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

FROMM Winery Marlborough Experience

Marlborough Food & Wine

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Discover Exceptional Organic Wines at FROMM Winery in Marlborough First, are you a serious wine enthusiast seeking depth, authenticity, and exceptional quality? If so, you absolutely must visit FROMM Winery. Specifically, this boutique, family-owned destination perfectly combines traditional European winemaking techniques with Marlborough’s unique climate and soil. Consequently, you will discover handcrafted, organic wines that

Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park Explorer Tour

Mt Cook Walking & Hiking

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Discover the Alpine Paradise of Mt Cook National Park First, are you searching for the ultimate outdoor adventure to highlight your New Zealand vacation? If so, you absolutely must explore the breathtaking beauty of Mt Cook National Park. Specifically, this rugged landscape serves as a brilliant haven for hikers, climbers, and passionate nature lovers. Consequently,

Lake Pukaki Alpine Vista Tour

Lake Pukaki Walking & Hiking

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Lake Pukaki is a breathtaking glacial lake in New Zealand, renowned for its striking turquoise waters and panoramic views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Fed by glacial meltwater from the Southern Alps, its vibrant color and pristine beauty make it a must-visit destination. Whether you’re driving along the scenic highway, capturing stunning photos, or simply soaking in

Lunch at Akaunui Farm Homestead

Canterbury Plains, South Island, New Zealand Food & Wine

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Lunch at Akaunui Farm Homestead offers a charming farm-to-table dining experience in a beautifully restored historic homestead. Set amidst lush gardens and a working farm in rural New Zealand, this experience features a delicious meal crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients—many straight from the farm’s gardens. Enjoy warm hospitality, a relaxed atmosphere, and a true

Marlborough Winery and lunch & tasting

Marlborough region, South Island, New Zealand Food & Wine

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Marlborough Winery Lunch & Tasting offers a delightful experience in New Zealand’s premier wine region, famous for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc. Stroll through picturesque vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy a guided tasting of award-winning wines. Savor a gourmet lunch featuring fresh, local ingredients perfectly paired with Marlborough’s finest wines. A must-do for

Routeburn Track Day Hike

Routeburn Shelter Active & Adventure Nature Walking & Hiking

flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Routeburn Track Day Hike – A Taste of New Zealand’s Great Walks Experience one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes on this Routeburn Track Day Hike, a perfect introduction to the world‑famous Routeburn Track. This unforgettable adventure takes you through the heart of Fiordland National Park, showcasing dramatic alpine scenery, lush forests, and panoramic mountain

Hiking Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park Active & Adventure Nature Walking & Hiking

flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Journey into the soul of Mount Aspiring National Park, where ancient glaciers have carved spectacular valleys through towering peaks. As you hike deeper into this World Heritage wilderness, the landscape unfolds like nature’s own amphitheater – massive rock walls rise dramatically on both sides, while glacial-fed streams weave silver ribbons through the valley floor. The

Hawea River Trail

103 Ardmore St, Wānaka Town, New Zealand Cycling & Mountain Biking Nature

1-2 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

At the stunning shores of Lake Hawea, your two-wheeled adventure begins. Hop aboard a state-of-the-art e-bike for an extraordinary journey along the Hawea River Trail, where nature’s grandeur unfolds at every turn. The purpose-built track winds along the crystal-clear waters of the Hawea River, which sparkles like liquid silver against the backdrop of golden tussock-covered

Wilkin River Jet Boat Adventure

Makarora 9382, New Zealand Boat Cruises & Water Activities Active & Adventure

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Journey into Mount Aspiring’s Heart Experience the thrill of jet boating through the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park, where glacial waters carve through dramatic alpine valleys. The Wilkin River, with its stunning turquoise waters, offers an exhilarating adventure that combines adrenaline-pumping action with breathtaking World Heritage scenery. Your journey begins in Makarora, where expert

Okarito Lagoon Kayaking

1 The Strand, Ōkārito 7886, New Zealand Boat Cruises & Water Activities Active & Adventure

1.5 - 2 hours

Price:Included in your tour package

Paddle Through Paradise: Okarito Lagoon Kayaking Glide through New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland. Here, mirror-like waters reflect snow-capped peaks. Ancient kahikatea forests also meet the sea at this stunning location. Okarito Lagoon sits nestled on the wild West Coast of the South Island. It offers an unforgettable kayaking experience across 3,240 hectares of pristine coastal