South Island

Travel Guide

Queenstown showing a river or creek and boating
Kawarau Suspension Bridge which includes a sporting event, a bridge and a gorge or canyon
Bob\'s Peak showing views, general coastal views and mountains
South Island which includes land animals and mountains
South Island featuring boating, a river or creek and a gorge or canyon

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 kilometer 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-kilometer) 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 neighbor, but the views here are more than worth the extra effort.

Where to stay in South Island

Queenstown Beach featuring a small town or village, a pebble beach and a lake or waterhole

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.

Queenstown City Centre
New Regent Street featuring railway items and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Christchurch City Centre

4.5/5(344 area reviews)

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.

Christchurch City Centre
Dunedin featuring a park, heritage elements and a pond

Dunedin City Centre

4.5/5(89 area reviews)

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.

Dunedin City Centre
Frankton featuring a small town or village, forests and mountains

Frankton

4/5(42 area reviews)

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.

Frankton
International Antarctic Centre showing interior views

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.

Christchurch Airport
Mona Vale which includes a park

Riccarton

4.5/5(73 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Riccarton is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Westfield Riccarton Mall and Riccarton Road.

Riccarton
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
4 out of 5
88 Frankton Road, Queenstown
The price is ¥23,761 per night from Jul 29 to Jul 30
¥23,761
¥27,325 total
Jul 29 - Jul 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Loved our stay here in the Copthorne Appartments catered to our family of 5 easily. Ammenities were great staff were very helpful and friendly loved that there was a bar and restaurant on site available every day in the afternoons. Close to town enjoyable walk. Thank you to all the staff for making ..."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
4 out of 5
24 Frankton Road, Queenstown
The price is ¥24,599 per night from Jul 28 to Jul 29
¥24,599
¥28,289 total
Jul 28 - Jul 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
Calm and chill at queenstown
"Amazing location, friendly staff and lovely views. The cococabana cafe was yums, the pizza is to die for. Book your parking slots before your travel for ease of mind"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown
Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown
4.5 out of 5
91 Fernhill Road, Queenstown
The price is ¥22,783 per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
¥22,783
¥26,200 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"Second time to stay at the Heritage. Loved it. Will stay again. Big rooms. Awesome alpine and lake views. Friendly staff and service. Great food. Bus stop out the front. Bus comes every 15 minutes. Definitely coming back."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown
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
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 WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a ski shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,249 reviews)
"Good stay"

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown
Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown
5 out of 5
110 Frankton Road, Queenstown
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,357 reviews)
"Fantastic View and close walking distance to town"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown
Quest Queenstown
Quest Queenstown
4 out of 5
34 Red Oaks Drive, Queenstown, Otago
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (374 reviews)
"The room is very comfortable and new and we enjoyed cooking our dinner at the hotel. It’s cosy and comfortable. We like it close to the airport and good for us to stay a night before heading back to Auckland."

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

Quest Queenstown
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.

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