South Island Local Expert: Find Things To Do in South Island

Queenstown featuring a river or creek and boating

Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.

Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.

Most popular experiences in South Island

Food, drink & nightlife

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Milford Sound Full-Day Experience with Nature Cruise & Lunch ex Queenstown

Free cancellation available

Cruises & boat tours

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Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Tour

Free cancellation available

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Milford Sound Cruise with Round-Trip Flights from Queenstown

Free cancellation available

Spa & wellness

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Hanmer Springs Hot Pools & Jet Boat Full-Day Tour

Free cancellation available

Wildlife & nature

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Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

Free cancellation available

What to do in South Island

Popular places to visit

Picton Ferry Terminal

4/5(31 reviews)

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

4/5(23 reviews)

Enjoy cafés, markets and boat trips at this scenic European port town, steeped in history and bordered by volcanic hills.

Milford Sound

5/5(1 review)

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.

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.

Lake Tekapo

4.5/5(29 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Lake Tekapo, a popular spot to commune with nature in Lake Tekapo. Wander the lakeside in this quaint area.

Aoraki / Mount Cook

4.5/5(14 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Aoraki / Mount Cook and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Mount Cook. Wander the lakeside in this quaint area.

Sumner Beach

4.5/5(23 reviews)

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.

Lake Pukaki

4.5/5(33 reviews)

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

4.5/5(33 reviews)

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.

Areas of South Island

Queenstown Beach showing a pebble beach, skydiving and a small town or village

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.

New Regent Street showing outdoor eating and railway items as well as a small group of people

Christchurch City Centre

4.5/5(126 area reviews)

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.

Dunedin which includes a pond, a park and heritage elements

Dunedin City Centre

4.5/5(24 area reviews)

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.

International Antarctic Centre featuring interior views

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 Omarino Wine Park.