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

![South Island](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/180018/2948ba2b-7820-4b5e-8e27-7fb5d6789242.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![South Island](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6214789/7871f9e4-4dfb-43ae-9224-5d7f1e634c44.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![South Island](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6110692/8ddb3da1-dea4-4ca0-aba9-b09f5a88e1e2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![South Island](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6052692/9f6dcdad-c828-45a4-a81a-0710ee973e8c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![South Island](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6052692/40efd26b-55e0-405b-a6d1-6febefe1338e.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

![Christchurch City Centre](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248625331905735/1276bf96-7573-4854-8ae3-f63f23b218d0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Christchurch City Centre

4.5/5(128 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 Bridge of Remembrance while you're exploring the neighbourhood. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Christchurch-Christchurch-City-Centre.dx6052809)

![Queenstown City Centre](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6226404/7f64f0cc-487b-4a60-8e2e-d6723de4fb9a.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)

![Dunedin City Centre](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635153780085/76f25c0e-02c6-470f-bf6d-c3aadfb8fcfa.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Dunedin City Centre

4.5/5(25 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 Regent Theatre or Grand Casino. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Dunedin-Dunedin-City-Centre.dx6052749)

![Frankton](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6127159/0294acfe-3b4a-4ff1-8121-84ee0394f669.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Frankton

4/5(12 area reviews)

 Frankton is known for its fantastic lake views, and you can make a stop by Queenstown Event Centre and Remarkables Park Town Centre while in the area. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Queenstown-Frankton.dx6127159)

![Landing Christchurch New Zealand](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/693001997489496064/c2dd6748-ba46-4fb0-84dd-a0b7b9ffcccd.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 Harewood Golf Club. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Christchurch-Christchurch-Airport.dx693001997489496064)

![Riccarton](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6112920/9f779165-35ce-4a00-97fc-452981efc580.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Riccarton

4.5/5(28 area reviews)

 Riccarton is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Westfield Riccarton Mall and Riccarton Road. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Christchurch-Riccarton.dx6052813)

- 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 

£190

25 Apr - 26 Apr

includes taxes & fees

Stay at this luxury hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and hot springs on-site. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...

9.2/10 Wonderful! (598 reviews)

Really enjoyed our time there, the lakehouse and views are stunning. Away from hustle bustle of Queenstown. Food was great quality and well presented, service was very good, however menu was limited. Only downside was no shop or store nearby for drinks or snacks for our room.

Reviewed on 31 Mar 2026

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=25%2F04%2F2026&endDate=26%2F04%2F2026&selected=983589&PinnedHotelID=983589&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6052692)

![Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/7200/7169/38830b55_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

88 Frankton Road Queenstown 

£152

20 Apr - 21 Apr

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! (1,001 reviews)

No air conditioning, room was very warm and street noise loud so leaving the window open at night was problematic. We didn’t see that there was a fan in one of the closets until we were leaving which would have been helpful.

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2026

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=20%2F04%2F2026&endDate=21%2F04%2F2026&selected=7169&PinnedHotelID=7169&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6052692)

![Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/38000000/37410000/37408100/37408030/0c31484a_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central

24 Frankton Road Queenstown 

£185

6 Apr - 7 Apr

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. ...

9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)

The front desk help was outstanding and the breakfast and evening meal staff was so very accommodating.

Reviewed on 30 Mar 2026

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=06%2F04%2F2026&endDate=07%2F04%2F2026&selected=37408030&PinnedHotelID=37408030&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6052692)

[See all 7,493 properties in South Island](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=02%2F04%2F2026&endDate=03%2F04%2F2026&regionId=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! (1,501 reviews)

Great location and only 2 miles from the airport. Easy to get an Uber and only like 10 minutes to get to the airport.

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2026

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Queenstown-Hotels-LQ-Queenstown.h59194834.Hotel-Information)

![Peppers Bluewater Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2840000/2838200/2838173/8a9e4c3f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Peppers Bluewater Resort

State Highway 8 Lake Tekapo 

Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Lake Tekapo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...

8.2/10 Very Good! (3,306 reviews)

Great kitchen, nice firm bed. Close to everything.

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2026

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Lake-Tekapo-Hotels-Peppers-Bluewater-Resort.h2838173.Hotel-Information)

![Quest on Kilmore](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/103000000/102120000/102119900/102119869/e0c5b700_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Quest on Kilmore

93 Kimore Street, Christchurch 

Stay at this luxury apartment in Christchurch. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions New Brighton Beach and Christchurch ...

9.6/10 Exceptional! (252 reviews)

There was a washer and dryer in the unit. Everything was clean and modern. Everything you need to cook your own meals. Very friendly staff. Great location.

Reviewed on 30 Mar 2026

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Christchurch-Hotels-Quest-On-Kilmore.h102119869.Hotel-Information)

[See all properties in South Island](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&regionId=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&regionId=6052692&startDate=2026-04-01&endDate=2026-04-02)[1 Apr - 2 Apr](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6052692&startDate=2026-04-01&endDate=2026-04-02)

[Tomorrow night

](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6052692&startDate=2026-04-02&endDate=2026-04-03)[2 Apr - 3 Apr](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6052692&startDate=2026-04-02&endDate=2026-04-03)

[This weekend

](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6052692&startDate=03%2F04%2F2026&endDate=05%2F04%2F2026)[3 Apr - 5 Apr](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6052692&startDate=03%2F04%2F2026&endDate=05%2F04%2F2026)

[Next weekend

](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6052692&startDate=10%2F04%2F2026&endDate=12%2F04%2F2026)[10 Apr - 12 Apr](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6052692&startDate=10%2F04%2F2026&endDate=12%2F04%2F2026)

### Popular places to visit

![0_BXP60263h](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113038/3e3abce0-d6e8-4fe9-b9c7-d926d0fc5741.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Aoraki / Mount Cook

4.5/5(15 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](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6139475/4b5a83bc-d589-472c-8d92-974d102efde5.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, Fiordland, New Zealand](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6110756/374586df-65ed-4aac-85db-f48d31c2b524.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)

![Sumner Beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6112932/a9456c8b-2486-4015-b91d-76a3bf02bf93.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)

![Lyttelton Harbour](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6112944/27933b41-e797-4d75-936d-f59672d8d27f.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)

![Picton and Marina Panorama in Early Morning, Summer.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621560906768/60882bb2-b60c-4fe5-981a-b8ff1a8ddf9d.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)

### Things to do

![Stewart Island Fly Explore Fly](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4994031/358f00f7-3b4a-4fe8-8db0-0900b64d4ced.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Stewart Island Fly Explore Fly with Glenorchy Air

£371

per adult

[](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/stewart-island-fly-explore-fly-with-glenorchy-air.a4994031.activity-details)

[See all activities in South Island](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-South-Island.d6052692.Travel-Guide-Activities)

- Places of interest

- [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)
- [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)
- [Lyttelton Harbour ](https://expedia.co.uk/Lyttelton-Harbour-Lyttelton.d6112944.Attraction)
- [Picton Ferry Terminal ](https://expedia.co.uk/Picton-Ferry-Terminal-Picton.d553248621560906768.Attraction)
- [Skyline Queenstown ](https://expedia.co.uk/Skyline-Queenstown-Queenstown-City-Centre.d502443.Attraction)
- [The Remarkables Ski Area ](https://expedia.co.uk/The-Remarkables-Ski-Area-Kawarau-Falls.d502452.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)
- [Cardrona Alpine Resort ](https://expedia.co.uk/Cardrona-Alpine-Resort-Cardrona.d6110724.Attraction)
- [Tekapo Springs ](https://expedia.co.uk/Tekapo-Springs-Lake-Tekapo.d6239359.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)
- [Mount Hutt Skifield ](https://expedia.co.uk/Mount-Hutt-Skifield-Mount-Hutt.d6113020.Attraction)
- [Hagley Park ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hagley-Park-Christchurch-City-Centre.d6112898.Attraction)
- [Lake Ohau ](https://expedia.co.uk/Lake-Ohau-Canterbury.d6113042.Attraction)
- [Christchurch Gondola ](https://expedia.co.uk/Christchurch-Gondola-Heathcote-Valley.d6214185.Attraction)
- [Kiwi Park ](https://expedia.co.uk/Kiwi-Park-Queenstown-City-Centre.d6110690.Attraction)

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