christchurch lies the historic French village of Akaroa, home to one of New Zealand’s most spectacular marine environments. An Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise offers a front-row seat to an extinct volcanic crater, where majestic scenery meets some of the world’s
Bay Tours – Wine and Art Tour
Nelson Food & Wine
Flexible
Price:Included In Your Tour Package
Explore Art and Wine Together with Bay Tours Can’t decide between visiting wineries or exploring art studios? With Bay Tours, you don’t have to choose. This unique tour lets you experience the best of both worlds, blending Nelson’s vibrant artistic scene with its award-winning wine culture. Discover Nelson’s Artistic Side Throughout the tour, you’ll explore
Bay Tours – ‘Explore the Plains’
Stafford Lane Estate Food & Wine
Flexible
Price:Included In Your Tour Package
Sip and Savor with Bay Tours: A Waimea Plains Wine Adventure Looking for the perfect afternoon of wine tasting? Bay Tours takes you through four vineyards on the beautiful Waimea Plains, offering a relaxed and flavorful journey through the region’s best wines. Taste Wine and Local Flavors Throughout your tour experience, you’ll sample wines paired

