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

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