Things to do in South Island
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Most popular experiences in South Island
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 115 activitiesOpens in new tabMilford Sound Full-Day Experience with Nature Cruise & Lunch ex Queenstown
Tours & day trips
See all 507 activitiesOpens in new tabSmall Group, Award Winning Full Day Milford Sound Experience
Water activities
See all 54 activitiesOpens in new tabQueenstown: Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Boat Ride
Spa & wellness
See all 7 activitiesOpens in new tabHanmer Springs Hot Pools & Jet Boat Full-Day Tour
History & culture
See all 100 activitiesOpens in new tabChristchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo
Popular places to visit
The Remarkables Ski Area
Skiers and snowboarders will find plenty of inviting slopes at this ski mountain, known for being one of New Zealand’s best venues for freestyle snow riding.
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.
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.
Lake Tekapo
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
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.
Picton Ferry Terminal
Explore the waterfront in Picton with a trip to Picton Ferry Terminal. You'll find more to see and do in this walkable area.
Lyttelton Harbour
Enjoy cafés, markets and boat trips at this scenic European port town, steeped in history and bordered by volcanic hills.
Lake Pukaki
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.
Cardrona Alpine Resort
Take lessons on the baby slopes, tear up fresh power at a higher elevation or attempt daring stunts in the terrain parks at this popular mountain resort.
Areas of South Island
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.
Christchurch City Centre
Christchurch City Centre is a destination visitors seek out for its abundant dining options, interesting museums and colourful gardens. You might want to check out attractions like Christchurch Art Gallery or Cathedral Square while you're exploring the neighbourhood.
Dunedin City Centre
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.
Frankton
Frankton is known for its fantastic lake views, and you can make a stop by Queenstown Event Centre and Lake Wakatipu while in the area.
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 McLean's Island Golf Club.
Nelson City Centre
Nelson City Centre is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Christ Church Cathedral and Montgomery Square.
- Hotels near Milford Sound
- Hotels near Mount Cook National Park
- Hotels near Lake Tekapo
- Hotels near Abel Tasman National Park
- Hotels near Aoraki / Mount Cook
- Hotels near Lake Pukaki
- Hotels near Franz Josef Glacier
- Hotels near Sumner Beach
- Hotels near Christchurch Public Hospital
- Hotels near Lake Wanaka
- Hotels near Hot Tubs Omarama
- Hotels near Hagley Park
- Hotels near Lake Brunner
- Hotels near Lake Ohau