South Island Holidays

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Your South Island Holiday

Make organising your next big adventure a breeze with a South Island holiday package. Whether it's nature, history or something else entirely that draws you to this destination, our package deals will help you discover the best of it. Queenstown, Christchurch and Te Anau are just a few of the most popular cities here. Make sure your trip to South Island includes a stop in at least one of them! From the moment you book your South Island holiday to when you get back home, Expedia has your back each step of the way.

South Island

World-famous landscapes shape the face of this dramatic island that is filled with fjords, mountains, glaciers, wineries and wildlife.

Discover some of the most fascinating and diverse landscapes you are ever likely to encounter in New Zealand’s South Island. Its sprawling national parks act as outdoor playgrounds for the adventurous, while its buzzing cities and friendly locals welcome visitors with open arms. 

Uncover the South Island’s most dramatic scenery in Fiordland National Park. Take a cruise through Milford Sound or tackle one of the country’s great walks: the Milford, Kepler and Routeburn tracks.

Head to the home of adventure sports, Queenstown, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Here you can do everything from bungee jumping and skydiving to jet boating and river rafting.

Soak up the Scottish heritage of Dunedin, a university city with a vibrant nightlife scene. From here, it is just a short drive to the Otago Peninsula, where one of the world’s rarest penguin colonies make their home.

Relax in Tekapo Springs Hot Pools which overlooks the majestic Lake Tekapo and features a huge inflatable waterslide. Ride the scenic TranzAlpine train from Greymouth to Christchurch, one of New Zealand’s largest cities. Sip the local pinot noir wines produced in vineyards of the Central Otago region and the sauvignon blancs produced in lush Marlborough.

Go kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park, whose sheltered bays are home to dolphins and seals. Hike through Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and marvel at the top of New Zealand's highest peak, all while watching out for mischievous mountain parrots.

Aside from its stunning sights on the ground, the South Island is also one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Low light pollution and numerous observatories show off constellations spectacularly, with a large swath of the island officially recognised as an International Dark Sky Reserve.

Fly directly into Christchurch Airport or catch a connecting flight from Auckland. Rent a car or ride the efficient public buses to explore the island to its fullest. Visit during fall or spring for the best all-round weather and fewer crowds.

The South Island is rugged and beautiful, a place to fulfil once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

South Island Essential Information

Language
English
Currency
New Zealand dollars
Closest Airport
Wellington Intl. Airport (WLG)

Our guide on where to stay in South Island

Check out a few of the areas and neighbourhoods we love in South Island Learn more about 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.

Find hotels in Queenstown City Centre

Our pick of the best South Island Hotel Deals

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
4 out of 5
16 - 18 Mountain Ash Drive, Remarkables Park, Queenstown
Stay at this 4-star ski aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and a ski shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,124 reviews)
"Close to airport and shopping"

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2025

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown by IHG
Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown by IHG
4 out of 5
CNR STANLEY AND SYDNEY STREET, Queenstown
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Wonderful room. All the little details were thought of to make it a very comfortable stay."

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2025

Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown by IHG
Novotel Christchurch Airport
Novotel Christchurch Airport
4.5 out of 5
30 Durey Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch, NZ
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Christchurch. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (928 reviews)
"would recommend if u have early flight."

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2025

Novotel Christchurch Airport
See all 6,608 properties in South Island
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

All Inclusive Holidays

All Inclusive Holidays

Beach Holidays

Beach Holidays

Family Friendly Holidays

Family Friendly Holidays

Frequently asked questions

Why should I book my South Island holiday with Expedia?
Expedia has you covered for every aspect of your next South Island trip. You’ll always land the best prices, but when you bundle your flights, accommodation and/or hire car into a holiday package, you’ll get even bigger savings. Want to really make the most of your break? Add a few fun activities and tours to your package. We offer flexible cancellation policies on most bookings, so you won’t need to worry if your plans change. Visit our Customer Service Portal link to learn more.
When is the best time of year to holiday in South Island?
If you love the excitement that comes with peak season, head to South Island in August, September and October. If you’d like a more relaxed vibe, February, November and December are better times to visit. Organise your visit to South Island according to what style of adventure you want. July is the coolest month, when daytime temperatures average 5ºC. In January, the warmest month, expect temperatures of around 14ºC during the day.
What are the top hotels for my holiday in South Island?
Check out Bella Vista Queenstown and Scenic Hotel Dunedin City. They’re the first choice for many travellers headed to Queenstown. If Christchurch features in your travel plans, Jailhouse Accommodation - Hostel and Arthurs Court Motor Lodge are two popular options.
How do I get a cheap holiday to South Island?
Booking a hotel and flight together with Expedia won’t just save precious time — it’ll save you money too. A South Island holiday makes it simple to organise your ideal trip. With more than 400 airlines all over the world to choose from, finding flights that suit your busy schedule won’t be an issue. On top of that, we have over 321,000 hotel options globally to choose from. Talk about choice! No matter who you are, Expedia can show you the world. Learn more about how you can save money on your next holiday when you bundle your flight and hotel bookings with Expedia.
What should I do on my South Island holiday?
Organise your next holiday in South Island around major attractions like Lyttelton Harbour and New Brighton Beach. Many travellers also highly recommend Larnach Castle and Coronet Peak Ski Area.
What are the best cities to stay in when on holiday in South Island?
You can’t beat Mount Hutt, with terrific attractions such as Mona Vale and Canterbury Museum to discover. Or, if sights like Larnach Castle and Penguin Place are more your thing, Otago Peninsula is the place to head.
Do I need a visa for my South Island holiday?
Visa requirements for South Island vary depending on your nationality and reason for your visit. Make sure you check official government websites to determine if you need a visa for your holiday. They’ll give you the most up-to-date information, including details about application procedures or supporting documentation that might be necessary. Research your visa requirements in advance to ensure a hassle-free travel experience. Also check to see that your passport has at least six months validity from your date of return.
What should I wear on my South Island holiday?
Do some research into the sorts of things people in South Island wear, and maybe even look up fashion pages on social media for inspiration. Whatever your look, try to create a versatile travel wardrobe full of pieces that suit your destination and showcase your personal style. In South Island, average daytime temperatures reach 14ºC during January, making it the warmest month. July marks the coolest time of year here, with the mercury averaging 5ºC in the day. Plan your trip with confidence by looking at the forecast for all the places on your itinerary.
What does an Expedia South Island holiday include?
It all comes down to what sort of getaway you want to have. South Island travel deals can include hotels, car hires and flights. You can mix and match to create the travel package that fits your needs. You can also add on activities and experiences after you’ve booked to pick up even bigger discounts. Expedia has a wide selection of properties in South Island, allowing you the freedom to tailor-make your holiday. Private holiday homes and apartments are two of the most sought-after options for travellers here.
Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later South Island holidays?
Expedia has teamed up with online lender Klarna to make booking your next getaway easier on your hip pocket. Paying in instalments means you can spread the costs of your next dream escape, leaving you with more money to play with while you’re travelling. Klarna has several payment plans to pick from, so you’re sure to find one that fits into your budget. Check out these flexible payment options:

  • Pay monthly holidays: Realise your holiday dreams sooner with Klarna’s easy instalment plans. If paying over multiple transactions works for you, pick this option at checkout.
  • No-deposit holidays: If not paying ahead of time for your getaway makes hitting that “book now” button easier, choose a no-deposit holiday plan from Klarna so that you can Book Now, Pay Later!

Can I choose my airline with a South Island Expedia holiday?
Yes — and it’s easy too. Expedia has access to more than 400 partner airlines globally. Our holiday packages give you the flexibility to pick from available flight, hotel or activity options that fit your needs.

Discover the most popular places to visit in South Island

Mount Cook National Park showing landscape views, snow and mountains

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.

Mount Cook National Park
Milford Sound

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.

Milford Sound
Lyttelton Harbour showing a marina, a bay or harbour and mountains

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.

Lyttelton Harbour

Unmissable things to do in South Island

Stewart Island Fly Explore Fly

Stewart Island Fly Explore Fly with Glenorchy Air

£342
per adult
Stewart Island Fly Explore Fly with Glenorchy Air
Ulva Island Explorer: Cruise & Guided Walk

Ulva Island Explorer: Cruise & Guided Walk

£62
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Ulva Island Explorer: Cruise & Guided Walk
Stewart Island Village & Bays Tours

Stewart Island Village & Bays Tour

£26
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Stewart Island Village & Bays Tour
See all activities in South Island

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Flight-inclusive packages are ATOL protected.