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

Milford Sound Heli-Cruise-Heli

Queenstown Boat Cruises & Water Activities

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

The Milford Sound Heli-Cruise-Heli tour offers the ultimate Milford Sound experience, combining two scenic helicopter flights with an unforgettable cruise on the fjord. This action-packed day tour provides breathtaking aerial views of Milford Sound’s majestic landscapes and an up-close view of its stunning waterfalls and wildlife on a luxury boat cruise. Tour Highlights: Scenic Helicopter

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise ex-Queenstown: A Scenic Adventure to New Zealand’s Iconic Fjord

Queenstown Boat Cruises & Water Activities Family & Kids Nature

12 hours

Cities: Queenstown

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Milford Sound Day Trip Overview The road to Milford is more than a route — it’s a destination in itself, offering some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in New Zealand. Luxury Coach Journey from Queenstown Begin your day with a comfortable ride from Queenstown aboard a luxury glass‑roofed coach. Enjoy panoramic views as you

Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly: The Ultimate Scenic Adventure to New Zealand’s Iconic Fjord

Queenstown Scenic Flights

4.5 to 5 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

The Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly tour combines the breathtaking views of a scenic flight, a relaxing boat cruise through Milford Sound, and a return flight, offering a complete and unforgettable experience of one of New Zealand’s most famous natural wonders. This day tour provides stunning aerial views, close encounters with the fjord’s waterfalls and wildlife, and

Stewart Island Fly-Explore-Fly: A Scenic Adventure to New Zealand’s Southernmost Island

Stewart Island Scenic Flights

8 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

The Stewart Island Fly-Explore-Fly tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the remote beauty of Stewart Island, located at the southern tip of New Zealand. This day tour combines a scenic flight, a guided exploration of the island’s pristine landscapes, and a return flight, all packed into one unforgettable adventure. Tour Highlights: Scenic Flight: Enjoy

Mt Cook Day Tour: Discover New Zealand’s Highest Peak

Aoraki/Mount Cook Active & Adventure Nature

12 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

This small‑group, fully guided day tour combines the region’s key highlights with free time to enjoy optional activities of your choice. The Mt Cook Day Tour is a full-day journey showcasing the majestic beauty of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook. Travel through picturesque landscapes, visit iconic landmarks, and immerse yourself in the stunning alpine

Arrowtown & Wanaka Highlights Tour: A Journey Through History and Scenic Beauty

The Station Building Shotover Street Nature Walking & Hiking

6.5 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Experience the Best of the South: The Arrowtown & Wanaka Highlights Tour If you want to discover the most picturesque corners of the Southern Lakes, the Arrowtown & Wanaka Highlights Tour offers an incredible day of exploration. This journey combines the historic charm of a 19th-century gold-mining village with the breathtaking alpine landscapes of Lake

Glenorchy Full Day with Dart River Jetboat: A Thrilling Wilderness Adventure

central Queenstown Active & Adventure

8 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

The Glenorchy Full Day with Dart River Jetboat tour offers an unforgettable exploration of the pristine wilderness near Queenstown. This full-day adventure combines a scenic drive to Glenorchy, an exhilarating jet boat ride on the Dart River, and a guided walk through native forests, making it a perfect experience for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Glenorchy & Paradise Explorer Tour: Discover Scenic Beauty and Serenity

Lake Wakatipu Active & Adventure Nature

4 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

The Glenorchy & Paradise Explorer Tour is a half-day adventure showcasing Glenorchy’s awe-inspiring landscapes and the nearby Paradise Valley. Known for its stunning natural beauty and as a filming location for famous movies, this guided tour offers breathtaking views, fascinating stories, and peaceful moments in one of New Zealand’s most picturesque regions. Tour Highlights: Scenic

Queenstown Heli Gin Tour: A Luxurious Aerial and Tasting Experience

Queenstown Scenic Flights

6 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

The Queenstown Heli Gin Tour combines the thrill of a scenic helicopter flight with the indulgence of exclusive gin tastings at one of the region’s premier distilleries. This unique experience offers breathtaking views of Queenstown’s stunning landscapes, followed by a guided tasting session of artisan gins, making it perfect for adventure enthusiasts and gin lovers

Rees River Trail: A Scenic Adventure Through Queenstown’s Backcountry

Central Queenstown Active & Adventure

2.5 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Explore the Backcountry: The Ultimate Guide to the Rees River Trail If you want to escape the crowded tourist hotspots and immerse yourself in New Zealand’s pristine wilderness, the Rees River Trail offers an unforgettable guided adventure. Located in the heart of Queenstown’s backcountry, this experience allows you to explore the majestic Rees Valley—a landscape