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. South Island is in New Zealand. Use our New Zealand trip planner to arrange your visit to South Island and any other destinations in New Zealand that take your fancy.
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Top South Island tours
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Places to visit in South Island
Queenstown
BEST FOR: Fun & Games, Adventure, Spas
Te Anau
BEST FOR: Nature, Trails, Nightlife
Christchurch
BEST FOR: Parks, Museums, Historic Sites
Fox Glacier
BEST FOR: Nature, Trails, Beaches
Dunedin
BEST FOR: Historic Sites, Museums, Nature
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Regions of South Island
Otago Region
Trip Planner
Canterbury Region
Trip Planner
West Coast Region
Trip Planner
Southland Region
Trip Planner
Nelson-Tasman Region
Trip Planner
Marlborough Region
Trip Planner
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Hidden gems in South Island
Trails in South Island
Recently planned trips to South Island
14 days in New Zealand
BY A USER FROM INDIA
May, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, shopping, popular & hidden gems
PREFERENCES: May, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, shopping
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems
PACE: Medium
7 days in New Zealand
BY A USER FROM MALAYSIA
August, teens, outdoors, relaxing, popular sights
PREFERENCES: August, teens, outdoors, relaxing
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
7 days in New Zealand
BY A USER FROM MALAYSIA
August, teens, popular sights
PREFERENCES: August, teens
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
13 days in South Island
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
October, culture, outdoors, beaches, historic sites, shopping, wildlife, popular & hidden gems
PREFERENCES: October, culture, outdoors, beaches, historic sites, shopping, wildlife
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems
PACE: Medium
20 days in New Zealand
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
January, popular sights
PREFERENCES: January
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Medium
11 days in New Zealand
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
February, relaxing, historic sites, shopping, wildlife, slow & easy, popular sights
PREFERENCES: February, relaxing, historic sites, shopping, wildlife
ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights
PACE: Slow & easy
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