South Island Trip

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Where to stay in South Island

Find the best South Island areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about South Island
A colorful street with a tram, outdoor cafes, and a restaurant named "The Nook Thai".

Christchurch City Centre

1 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

Explore the picturesque and vibrant heart of the city that is getting back to normal after a series of devastating earthquakes.

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A beach with clear turquoise water, a forested mountain in the background, and people relaxing on the sand.

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.

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A mountainous landscape with a valley and a lake.

Frankton

Stay in this picturesque part of Queenstown where the airport is located to enjoy spectacular mountain views and relaxed lakeside walks.

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A traditional Chinese building with a tiled roof, a rocky garden, and a stone bridge over a pond.

Dunedin City Centre

Dunedin City Centre is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Grand Casino or The Octagon.

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An airport runway with surrounding fields and buildings.

Christchurch Airport

While Christchurch Airport may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like International Antarctic Centre and Harewood Golf Club.

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Things to do near South Island

Shopping

Discover Christchurch’s Westfield Riccarton, a vast shopping centre with a variety of retail stores and dining options. In Queenstown, explore the local shops along Shotover Street for unique souvenirs and artisan crafts, creating a perfect blend of shopping experiences on the stunning South Island.

Recreation

Experience tranquility at Lake Tekapō Regional Park, where you can unwind amidst stunning landscapes. Enjoy a round of golf at The Cairns Golf Course, surrounded by nature, or explore the cosmos at the Dark Sky Project, perfect for family entertainment and stargazing.

Adventure

Embark on the Hooker Valley Track, a stunning hike located 38.6km from South Island, where breathtaking scenery awaits. For winter thrills, visit the Roundhill Ski Area, only 14.5km away, perfect for skiing enthusiasts. Alternatively, explore the Governors Bush Walk Trailhead, 37.0km away, offering an adventurous outdoor experience.

Nightlife

In South Island, New Zealand, experience vibrant nightlife in Queenstown, famous for its lively bars and clubs along Shotover Street. Christchurch offers a thriving scene in the CBD with rooftop bars and live music at venues like The Piano. Dunedin features eclectic pubs and vibrant student nightlife around George Street.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near South Island

South Island is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking romantic getaways, featuring stunning lakes, relaxing hot springs, and charming churches. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture while exploring breathtaking scenery and engaging in various outdoor activities. For an unforgettable experience, consider indulging in the natural beauty and cultural richness that New Zealand has to offer.

  • Church of the Good Shepherd: Nestled amidst stunning landscapes, this charming church offers a serene atmosphere and a glimpse into local culture. Its picturesque setting against the backdrop of the Southern Alps makes it a perfect spot for reflection and photography.
  • Sheepdog Statue: A tribute to the hardworking sheepdogs of New Zealand, this statue embodies the rural heritage of the region. Located nearby, it provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the vital role these dogs play in sheep farming and the local community.
  • Lake Tekapo: Renowned for its breathtaking turquoise waters, Lake Tekapo is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and romantics alike. Enjoy scenic walks, stargazing opportunities, and the tranquil beach vibes that this stunning lake offers.

Best time to go to South Island

The best time to visit South Island is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. December is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May50.4°F (10.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June46.8°F (8.200000000000001°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August46.2°F (7.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
October51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December59.7°F (15.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Tips to save on your trip to South Island

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • Consider traveling to South Island during the low season (June and August to September) for more affordable options.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Top hotels in South Island

Sudima Christchurch Airport

Sudima Christchurch Airport

550 Memorial Avenue Christchurch
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
₹9,181
₹10,558 total
19 Sept - 20 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Sudima Christchurch Airport
Kamana Lakehouse

Kamana Lakehouse

139 Fernhill Road Queenstown
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
₹19,996
₹22,996 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Kamana Lakehouse
La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown

16 - 18 Mountain Ash Drive Queenstown
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
₹11,632
₹13,376 total
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,622 reviews)
"Hotel was easy to find and in a perfect location for our needs."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2026

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
See all 7,962 properties in South Island
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.

Stay near popular South Island attractions

A mountain path with snow-capped peaks and green vegetation.

Aoraki / Mount Cook

9.6/10 (613 reviews)
Explore the great outdoors at Aoraki / Mount Cook and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Mount Cook. Wander the lakeside in this quaint area.
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A mountain range with a lake reflecting the peaks.

Milford Sound

9.6/10 (22 reviews)
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.
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A clear mountain stream surrounded by lush greenery and snow-capped peaks in the background.

Mount Cook National Park

9.8/10 (179 reviews)
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.
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A coastal town with a harbor, mountains in the background, and a clear sky.

Lyttelton Harbour

8.6/10 (1,052 reviews)
Enjoy cafés, markets and boat trips at this scenic European port town, steeped in history and bordered by volcanic hills.
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A calm river with trees and grass on both sides.
Photo by Paolo Corrales

Hagley Park

9.2/10 (2,450 reviews)
Explore the great outdoors at Hagley Park, a lovely green space in Christchurch. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the shops in this culturally rich area.
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A mountain range with snow-capped peaks, a dense forest, and a turquoise lake.

Lake Pukaki

9.6/10 (937 reviews)
Be amazed by the color of the lake against the snowy backdrop of Aoraki/Mount Cook as you hike, drive or ride through this incredibly picturesque landscape.
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a South Island holiday package cost?
Starting from as low as , you can customize your South Island package. Simply bundle hotels, flights and car rentals and be rewarded with discounts.
How do I get a cheap travel package to South Island?
One of the easiest ways to save cash (and time) is to bundle your bookings with Expedia. Hotels, flights, rental cars and activities — we've got them all. Choose a combination that suits you and see your savings pile up. Of course, a package deal is never a one-size-fits-all. That's why we offer more than 550 airlines and 1,000,000 properties across the globe, which lets you customize your South Island holiday.
Where should I stay in South Island?
Christchurch is a fantastic city to visit. Here, you'll find well-known sights including Lyttelton Harbour and New Brighton Beach. Dunedin also lures many globetrotters eager to explore some of the best attractions in South Island. Some of the best are Larnach Castle and St. Clair Beach.
What are the top hotels in South Island?
For hotels in Queenstown with cosy beds and friendly service, you can't top Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown, an IHG Hotel and Novotel Queenstown Lakeside. If you're visiting Christchurch as well, you can look forward to a great night's sleep at The George Christchurch or Distinction Christchurch Hotel.
How far in advance should I book my South Island holiday?
To land rock-bottom prices, book ASAP. Airlines usually release flights, along with some of the lowest fares, nearly a year ahead of time. Hotels, car rental and experiences should also be booked well in advance to avoid disappointment. If you're in need of a last-minute getaway in South Island, there are always lots of great deals to be had on Expedia. Book something in today!
What does an Expedia South Island travel package include?
With Expedia, you can select any combination of car rentals, hotels and flights to create your ideal South Island package. Once you've made your booking, you can add on the fun things like day tours and activities. Don't forget — the more you bundle, the more discounts you'll get!
What should I know before booking a South Island travel package?
A package can be more affordable than separately booking all you need for your trip. For example, combine your hotels, flights and rental cars and score big savings. Whatever your holiday goals are, there's sure to be a package that's perfect for you.
Can I choose my airline with a South Island Expedia holiday package?
You sure can. We offer more than 550 partner airlines all over the world, so choose the carrier that matches your budget needs.
If I'm not able to travel, can I cancel my South Island holiday package?
Whether it's your hotel or flight, you can cancel and rebook it. Booked your South Island holiday package in the last 24 hours? You may be able to make changes at no cost. If it's been longer than that, you may be charged a fee by your airline, hotel or car rental company. For further information, check out our Customer Service Portal. We'll help you every step of the way.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.