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.

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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

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

Kamana Lakehouse

Kamana Lakehouse

4.5 out of 5
139 Fernhill Road Queenstown
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $332 per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
CA $332
CA $382 total
Mar 29 - Mar 30
includes taxes & fees
9.2/10 Wonderful! (588 reviews)
The Kamana Lakehouse is exceptional. We felt very well taken care of our whole stay. The front desk staff was extremely accomodating, holding our bags before check in and taking them to our room and booking a taxi for an excursion. The servers and bar staff we're great as well. The food was the best ...

Reviewed on Mar 6, 2026

Kamana Lakehouse
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

4 out of 5
88 Frankton Road Queenstown
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $235 per night from Mar 27 to Mar 28
CA $235
CA $271 total
Mar 27 - Mar 28
includes taxes & fees
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Perfect staff, clean property easy access to town.

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2026

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central

4 out of 5
24 Frankton Road Queenstown
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $294 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
CA $294
CA $338 total
Mar 31 - Apr 1
includes taxes & fees
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Good location, great staff, very good pizza & burgers. Note: in room dryer takes extremely long time to dry clothes.

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2026

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
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.

Discover the most popular places to visit in South Island

What to do in South Island

Frequently asked questions

Can I cancel my flight booking to South Island due to COVID-19?
If you haven't booked yet, read the terms and conditions of the airline you're considering. If you've already locked in your flight to South Island, find your way to our Customer Service Portal. It will help you figure out which COVID-19 policies apply to your reservation and advise the next steps.
What's the best way to find cheap flights to South Island that have flexible change policies?
We know that plans can change in the blink of an eye, so reserving a flexible airfare with Expedia is always a wise idea. Simply mark the "No change fee" box under the "Flexible change policies" filter. Your well-priced and flexible flight to South Island is only a few clicks away.
What are some of the general tips for travelers to South Island during the COVID-19 outbreak?
The COVID-19 outbreak may have changed how we travel, but it hasn't stopped our zest for exploring. Here are a few tips on how to handle the new challenges of traveling:
  • Know the rules and restrictions in both your origin and destination. It may not be possible to travel depending on local circumstances, so make sure you check before you book your flight.
  • Keep your face mask on during airport screening. A TSA officer will require you to temporarily lower your mask for identification purposes.
  • To avoid cross-contamination, position your boarding pass on the scanner yourself and then hold it up for inspection. Do not hand your pass directly to a TSA employee.
  • One liquid hand sanitizer container is now permitted in your carry-on baggage. It must be no bigger than 12 oz (350 ml), and you'll need to take it out of your bag for X-ray screening.
  • Empty everything from your pockets, such as your keys, phone and wallet, and put them in your carry-on rather than into bins. This will reduce handling during screening.
  • If you're taking food on the plane, put it in a clear plastic bag and then into a scanning bin. This lessens the likelihood that a TSA officer will need to handle your food container or carry-on bag for closer inspection.

Which airlines fly to South Island?
Organize your seat with Air New Zealand and then begin working on your South Island itinerary. This popular airline runs 508 flights every month to Queenstown Intl. Airport (ZQN), a key gateway.
How can I find cheap tickets to South Island?
You'll always find an epic deal with Expedia, but our "flexible dates" feature makes it that much easier. Enter your preferred flight date, then check the flexible dates box above to see a list of prices for nearby days. was the best price for a flight to South Island in the last seven days.
How much is a flight to South Island?
There were lots of cheap fares for the taking in the last seven days, with the cost of a round-trip flight to South Island varying between and . Many lucky vacationers scored one-way tickets from () for as low as .
What are the most popular airports to fly into in South Island?
South Island's main entryway is Queenstown Intl. Airport (ZQN). Get your next big journey underway by reserving a seat on one of the 803 flights every month to this destination.
When is the cheapest time to fly to South Island?
Fly out on a Tuesday to raise your chances of bagging the cheapest deal to South Island. Mondays are usually the second most affordable day to take off. Saturday is normally the priciest day to fly anywhere.
How much is a plane ticket to South Island?
In the last seven days, fares to South Island fluctuated from to .
Which airlines with flights to South Island employ COVID-19 cleanliness policies?
While traveling in a pandemic can be nerve-wracking, airlines are doing all they can to ensure the well-being of passengers and cabin crew. These are some carriers that have implemented changes:
  • Air New Zealand - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and cleaning with disinfectant.
  • Jetstar - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and cleaning with disinfectant.
  • Qantas - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and cleaning with disinfectant.

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* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.