South Island Vacation Packages

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Your South Island Vacation

With everything organized before you leave home, our vacation packages to South Island let you focus on what's important — having fun. Known for its adventure sports, nature and culture, the only thing you'll need to do is kick back and enjoy every unforgettable moment. Your trip to South Island wouldn't be complete without spending some time in its most renowned cities, starting with Queenstown. A couple of the most popular attractions here include Onsen Hot Pools and Skyline Queenstown. Christchurch is another favourite city with South Island travellers. Visitors to this city enjoy Cathedral Square and New Regent Street. If you're ready to stop dreaming and start doing, Expedia will help turn your South Island vacation into reality.

Where to stay in South Island

Find the best South Island areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about South Island
A colorful street with a tram, outdoor cafes, and a restaurant named "The Nook Thai".

Christchurch City Centre

1 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

Explore the picturesque and vibrant heart of the city that is getting back to normal after a series of devastating earthquakes.

A beach with clear turquoise water, a forested mountain in the background, and people relaxing on the sand.

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.

A mountainous landscape with a valley and a lake.

Frankton

Stay in this picturesque part of Queenstown where the airport is located to enjoy spectacular mountain views and relaxed lakeside walks.

A traditional Chinese building with a tiled roof, a rocky garden, and a stone bridge over a pond.

Dunedin City Centre

Travelers come to Dunedin City Centre for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Grand Casino and The Octagon while you're in town.

An airport runway with surrounding fields and buildings.

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 Nunweek Park.

Things to do near South Island

South Island, New Zealand, is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking romantic getaways. Visitors can enjoy stunning scenery while participating in various activities, including ski fields and snowboarding. There are numerous options for guided tours, including adventure tours, day tours, and specialized snowboard tours, making it easy to explore the region's natural beauty and recreational areas.

Shopping

In Christchurch, visit Westfield Riccarton for a variety of shops, including fashion and electronics. For unique souvenirs, check out the Arts Centre, where local artisans showcase their crafts. Don’t miss the Timaru Farmers Market for fresh produce and handmade goods that reflect the region's culture.

Recreation

Experience the energetic atmosphere at McLean Park, perfect for sports enthusiasts. At Mount John Observatory, enjoy family-friendly entertainment while stargazing. For ultimate wellness and relaxation, visit Lake Tekapō Regional Park, where you can unwind amidst stunning natural beauty and serene surroundings.

Adventure

Experience thrilling skiing at Roundhill Ski Area, located 14.5km from South Island, where you can embrace the winter sports vibes. For a scenic hike, explore Cowans Hill Walkway, 11.3km away, surrounded by breathtaking views. Discover adventure at Governors Bush Walk Trailhead, situated 37.0km from South Island.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Queenstown, with its lively bars like The Cow and the world-famous Skyline Gondola. For a relaxed pub atmosphere, visit the Ferburger for delicious late-night bites. Nelson also offers cozy spots like The Free House for craft beers and live music.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near South Island

South Island, New Zealand, is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and romantic getaways, boasting breathtaking scenery. Key attractions include picturesque lakes, soothing hot springs, and charming churches. The region offers a rich blend of outdoor, cultural, and romantic experiences to cater to all types of travellers. Don't miss out on exploring South Island tours to fully immerse yourself in its stunning landscapes and unique attractions.

  • Tekapo Springs: Nestled 11.3km from South Island, Tekapo Springs offers a serene escape with its natural hot springs. Enjoy wellness and relaxation amidst stunning outdoor scenery, perfect for soaking away the stresses of daily life.
  • Church of the Good Shepherd: This charming church, located 11.3km from South Island, is a cultural gem that showcases beautiful architecture against a breathtaking backdrop. Its peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for reflection and appreciation of local heritage.
  • Sheepdog Statue: Positioned 11.3km from South Island, the Sheepdog Statue is a tribute to the hardworking sheepdogs of New Zealand. This cultural landmark celebrates the country’s farming history and offers a delightful photo opportunity.

Best time to go to South Island

The best time to visit South Island is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. December is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May50.4°F (10.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June46.8°F (8.200000000000001°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August46.2°F (7.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
October51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December59.7°F (15.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Tips to save on your trip to South Island

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to South Island.
  • Consider traveling to South Island during the low season (June and August to September) for more affordable options.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Ready to book your vacation to South Island?

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South Island Hotel Deals

Sudima Christchurch Airport

Sudima Christchurch Airport

550 Memorial Avenue Christchurch
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
CA $127
CA $146 total
Sep 6 - Sep 7
includes taxes & fees
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,162 reviews)
"Great hotel - near the airport, it’s an easy walk. Spacious building, nice bar and cafe, good facilities nearby."

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2026

Sudima Christchurch Airport
La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown

16 - 18 Mountain Ash Drive Queenstown
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
CA $169
CA $195 total
Sep 4 - Sep 5
includes taxes & fees
La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
Kamana Lakehouse

Kamana Lakehouse

139 Fernhill Road Queenstown
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
CA $321
CA $369 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
includes taxes & fees
9.2/10 Wonderful! (665 reviews)
"Great hotel overall. Only thing to be aware of is that it's slightly outside of the downtown area of Queenstown. It's about 1.5 miles or a 30 minute walk."

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2026

Kamana Lakehouse
See all 7,931 properties in South Island
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.

Stay near popular South Island attractions

A mountain path with snow-capped peaks and green vegetation.

Aoraki / Mount Cook

9.6/10 (613 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.
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A mountain range with a lake reflecting the peaks.

Milford Sound

9.6/10 (22 reviews)
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.
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A clear mountain stream surrounded by lush greenery and snow-capped peaks in the background.

Mount Cook National Park

9.8/10 (179 reviews)
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.
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a South Island vacation package cost?
Starting from as low as , you can customize your South Island package. Simply bundle hotels, flights and car rentals and be rewarded with discounts.
How do I get a cheap travel package to South Island?
One of the easiest ways to save cash (and time) is to bundle your bookings with Expedia. Hotels, flights, rental cars and activities — we've got them all. Choose a combination that suits you and see your savings pile up. Of course, a package deal is never a one-size-fits-all. That's why we offer more than 550 airlines and 1,000,000 properties across the globe, which lets you customize your South Island vacation.
Where should I stay in South Island?
Christchurch is a fantastic city to visit. Here, you'll find well-known sights including Lyttelton Harbour and New Brighton Beach. Dunedin also lures many globetrotters eager to explore some of the best attractions in South Island. Some of the best are Larnach Castle and St. Clair Beach.
What are the top hotels in South Island?
For hotels in Queenstown with cozy beds and friendly service, you can't top Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown, an IHG Hotel and Novotel Queenstown Lakeside. If you're visiting Christchurch as well, you can look forward to a great night's sleep at The George Christchurch or Distinction Christchurch Hotel.
How far in advance should I book my South Island vacation?
To land rock-bottom prices, book ASAP. Airlines usually release flights, along with some of the lowest fares, nearly a year ahead of time. Hotels, car rental and experiences should also be booked well in advance to avoid disappointment. If you're in need of a last-minute getaway in South Island, there are always lots of great deals to be had on Expedia. Book something in today!
What does an Expedia South Island travel package include?
With Expedia, you can select any combination of car rentals, hotels and flights to create your ideal South Island package. Once you've made your booking, you can add on the fun things like day tours and activities. Don't forget — the more you bundle, the more discounts you'll get!
What should I know before booking a South Island travel package?
A package can be more affordable than separately booking all you need for your trip. For example, combine your hotels, flights and rental cars and score big savings. Whatever your vacation goals are, there's sure to be a package that's perfect for you.
Can I choose my airline with a South Island Expedia vacation package?
You sure can. We offer more than 550 partner airlines all over the world, so choose the carrier that matches your budget needs.
If I'm not able to travel, can I cancel my South Island vacation package?
Whether it's your hotel or flight, you can cancel and rebook it. Booked your South Island vacation package in the last 24 hours? You may be able to make changes at no cost. If it's been longer than that, you may be charged a fee by your airline, hotel or car rental company. For further information, check out our Customer Service Portal. We'll help you every step of the way.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.