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Places to Visit in South Island

 

Attractions (489)

Activities (604)

Nightlife (17)

Shopping (73)

All (489)
Outdoors (187)
Sports (79)
Cultural (63)
Museums (48)
Landmarks (36)
Amusement (29)
Zoos & Aquariums (14)
Performances (12)
Name

Attractions travellers recommend

Peninsula Walkway, Kaikoura
Ranked #1 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: Hiking Trails
Map | Visitor photos (47)
Ranked #2 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: Museums
Map | Visitor photos (39)
Ranked #3 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: Hiking Trails
Visitor photos (41)
Ranked #4 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: Bodies of Water

If you are fortunate to have a few days up your sleeve and looking for a great place to explore or just chill out on your tour of NZ then the Marlborough Sounds is a must.  The... more »

Map | Visitor photos (32)
Ranked #5 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: National Parks
Map | Visitor photos (39)
Ranked #6 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: Other
Owner description: Wanaka Helicopters offers a variety of high standard flights around Lake Wanaka, into the National Parks and surrounding... more » Owner description: Wanaka Helicopters offers a variety of high standard flights around Lake Wanaka, into the National Parks and surrounding areas such as Mount Aspiring, and to spectacular Milford Sound. All scenic flights include remote alpine landings and walk arounds. We operate a variety of different sized helicopters, which means that no minimum passenger numbers apply to our flights. We can cater for all number combinations. Wanaka Helicopters also offers a product called Heli-Adventures, which includes soft adventure type activities for the more adventurous, such as mountain biking, fishing, hiking and jet boating. We also offer to opportunity to fly yourself in a one off training flight called our 'Mission Possible'. Not only are we a scenic flight operator, we are a training school, training pilots to gain their private helicopter license, as well as their commercial helicopter license. All our instructors are highly professional and safe pilots and flight instructors. « less
Map | Visitor photos (75)
Milford Sound, Te Anau
Ranked #7 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: Bodies of Water; Waterfalls; Scenic Drives
Map | Visitor photos (377)
Deep Canyon, Wanaka
Ranked #8 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: Canyons
Map | Visitor photos (27)
Ranked #9 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: Scenic Drives
Owner description: Vintage Tiger Moth Scenic Flights with Classic Flights Wanaka, New Zealand. Have you ever dreamed of experiencing a piece of... more » Owner description: Vintage Tiger Moth Scenic Flights with Classic Flights Wanaka, New Zealand. Have you ever dreamed of experiencing a piece of aviation history? To step back in time where Pilots were larger than life, and heroes to all those who lifted their eyes skyward to the sound of an old Tigermoth flying overhead? Then take a flightseeing trip around Wanaka and see breathtaking New Zealand scenery in a Vintage Aircraft. Experience the excitement of the early flyers and their flying machines; the smell of oil and aviation fuel, combined with the aroma of fresh leather. As you don the old-style leather flying helmet, complete with flying goggles and silk scarf, experience the anticipation of being taken back in time to the nostalgia of this by-gone era.The exhilaration of the open cockpit and the wind in your face - discover the freedom and romance of a vintage scenic flight from Wanaka, one of the most spectacular scenic locations in New Zealand. « less
Map | Visitor photos (30)
Lake Tekapo, Lake Tekapo
Ranked #10 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: Bodies of Water
Map | Visitor photos (150)
Doubtful Sound, Te Anau
Ranked #11 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: Bodies of Water; Nature/ Wildlife Areas
Map | Visitor photos (226)
Ranked #12 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: Trails; Biking Trails
Owner description: More accommodation, more history, more scenery, more to explore and much more fun for any age. Summer, autumn, spring or... more » Owner description: More accommodation, more history, more scenery, more to explore and much more fun for any age. Summer, autumn, spring or winter, the Otago Central Rail Trail is the ultimate New Zealand ‘slow cycling tour’ where you connect with people, discover, learn and share at your leisure. « less
Map | Visitor photos (66)
Milford Track, Fiordland
Ranked #13 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: Hiking Trails; Mountains
Believed to be one of the most scenic walking routes in the world, this trail is in the heart of Fiordland National Park.
Map | Visitor photos (96)
Ulva Island, Stewart Island
Ranked #14 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: Islands
Visitor photos (3)
Ranked #15 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: Geologic Formations; Nature/ Wildlife Areas

One of the most enjoyable walks on the Peninsula is Sandymount. From the carpark you walk through a lane of old gnarly trees which have featured on a famous Dunedin Sound... more »

Map | Visitor photos (115)
Ranked #16 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: Scenic/ Historic Walking Areas; Hiking Trails; Trails; Biking Trails
Map | Visitor photos (83)
Ranked #17 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: Hiking Trails
Map | Visitor photos (30)
Olveston, Dunedin
Ranked #18 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: Historic Sites
Owner description: Olveston was the home of the Theomin family. The house and the original contents are open to the public to see how the family... more » Owner description: Olveston was the home of the Theomin family. The house and the original contents are open to the public to see how the family lived in the early 1900s.David Theomin wanted to build a substantial home that could house his growing collection of paintings and artefacts from all around the world. He intended that Olveston would eventually be left to his future generations to enjoy. Sadly this was not to be the case as both his children didn't have any children of their own.Designed by the acclaimed architect, Sir Ernest George of London. The building of Olveston took two years to build (1904 to 1906) and was overseen by local architects, Mason & Wales.Olveston is a time capsule and there has been little change inside the house since it was occupied as a family home from 1906 to 1966. It is therefore an authentic and original historic house depicting the way of life of a privileged family in the early 1900s. Visits through the house are by guided tour only (1 hour, max. 15 people per group). Tours commence daily at: 9.30 am and 10.45 am, 12 noon, 1.30 pm, 2.45 pm and 4 pm.Tours with German, French, Japanese and Dutch speaking guides are available, advanced notice is required. To arrange a Group Booking (10 or more) at another time, or to arrange a focus tour (2-8 people) and explore the Art Collection; the extensive Asian antiques, objects and weaponry Collection; the Theomin's and their history and context, please contact the house. Olveston is open 7 days (closed Christmas Day).Free visitor parking permits are available on request from Reception. « less
Map | Visitor photos (13)
The Court Theatre, Christchurch
Ranked #19 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: Theatres
Map | Visitor photos (1)
Lake Pukaki, Christchurch
Ranked #20 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: Bodies of Water
Map | Visitor photos (37)
Ranked #21 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: History Museums
Owner description: Toitū Otago Settlers Museum is a museum of social history dedicated to telling the story of the people of Dunedin and the... more » Owner description: Toitū Otago Settlers Museum is a museum of social history dedicated to telling the story of the people of Dunedin and the surrounding area, whose character, culture, technology, art, fashion and transport shaped New Zealand’s first great city. Its fourteen themed galleries feature interactive displays and powerful narratives tracing the human history of the area, from the earliest settlers to the most recent arrivals. Captivating exhibitions will be complemented by an onsite shops, a café and a research centre and archive for those interested in genealogy and other aspects of local history. « less
Map | Visitor photos (19)
Banks Peninsula, Christchurch
Ranked #22 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: Geologic Formations
Owner description: Banks Peninsula near Christchurch, New Zealand is a must see for its stunning views, beautiful bays and quirky campgrounds.... more » Owner description: Banks Peninsula near Christchurch, New Zealand is a must see for its stunning views, beautiful bays and quirky campgrounds. Little River is the gateway to the peninsula. The township has a hotel/pub, 2 cafes, a petrol station, art gallery, craft store and small museum. There are B&Bs, plus the Little River Campground in Okuti Valley Road. They have affordable campervan parks with power, cabins and tentsites set beside a river. The southern bays have some of the best surf, if you know the secret spots as well as good, safe swimming beaches, walking tracks and the Little River Rail Trail. It is a a place that is often over looked as tourists head to Akaroa. If you want to experience more than the usual, to get off the beaten track and really explore, ask at the craft station, which has an info centre. « less
Map | Visitor photos (46)
Ranked #23 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: Gardens
This garden is home to the best collection of exotic and indigenous plants in New Zealand.
Map | Visitor photos (151)
Abel Tasman Coast Track, Abel Tasman National Park
Ranked #24 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: Hiking Trails
Owner description: Hiking (or "tramping" as New Zealanders call it) from one end to the other of this 32-mile track will take days, so if you're... more » Owner description: Hiking (or "tramping" as New Zealanders call it) from one end to the other of this 32-mile track will take days, so if you're time-constrained, pick up a section of it. The view can't be beat as you walk through sandy bays and lagoons, past coves and estuaries. « less
Map | Visitor photos (67)
Ranked #25 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: Nature/ Wildlife Areas; Geologic Formations
Visitor photos (42)
Queenstown Hill, Queenstown
Ranked #26 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: Mountains; Trails
Map | Visitor photos (46)
Wanaka, Wanaka
Ranked #27 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: Ski/ Snowboard Areas; Bodies of Water
Wanaka is a gorgeous place on wanaka lake.
Map | Visitor photos (47)
Ranked #28 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: Nature/ Wildlife Areas
Map | Visitor photos (42)
Ranked #29 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: Bodies of Water; Hiking Trails
Map | Visitor photos (13)
Coastal Pacific, Christchurch
Ranked #30 of 489 attractions in South Island
Category: Scenic Railroads
Owner description: Tranz Scenic is New Zealand’s only long distance passenger train network. We take passengers across New Zealand in comfort... more » Owner description: Tranz Scenic is New Zealand’s only long distance passenger train network. We take passengers across New Zealand in comfort and style through some of the most scenic areas of the North and South Islands. It is an experience not just a journey. We have the Overlander train connecting Auckland and Wellington, the Coastal Pacific between Picton and Christchurch and the world famous TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth.The Coastal Pacific departs daily from Christchurch passing through Kaikoura and Marlborough regions before arriving in the sea port township of Picton and connecting with the Interislander ferry. « less
Map | Visitor photos (28)