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

Hokonui Moonshine Museum & Distillery

16 Hokonui Drive, Gore 9710 Museums Heritage & Art

1-2 hours

Price:Included in your tour package

The Hokonui Museum & Distillery: Discovering Gore’s Spirited Past Nestled in the heart of Gore, New Zealand, the Hokonui Museum & Distillery offers visitors a fascinating journey through the region’s colorful moonshine history. This unique museum celebrates the legendary McRae family and their infamous “Hokonui Moonshine” which became a symbol of resistance during New Zealand’s

Hooker Valley Track: A Scenic Alpine Walk

Hooker Valley Track Active & Adventure Nature Walking & Hiking Family & Kids

3 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Discover one of New Zealand’s most picturesque walking trails with the Hooker Valley Track. This easy yet stunning hike takes you through breathtaking alpine scenery, offering incredible views of Mount Cook, glaciers, and pristine glacial rivers. Duration 3 hours Distance 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) round trip. Starting Point White Horse Hill Campground, Mount Cook National

Tasman Glacier Explorer Heli Flight

Lake Tekapo & Aoraki Mt Cook Active & Adventure

35 minutes

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Experience the majesty of New Zealand’s largest glacier with the Tasman Glacier Explorer Heli Flight. This breathtaking adventure combines the thrill of a helicopter ride with an up-close exploration of the glacier’s stunning ice formations and surrounding alpine scenery. Key Facts Duration 35 minutes Departure Location Mount Cook Airport, Mount Cook Village, New Zealand. Highlights

Dark Sky Crater Experience at Cowans Observatory

1 Motuariki Lane, Lake Tekapo Nature Family & Kids

1hr 15 mins

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

The Dark Sky Crater Experience at Cowan’s Observatory offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and mystery of New Zealand’s world-renowned dark skies. Located near Lake Tekapo in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, this guided stargazing experience provides breathtaking views of the Milky Way, constellations, and celestial phenomena. Perfect for

West Coast Wildlife Centre

Cnr Cron and, Cowan Street, Franz Josef / Waiau 7886 Wildlife & Beaches

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

The West Coast Wildlife Centre is an award-winning conservation and tourism attraction in Franz Josef, offering a fascinating look at some of New Zealand’s rarest wildlife. This unique indoor facility is the official hatching and rearing site for the endangered Rowi and Haast tokoeka kiwi birds. Perfect for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and eco-conscious travelers, the

Zipline and Walk Combo

1128 Woodstock-Rimu Road, Hokitika, New Zealand Ziplining

2 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

The Zipline and Walk Combo combines the adrenaline of soaring through the treetops on a zipline with the serenity of a guided nature walk. This unique experience takes you deep into New Zealand’s lush forests, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views, learn about native flora and fauna, and feel the thrill of zipping through the canopy.

Skydive Franz Josef Glacier: New Zealand’s Iconic Alpine Scenery

Franz Josef Glacier Active & Adventure

3 Hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

The Skydive Franz Josef Glacier offers one of the most scenic and exhilarating skydiving experiences in the world. Freefall from heights of up to 20,000 feet above the stunning West Coast, with breathtaking views of Franz Josef Glacier, the Southern Alps, lush rainforests, and the Tasman Sea. Perfect for adventure seekers and bucket-list enthusiasts, this

Pounamu Pathway – Mawhera, Greymouth

Mawhera, Greymouth Heritage & Art

45 minutes

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

The Pounamu Pathway – Mawhera, Greymouth is a cultural and educational journey that explores the rich history and significance of pounamu (greenstone) in New Zealand. Located in the heart of Greymouth on the West Coast, this interactive experience immerses you in the cultural heritage of the Maori people, their connection to pounamu, and their role

Beer Experience Tour & Tasting

Monteith, West Coast, New Zealand Food & Wine

45-60 minutes

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

The Beer Experience Tour & Tasting is a must-do for beer enthusiasts, offering an immersive journey into the world of New Zealand craft beer. This guided tour takes you behind the scenes of a local brewery, where you’ll learn about the brewing process, the ingredients that make each beer unique, and the rich history of

Lake Matheson Nature Tour Guided Walk

Lake Matheson, West Coast Nature Walking & Hiking

2–3 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

The Lake Matheson Nature Tour Guided Walk takes you on a tranquil journey around one of New Zealand’s most iconic lakes, renowned for its mirror-like reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Surrounded by lush native forests, this guided walk offers stunning views, fascinating insights into local flora and fauna, and incredible photo opportunities. Perfect