Title: Visit South Island: Best of South Island Tourism | Expedia Travel Guide - Expedia.ca [Hotels in South Island](https://expedia.ca/South-Island-Hotels.d6052692.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Vacation Rentals in South Island](https://expedia.ca/South-Island-Vacation-Rentals.d6052692.Travel-Guide-VacationRentals)[Flights to South Island](https://expedia.ca/Cheap-Flights-To-South-Island.d6052692.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in South Island](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-South-Island.d6052692.Travel-Guide-Activities)[South Island Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-South-Island.d6052692.Car-Rental-Guide)[South Island Vacation Packages](https://expedia.ca/South-Island.d6052692.Destination-Travel-Guides) # South Island ## Travel Guide ![Queenstown which includes a river or creek and boating](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/36000/36169-Shotover-Jet.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Kawarau Suspension Bridge featuring a bridge, bungee jumping and a sporting event](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/36000/36128-Kawarau-Suspension-Bridge.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Bob\'s Peak featuring mountains, general coastal views and views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/36000/36112-Bobs-Peak.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![South Island featuring land animals and mountains](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/75000/75131-South-Island.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![South Island which includes boating, a river or creek and a gorge or canyon](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/75000/75137-South-Island.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit South Island Where to stay Things to do #### 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 which includes a small town or village, a pebble beach and a lake or waterhole](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/181000/181084-Queenstown.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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. [](https://expedia.ca/Queenstown-Queenstown-City-Centre.dx6216654) ![New Regent Street featuring railway items and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/235000/235412-Canterbury.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Christchurch City Centre 4.5/5(87 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 Bridge of Remembrance while you're exploring the neighborhood. [](https://expedia.ca/Christchurch-Christchurch-City-Centre.dx6052809) ![International Antarctic Centre featuring interior views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/110000/110846-Christchurch.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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 Harewood Golf Club. [](https://expedia.ca/Christchurch-Christchurch-Airport.dx693001997489496064) ![Dunedin which includes heritage elements, a garden and a pond](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/182000/182315-Dunedin-Chinese-Garden.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Dunedin City Centre 4.5/5(20 area reviews) 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. [](https://expedia.ca/Dunedin-Dunedin-City-Centre.dx6052749) ![Default Image](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/181000/181535-Frankton.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Frankton 4/5(17 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. [](https://expedia.ca/Queenstown-Frankton.dx6127159) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Goldfield Heights While there might not be top attractions in Goldfield Heights, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Queenstown Mall and Skycity Queenstown Casino. [](https://expedia.ca/Queenstown-Hill-Goldfield-Heights.dx873311159311372288) - South Island Hotel Deals - Vacation Rentals in South Island ![Kamana Lakehouse](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/990000/983600/983589/7ba2222c_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Kamana Lakehouse 139 Fernhill Road Queenstown CA $320 CA $368 total Jan 11 - Jan 12, 2026 includes taxes & fees Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (532 reviews) Beautiful views, lovely room Reviewed on Dec 4, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=11%2F01%2F2026&endDate=12%2F01%2F2026&selected=983589&PinnedHotelID=983589&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6052692) ![Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/38000000/37410000/37408100/37408030/2afec57f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central 24 Frankton Road Queenstown CA $252 CA $290 total Dec 21 - Dec 22 includes taxes & fees Stay at this hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews) Very pleasant reception Reviewed on Dec 8, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=21%2F12%2F2025&endDate=22%2F12%2F2025&selected=37408030&PinnedHotelID=37408030&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6052692) ![Millennium Hotel Queenstown](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/50000/48800/48773/718b9642_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Millennium Hotel Queenstown 32 Frankton Road Queenstown CA $251 CA $289 total Dec 12 - Dec 13 includes taxes & fees Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ... 8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews) Clean and spacious accommodations. Breakfast buffet appeared extensive, but was a bit pricey so opted for breakfast in town. Staff was courteous. Location was great as it was a short walk into town. The perfect choice for my wife and I. Reviewed on Dec 5, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=12%2F12%2F2025&endDate=13%2F12%2F2025&selected=48773&PinnedHotelID=48773&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6052692) [See all 7,384 properties in South Island](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=12%2F12%2F2025&endDate=13%2F12%2F2025®ionId=6052692) 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](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/60000000/59200000/59194900/59194834/069a4291_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown 16 - 18 Mountain Ash Drive Queenstown Stay at this aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (1,378 reviews) Clean room, staff, great sheets, crisp and cotton. Reviewed on Dec 8, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Queenstown-Hotels-LQ-Queenstown.h59194834.Hotel-Information) ![Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/4000000/3220000/3218900/3218849/29b191db_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown 110 Frankton Road Queenstown Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ... 8.4/10 Very Good! (1,440 reviews) Rooms were great. Clean and spacious enough for our needs. The beds are showing their age though and are a bit uncomfortable but not enough to make the stay unbearable. The laundry facilities were a definite plus!! Reviewed on Dec 9, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Queenstown-Hotels-Swiss-Belsuites-Pounamu-Queenstown.h3218849.Hotel-Information) ![Ramada Suites by Wyndham Queenstown Remarkables Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/16000000/15150000/15140900/15140900/ae564e99_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Ramada Suites by Wyndham Queenstown Remarkables Park 24 Hawthorne Drive Queenstown Otago Stay at this aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ... 8.6/10 Excellent! (1,108 reviews) It’s a bit out of the way, but liked it that way. Had everything you needed within walking distance. Nice area, and a nice place to stay. Reviewed on Nov 29, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Queenstown-Hotels-Ramada-Hotel-Suites-Queenstown-Remarkables-Park.h15140900.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in South Island](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=6052692&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) 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. ## Check South Island hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6052692&startDate=2025-12-11&endDate=2025-12-12)[Dec 11 - Dec 12](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6052692&startDate=2025-12-11&endDate=2025-12-12) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6052692&startDate=2025-12-12&endDate=2025-12-13)[Dec 12 - Dec 13](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6052692&startDate=2025-12-12&endDate=2025-12-13) [This weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6052692&startDate=12%2F12%2F2025&endDate=14%2F12%2F2025)[Dec 12 - Dec 14](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6052692&startDate=12%2F12%2F2025&endDate=14%2F12%2F2025) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6052692&startDate=19%2F12%2F2025&endDate=21%2F12%2F2025)[Dec 19 - Dec 21](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6052692&startDate=19%2F12%2F2025&endDate=21%2F12%2F2025) ### Popular places to visit ![Aoraki / Mount Cook](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/792850f29e75c61cde080610b79f5c5f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Aoraki / Mount Cook 4.5/5(15 reviews) Explore the great outdoors at Aoraki / Mount Cook and enjoy the stunning glacier views during your trip to Mount Cook. Wander the lakeside in this quaint area. [](https://expedia.ca/Aoraki-Mount-Cook-Mount-Cook.d6113038.Vacation-Attraction) ![Mount Cook National Park which includes mountains, snow and tranquil scenes](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/235000/235551-Mount-Cook-National-Park.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.ca/Mount-Cook-National-Park-Mount-Cook.d6139475.Vacation-Attraction) ![Milford Sound](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/9c57eb0e39a9d13b43d69e6cb9ae9fbd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.ca/Milford-Sound-Fiordland-National-Park.d6110756.Vacation-Attraction) ![Lyttelton Harbour showing a bay or harbour, mountains and a marina](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/44000/44119-Lyttelton-Harbour.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Lyttelton Harbour 4.5/5(14 reviews) Enjoy cafés, markets and boat trips at this scenic European port town, steeped in history and bordered by volcanic hills. [](https://expedia.ca/Lyttelton-Harbour-Lyttelton.d6112944.Vacation-Attraction) ![Sumner Beach showing rugged coastline](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/110000/110977-Sumner-Beach.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Sumner Beach 4/5(18 reviews) The main beach in the seaside retreat of Sumner is an idyllic place to spend a day in the sun away from the centre of Christchurch. [](https://expedia.ca/Sumner-Beach-Sumner.d6112932.Vacation-Attraction) ![Picton Ferry Terminal](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/2ab25d70ead1cd6b43b68b63be1266f6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Picton Ferry Terminal 4/5(33 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. [](https://expedia.ca/Picton-Ferry-Terminal-Picton.d553248621560906768.Vacation-Attraction) ## Cities near South Island ![Blenheim](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/2b36fbe901c1905e56aa32e268daf228.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Blenheim ![Christchurch](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/110000/110841-Christchurch.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Christchurch ![Milford Sound](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/181000/181411-Milford-Sound.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Milford Sound ![Mount Cook National Park](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/235000/235532-Mount-Cook-National-Park.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Mount Cook - Cities near South Island - Places of interest [Blenheim](https://expedia.ca/Blenheim.dx562)[Christchurch](https://expedia.ca/Christchurch.dx179996)[Milford Sound](https://expedia.ca/Milford-Sound.dx2274)[Mount Cook](https://expedia.ca/Mount-Cook.dx2390)[Nelson](https://expedia.ca/Nelson.dx2600)[Te Anau](https://expedia.ca/Te-Anau.dx3406)[Timaru](https://expedia.ca/Timaru.dx3445)[Wānaka](https://expedia.ca/Wanaka.dx3792)[Takaka](https://expedia.ca/Takaka.dx8350)[Oamaru](https://expedia.ca/Oamaru.dx9135)[Franz Josef Glacier](https://expedia.ca/Franz-Josef-Glacier.dx10398)[Lake Tekapo](https://expedia.ca/Lake-Tekapo.dx55352)[Queenstown](https://expedia.ca/Queenstown.dx180018)[Arthur's Point](https://expedia.ca/Arthurs-Point.dx180322)[Arrowtown](https://expedia.ca/Arrowtown.dx181324)[Methven](https://expedia.ca/Methven.dx6025795)[Twizel](https://expedia.ca/Twizel.dx6025811)[Glenorchy](https://expedia.ca/Glenorchy.dx6048043)[Dunedin](https://expedia.ca/Dunedin.dx6048046)[Te Anau Downs](https://expedia.ca/Te-Anau-Downs.dx6048064)[Bruce Bay](https://expedia.ca/Bruce-Bay.dx6049781) - [Mount Cook National Park ](https://expedia.ca/Mount-Cook-National-Park-Mount-Cook.d6139475.Vacation-Attraction) - [Milford Sound ](https://expedia.ca/Milford-Sound-Fiordland-National-Park.d6110756.Vacation-Attraction) - [Lyttelton Harbour ](https://expedia.ca/Lyttelton-Harbour-Lyttelton.d6112944.Vacation-Attraction) - [Abel Tasman National Park ](https://expedia.ca/Abel-Tasman-National-Park-Tasman-Region.d6112811.Vacation-Attraction) - [Sumner Beach ](https://expedia.ca/Sumner-Beach-Sumner.d6112932.Vacation-Attraction) - [Picton Ferry Terminal ](https://expedia.ca/Picton-Ferry-Terminal-Picton.d553248621560906768.Vacation-Attraction) - [Lake Pukaki ](https://expedia.ca/Lake-Pukaki-Canterbury.d6113036.Vacation-Attraction) - [Tekapo Springs ](https://expedia.ca/Tekapo-Springs-Lake-Tekapo.d6239359.Vacation-Attraction) - [Coronet Peak Ski Area ](https://expedia.ca/Coronet-Peak-Ski-Area-Otago.d502451.Vacation-Attraction) - [Queenstown Gardens ](https://expedia.ca/Queenstown-Gardens-Queenstown.d508184.Vacation-Attraction) - [New Brighton Beach ](https://expedia.ca/New-Brighton-Beach-New-Brighton.d6112934.Vacation-Attraction) - [Church of the Good Shepherd ](https://expedia.ca/Church-Of-The-Good-Shepherd-Lake-Tekapo.d6113030.Vacation-Attraction) - [Skyline Queenstown ](https://expedia.ca/Skyline-Queenstown-Queenstown-City-Centre.d502443.Vacation-Attraction) - [Cardrona Alpine Resort ](https://expedia.ca/Cardrona-Alpine-Resort-Cardrona.d6110724.Vacation-Attraction) - [The Remarkables Ski Area ](https://expedia.ca/The-Remarkables-Ski-Area-Kawarau-Falls.d502452.Vacation-Attraction)