Things to do in South Island
Activities, attractions and tours
Visit South Island
Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.
Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.
Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.
Most popular experiences in South Island
Tours & day trips
See all 555 activities
Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Tour
Air, helicopter & balloon tours
See all 133 activities
Milford Sound Fly Cruise Fly
Private & custom tours
See all 118 activities
Private Half Day Photography Tour of Queenstown | Skippers | Glenorchy
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 112 activities
From Queenstown: Mt Cook & Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Day Tour
Wildlife & nature
See all 58 activities
Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown
What to do in South Island
Popular places to visit
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.
Milford Sound
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.
Lake Tekapo
Explore the great outdoors at Lake Tekapo, a popular spot to commune with nature in Lake Tekapo. Wander the lakeside in this quaint area.
Aoraki / Mount Cook
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.
The Remarkables Ski Area
Skiers and snowboarders will find plenty of inviting slopes at this ski mountain, known for being one of New Zealand’s best venues for freestyle snow riding.
Lyttelton Harbour
Enjoy cafés, markets and boat trips at this scenic European port town, steeped in history and bordered by volcanic hills.
Picton Ferry Terminal
Explore the waterfront in Picton with a trip to Picton Ferry Terminal. You'll find more to see and do in this quaint area.
Tekapo Springs
Lie back and relax in healing waters, enjoy a massage or get involved in a range of outdoor activities, all with a fabulous alpine backdrop.
Lake Pukaki
Be amazed by the color of the lake against the snowy backdrop of Aoraki/Mount Cook as you hike, drive or ride through this incredibly picturesque landscape.
Areas of South Island
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.
Christchurch City Centre
Christchurch City Centre is a destination visitors seek out for is abundant dining options, interesting museums, and colorful gardens. You might want to check out attractions like Christchurch Art Gallery or Cathedral Square while you're exploring the neighborhood.
Dunedin City Centre
Travelers come to Dunedin City Centre for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like First Church of Otago and Grand Casino while you're in town.
Frankton
Frankton is known for its lake views, and you can plan a trip to Queenstown Event Centre and Lake Wakatipu while you're in town.
Christchurch Airport
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Christchurch Airport and surrounding area, you can visit International Antarctic Centre and Russley Golf Club.
Nelson City Centre
Nelson City Centre is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Nelson Provincial Museum and Christ Church Cathedral.
