Things to do in South Island
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Most popular experiences in South Island
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 147 activitiesOpens in new tabMilford Sound Full-Day Experience with Nature Cruise & Lunch ex Queenstown
Cruises & boat tours
See all 96 activitiesOpens in new tabMilford Sound Wilderness Cruise
Tours & day trips
See all 664 activitiesOpens in new tabSmall Group, Award Winning Full Day Milford Sound Experience
Air, helicopter & balloon tours
See all 133 activitiesOpens in new tabMilford Sound Cruise with Round-Trip Flights from Queenstown
Spa & wellness
See all 3 activitiesOpens in new tabHanmer Springs Hot Pools & Jet Boat Full-Day Tour
What to do in South Island
Popular places to visit
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 quaint area.
Lyttelton Harbour
Enjoy cafés, markets and boat trips at this scenic European port town, steeped in history and bordered by volcanic hills.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Franz Josef Glacier
Enjoy the stunning glacier views and explore Franz Josef Glacier, a lovely green space in Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Wander the lakeside in this quaint area.
Sumner Beach
The main beach in the seaside retreat of Sumner is an idyllic place to spend a day in the sun away from the centre of Christchurch.
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 Cathedral Square or The Arts Centre 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 Toitu Otago Settlers Museum or First Church of Otago.
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.
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.
Riccarton
Riccarton is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Westfield Riccarton Mall and Riccarton Road.
- Lyttelton Harbour
- Mount Cook National Park
- Milford Sound
- Sumner Beach
- New Brighton Beach
- Hagley Park
- Lake Wanaka
- Christchurch Gondola
- The Octagon
- Christchurch Casino
- Kiwi and Birdlife Park
- Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre
- Lake Wakatipu
- Queenstown Gardens
- Riccarton Road
- Lake Te Anau
- Hotels near Mount Cook National Park
- Hotels near Milford Sound
- Hotels near Aoraki / Mount Cook
- Hotels near Lake Tekapo
- Hotels near Abel Tasman National Park
- Hotels near Lake Pukaki
- Hotels near University of Otago
- Hotels near Franz Josef Glacier
- Hotels near Golden Bay
- Hotels near Christchurch Gondola
- Hotels near Coronet Peak Ski Area
- Hotels near University of Canterbury
- Hotels near Cardrona Alpine Resort
- Hotels near Christchurch Casino