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South Island Holidays

Overview

experiences

tours

Cities & Regions

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...

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.

Nelson, Marlborough & Kaikoura

From Nelson and the large wine growing region of Marlborough in the top north west of South Island to the quaint east coast town of Kaikoura and wonderful national parks with their palette of dramatic scenes, this region of the South Island offers much to see and do.

Mount Cook, Franz Josef & Fox Glacier

Alpine in the purest sense, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park brims with skyscraping peaks, glaciers and permanent snow fields, all under a star-studded sky; while in Westland National Park, on the west coast, are the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, two giant rivers of ice which still flow almost to sea level.

Dunedin, Invercargill & Stewart Island

Known as the Edinburgh of New Zealand, Dunedin is the country's city of the south, wearing its Scottish heritage with pride.

Queenstown & Fiordlands

New Zealand’s adrenalin city, Queenstown, sits on the shore of Lake Wakatipu among dramatic, alpine ranges which make an extraordinary setting for all manner of adventure activities, while Fiordland National Park is one of the most striking and beautiful parts of New Zealand.

Christchurch

This revitalised city, which is the third largest in New Zealand, welcomes with wide open spaces, modern architecture and heritage buildings, not to mention a diverse natural playground.

Unmissable Experiences

Showing 10 experiences in South Island

Glowworm Caves

This two hour tour from Te Anau begins with a cruise across beautiful Lake Te Anau. Discover fossils and rock formations, view waterfalls and whirlpools as well as thousands of tiny glowworms. Also enjoy a 15 minute walk into the forest. Minimum age 5 years.

from

£61

Mount Cook Spectacular

This 40 minute helicopter flight from Fox Glacier is sure to thrill. Cross the Southern Alps spine and circle the peak of Mount Cook before a spectacular glacier landing. Minimum age 4 years.

from

£319

Jetboat Ride

Prepare for an hour of thrills, spins and exhilaration starting with Lake Wakatipu before zooming over the Kawarau Dam onto the deep green waters of the Kawarau River. Finally, navigate the fast-moving currents of Shotover River. Available from Queenstown. Minimum age 5 years.

from

£66

Whale Watch Experience

During this 3½ hour tour from Kaikoura, you may encounter fur seals, pods of dusky dolphins and the endangered wandering albatross. You may also see migrating humpback whales, pilot whales, blue whales and southern right whales. Minimum age 3 years.

from

£92

Fox & Franz Josef Twin Glacier Flight

On this 30 minute flight from Fox Glacier, explore the glacial icefalls of two glaciers. Discover up close their unusual ice formations plus landing on the snowfields is a highlight! Minimum age 4 years.

from

£234

Milford Sound Cruise

Travel from Te Anau and along Lake Wakatipu to Milford Sound, stopping enroute for short walks and photo opportunities. At Milford Sound, cruise past sheer cliff faces and cascading waterfalls, keeping watch for seals, dolphins and more. Also available from Queenstown.

from

£115

(includes picnic lunch)

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 picturesque journeys in New Zealand. Travel along rugged coastlines, across remote beaches, between mountains and sea, on a timeless journey of breathtaking beauty. 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 café. All journeys are available in reverse. Picture credit: Kiwi Rail.

from

£69

One way (Christchurch to Kaikoura or Kaikoura to Picton); One way Christchurch to Picton available from £125

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

Travel by coach from Te Anau to Manapouri, where you then cruise to West Arm. Continue by coach to Deep Cove where you board a catamaran for your wilderness cruise of Doubtful Sound. View waterfalls, rainforest and mountains, plus if you’re lucky, you’ll see seals and dolphins too. Minimum age 5 years.

from

£181

TranzAlpine Train

Step aboard the TranzAlpine and experience one of the world’s great train journeys through the stunning Southern Alps. Travelling coast-to-coast through the ‘Great Divide’, the mountainous spine of South island, the railway weaves through cliff-lined river gorges, over high mountain plains, past 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 there is also a licensed café and fantastic open-air viewing carriage. Journey also available in reverse.

from

£139

(one way); or from £187 (return).

Marlborough Icons

A full day tour from Blenheim visiting two wineries in the morning for two fine wine experiences. In the afternoon, enjoy a cruise through the Marlborough Sounds, which includes a seafood tasting matched to a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Photo credit: Marlborough NZ

from

£138

(includes lunch & wine tastings)

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