South Island Day Tours

New Zealand’s South Island is a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers. With towering peaks, pristine fiords, and glaciers, this island offers breathtaking landscapes to explore.

Various optional South Island day tours/trips, attractions, and activities can be added to your pre-planned or tailor-made itinerary, especially for the free days.

• Abel Tasman National Park

• Akaroa

• Christchurch – Canterbury

• Central Otago

• Doubtful Sound

• Dunedin

• Fiordland

• Fiordland National Park

• Glacier Country

• Golden Bay

• Kahurangi National Park

• Kaikoura

• Marlborough

• Mount Cook & Mackenzie

• Mt Aspiring National Park

• Nelson Tasman

• Queenstown

• Southland

• Te Anau

• Waitaki & Oamaru

• Wanaka

• West Coast

Other Island Tours

• Stewart Island

• Chatham Islands

 

TOP 12 South Island Attractions & Activities

The South Island of New Zealand is renowned for its stunning landscapes, outdoor activities, and diverse attractions. Here’s a list of some of the most popular attractions on the South Island:

1. Fiordland National Park: Home to the famous Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, Fiordland National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its breathtaking fjords, waterfalls, and dramatic landscapes.
2. Milford Sound: Often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World, Milford Sound is a spectacular fjord surrounded by towering cliffs, waterfalls, and lush rainforests.
3. Queenstown: A popular adventure capital, Queenstown offers a range of outdoor activities such as bungee jumping, skiing, and hiking. The town is also located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, providing stunning views.
4. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park: Home to New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook, this park offers stunning alpine scenery, glaciers, and opportunities for hiking and stargazing.
5. Abel Tasman National Park: Known for its golden beaches, turquoise waters, and coastal hiking trails, Abel Tasman National Park is a paradise for nature lovers.
6. Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers: These iconic glaciers on the West Coast are easily accessible and offer opportunities for guided walks, heli-hikes, and scenic flights.
7. Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes: Located on the West Coast, these unique limestone formations resemble stacked pancakes and are accompanied by powerful blowholes.
8. Dunedin: A city with Scottish heritage, Dunedin boasts Victorian and Edwardian architecture, the scenic Otago Peninsula, and the Royal Albatross Centre.
9. Kaikoura: Known for its marine life, Kaikoura offers opportunities for whale watching, swimming with dolphins, and enjoying seafood.
10. Lake Tekapo: Famous for its stunning turquoise lake and the Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo is also a designated Dark Sky Reserve, making it ideal for stargazing.
11. Nelson: A vibrant city with a sunny climate, Nelson is surrounded by wineries, art galleries, and the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park.
12. Stewart Island/Rakiura: New Zealand’s third-largest island, Stewart Island/Rakiura is a haven for birdwatching, hiking, and experiencing the tranquility of nature.

These attractions showcase the diverse natural beauty and outdoor adventures the South Island of New Zealand has to offer.

South Island Map