---
title: "South Island Beach Holidays 2026 | Expedia.co.uk"
description: "Book your ATOL-protected Beach Holiday in South Island! FREE cancellation on select hotels. Bundle your flight + hotel & save with Expedia."
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language: en-GB
market: GB
currency: GBP
prices_as_of: 2026-11-12T23:12:01Z
---

# South Island Beach Holidays
![A red speedboat on a turquoise river surrounded by rocky banks and dense green trees.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/180018/2948ba2b-7820-4b5e-8e27-7fb5d6789242.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1200&h=300&q=medium)

## Book a Hotel + Flight or Car together to unlock savings

- ## Plan, book, travel with confidence
- ### Better together
Save up to £750 when you book a flight and hotel together\*
- ### Find the right fit
With over 300,000 hotels worldwide, it's easy to create a perfect package
- ### Rest easy
Packages with flights are ATOL protected

## Discover the most popular places to visit in South Island

### Aoraki / Mount Cook
![A mountain path with snow-capped peaks and green vegetation.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113038/3be29ae4-f645-4daf-ad95-5689177b3a28.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=960&h=640&p=1&q=medium)

Rating: 9.6/10 (613 reviews)

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.

[See properties](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP..PointOfInterests&travelerType=beach&regionId=6113038)

### Mount Cook National Park
![A snow-capped mountain range with a turquoise lake in the foreground.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6139475/210ab691-40a9-40aa-a3b1-44bbac18ed51.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=960&h=640&p=1&q=medium)

Rating: 9.8/10 (179 reviews)

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.

[See properties](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP..PointOfInterests&travelerType=beach&regionId=6139475)

### Lyttelton Harbour
![A coastal town with a harbor, mountains in the background, and a clear sky.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6112944/17388350-69b8-4563-aa4d-b2ab227a6ab7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=960&h=640&p=1&q=medium)

Rating: 8.6/10 (1,052 reviews)

Enjoy cafés, markets and boat trips at this scenic European port town, steeped in history and bordered by volcanic hills.

[See properties](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP..PointOfInterests&travelerType=beach&regionId=6112944)

### Sumner Beach
![A sandy beach with a windmill, rocky outcrops, and a hillside with houses.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6112932/10267b38-c735-4314-89e7-863c4699dfef.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=960&h=640&p=1&q=medium)

Rating: 8.8/10 (648 reviews)

The main beach in the seaside retreat of Sumner is an idyllic place to spend a day in the sun away from the centre of Christchurch.

[See properties](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP..PointOfInterests&travelerType=beach&regionId=6112932)

### Milford Sound
![A mountain range with a lake reflecting the peaks.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6110756/5bc53ed0-9a70-4d39-84d8-2d45f74ca082.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=960&h=640&p=1&q=medium)

Rating: 9.6/10 (22 reviews)

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.

[See properties](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP..PointOfInterests&travelerType=beach&regionId=6110756)

![A calm river with trees and grass on both sides.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/828/6dae6320-1789-442c-8573-4c37b5bfcee0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=960&h=640&p=1&q=medium)

Photo by Paolo Corrales

### Hagley Park

Rating: 9.2/10 (2,450 reviews)

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.

[See properties](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP..PointOfInterests&travelerType=beach&regionId=6112898)

### What to do in South Island

![Stewart Island Wilderness Walk](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/50529504/2c9dc428-c344-4ed2-9abc-b6ef6a4031dc.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=1005&rh=565)

#### [Stewart Island: Oneke by day, Walk the Story](https://www.expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/a.a50529504.activity-details?rid=6052692)

£85

per adult

0% of travellers recommend

[See all activities in South Island](https://www.expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/search?rid=6052692)

## Top Beach South Island Hotels

### [Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Queenstown-Hotels-Hilton-Queenstown-Resort-Spa.h4268206.Hotel-Information)

![A riverside hotel with modern architecture, a walking path, and a view of mountains.](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/5000000/4270000/4268300/4268206/97dc06e5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=357&h=201&p=1&q=medium)
- Address: Kawarau Village, 79 Peninsula Road, Kawarau Falls, 9300, NZ
- Location: 116.9 mi from South Island
- Star rating: 5/5
- Guest rating: 8.8/10 (Excellent, 1000 reviews)
- Price: £195, includes taxes & fees, 3 Dec - 4 Dec, for Top Beach South Island Hotels

### [Sudima Queenstown Five Mile](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Queenstown-Hotels-Sudima-Queenstown.h67277771.Hotel-Information)

![An outdoor seating area with wooden benches and cushions, a glass wall, and string lights.](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/68000000/67280000/67277800/67277771/fe68372c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=357&h=201&p=1&q=medium)
- Address: 22 Grant Rd, Queenstown, Otago, 9300, NZ
- Location: 115.7 mi from South Island
- Star rating: 4.5/5
- Guest rating: 9.4/10 (Exceptional, 911 reviews)
- Price: £132, includes taxes & fees, 12 Dec - 13 Dec, for Top Beach South Island Hotels

### [Kamana Lakehouse](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Queenstown-Hotels-Kamana-Lakehouse.h983589.Hotel-Information)

![A modern dining area with a high ceiling, large windows, and a view of mountains and a lake.](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/990000/983600/983589/7ba2222c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=357&h=201&p=1&q=medium)
- Address: 139 Fernhill Road, Queenstown, 9300, NZ
- Location: 120.9 mi from South Island
- Star rating: 4.5/5
- Guest rating: 9.2/10 (Wonderful, 707 reviews)
- Price: £201, includes taxes & fees, 8 Dec - 9 Dec, for Top Beach South Island Hotels

### [Hotel St Clair](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Dunedin-Hotels-Hotel-St-Clair.h3281426.Hotel-Information)

![A balcony with a view of the ocean, a dining area with chairs and a table, and a parking area with cars.](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/4000000/3290000/3281500/3281426/9b6065de.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=357&h=201&p=1&q=medium)
- Address: 24 Esplanade, Dunedin, 9012, NZ
- Location: 139.1 mi from South Island
- Star rating: 3.5/5
- Guest rating: 9.4/10 (Exceptional, 832 reviews)
- Price: £102, includes taxes & fees, 29 Nov - 30 Nov, for Top Beach South Island Hotels
- Review: Clean and comfortable

### [Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Queenstown-Hotels-Heritage-Queenstown.h69589.Hotel-Information)

![A balcony with a table set for breakfast overlooking a mountain and lake.](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/70000/69600/69589/0e44c76b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=357&h=201&p=1&q=medium)
- Address: 91 Fernhill Road, Queenstown, 9197, NZ
- Location: 120.5 mi from South Island
- Star rating: 4.5/5
- Guest rating: 8.8/10 (Excellent, 1020 reviews)
- Price: £142, includes taxes & fees, 9 Dec - 10 Dec, for Top Beach South Island Hotels
- Review: Loved this hotel!! Perfect location for exploring Queenstown, beautiful views, amazing breakfast and we also enjoyed the pool and sauna.

### [Hotel St Moritz, Queenstown - MGallery](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Queenstown-Hotels-Hotel-St-Moritz.h525192.Hotel-Information)

![A dining table with breakfast items and a view of a lake and mountains.](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/530000/525200/525192/96902dde.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=357&h=201&p=1&q=medium)
- Address: 10-18 Brunswick Street, Queenstown, 9348, NZ
- Location: 119.9 mi from South Island
- Star rating: 5/5
- Guest rating: 9/10 (Wonderful, 1000 reviews)
- Price: £197, includes taxes & fees, 12 Dec - 13 Dec, for Top Beach South Island Hotels
- Review: Lovely hotel overlooking the lake. Close to town but very quiet. Breakfast, dinner and room service were all excellent!! The rooms were spacious, and the beds were very comfortable. I would highly recommend it! The only downside is it’s on a hill which if you have a mobility issue might be a concern. Great stay!

### [Ramada Suites by Wyndham Queenstown Remarkables Park](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Queenstown-Hotels-Ramada-Hotel-Suites-Queenstown-Remarkables-Park.h15140900.Hotel-Information)

![A hotel room with a large sliding glass door leading to a balcony with a mountain view.](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/16000000/15150000/15140900/15140900/ae564e99.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=357&h=201&p=1&q=medium)
- Address: 24 Hawthorne Drive, Queenstown, Otago, 9300, NZ
- Location: 116.1 mi from South Island
- Star rating: 4/5
- Guest rating: 8.6/10 (Excellent, 1215 reviews)
- Price: £123, includes taxes & fees, 3 Dec - 4 Dec, for Top Beach South Island Hotels
- Review: I like how easy and convenient the checking process is and having a rental car made it harder to access the parking garage. The key reader is very small and easy to miss. I wish I had known my room will be upstairs and also half the ceiling slopes down so it’s not very comfortable to stand up straight. The laundry is convenient to have but it doesn’t dry very well.

### [Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Queenstown-Hotels-Swiss-Belsuites-Pounamu-Queenstown.h3218849.Hotel-Information)

![A balcony with a table set for breakfast, overlooking a road and a lake with mountains in the background.](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/4000000/3220000/3218900/3218849/4a7df2e6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=357&h=201&p=1&q=medium)
- Address: 110 Frankton Road, Queenstown, 9300, NZ
- Location: 119.2 mi from South Island
- Star rating: 5/5
- Guest rating: 8.4/10 (Very good, 1602 reviews)
- Price: £116, includes taxes & fees, 30 Nov - 1 Dec, for Top Beach South Island Hotels
- Review: Room was underground, stains on carpet, stains on bed. Probs won't be back.

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.

[See all properties in South Island](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-11-26&endDate=2026-11-27&regionId=6052692&adults=2&travelerType=beach&sort=RECOMMENDED&openPlayBack=true)

## Find your perfect South Island beach holiday

### How can I book the best beach holidays in South Island?

Sometimes all you want is to kick back with the sun on your face and your toes in the sand. Plus-size the blissful on your South Island beach holiday by checking out the best bays and using our neighbourhood filter to find accommodation nearby – or even with serene sea views. Use the reviews and our guest-rating filter to find the loveliest options.

### Can I book cheap beach holidays in South Island?

For a budget beach break, consider staying a little further away from the sea, or choose self-catering rather than a hotel. You can use our amenities filter and map view to find the best cheap deals for you. Sunbathe for less with our affordable South Island beach holidays, which start from . Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

### When can I go on a quiet beach holiday in South Island?

Enjoy out-of-season seclusion on a beach holiday to South Island during the quieter months. With fewer crowds competing for accommodation, you could bag a great deal, too.

### Why should I book family holidays in South Island with beach access?

If you have kids, beach holidays are more buckets and spades, lilos and sun cream than they are spa, cocktails and long reads – unless you book a holiday with beach access. It’s a family win. Even better, once the kids are in bed, you can sit on your bedroom balcony, listen to the waves and share a local tipple and stay in earshot of your sleeping beauties.

### How can I find a South Island beachfront holiday?

For the ultimate beach holiday, use our beachfront and sea view filters to whittle down your search results to find the perfect property, right on the water.

### How can I book last-minute South Island beach holidays?

Add a little spontaneity to your beach holiday by looking for a last-minute deal in South Island. If you have set dates, pop them into the search and see what heaven awaits in just a few days.

### Can I find South Island beach holidays which are all inclusive?

A beach holiday to South Island is one of the best occasions to treat yourself to an all-inclusive holiday package. Savour every sip of cocktail, every moment of sunshine, every blissful meal you didn’t have to cook yourself. And all included in the price. Just use our all-inclusive filter to see what’s available.

### Can I book a South Island beach trip with free cancellation and/or flexible dates?

Even if plans change, you don’t have to lose out. Use our filters to find accommodation with free cancellation, or even filter for buy now, pay later options. Once you’ve booked, log into your account to see all the details.

### Why should I book a South Island beach holiday with Expedia?

Our huge range of accommodation and flights mean you’ll find the best beach holidays in South Island on Expedia in just a few clicks. It’s as easy as falling asleep to the sounds of the sea.

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