South Island Holidays

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Where to stay in South Island

Find the best South Island areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about South Island
Christchurch City Centre

Christchurch City Centre

4.5/5(128 area reviews)

Explore the picturesque and vibrant heart of the city that is getting back to normal after a series of devastating earthquakes.

Find hotels in Christchurch City Centre

Things to do near South Island

Shopping

In Christchurch, visit Westfield Riccarton for a variety of shops and dining options. The Arts Centre offers unique artisanal gifts, while the local markets, like the Christchurch Farmers' Market, showcase fresh produce and handmade crafts, perfect for souvenirs to take home.

Recreation

Mount John Observatory offers a captivating experience under the stars, combining family fun with stunning celestial views. Lake Tekapō Regional Park invites you to unwind amidst tranquil landscapes, perfect for relaxation. For outdoor enthusiasts, The Cairns Golf Course provides a delightful sporting atmosphere with breathtaking scenery.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of skiing at Roundhill Ski Area, located 14.5km from South Island, where you can enjoy exhilarating slopes and stunning alpine scenery. For a scenic adventure, hike the Cowans Hill Walkway, situated 11.3km away, offering breathtaking views of the landscape and fresh outdoor air.

Explore the Governors Bush Walk Trailhead, located 37.0km from South Island, where you can immerse yourself in nature and embark on an adventurous trek through lush surroundings, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a unique experience.

Nightlife

In South Island, enjoy vibrant nightlife in Queenstown, where bars and clubs pulse with energy along Shotover Street. Christchurch offers a mix of trendy bars and live music venues in the central city, while Dunedin boasts a lively student scene with pubs and clubs in the Octagon area.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near South Island

South Island, New Zealand, is an idyllic destination for outdoor enthusiasts and romantics alike, featuring breathtaking lakes, rejuvenating hot springs, and charming churches. This region offers a wealth of attractions that celebrate both natural beauty and cultural experiences, making it perfect for travellers seeking adventure and romance. Whether you're exploring serene landscapes or indulging in local traditions, South Island promises an unforgettable vacation experience.

  • Tekapo Springs: Experience the soothing warmth of geothermal hot pools surrounded by stunning mountain views. Tekapo Springs offers wellness and relaxation, making it a perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring. Indulge in spa treatments or enjoy the outdoor ice skating in the winter months.
  • Church of the Good Shepherd: This iconic church, built in 1935, is a symbol of the region’s rich heritage. Nestled on the shores of Lake Tekapo, its stone architecture and breathtaking backdrop create a serene atmosphere, ideal for reflection and appreciation of local culture.
  • Sheepdog Statue: A tribute to the region's sheep farming history, this charming statue commemorates the hard work of sheepdogs. Located nearby, it offers visitors a glimpse into the pastoral life of New Zealand, making it a delightful photo opportunity.

Best time to go to South Island

The best time to visit South Island is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. December is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May50.4°F (10.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June46.8°F (8.200000000000001°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August46.2°F (7.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
October51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December59.7°F (15.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Tips to save on your trip to South Island

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • Consider traveling to South Island during the low season (June and August to September) for more affordable options.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Top hotels in South Island

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central

4 out of 5
24 Frankton Road Queenstown
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is HK$967 per night from 22 May to 23 May
HK$967
HK$1,112 total
22 May - 23 May
includes taxes & fees
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
Great place to stay for a short trip. Very central and easy walk to everything

Reviewed on 21 Apr 2026

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
Kamana Lakehouse

Kamana Lakehouse

4.5 out of 5
139 Fernhill Road Queenstown
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is HK$1,204 per night from 6 May to 7 May
HK$1,204
HK$1,385 total
6 May - 7 May
includes taxes & fees
9.2/10 Wonderful! (613 reviews)
Lovely room, great view comfortable bed , good air co. Only unusual thing no milk supplied for coffee.

Reviewed on 18 Apr 2026

Kamana Lakehouse
Bealey Quarter

Bealey Quarter

5 out of 5
247 Bealey Ave Christchurch
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is HK$369 per night from 5 May to 6 May
HK$369
HK$433 total
5 May - 6 May
includes taxes & fees
8.6/10 Excellent! (523 reviews)
Everything is good except the availability of parking at the Studios. Hopefully there will be a designated parking per room, and laundry bag.

Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026

Bealey Quarter
See all 7,669 properties in South Island
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Milford Sound, Fiordland, New Zealand

Milford Sound

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Milford Sound during your travels in Fiordland National Park. Discover the area's waterfalls and glaciers.

Milford Sound
Mount Cook National Park

Mount Cook National Park

Ski on a glacier, enjoy hot springs and tackle the peak where Sir Edmund Hillary trained for Everest in this spectacular part of New Zealand.

Mount Cook National Park
Coronet Peak Ski Area

Coronet Peak Ski Area

A variety of slopes for all abilities and some excellent après-ski options are on offer at this ski field just minutes from central Queenstown.

Coronet Peak Ski Area

What to do in South Island

Stewart Island Ferry Service

Stewart Island Ferry Service

HK$617
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Stewart Island Ferry Service
Stewart Island Village & Bays Tours

Stewart Island Village & Bays Tour

HK$270
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Stewart Island Village & Bays Tour
Ulva Island Explorer: Cruise & Guided Walk

Ulva Island Explorer: Cruise & Guided Walk

HK$663
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Ulva Island Explorer: Cruise & Guided Walk
See all activities in South Island

Frequently asked questions

Can I cancel my flight booking to South Island due to COVID-19?
If you haven't booked yet, read the terms and conditions of the airline you're considering. If you've already locked in your flight to South Island, find your way to our Customer Service Portal. It will help you figure out which COVID-19 policies apply to your reservation and advise the next steps.
What's the best way to find cheap flights to South Island that have flexible change policies?
We know that plans can change in the blink of an eye, so reserving a flexible airfare with Expedia is always a wise idea. Simply mark the "No change fee" box under the "Flexible change policies" filter. Your well-priced and flexible flight to South Island is only a few clicks away.
What are some of the general tips for travelers to South Island during the COVID-19 outbreak?
The COVID-19 outbreak may have changed how we travel, but it hasn't stopped our zest for exploring. Here are a few tips on how to handle the new challenges of traveling:
  • Know the rules and restrictions in both your origin and destination. It may not be possible to travel depending on local circumstances, so make sure you check before you book your flight.
  • Keep your face mask on during airport screening. A TSA officer will require you to temporarily lower your mask for identification purposes.
  • To avoid cross-contamination, position your boarding pass on the scanner yourself and then hold it up for inspection. Do not hand your pass directly to a TSA employee.
  • One liquid hand sanitizer container is now permitted in your carry-on baggage. It must be no bigger than 12 oz (350 ml), and you'll need to take it out of your bag for X-ray screening.
  • Empty everything from your pockets, such as your keys, phone and wallet, and put them in your carry-on rather than into bins. This will reduce handling during screening.
  • If you're taking food on the plane, put it in a clear plastic bag and then into a scanning bin. This lessens the likelihood that a TSA officer will need to handle your food container or carry-on bag for closer inspection.

Which airlines fly to South Island?
Organize your seat with Air New Zealand and then begin working on your South Island itinerary. This popular airline runs 508 flights every month to Queenstown Intl. Airport (ZQN), a key gateway.
How can I find cheap tickets to South Island?
You'll always find an epic deal with Expedia, but our "flexible dates" feature makes it that much easier. Enter your preferred flight date, then check the flexible dates box above to see a list of prices for nearby days. was the best price for a flight to South Island in the last seven days.
How much is a flight to South Island?
There were lots of cheap fares for the taking in the last seven days, with the cost of a round-trip flight to South Island varying between and . Many lucky vacationers scored one-way tickets from () for as low as .
What are the most popular airports to fly into in South Island?
South Island's main entryway is Queenstown Intl. Airport (ZQN). Get your next big journey underway by reserving a seat on one of the 803 flights every month to this destination.
When is the cheapest time to fly to South Island?
Fly out on a Tuesday to raise your chances of bagging the cheapest deal to South Island. Mondays are usually the second most affordable day to take off. Saturday is normally the priciest day to fly anywhere.
How much is a plane ticket to South Island?
In the last seven days, fares to South Island fluctuated from to .
Which airlines with flights to South Island employ COVID-19 cleanliness policies?
While traveling in a pandemic can be nerve-wracking, airlines are doing all they can to ensure the well-being of passengers and cabin crew. These are some carriers that have implemented changes:
  • Air New Zealand - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and cleaning with disinfectant.
  • Jetstar - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and cleaning with disinfectant.
  • Qantas - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and cleaning with disinfectant.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.