Explore the South Island

Some say the South is a bit more rugged than the North, a magnet for adrenaline-hungry young backpackers, nomadic thrill seekers, wine lovers, Great Walkers, and every other kind of adventure traveler or disciple of majestic landscapes.

The variety of attractions, towns, and landscapes in the South Island is incredibly diverse. Here you can trek some of the country's most impressive Great Walks - through awe striking fiords and waterfalls on the Milford Track or deserted beaches on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. You can trace the famous green lipped mussels and crayfish to their sources, sample some of the best wine in the world in Waipara or Marlborough, or have yourself an adventure bender diving out of the sky over Queenstown. If you're after something a bit slower, you can opt for a slow paced holiday retreat in beautiful, French Akaroa or in the natural hot baths of Hanmer Springs.

The last thing you want to do here is rush through Fiordland or miss the stars above Lake Tekapo because you are too crunched for time. The magic of New Zealand's South Island lies in what you didn't know was here. So be flexible, keep your eyes open, smell the air, stay curious and take your time.

Nelson Tasman

Sitting at the top of the South Island, the Nelson Tasman region offers a few of the most laid back and friendly towns you’ll find anywhere in the country. The...


Marlborough

Boasting year round sunshine, one fifth of New Zealand’s stunning coastline and a diverse range of microclimates and rare birds, Marlborough is ideal for food and wine enthusiasts as well...


Canterbury

The Canterbury region holds the city of Christchurch at its center—a city that is steadily recreating itself after a series of quakes devastated the area. In Akaroa, a seaside French-inspired...


West Coast

Driving up the West Coast is one of the more beautiful drives in New Zealand. It is a wild place, sparsely populated by friendly and rugged folk. The West Coast...


Mount Cook

Between Queenstown and Christchurch, you’ll find the tallest mountain in New Zeland. Mt. Cook National Park actually includes 23 skyscraping mountains, the Tasman Glacier, lakes made milky by glacier-ground rock...


Queenstown

Queenstown is an adrenaline junkie’s wonderland. This is where backpackers flock to throw themselves out of planes, to bungy off of bridges, swing through canyons with wide eyes and wild...


Free New Zealand Travel Planning Service

If you're a bit overwhelmed with planning your New Zealand adventure, no worries - let us help you plan your trip. Our team of experts will help you organize a bespoke travel itinerary, find the best deal on car or campervan hire or find you the best New Zealand tour. FIND OUT MORE


Wanaka

We might call Wanaka Queenstown’s quieter sister. An ever popular destination for skiers, cyclists, climbers, and active travelers, Wanaka also offers more subdued options like boating around the river, a...


Fiordland

Milford Sound is the most famous of New Zealand’s fiords, offering dozens of cruises a day as well as flyover plane tours to see the waterfalls and glistening peaks that...


Deep South

Dunedin is a coastal town on the Otago peninsula, a hotspot for surfers, culture junkies, wildlife enthusiasts and young folks looking for a lively university town. Dunedin keeps a lower...


Curio Bay - Catlins

The Catlins is a beach-lovers paradise. This area is so often missed by travellers to the South Island. Don't make that mistake - spend time exploring the quiet backroads and...


South Island Tours and Bus Passes

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South Island Bus Pass

Experience the South Island in one week.


With this pass you can upgrade to include the famous TranzAlpine Railway from Christchurch to the West Coast.


Milford Sound, Dunedin and Catlins Tour

Short on time? This is the pass for you.


In a minimum of three days you can experience the highlights of the bottom part of the South Island.


Auckland to Christchurch Tour

Get the best of both Islands


This tour travels between both islands, allowing you to experience the highlights between Auckland and Christchurch.


South Island Snow Tour

Ski or snowboard the best of the South Island South Island Snow Tour


This week long ski tour allows you experience six of the South Island's BEST ski fields.