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 Toitu Otago Settlers Museum and First Church of Otago 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 Harewood 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
Mona Vale which includes a park

Riccarton

4.5/5(73 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Riccarton is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Westfield Riccarton Mall and Riccarton Road.

Riccarton
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

4 out of 5
88 Frankton Road, Queenstown
The price is NT$4,743 per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
NT$4,743
per night
Jul 21 - Jul 22
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Very convenient location on Frankton road. Rooms were spacious quiet and warm. Car parking is free."

Reviewed on 2025/7/6

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central

4 out of 5
24 Frankton Road, Queenstown
The price is NT$3,974 per night from Jul 28 to Jul 29
NT$3,974
per night
Jul 28 - Jul 29
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! (1,010 reviews)
"Fantastic property with friendly staff and convenient location!"

Reviewed on 2025/7/11

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
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$4,789 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
NT$4,789
per night
Aug 3 - Aug 4
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Excellent location Clean room Friendly staff Breakfast everyday made one less thing to worry about, plan or spend money on. Will definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 2025/7/14

Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown by IHG
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