Things to do in South Island
Activities, attractions and tours
Visit South Island
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Most popular experiences in South Island
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 148 activities
Milford Sound Full-Day Experience with Nature Cruise & Lunch ex Queenstown
Cruises & boat tours
See all 102 activities
Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Tour
Tours & day trips
See all 694 activities
Small Group, Award Winning Full Day Milford Sound Experience
Air, helicopter & balloon tours
See all 127 activities
Milford Sound Cruise with Round-Trip Flights from Queenstown
Spa & wellness
See all 6 activities
Hanmer Springs Hot Pools & Jet Boat Full-Day Tour
What to do in South Island
Popular places to visit
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Lyttelton Harbour
Enjoy cafés, markets and boat trips at this scenic European port town, steeped in history and bordered by volcanic hills.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Areas of South Island
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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.
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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 Christchurch Art Gallery or Cathedral Square while you're exploring the neighbourhood.
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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 First Church of Otago or Grand Casino.
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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.
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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.
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Nelson City Centre
Nelson City Centre is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Nelson Provincial Museum and Christ Church Cathedral.
- Milford Sound
- Mount Cook National Park
- Lyttelton Harbour
- Sumner Beach
- Coronet Peak Ski Area
- New Brighton Beach
- The Octagon
- Hagley Park
- Lake Wanaka
- Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre
- Christchurch Casino
- Christchurch Gondola
- Queenstown Gardens
- Lake Te Anau
- Lake Wakatipu
- Riccarton Road
- Papanui Road
- Hotels near Milford Sound
- Hotels near Mount Cook National Park
- Hotels near Lake Tekapo
- Hotels near Aoraki / Mount Cook
- Hotels near Abel Tasman National Park
- Hotels near Lake Pukaki
- Hotels near University of Otago
- Hotels near Golden Bay
- Hotels near Coronet Peak Ski Area
- Hotels near Franz Josef Glacier
- Hotels near Cardrona Alpine Resort
- Hotels near University of Canterbury
- Hotels near Christchurch Casino
- Hotels near Christchurch Gondola
- Hotels near Larnach Castle