South Island

Travel Guide

Queenstown showing a river or creek and boating
Kawarau Suspension Bridge which includes a sporting event, a bridge and a gorge or canyon
Bob\'s Peak showing views, general coastal views and mountains
South Island which includes land animals and mountains
South Island featuring boating, a river or creek and a gorge or canyon
Larger, less populated and harder to reach than the northern “Main Island,” this area features New Zealand’s longest glacier, its highest mountain and much more.

The landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island are hard to believe. Perhaps this is why New Zealand film director Peter Jackson featured them so often in his world-famous adaptations of the fantasy book trilogy, The Lord of the Rings. Massive peaks rising out of plains, crystal-clear mountain lakes and near vertical-faced fjords all await you on New Zealand’s less populated but more picturesque island.

Begin by discovering the island’s Pacific Coast. Christchurch is the largest city on South Island and the second largest in New Zealand. Enjoy the massive Botanic Gardens of the “Garden City,” and then travel nearly a kilometer out of town by gondola to get an overhead view of Crater Rim, a collapsed volcano to the east. If you’re looking for more of a beach town, drive south along the coast to Dunedin. Surf on St. Clair Beach, then head into town to enjoy its heritage buildings and Scottish charm.

Running all the way along South Island is a dramatic mountain range that rises abruptly from the eastern plains. Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, stands at the heart of the range. Hike along one of the many lakes nestled at the foot of the mountains, like Lake Wanaka. Come during winter to ski down from the mountains while you overlook this 75-square-mile (193-square-kilometer) body of crystalline glacier water.

Take a long mountain drive to Fiordland National Park in the island’s southwest for even more breathtaking sights. Here, the towering mountains have been carved into sheer cliffs shooting up from the shores of inlets from the Tasman Sea. Milford Sound is perhaps the most beautiful, as its high annual rainfall causes giant waterfalls to stream down from the cliffs. Do some hiking around the area. When night falls, take a tour of the nearby Te Anau Glowworm Caves.

The South Island has direct flights to the North Island and Australia from Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown. The South Island may be harder to reach and larger than its northern neighbor, but the views here are more than worth the extra effort.

Where to stay in South Island

Queenstown Beach featuring a small town or village, 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.

Queenstown City Centre
New Regent Street featuring railway items and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Christchurch City Centre

4.5/5(344 area reviews)

Christchurch City Centre is a destination visitors seek out for is abundant dining options, interesting museums, and colorful gardens. You might want to check out attractions like Christchurch Art Gallery or Cathedral Square while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Christchurch City Centre
Dunedin featuring a park, heritage elements and a pond

Dunedin City Centre

4.5/5(89 area reviews)

Travelers come to Dunedin City Centre for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like First Church of Otago and Grand Casino while you're in town.

Dunedin City Centre
International Antarctic Centre showing interior views

Christchurch Airport

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Christchurch Airport and surrounding area, you can visit International Antarctic Centre and Russley Golf Club.

Christchurch Airport
Frankton featuring a small town or village, forests and mountains

Frankton

4/5(42 area reviews)

Frankton is known for its lake views, and you can plan a trip to Queenstown Event Centre and Lake Wakatipu while you're in town.

Frankton
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Goldfield Heights

While there might not be top attractions in Goldfield Heights, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Queenstown Mall and Skycity Queenstown Casino.

Goldfield Heights
Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown by IHG
Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown by IHG
4 out of 5
CNR STANLEY AND SYDNEY STREET, Queenstown
The price is NT$4,014 per night from Jun 22 to Jun 23
NT$4,014
NT$4,616 total
Jun 22 - Jun 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
"Very clean and good views"

Reviewed on 2025/6/18

Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown by IHG
Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
4 out of 5
24 Frankton Road, Queenstown
The price is NT$3,843 per night from Jun 22 to Jun 23
NT$3,843
NT$4,420 total
Jun 22 - Jun 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Great location, lovely staff and restaurant was wonderful."

Reviewed on 2025/6/16

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
Kamana Lakehouse
Kamana Lakehouse
4.5 out of 5
139 Fernhill Road, Queenstown
The price is NT$4,623 per night from Jun 22 to Jun 23
NT$4,623
NT$5,316 total
Jun 22 - Jun 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (452 reviews)
"Everything was amazing! It’s my third time at this location The team working at this hotel really understand what good customer service is"

Reviewed on 2025/6/16

Kamana Lakehouse
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.
La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
4 out of 5
16 - 18 Mountain Ash Drive, Remarkables Park, Queenstown
Stay at this 4-star ski aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a ski shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,242 reviews)
"It’s so perfectly located close to Airport and felt quite central. Close to Remarkables Shopping Centre, Five Mile and set in a truly picturesque location! Waking up to amazing views was soul recharge!"

Reviewed on 2025/6/9

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown
Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown
5 out of 5
110 Frankton Road, Queenstown
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,353 reviews)
"Nice unit, spacious and well appointed."

Reviewed on 2025/6/19

Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown
Peppers Bluewater Resort
Peppers Bluewater Resort
4.5 out of 5
State Highway 8, Lake Tekapo
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Lake Tekapo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,151 reviews)
"Beautiful location and property and staff are amazingly friendly, recommend this place to everyone"

Reviewed on 2025/6/13

Peppers Bluewater Resort
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

Cities near South Island