South Island Local Expert: Find Things To Do in South Island

Queenstown featuring boating and a river or creek

Kawarau Suspension Bridge which includes a suspension bridge or treetop walkway, a bridge and a sporting event

Bob\'s Peak featuring views, general coastal views and mountains

South Island showing mountains and land animals

South Island showing a gorge or canyon, boating and a river or creek

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Most popular experiences in South Island

Tours & day trips

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Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Tour

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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Milford Sound Cruise with Round-Trip Flights from Queenstown

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Private & custom tours

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Kaikoura Whale Watching Day Trip from Christchurch

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Wildlife & nature

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Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

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Water activities

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From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride

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What to do in South Island

Popular places to visit

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.

Milford Sound

5/5(1 review)

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.

Lake Tekapo

4.5/5(29 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Lake Tekapo, a popular spot to commune with nature in Lake Tekapo. Wander the lakeside in this quaint area.

Aoraki / Mount Cook

4.5/5(14 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Aoraki / Mount Cook and enjoy the stunning glacier views during your trip to Mount Cook. Wander the lakeside in this quaint area.

Lyttelton Harbour

4/5(23 reviews)

Enjoy cafés, markets and boat trips at this scenic European port town, steeped in history and bordered by volcanic hills.

Lake Pukaki

4.5/5(33 reviews)

Be amazed by the color of the lake against the snowy backdrop of Aoraki/Mount Cook as you hike, drive or ride through this incredibly picturesque landscape.

Botanic Gardens as well as a large group of people

Hagley Park

4.5/5(53 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Hagley Park, a lovely green space in Christchurch. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the shops in this culturally rich area.

Picton Ferry Terminal

4/5(31 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Picton with a trip to Picton Ferry Terminal. You'll find more to see and do in this quaint area.

Tekapo Springs

4/5(4 reviews)

Lie back and relax in healing waters, enjoy a massage or get involved in a range of outdoor activities, all with a fabulous alpine backdrop.

Areas of South Island

Queenstown Beach showing skydiving, a pebble beach and a lake or waterhole

Queenstown City Centre

The panoramic lake views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Queenstown City Centre. Make a stop by Skycity Queenstown Casino or Queenstown Mall while you're exploring the area.

New Regent Street showing railway items and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Christchurch City Centre

4.5/5(126 area reviews)

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

International Antarctic Centre which includes interior views

Christchurch Airport

While Christchurch Airport may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like International Antarctic Centre and Harewood Golf Club.

Dunedin which includes a pond, a park and heritage elements

Dunedin City Centre

4.5/5(24 area reviews)

Dunedin City Centre is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to First Church of Otago or Grand Casino.