South Island trip planner
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South Island
Māui's Canoe
The wilder of New Zealand's two main islands, South Island offers a feast of nature in all its glory. Extensive, untouched plains connect alpine landscapes with rugged shorelines, creating a home for an abundance of animals and vegetation, on land and in the rich surrounding waters. Renowned as a window to the natural world before man (something that scores of film directors have tapped into over the years), South Island folds its cities and townships into the surrounding landscape, their populations adding something singular to the mix. On your trip to South Island, you'll witness the awe-inspiring cultural heritage of the Maori, whose art and architecture complements the developments of the colonial legacy. The result is a land of characterful buildings, rolling vineyards, and free-spirited adventure. Use our New Zealand itinerary maker to plan your trip to South Island and other destinations in New Zealand.
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Top South Island tours
Places to visit in South Island
Queenstown
Trip planner
BEST FOR: Entertainment Center, Water Sport, Spa
Te Anau
Trip planner
BEST FOR: World heritage site, Water Body, Cave
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
Trip planner
BEST FOR: World heritage site, Hiking Trail, Observatory
Fox Glacier
Trip planner
BEST FOR: World heritage site, Hiking Trail, Scenic Walking Area
Christchurch
Trip planner
BEST FOR: Garden, Specialty Museum, Church
Popular things to do in South Island
Hidden gems in South Island
Nature in South Island
Wildlife in South Island
Trails in South Island
Museums in South Island
Recently planned trips to South Island
9 days in South Island
BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND
Queenstown
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Te Anau
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Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
9 days in South Island
BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND
Dunedin
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Queenstown
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Fox Glacier
4 days in Murchison
BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND
Mount Robert Circuit
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Lake Rotoiti
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Buller Gorge Swing Bridge
14 days in South Island
BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND
Queenstown
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Wanaka
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Invercargill
14 days in South Island
BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND
Queenstown
·
Te Anau
·
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
14 days in South Island
BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND
Dunedin
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Te Anau
·
Queenstown