What to do In South Island
Explore thousands of activities, attractions and tours with free cancellation and no added fees.
Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.
Access exclusive deals, only with the Travelocity app
Recommended activities in South Island
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 147 activitiesOpens in new tabMilford Sound Full-Day Experience with Nature Cruise & Lunch ex Queenstown
Cruises & boat tours
See all 96 activitiesOpens in new tabMilford Sound Wilderness Cruise
Tours & day trips
See all 664 activitiesOpens in new tabSmall Group, Award Winning Full Day Milford Sound Experience
Air, helicopter & balloon tours
See all 133 activitiesOpens in new tabMilford Sound Cruise with Round-Trip Flights from Queenstown
Spa & wellness
See all 3 activitiesOpens in new tabHanmer Springs Hot Pools & Jet Boat Full-Day Tour
Places To Go In South Island
Welcome, traveler, to South Island. Your journey has landed you here, and new adventures are calling your name. Now that you’ve arrived, you can stay in the safety and comfort of your hotel and watch the world spin past…or you can embrace this new place you’ve come to. Learn its streets. Meet its people. Learn its history. Your hand is already on the doorknob, isn’t it?
Things to Do in South Island
You’ll not be wanting for things to do in South Island. Explore the downtown area in search of museums and boutiques…or that next delicious meal. What tickles your fancy? A delectable five-course supper at the restaurant you’ve been hearing about? Or perhaps you’d rather read the paper while sipping hot coffee at one of the cafes scattered throughout town. Take in a show at the theatre, or just walk along down the main thoroughfare, watching people wander past.
Why spend hours ruminating over what to do in South Island? Let the possibilities wash over you as you explore this new region. Move out on foot and get to know the area on a more personal level. Find that perfect souvenir at one of the smaller shops, or reinvent your entire artistic aesthetic at your new favorite gallery.
Is the wind whispering suggestions in your mind? Rent a car and take it out beyond city limits and into the wild blue yonder. Explore the smaller cities and towns past the border, and get to know the stories behind them. Visit a county fair and let childhood memories wash over you as cotton candy melts in your mouth. Sample hand-made jam at a stop on a forgotten highway, or let the hustle and bustle of modern life sweep you away as you lose yourself in the organized chaos of a modern metropolis. Your choices are endless—and so are the adventures to come.
When you book your journey with Travelocity, you’re never far from South Island attractions. After all, the money you save when you plan a trip with us is best spent along the way. Whether it’s the roar of the city you crave, or the quiet solitude that comes with a simpler getaway, everything you need to get started is right here.
Popular places to visit
Picton Ferry Terminal
Explore the waterfront in Picton with a trip to Picton Ferry Terminal. You'll find more to see and do in this quaint area.
Milford Sound
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.
Sumner Beach
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.