Things to do in South Island
Explore thousands of activities, tourist attractions and tours with free cancellation and no added fees.
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Popular things to do in South Island
Food, drink & nightlife
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Milford Sound Full-Day Experience with Nature Cruise & Lunch ex Queenstown
Cruises & boat tours
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Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Tour
Spa & wellness
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Hanmer Springs Hot Pools & Jet Boat Full-Day Tour
Wildlife & nature
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Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown
Air, helicopter & balloon tours
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Milford Sound Cruise with Round-Trip Flights from Queenstown
Popular places to visit
Lake Tekapo
Explore the great outdoors at Lake Tekapo, a popular spot to commune with nature in Lake Tekapo. Wander the lakeside in this quaint area.
Mount Cook National Park
Get set for a magical adventure because this park’s peaks, glaciers and lakes will definitely cast a spell on you.
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.
Lake Pukaki
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.
Franz Josef Glacier
Enjoy the mountain views and explore Franz Josef Glacier, a lovely green space in Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Wander the lakeside in this quaint area.
Lake Wanaka
Enjoy gorgeous hiking trails and deserted beaches at this pristine lake with the magnificent backdrop of the Southern Alps.
Discover top things to do in South Island
What are the best things to do in South Island?
We can’t wait to show you some of the best things to do in South Island – they range from luxurious day trips to hair-raising action adventures and vibrant cultural events, with plenty of culinary highlights thrown in to keep you wanting more. Some of the most popular activities that South Island tourism has to offer include:
- Stewart Island Village & Bays Tour
- Ulva Island Explorer: Cruise & Guided Walk
- Stewart Island Fly Explore Fly with Glenorchy Air
- Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Encounter
Search Wotif to discover what’s on in South Island in 2025 and start getting excited about everything you’ll get to see while you’re in town – from festivals, events, natural wonders, concerts and gigs. There’s a wide selection of South Island day tours – experience the area’s gorgeous surroundings with the help of a local guide or set off on your own adventure like the explorer you are.
How can I find the cheapest things to do in South Island on Wotif?
We’ve got insider information on what to do in South Island that will go easy on your wallet, with prices starting from AU$54. To find more, use the dropdown “Sort by” menu and choose price as your criteria. Or for even better results, choose “Price + our picks” to figure out what to see in South Island in 2025 at some of the best prices out there. Refine your search by using filters and Bob’s your uncle – trip planned, budget (and mischief) managed. Keep an eye out for discounts and promotions. Before you book, check for coupons or promotion codes on any of the listings.
Why should I book activities in South Island with Wotif?
You’ll get access to 4 South Island things to do in our large inventory – excellent chances of finding exactly what floats your boat. Keep an eye out for specials, discounts and promotions. Locking in your things to do is easy as pie: use our smooth and intuitive booking system and call on our friendly 24/7 customer service if you need a hand. To be extra discerning, read our guest ratings to find activities in South Island that match your expectations.
What is the cancellation policy on booking activities in South Island with Wotif?
We make it transparent and easy to see whether you can cancel your activity booking in South Island. The words “Fully refundable” in green next to the image on the activity listing give you the freedom to change your mind later. Even if the activity you’ve planned isn't fully refundable, it’s often easy enough to change the dates without incurring any additional fees – just make sure to carefully check this before you book.