Things to do in South Island
Activities, attractions and tours
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Most popular experiences in South Island
Tours & day trips
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Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Tour
Air, helicopter & balloon tours
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Milford Sound Cruise with Round-Trip Flights from Queenstown
Private & custom tours
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Kaikoura Whale Watching Day Trip from Christchurch
Wildlife & nature
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Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown
Water activities
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From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride
What to do in South Island
Popular places to visit
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.
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.
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.
Lyttelton Harbour
Enjoy cafés, markets and boat trips at this scenic European port town, steeped in history and bordered by volcanic hills.
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.
Hagley Park
Explore the great outdoors at Hagley Park, a lovely green space in Christchurch. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the shops in this culturally rich area.
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.
Tekapo Springs
Lie back and relax in healing waters, enjoy a massage or get involved in a range of outdoor activities, all with a fabulous alpine backdrop.
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
Explore the picturesque and vibrant heart of the city that is getting back to normal after a series of devastating earthquakes.
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.
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
Stay in this picturesque part of Queenstown where the airport is located to enjoy spectacular mountain views and relaxed lakeside walks.
Riccarton
Riccarton is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Westfield Riccarton Mall and Riccarton Road.
Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.
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