Title: South Island Travel Guide: Best of South Island, New Zealand Travel 2026 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in South Island](https://expedia.co.uk/South-Island-Hotels.d6052692.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Holiday Rentals in South Island](https://expedia.co.uk/South-Island-Holiday-Rentals.d6052692.Travel-Guide-HolidayRentals)[Flights to South Island](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-South-Island.d6052692.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in South Island](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-South-Island.d6052692.Travel-Guide-Activities)[South Island Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-South-Island.d6052692.Car-Hire-Guide)[South Island Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/South-Island.d6052692.Holidays-City-Breaks) # South Island Travel Guide ## Tourist Guide ![Queenstown showing a river or creek and boating](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/36000/36169-Shotover-Jet.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Kawarau Suspension Bridge showing a sporting event, a bridge and a suspension bridge or treetop walkway](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/36000/36128-Kawarau-Suspension-Bridge.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Bob\'s Peak which includes views, general coastal views and mountains](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/36000/36112-Bobs-Peak.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![South Island which includes land animals and mountains](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/75000/75131-South-Island.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![South Island showing a river or creek, boating and a gorge or canyon](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/75000/75137-South-Island.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit South Island Where to stay Things to do #### Larger, less populated and harder to reach than the northern “Main Island,” this area features New Zealand’s longest glacier, its highest mountain and much more. The landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island are hard to believe. Perhaps this is why New Zealand film director Peter Jackson featured them so often in his world-famous adaptations of the fantasy book trilogy, *The Lord of the Rings*. Massive peaks rising out of plains, crystal-clear mountain lakes and near vertical-faced fjords all await you on New Zealand’s less populated but more picturesque island. Begin by discovering the island’s Pacific Coast. Christchurch is the largest city on South Island and the second largest in New Zealand. Enjoy the massive Botanic Gardens of the “Garden City,” and then travel nearly a kilometre out of town by gondola to get an overhead view of Crater Rim, a collapsed volcano to the east. If you’re looking for more of a beach town, drive south along the coast to Dunedin. Surf on St. Clair Beach, then head into town to enjoy its heritage buildings and Scottish charm. Running all the way along South Island is a dramatic mountain range that rises abruptly from the eastern plains. Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, stands at the heart of the range. Hike along one of the many lakes nestled at the foot of the mountains, like Lake Wanaka. Come during winter to ski down from the mountains while you overlook this 75-square-mile (193-square-kilometre) body of crystalline glacier water. Take a long mountain drive to Fiordland National Park in the island’s southwest for even more breathtaking sights. Here, the towering mountains have been carved into sheer cliffs shooting up from the shores of inlets from the Tasman Sea. Milford Sound is perhaps the most beautiful, as its high annual rainfall causes giant waterfalls to stream down from the cliffs. Do some hiking around the area. When night falls, take a tour of the nearby Te Anau Glowworm Caves. The South Island has direct flights to the North Island and Australia from Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown. The South Island may be harder to reach and larger than its northern neighbour, but the views here are more than worth the extra effort. ### Where to stay in South Island ![Queenstown Beach showing a pebble beach, skydiving and a small town or village](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/181000/181084-Queenstown.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Queenstown-Queenstown-City-Centre.dx6216654) ![New Regent Street showing outdoor eating and railway items as well as a small group of people](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/235000/235412-Canterbury.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Christchurch City Centre 4.5/5(126 area reviews) Christchurch City Centre is a destination visitors seek out for its abundant dining options, interesting museums and colourful gardens. You might want to check out attractions like Christchurch Art Gallery or Cathedral Square while you're exploring the neighbourhood. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Christchurch-Christchurch-City-Centre.dx6052809) ![International Antarctic Centre featuring interior views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/110000/110846-Christchurch.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Christchurch Airport While Christchurch Airport may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like International Antarctic Centre and Omarino Wine Park. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Christchurch-Christchurch-Airport.dx693001997489496064) ![Dunedin which includes a pond, a park and heritage elements](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/182000/182315-Dunedin-Chinese-Garden.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Dunedin City Centre 4.5/5(24 area reviews) Dunedin City Centre is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Grand Casino or The Octagon. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Dunedin-Dunedin-City-Centre.dx6052749) ![Default Image](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/181000/181535-Frankton.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Frankton 4/5(11 area reviews) Frankton is known for its fantastic lake views, and you can make a stop by Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown Event Centre while in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Queenstown-Frankton.dx6127159) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Goldfield Heights Though Goldfield Heights may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Queenstown Mall and Skycity Queenstown Casino. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Queenstown-Hill-Goldfield-Heights.dx873311159311372288) - Top hotels in South Island - Top Holiday Rentals in South Island ![Kamana Lakehouse](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/990000/983600/983589/7ba2222c_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Kamana Lakehouse 139 Fernhill Road Queenstown £205 14 Jan - 15 Jan 2026 includes taxes & fees Stay at this luxury hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (534 reviews) Hot tub was great. View is now disrupted by construction. Reviewed on 9 Dec 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=14%2F01%2F2026&endDate=15%2F01%2F2026&selected=983589&PinnedHotelID=983589&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6052692) ![Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/7200/7169/ae183ba5_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview 88 Frankton Road Queenstown £159 21 Dec - 22 Dec includes taxes & fees Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ... 8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews) Room clean. Friendly staff. Reviewed on 11 Dec 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=21%2F12%2F2025&endDate=22%2F12%2F2025&selected=7169&PinnedHotelID=7169&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6052692) ![Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/38000000/37410000/37408100/37408030/2afec57f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central 24 Frankton Road Queenstown £156 21 Dec - 22 Dec includes taxes & fees Stay at this hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews. ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews) Clean room, friendly staff Reviewed on 13 Dec 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=21%2F12%2F2025&endDate=22%2F12%2F2025&selected=37408030&PinnedHotelID=37408030&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6052692) [See all 7,366 properties in South Island](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=16%2F12%2F2025&endDate=17%2F12%2F2025®ionId=6052692) 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. ![La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/60000000/59200000/59194900/59194834/069a4291_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown 16 - 18 Mountain Ash Drive Queenstown Stay at this aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (1,380 reviews) Clean room. There was no indication that hanging towel will not be replaced. Reviewed on 9 Dec 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Queenstown-Hotels-LQ-Queenstown.h59194834.Hotel-Information) ![Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/4000000/3220000/3218900/3218849/29b191db_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown 110 Frankton Road Queenstown Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ... 8.4/10 Very Good! (1,441 reviews) Recently stayed here for 6 nights, had a great time but there was a few things a little disappointed in. Bike hire wasn’t available. Breakfast delivered to your room instead of a lobby style sit down. Reviewed on 11 Dec 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Queenstown-Hotels-Swiss-Belsuites-Pounamu-Queenstown.h3218849.Hotel-Information) ![Ramada Suites by Wyndham Queenstown Remarkables Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/16000000/15150000/15140900/15140900/ae564e99_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Ramada Suites by Wyndham Queenstown Remarkables Park 24 Hawthorne Drive Queenstown Otago Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ... 8.6/10 Excellent! (1,109 reviews) Very spacious, clean and comfortable room, good amenities in room, close proximity to Queenstown airport, friendly and helpful staff. Reviewed on 8 Dec 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Queenstown-Hotels-Ramada-Hotel-Suites-Queenstown-Remarkables-Park.h15140900.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in South Island](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=6052692&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) 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. ## Check South Island hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6052692&startDate=2025-12-15&endDate=2025-12-16)[15 Dec - 16 Dec](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6052692&startDate=2025-12-15&endDate=2025-12-16) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6052692&startDate=2025-12-16&endDate=2025-12-17)[16 Dec - 17 Dec](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6052692&startDate=2025-12-16&endDate=2025-12-17) [This weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6052692&startDate=19%2F12%2F2025&endDate=21%2F12%2F2025)[19 Dec - 21 Dec](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6052692&startDate=19%2F12%2F2025&endDate=21%2F12%2F2025) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6052692&startDate=26%2F12%2F2025&endDate=28%2F12%2F2025)[26 Dec - 28 Dec](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6052692&startDate=26%2F12%2F2025&endDate=28%2F12%2F2025) ### Popular places to visit ![Aoraki / Mount Cook](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/792850f29e75c61cde080610b79f5c5f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Aoraki / Mount Cook 4.5/5(14 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Aoraki-Mount-Cook-Mount-Cook.d6113038.Attraction) ![Mount Cook National Park showing landscape views, snow and mountains](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/235000/235551-Mount-Cook-National-Park.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Mount-Cook-National-Park-Mount-Cook.d6139475.Attraction) ![Milford Sound](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/9c57eb0e39a9d13b43d69e6cb9ae9fbd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Milford-Sound-Fiordland-National-Park.d6110756.Attraction) ![Lyttelton Harbour showing a marina, a bay or harbour and mountains](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/44000/44119-Lyttelton-Harbour.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Lyttelton-Harbour-Lyttelton.d6112944.Attraction) ![Sumner Beach which includes rocky coastline](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/110000/110977-Sumner-Beach.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Sumner Beach 4.5/5(23 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Sumner-Beach-Sumner.d6112932.Attraction) ![Picton Ferry Terminal](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/2ab25d70ead1cd6b43b68b63be1266f6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Picton Ferry Terminal 4/5(31 reviews) Explore the waterfront in Picton with a trip to Picton Ferry Terminal. You'll find more to see and do in this walkable area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Picton-Ferry-Terminal-Picton.d553248621560906768.Attraction) ## Cities near South Island ![Blenheim](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/2b36fbe901c1905e56aa32e268daf228.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Blenheim ![Christchurch](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/110000/110841-Christchurch.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Christchurch ![Hokitika](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/cea9fccd66a9cbe07fe7c2f812705e51.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Hokitika ![Invercargill](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/9/fc650ee1cd4a418adbecd790285c1013.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Invercargill - Cities near South Island - Places of interest [Blenheim](https://expedia.co.uk/Blenheim.dx562)[Christchurch](https://expedia.co.uk/Christchurch.dx179996)[Hokitika](https://expedia.co.uk/Hokitika.dx1474)[Invercargill](https://expedia.co.uk/Invercargill.dx1646)[Milford Sound](https://expedia.co.uk/Milford-Sound.dx2274)[Mount Cook](https://expedia.co.uk/Mount-Cook.dx2390)[Motueka](https://expedia.co.uk/Motueka.dx2505)[Nelson](https://expedia.co.uk/Nelson.dx2600)[Te Anau](https://expedia.co.uk/Te-Anau.dx3406)[Timaru](https://expedia.co.uk/Timaru.dx3445)[Wānaka](https://expedia.co.uk/Wanaka.dx3792)[Westport](https://expedia.co.uk/Westport.dx3825)[Glentanner](https://expedia.co.uk/Glentanner.dx7524)[Oamaru](https://expedia.co.uk/Oamaru.dx9135)[Picton](https://expedia.co.uk/Picton.dx9370)[Hanmer Springs](https://expedia.co.uk/Hanmer-Springs.dx9538)[Otematata](https://expedia.co.uk/Otematata.dx9548)[Cromwell](https://expedia.co.uk/Cromwell.dx10249)[Franz Josef Glacier](https://expedia.co.uk/Franz-Josef-Glacier.dx10398)[Lake Tekapo](https://expedia.co.uk/Lake-Tekapo.dx55352)[Queenstown](https://expedia.co.uk/Queenstown.dx180018)[Arthur's Point](https://expedia.co.uk/Arthurs-Point.dx180322)[Arrowtown](https://expedia.co.uk/Arrowtown.dx181324)[Omarama](https://expedia.co.uk/Omarama.dx181326)[St. Arnaud](https://expedia.co.uk/St-Arnaud.dx602244) - [Mount Cook National Park ](https://expedia.co.uk/Mount-Cook-National-Park-Mount-Cook.d6139475.Attraction) - [Milford Sound ](https://expedia.co.uk/Milford-Sound-Fiordland-National-Park.d6110756.Attraction) - [Lyttelton Harbour ](https://expedia.co.uk/Lyttelton-Harbour-Lyttelton.d6112944.Attraction) - [Abel Tasman National Park ](https://expedia.co.uk/Abel-Tasman-National-Park-Tasman-Region.d6112811.Attraction) - [Sumner Beach ](https://expedia.co.uk/Sumner-Beach-Sumner.d6112932.Attraction) - [Picton Ferry Terminal ](https://expedia.co.uk/Picton-Ferry-Terminal-Picton.d553248621560906768.Attraction) - [Tekapo Springs ](https://expedia.co.uk/Tekapo-Springs-Lake-Tekapo.d6239359.Attraction) - [Coronet Peak Ski Area ](https://expedia.co.uk/Coronet-Peak-Ski-Area-Otago.d502451.Attraction) - [Lake Wānaka ](https://expedia.co.uk/Lake-Wanaka-Otago.d6110710.Attraction) - [Hagley Park ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hagley-Park-Christchurch-City-Centre.d6112898.Attraction) - [Queenstown Gardens ](https://expedia.co.uk/Queenstown-Gardens-Queenstown.d508184.Attraction) - [New Brighton Beach ](https://expedia.co.uk/New-Brighton-Beach-New-Brighton.d6112934.Attraction) - [Skyline Queenstown ](https://expedia.co.uk/Skyline-Queenstown-Queenstown-City-Centre.d502443.Attraction) - [Cardrona Alpine Resort ](https://expedia.co.uk/Cardrona-Alpine-Resort-Cardrona.d6110724.Attraction) - [The Octagon ](https://expedia.co.uk/The-Octagon-Dunedin-City-Centre.d6113054.Attraction) - [The Remarkables Ski Area ](https://expedia.co.uk/The-Remarkables-Ski-Area-Kawarau-Falls.d502452.Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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