South Island Holidays
South Island Holidays
South Island Holidays
South Island Holidays
South Island Holidays
South Island holidays in New Zealand
There are few places in the world where you can sit on a beach and view snow-capped peaks, but this is certainly one of them. Add to this, crystal clear, shimmering fiords where steep cliffs reach up to iridescent blue skies, deep undergrowth which opens out to dramatic vistas of sea, mountains and the long white cloud clinging to distant hills and you have a snapshot of a destination which promises much and delivers more.
As the gateway to the South Island, Christchurch is a must on any itinerary. The city wows with innovative architecture, immense street art, bustling restaurants, laneways and green parks. New Zealand’s adrenalin city, Queenstown, sits on the shore of Lake Wakatipu among dramatic alpine ranges. With a smorgasbord of outdoor activities such as bungee...
Why Visit South Island?
- Incredible national parks
- Glaciers and mountains
- Scenic fiords
- Wineries
- Activites galore in Queenstown
- Beautiful cities
South Island Travel Guide
Best time to go
There really isn’t a bad time to visit South Island, although there is a far greater seasonal difference than on the North Island. In winter temperatures can get as low as -10ºC while summers can experience temperatures as high as 40ºC. The west coast of South Island has the island’s highest rainfall.
Travel Information
Christchurch is approximately 26 hours from the UK (including a stopover). Queenstown and Dunedin also have international airports, while other island areas have domestic airports or are within an easy drive.
Local currency
New Zealand dollar
Cities & Regions in South Island
Our recommendations for the best places to visit in South Island.
Unmissable Experiences
Showing 16 experiences in South Island
Whale Watch Cruise
This half day cruise from Kaikoura gives you the chance for up-close encounters with giant sperm whales. You may also see migratory humpback whales, Hector’s and dusky dolphins, orcas, fur seals and plenty of bird species. Picture credit: Kaikoura Whale Watch
from
£99
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
Travel by coach from Te Anau to Manapouri for a cruise across Lake Manapouri to West Arm and onwards by coach to Doubtful Sound. Cruise the sound admiring the scenery of waterfalls, mountains and rainforest.
from
£143
Milford Sound Small Group Day Tour
Full day from Queenstown or Te Anau with guided commentary to and from the Sound with experienced guides and a stunning two hour nature cruise on the fjord taking in waterfalls, fur seals, penguins and, occasionally, dolphins.
from
£144
Standard Peninsula Encounters & Albatross Centre
Travel from Dunedin to a remote Otago Peninsula Beach for a short walk with dramatic views. Continue to Taiaroa Head, and a private viewing observatory at the Albatross Centre. Next is a Yellow-eyed Penguin reserve for trails through the native bushland.
from
£107
Akaroa Tour with Harbour Cruise
Depart Christchurch for a full day tour taking in the French-inspired village of Akaroa on Banks Peninsula. Then cruise Akaroa Harbour to view dolphins, penguins and seals. Return via Birdling Flat on the Kaitorete Spit for commanding views.
from
£136
Heli Hike
Begin this 4 hour tour from Franz Josef with a helicopter ride over the jaw-dropping landscape. Land high up on the main ice fall of the glacier for a memorable hike amidst ice caves, staggering ice towers and narrow crevasses.
from
£289
Mail Boat Cruise
Spend an afternoon aboard the Beachcomber Mail Boat from Picton as the skipper delivers the mail and groceries to families that live in the various bays and inlets in the Queen Charlotte Sound.
from
£65
Coastal Pacific Train
With the Pacific Ocean lapping at its wheels on one side and the Kaikoura ranges rising majestically on the other, the Coastal Pacific is undoubtedly one of the most astonishingly beautiful journeys in New Zealand. Your comfortable reclining seat has ample leg room and the carriage has panoramic windows for soaking up the views. Otherwise, head to the open-air carriage to step outside and feel the ocean breeze brush your skin, or sit back with a refreshing drink in the licensed cafe. All journeys are available in reverse. Christchurch to Picton takes just over 5½ hours; Christchurch to Kaikoura is around 3½ hours; Kaikoura to Picton is just under 3 hours. Departures available Thur-Sun between late Sep-late Apr. Picture credit: Kiwi Rail.
from
£62
(Christchurch to Kaikoura or Kaikoura to Picton one way) or £109 (Christchurch to Picton one way)
Lake Cruise & Island Nature Walk
Meet at the Marina in Wanaka for your cruise to the remote and magical Mou Waho Island nature reserve. A one hour guided bush walk is included where you can drink in the panorama of the Southern Alps before you. Picture credit: Eco Walks
from
£154
Milford Sound Coach & Cruise
Travel from Te Anau by coach to Milford Sound for a cruise exploring the full length of the fiord, past St Anne’s Lighthouse and right out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting).
from
£98
Punting on the Avon
Board a classic wooden Punt for a guided 30 minute tour that quietly takes you past trailing willows, woodlands and leafy banks as you absorb Christchurch’s Botanic Gardens or redeveloping centre. A must-do in Christchurch.
from
£23
Franz Josef Glacier
On a 3 hour walking tour from Franz Josef you will experience this glacier in style. Pass glacier rivers and streams, through podocarp forest, listen to waterfalls and more.
from
£49
Fox Glacier & Mount Cook Heli Flight
Imagine flying the entire length of Fox Glacier, then soaring at eye level against the west face of Aoraki/Mt Cook. This 30 minute tour from Fox Glacier also includes a glacier snow landing. Picture credit: Glacier Helicopters.
from
£234
TSS Earnslaw Walter Peak Farm
Cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw from Queenstown across to Walter Peak High Country Farm where you’ll enjoy a farm demonstration, explore the gardens and feast on a BBQ lunch.
from
£89
(inc lunch)
TranzAlpine Train
Step aboard the TranzAlpine and experience one of the world’s great train journeys through the stunning Southern Alps. Cutting through the mountainous spine of South island, the railway weaves through cliff-lined river gorges, over high mountain plains, over braided rivers and around pristine mountain lakes as it journeys from Christchurch to Greymouth. Your comfortable reclining seat has panoramic views through large windows which bathe the carriage in light. On board also is a licensed cafe and fantastic open-air viewing carriage. Journey also available in reverse. The one way journey takes just under 5 hours, while the full day trip includes an hour in Greymouth before reboarding the train back to Christchurch. Available daily from Christchurch.
from
£159
(one way) or 259 (return day trip)
Queen Charlotte Track
Transfer from Picton Wharf to Ship Cove and enjoy a guided walk along what is regarded as the premier section of the Queen Charlotte Track, from Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet (approximately 5 hours walking). Picture credit: QCT
from
£237
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