10 TOP Things to Do in South Island (2025 Activity Guide)

Queenstown featuring boating and a river or creek

Kawarau Suspension Bridge showing a sporting event, a suspension bridge or treetop walkway and a gorge or canyon

Bob\'s Peak which includes views, mountains and general coastal views

South Island which includes land animals and mountains

South Island showing a gorge or canyon, a river or creek and boating

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 552 activities

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Tour

Free cancellation available

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 127 activities

Milford Sound Cruise with Round-Trip Flights from Queenstown

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

See all 116 activities

Mt Cook Private Tour from Dunedin

Free cancellation available

Cruises & boat tours

See all 66 activities

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Tour

Free cancellation available

Water activities

See all 45 activities

From Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride

Free cancellation available

What to do in South Island

Popular places to visit

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.

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.

Lake Tekapo

4.5/5(29 reviews)

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

4.5/5(14 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Aoraki / Mount Cook and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Mount Cook. Wander the lakeside in this quaint area.

The Remarkables Ski Area

4.5/5(16 reviews)

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

4/5(23 reviews)

Enjoy cafés, markets and boat trips at this scenic European port town, steeped in history and bordered by volcanic hills.

Tekapo Springs

4/5(4 reviews)

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.

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 quaint area.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens as well as a large group of people

Hagley Park

4.5/5(53 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Hagley Park, a lovely green space in Christchurch. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the shops in this culturally rich area.

Areas of South Island

Queenstown Beach showing a pebble beach, skydiving and a small town or village

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.

New Regent Street showing outdoor eating and railway items as well as a small group of people

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.

Dunedin which includes a pond, a park and heritage elements

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 First Church of Otago or Grand Casino.

Frankton

4/5(11 area reviews)

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

International Antarctic Centre featuring interior views

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 Russley Golf Club.

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.

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.