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

Abel Tasman Scenic Cruise

Kaiteriteri Beach, Abel Tasman Boat Cruises & Water Activities Family & Kids Nature

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Discover Paradise: The Ultimate Abel Tasman Scenic Cruise Experience If you want to experience the true essence of New Zealand’s coastal beauty, an Abel Tasman Scenic Cruise is an absolute must. This journey takes you deep into the heart of Abel Tasman National Park. The region gained its fame from its golden sands and turquoise

Marlborough Wine Tour

Blenheim Food & Wine

Flexible

Price:Included in Tour Package

Discover Excellence with Marlborough Wine Tours Welcome to the heart of New Zealand’s premier wine-growing region. Marlborough Wine Tours offers a range of curated experiences designed to showcase the vibrant flavors and stunning landscapes of the Wairau Valley. Whether you are a connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, our tours provide an intimate look at the

Doubtful Sound Day Cruise

Doubtful Sound, Fiordland Boat Cruises & Water Activities

3 hours

Price:Included in Tour Package

Explore the Wild Heart of Fiordland: The Doubtful Sound Day Cruise If you crave a true wilderness adventure, a Doubtful Sound Day Cruise takes you deep into the untouched heart of Fiordland National Park. Known as the “Sound of Silence,” Doubtful Sound offers a massive expanse of rugged peaks, ancient rainforests, and hidden inlets. Interestingly,

Stewart Island Day Tour

Departs from Bluff Wildlife & Beaches

Day Tour

Price:Included in Tour Package

Experience an Unforgettable Stewart Island Day Trip Looking for a true off-the-beaten-path adventure? A Stewart Island day trip takes you to a pristine paradise of densely forested hills, rocky coastlines, and golden sand beaches, all teeming with native marine and bird life. A Land of Glowing Skies Because of its vivid dawn and twilight hues,

Wither Hills Winery Wine Tasting

Wither Hills Vineyards Marlborough, Fairhall Food & Wine

2 hours

Price:Included in Tour Package

Discover Wither Hills Wine: A Marlborough Must-Visit Looking for the perfect place to unwind and sip exceptional wine? The Wither Hills Cellar Door offers an elegant mix of contemporary design and relaxed sophistication, making it the ideal spot to enjoy the full range of Wither Hills wine at a leisurely pace. Explore the Vine Library

Greenshell Mussel Cruise Marlborough

Marlborough Region Boat Cruises & Water Activities

3 hours

Price:Included in Tour Package

The Ultimate Greenshell Mussel Cruise Experience A Greenshell Mussel Cruise is the most iconic way to explore the beauty of the Marlborough Sounds. Your journey begins at the vibrant Picton Wharf, where you board a comfortable vessel. From the moment you depart, the topic of the day is clear: world-class seafood and stunning scenery. Because

Whale Watching Cruise Kaikoura

Kaikoura Boat Cruises & Water Activities Family & Kids

3 hours

Price:Included in Tour Package

Kaikōura Whale Watch Experience Whale Watch is New Zealand’s only marine-based whale-watching company that offers visitors an exciting up-close encounter with the Giant Sperm Whale year-round. Whale Watch scheduled tours operate daily. Our 95% success rate means we guarantee an 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale. Whale Watch tours are extremely

Taieri Gorge Railway

Dunedin Railway Station Anzac Square Rail Journeys Family & Kids

flexible

Price:Included in the tour package

Taieri Gorge Railway: A Historic Journey Through New Zealand’s Spectacular Gorges Journey through time and terrain on the prestigious Taieri Gorge Limited, departing from Dunedin’s iconic Railway Station. This remarkable train experience winds through the dramatic Taieri River Gorge, traversing century-old hand-carved tunnels and graceful wrought iron viaducts. Operating daily (with limited seating on Christmas

Mount Cook and Tasman Glacier Helicopter Tour

Aoraki/Mount Cook Active & Adventure Scenic Flights

35 minutes

Price:Included in Tour Package

Touch the Sky: The Ultimate Mount Cook Glacier Helicopter Tour If you want to experience the true majesty of the Southern Alps, a trip to the South Island is incomplete without a mount cook glacier helicopter tour. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park spans over 70,000 hectares and serves as New Zealand’s premier alpine playground. Because this

Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes

Punakaiki Nature Family & Kids

2 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Pancake Rocks New Zealand South Island: A West Coast Wonder in Paparoa National Park Nature’s Masterpiece Punakaiki is a captivating coastal destination where nature has sculpted one of New Zealand’s most iconic geological formations: the Pancake Rocks. These layered limestone stacks, shaped over millions of years by wind and water, resemble piles of pancakes —