
Visit South Island, New Zealand
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The New Zealand of your imagination, South Island ratchets up the scenic drama rapidly. It’s a mostly mountainous land where you can go from deep fiords to glaciers sandwiched between rainforest to cerulean lakes. The nexus of New Zealand’s adventure activities, our specialists think there’s much more to the South Island than adrenaline-seeking. Spending time here is also about experiencing its wilderness: winding mountain roads and yawning, unpeopled landscapes are par for the course when journeying around the South Island. Here, you can hike on trails that take you into areas of the country that have scarcely been touched by the hand of man.
We can arrange for you to experience the South Island’s scenery in numerous ways, including scenic flights over the glaciers and cruises in Doubtful Sound. And, although the South Island’s scenery gets top billing, there are other experiences in store here. At Kaikoura, you can observe whales, sea lions and dolphins, while farther south, at Dunedin and Stewart Island, albatrosses, penguins (and, with luck, the elusive kiwi) vie for your attention. There’s the mining history and winelands of the Central Otago region, while at Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo, you can experience first-rate stargazing.
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Start planning your tailor-made trip to South Island by contacting one of our New Zealand specialists
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Places to visit in South Island
Featuring heavily on our experiences of visiting South Island, these selected places are destinations that also prove consistently popular with our travelers. Our specialists can help you choose how to include them in your wider trip, based on your preferences.
Suggested itineraries featuring South Island
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in South Island, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places in and around South Island
- Abel Tasman National Park South Island
- Akaroa & Banks Peninsula South Island
- Arrowtown South Island
- Arthur's Pass National Park South Island
- Blenheim South Island
- The Catlins South Island
- Christchurch South Island
- Collingwood & Farewell Spit South Island
- Doubtful Sound South Island
- Dunedin South Island
- Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers South Island
- Glenorchy South Island
- Haast & Lake Moeraki South Island
- Hanmer Springs South Island
- Hokitika South Island
- Kahurangi National Park South Island
- Kaikoura South Island
- Lake Tekapo South Island
- Lake Wanaka South Island
- Marlborough Sounds South Island
- Milford Sound South Island
- Mount Cook National Park South Island
- Nelson South Island
- The Otago Peninsula South Island
- Picton South Island
- Punakaiki South Island
- Queenstown South Island
- Stewart & Ulva Islands South Island
- Te Anau & Manapouri South Island
- Twizel South Island
- Wellington 299 miles away
Photos of South Island
Accommodation choices for South Island
We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit South Island. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Wilderness Lodge
Set in the beautiful Arthur's Pass, Wilderness Lodge is an eco-friendly property offering spacious and comfortable accommodation, and the chance to learn about New Zealand's flora and fauna.
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Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge
Perfect for nature lovers, Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge is a charming ecolodge that offers a wide range of outdoor activities.
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Arrowtown House
Arrowtown House B&B has beautifully furnished self-contained suites, complete with all facilities, and is Just a short stroll from the shops, art galleries and cafés of Arrowtown itself.
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Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat
This lodge offers luxurious relaxation in the middle of a bustling region of New Zealand.
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Skyscape
The secluded situation of the property allows you to thoroughly escape the outside world and use the property to relax and recharge. The key features of skyscape are the wood-fired outdoor bath and the glass walls and ceiling that allow you to easily watch the night sky.
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Lakestone Lodge
An ecolodge with an intimate atmosphere and amiable hosts, Lakestone Lodge offers sweeping views, contemporary rooms, good food and a wide range of activities, as well as a tranquil location.
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Ranginui B&B
This impeccably decorated B&B is located within walking distance to Tekapo and boasts lake and mountain views from all bedrooms and the guest lounge.
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Curio Bay Hotel
Curio Bay Hotel has a panoramic beachfront location from where you can step straight into the waves or watch the dolphins from your terrace.
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Punakaiki Resort
Overlooking the Tasman Sea and rugged west coast, the Punakaiki Resort consists of quality hotel rooms and eco apartment units.
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Catlins Farmstay
Located close to Curio Bay, Catlins Farmstay B&B is a small and characterful property, perfectly positioned to explore the beautiful Catlins area.
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French Bay House
French Bay house is a quaint 19th century house set on Rue Jolie, in the heart of Akaroa. Staying here will get a fantastic hosting experience along with superb local knowledge.
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Westwood Lodge
Just a short drive away from the heart of Franz Josef, this charming lodge offers a cozy alpine-style retreat, surrounded by wild scenery and a mountainous backdrop.
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Glenfern Villas
Located just a couple of miles North of Franz Josef Village, the Glenfern Villas make a comfortable base from which to explore the local area's wonderful mountain scenery.
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Furneaux Lodge
Overlooking Endeavour Inlet, Furneaux Lodge enjoys a wonderfully tranquil setting, and is ideal for relaxation and as a base to explore the beauty of the Queen Charlotte Track.
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Bay of Many Coves
Nestled into a quiet cove within the picturesque Marlborough Sounds, this is a unique property offering apartment-style accommodation in the heart of New Zealand's finest wine district.
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Mahu Whenua
A mountainous luxury property that offers a homey stay and has sweeping mountain views, fine food, and a range of activities.
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Wanaka Springs Lodge
Nestled into private, manicured gardens, Wanaka Springs Lodge has spacious and tastefully decorated rooms, and friendly hosts who will ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
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Wanaka Alpine Lodge
A warm welcome, home baking, great views and spacious rooms make this modern B&B just outside Wanaka a comfortable and quiet base from which to explore the region.
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Copper Beech Wanaka
Located near the alpine town of Wanaka, this contemporary and comfortable B&B is named after the tree that adorns its sweeping front lawn.
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Dunluce Bed and Breakfast
Dunluce is an intimate and friendly bed and breakfast, ideally located on lakeside land, just outside Te Anau. All of its rooms have en suite facilities and views of the lake.
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High Leys Lodge
With lake and mountain views from the property and its proximity to Fiordland National Park, High Leys is an ideal base for exploring the Te Anau and Fiordland region.
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Te Anau Lodge
The lodge is a short drive away from the town center and benefits for views out to Lake Te Anau and the Murchison Mountains in the distance.
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Blanket Bay
Blanket Bay Lodge is a haven of luxury and tranquility in a sublime setting. Each room, either in the main lodge or one of the two chalets, offers panoramic views of mountains, rivers and the lake.
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The Anchor Inn Motel
Enjoying a scenic position overlooking the ocean and situated close to all the facilities and activities in Kaikoura, Anchor Inn Motel is a comfortable and convenient base from which to explore the region's epic natural landscapes.
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PurePod Kahutara
Hidden in a pocket of private wilderness and made almost completely of glass, the Kahutata PurePod is the perfect antidote for those looking to disconnect from modern life and reconnect with nature.
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Stewart Island Lodge
Located in Halfmoon Bay, Stewart Island Lodge provides comfortable accommodation with en suite guest rooms and a communal lounge where guests can enjoy a continental breakfast.
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Orari Bed and Breakfast
The Orari offers comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation, and is ideally located in the heart of the cultural precinct of Christchurch.
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Matuka Lodge
With a superb location in the heart of the Mackenzie High Country, Matuka Lodge enjoys a tranquil, rural setting with spectacular mountain views and beautifully appointed rooms.
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Kinross Cottages
Fine wine, good food and stylish lodgings make Kinross Cottages an enviable place to relax and sample the wines of the central Otago region. Set on a vineyard with sweeping views, it makes a good base for exploring the area.
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The Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments
Enjoying a delightful lakefront location on the approach to Queenstown, the Rees is an excellent value hotel with spacious rooms and apartments.
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Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
This modern hotel offers a comfortable stay in the heart of Queenstown, next to the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the stunning Southern Alps.
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Lake Tekapo Lodge
Lake Tekapo Lodge is a boutique property with stunning views over Lake Tekapo and the mountains. It is within easy reach of Tekapo township and the famous Church of the Good Shepherd, with a footpath linking the lodge to the main road.
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Peppers Bluewater Resort
Set near the shores of Lake Tekapo and with the Mount Cook National Park on its doorstep, Peppers Bluewater Resort is in a beautiful location.
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Edenhouse
A beautiful house and setting, Edenhouse sits in 48 acres of private grounds between Nelson and the Abel Tasman National Park.
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The Resurgence
Located on the edge of the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks, The Resurgence offers comfort and tranquility in a beautiful native bush setting.
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Awaroa Lodge
Awaroa Lodge is a small, comfortable boutique property ideally located to enjoy the peace, scenery, and the sheer beauty of the Abel Tasman National Park.
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Shelbourne Villa
Shelbourne Villa Bed & Breakfast offers high quality accommodation and is only a short walk away from the restaurants and galleries of Nelson City.
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Aoraki Court Motel
Situated at the heart of Mount Cook Village, the Aoraki Court Motel offers modern comfort and fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.
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StoneFly Lodge
Stonefly Lodge is situated on 56 hectares of private forest. This luxury lodge is ideally located between three spectacular national parks, Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi, making it an ideal base to explore the region.
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Te Koi - The Lodge at Bronte
Surrounded by award winning wineries and only 45 minutes away from Abel Tasman National Park, Te Koi - The Lodge at Bronte offers luxury accommodation in a tranquil, natural setting.
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Cambria House
Cambria House is an elegant property and the perfect base to explore the local restaurants, art galleries and shops of Nelson city center.
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Beaufort House
Beaufort House provides seclusion and privacy whilst being close to local attractions, making it an ideal place to stay and experience Akaroa.
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Holly Homestead
Holly Homestead offers quality B&B accommodation with four guest rooms in the stunning Alpine setting of the glacier region.
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Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Ideally located for visiting the hot springs and glaciers, Te Waonui Forest Retreat is at the cutting edge of sustainable, comfortable accommodation.
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Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef offers friendly Kiwi hospitality and is ideally located in the village of Franz Josef.
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Misty Peaks
Misty Peaks is a boutique bed and breakfast property offering friendly Kiwi hospitality and dramatic views of Mounts Cook, Tasman, and the surrounding countryside.
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The Bell Tower
The Bell Tower is a boutique lodge situated amid stunning scenery, overlooking Marlborough's vineyards.
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Hazel house
This delightful B&B is located about a five-minute drive from Dunedin city center, in a peaceful location, just a short walk or drive from a number of restaurants, cafés and shops. The building is a 1900s villa and has real character and warmth.
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The Peppertree
The Peppertree is a beautiful Edwardian villa offering five individually decorated suites, and its own boutique vineyard, which produces the hosts' own chardonnay.
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Camp Estate
Camp Estate offers five guest rooms and is located within Larnach Castle's grounds just 500 meters from the Castle gate.
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Fletcher Lodge
Fletcher Lodge is a historic property offering elegant and luxurious accommodation in five guest rooms, and is just a short walk from Dunedin city center.
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Marlborough Lodge
Marlborough Lodge is a lovely property with just five, spacious guest suites. Each has been beautifully crafted in native hardwoods and offers incredible views of the surrounding area.
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Hilltop on High Street
This historic home was originally built in 1904, and now provides luxurious and elegant accommodation with superb panoramic views of the city and harbor.
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Marlborough Vintners Hotel
The Marlborough Vintners Hotel and Vintners Room restaurant are located in the heart of the Blenheim winelands, and provide contemporary, self-contained accommodation and fine dining among the vines.
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Vintner's Retreat Villas
Set among fields of vines, Vintner's Retreat Villas offers high quality accommodation within a short distance of everything the wine regions and Marlborough Sounds have to offer.
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Lakeside Serviced Apartments
Lakeside Service Apartments offers spacious and stylish apartments with uninterrupted vistas across the lake to the snow-capped mountains beyond.
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Edgewater
Surrounded by the magnificent mountains, and uniquely sited for unrestricted access to Lake Wanaka, Edgewater Resort offers stylish accommodation and facilities to cater to the needs of the guests.
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Wanaka Haven
Wanaka Haven is a modern and luxurious property, located five minutes from Lake Wanaka, and ideally placed for exploration of this stunning area.
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Maple Lodge
Maple Lodge is set in its own private grounds about 10 minutes drive out of the town center with views across the maple sugar trees to the Cardrona valley.
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The Moorings
The Moorings enjoys spectacular lake and mountain views and is a great base from which to explore this beautiful, unspoilt area.
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Blue Ridge Studio Accommodation and B&B
Nestled in pretty gardens, just a short stroll to Te Anau's restaurants, shops and the lake, Blue Ridge Studio Accommodation and B&B is the perfect place to base yourself for a Fiordland experience.
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Prospect Lodge
Prospect Lodge Bed and Breakfast is situated in Fiordland, just a few minutes from Te Anau township, and a two-hour drive to Milford Sound.
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Lakefront Lodge
Set among beautiful gardens, Lakefront Lodge is located close to Lake Te Anau waterfront and just a short stroll from the center of town.
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Dock Bay Lodge
All of the suites at Dock Bay Lodge are beautifully furnished with private balconies, offering unobstructed views over Lake Te Anau and the National Park Mountains.
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Hapuku Lodge
Situated between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Hapuku Lodge enjoys a beautiful location. Its accommodation consists of four guest rooms and stunning tree houses, which will take your breath away.
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The Hamptons
The Hamptons is a boutique B&B set in a peaceful location a few steps from the sweeping beach, but still just a few minutes' walk from the center of Kaikoura.
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Lemon Tree Lodge
Lemon Tree Lodge offers bed and breakfast accommodation for couples and single travelers.
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The George
Picturesquely located near the lovely Hagley Park, the George is a spacious, boutique hotel, just a step away from all the key attractions.
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Otahuna Lodge
The accommodation at Otahuna Lodge combines elegance and opulence as well as boasting all the amenities one would expect of a luxury lodge.
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The Classic Villa
Situated on a quiet pedestrian boulevard, the Classic Villa is an Italian-style historic home, which has been tastefully renovated and recreated as one of the finest boutique hotels in Christchurch.
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Queenstown House
Overlooking Queenstown Bay, with spectacular lake and mountain views, Queenstown House offers charming B&B accommodation with a genuine commitment to providing New Zealand hospitality at its best.
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Hidden Lodge
Hidden Lodge is elegant and luxurious and provides a unique experience by combining the sophistication of a small private hotel with the warmth of a large family home.
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Matakauri Lodge
Overlooking Lake Wakatipu, Matakauri is luxury lodge offering fine dining, superb service and beautiful accommodation in a wonderful setting.
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Heritage Hotel
With an elevated position on a forested hillside, the Heritage Hotel overlooks Lake Wakatipu. Its modern and spacious rooms offer a variety stunning views.
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Brown's Boutique Hotel
Browns Boutique is a friendly and intimate hotel with great views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, and is only a short walk away from the town center and waterfront.
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Azur Lodge
Azur Lodge enjoys a great location just outside Queenstown, truly maximizing its breathtaking lake views. The main lodge building is perched on the hillside, with every room facing out toward the lake and the mountains beyond.