South Island Trip

Book a Hotel + Flight or Car together to unlock savings

  • Plan, book, travel with confidence

  • Better together

    Save up to ₹43,962 when you book a flight and hotel together*

  • Find the right fit

    With over 300,000 hotels worldwide, it's easy to create a perfect package

  • Rest easy

    Plan, book, and manage your trip all in one place

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
New Regent Street showing outdoor eating and railway items as well as a small group of people

Christchurch City Centre

1 out of top 10 points of interest in this area
4.5/5(126 area reviews)

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

Find hotels in Christchurch City Centre

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

Kamana Lakehouse

Kamana Lakehouse

4.5 out of 5
139 Fernhill Road Queenstown
The price is ₹25,298 per night from 3 Mar to 4 Mar
₹25,298
₹29,093 total
3 Mar - 4 Mar
includes taxes & fees
9.2/10 Wonderful! (580 reviews)
Everything

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026

Kamana Lakehouse
Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central

4 out of 5
24 Frankton Road Queenstown
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹25,152 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
₹25,152
₹28,925 total
16 Mar - 17 Mar
includes taxes & fees
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,018 reviews)
Room is clean and the washer machine was so helpful to wash our clothes.

Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch

BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch

3.5 out of 5
165 Cashel Street Christchurch
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹4,381 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
₹4,381
₹5,038 total
23 Mar - 24 Mar
includes taxes & fees
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
Rome was compact, clean & comfortable for 1 night. Staff were helpful & breakfast was good

Reviewed on 21 Feb 2026

BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch
See all 7,444 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.

Popular places to visit

Mount Cook National Park showing landscape views, snow and mountains

Mount Cook National Park

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.

Mount Cook National Park
Milford Sound, Fiordland, New Zealand

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.

Milford Sound
Sumner Beach which includes rocky coastline

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.

Sumner Beach

Frequently asked questions

Can I cancel my flight booking to South Island due to COVID-19?
If you haven't booked yet, read the terms and conditions of the airline you're considering. If you've already locked in your flight to South Island, find your way to our Customer Service Portal. It will help you figure out which COVID-19 policies apply to your reservation and advise the next steps.
What's the best way to find cheap flights to South Island that have flexible change policies?
We know that plans can change in the blink of an eye, so reserving a flexible airfare with Expedia is always a wise idea. Simply mark the "No change fee" box under the "Flexible change policies" filter. Your well-priced and flexible flight to South Island is only a few clicks away.
What are some of the general tips for travellers to South Island during the COVID-19 outbreak?
The COVID-19 outbreak may have changed how we travel, but it hasn't stopped our zest for exploring. Here are a few tips on how to handle the new challenges of travelling:
  • Know the rules and restrictions in both your origin and destination. It may not be possible to travel depending on local circumstances, so make sure you check before you book your flight.
  • Keep your face mask on during airport screening. A TSA officer will require you to temporarily lower your mask for identification purposes.
  • To avoid cross-contamination, position your boarding pass on the scanner yourself and then hold it up for inspection. Do not hand your pass directly to a TSA employee.
  • One liquid hand sanitizer container is now permitted in your carry-on baggage. It must be no bigger than 12 oz (350 ml), and you'll need to take it out of your bag for X-ray screening.
  • Empty everything from your pockets, such as your keys, phone and wallet, and put them in your carry-on rather than into bins. This will reduce handling during screening.
  • If you're taking food on the plane, put it in a clear plastic bag and then into a scanning bin. This lessens the likelihood that a TSA officer will need to handle your food container or carry-on bag for closer inspection.

Which airlines fly to South Island?
Organise your seat with Air New Zealand and then begin working on your South Island itinerary. This popular airline runs 508 flights every month to Queenstown Intl. Airport (ZQN), a key gateway.
How can I find cheap tickets to South Island?
You'll always find an epic deal with Expedia, but our "flexible dates" feature makes it that much easier. Enter your preferred flight date, then check the flexible dates box above to see a list of prices for nearby days. was the best price for a flight to South Island in the last seven days.
How much is a flight to South Island?
There were lots of cheap fares for the taking in the last seven days, with the cost of a round-trip flight to South Island varying between and . Many lucky holiday makers scored one-way tickets from () for as low as .
What are the most popular airports to fly into in South Island?
South Island's main entryway is Queenstown Intl. Airport (ZQN). Get your next big journey underway by reserving a seat on one of the 803 flights every month to this destination.
When is the cheapest time to fly to South Island?
Fly out on a Tuesday to raise your chances of bagging the cheapest deal to South Island. Mondays are usually the second most affordable day to take off. Saturday is normally the priciest day to fly anywhere.
How much is a plane ticket to South Island?
In the last seven days, fares to South Island fluctuated from to .
Which airlines with flights to South Island employ COVID-19 cleanliness policies?
While travelling in a pandemic can be nerve-wracking, airlines are doing all they can to ensure the well-being of passengers and cabin crew. These are some carriers that have implemented changes:
  • Air New Zealand - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and cleaning with disinfectant.
  • Jetstar - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and cleaning with disinfectant.
  • Qantas - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and cleaning with disinfectant.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.