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

Queenstown featuring boating and a river or creek

Kawarau Suspension Bridge featuring a sporting event, a bridge and bungee jumping

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

South Island featuring land animals and mountains

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

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Most popular experiences in South Island

Tours & day trips

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Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Tour

Free cancellation available

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Milford Sound Cruise with Round-Trip Flights from Queenstown

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

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Kaikoura Whale Watching Day Trip from Christchurch

Free cancellation available

Wildlife & nature

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Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

Free cancellation available

Water activities

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From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride

Free cancellation available

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

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

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 mountain views during your trip to Mount Cook. Wander the lakeside in this quaint 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.

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.

Botanic Gardens as well as a large group of people

Hagley Park

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.

Tekapo Springs

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 which includes skydiving, a lake or waterhole and a small town or village

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 outdoor eating and railway items 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.

Dunedin which includes a garden, a pond 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.

International Antarctic Centre featuring 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.