South Island
From snow-capped mountains and turquoise lakes to rugged coastlines and world-famous fiords, New Zealand's South Island is home to some of the country's most impressive scenery.
View toursA journey through ever-changing landscapes
The South Island is included in many New Zealand tours and is known for its remarkable variety of scenery. From the golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park to the towering peaks of the Southern Alps, the glaciers of the West Coast, the turquoise lakes of Mackenzie Country and the fiords of Fiordland National Park, the landscapes change dramatically as you travel.
Whether you're drawn to alpine scenery, coastal walks, native wildlife, world-class food and wine or unforgettable natural attractions, the South Island offers an incredible variety of experiences that are easy to explore on a coach tour.
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Contact usPopular tours in the South Island
The lower half of New Zealand
Covering the lower half of New Zealand, the South Island is larger than the North Island but home to fewer people, giving it a peaceful, uncrowded feel.
The Southern Alps stretch almost the entire length of the island, creating many of the spectacular mountain landscapes New Zealand is famous for. Along the coast you'll find marine wildlife, quiet beaches and charming towns, while inland you'll discover lakes, forests and some of the country's best walking and sightseeing opportunities.
Travelling by coach makes it easy to experience these changing landscapes without worrying about unfamiliar roads or long driving days. You can simply relax, enjoy the views and let someone else take care of the journey.
Things to do in the South Island
Taste local wines
Fiordland Overnight Cruise
TranzAlpine Scenic Train
Kaikōura Whale Watching
Queenstown Skyline Gondola
Hike the Great Walks
Visit Franz Josef Glacier
Explore National Parks
Visit Lord of the Rings Film Locations
Experience a High Country Station
Why book with New Zealand Coach Tours?
Our Wānaka-based team helps travellers choose and book guided coach, small group, train and coach, and self-guided coach journeys across New Zealand. We work with a wide range of established operators and provide local advice throughout the planning and booking process, backed by our Best Price Guarantee.
Tell us your dates, budget, pace and must-see places, and we’ll recommend suitable tours or create a tailor-made self-guided itinerary. We can also arrange extra accommodation, transfers and activities before or after your guided tour.
Get a tailor-made self-guided coach itinerary
Key info about the South Island
Best time to visit
The South Island is spectacular in every season. Summer is perfect for scenic cruises, hiking and long days exploring national parks. Autumn brings vibrant colours through Central Otago and Marlborough, while winter blankets the Southern Alps in snow, creating stunning alpine scenery around Queenstown, Wānaka and Mount Cook. In spring, waterfalls are at their most powerful and wildflowers begin to bloom. Pack layers at any time of year, even in summer, mornings and evenings can be cool.
Highlighted tour:
Southern Icons AdventureAverage temperature by season
Spring
September - November
Avg Temp: 12 - 19 ℃ / 53 - 66 ℉
Summer
December - February
Avg Temp: 18 - 25 ℃ / 64 - 77 ℉
Autumn
March - May
Avg Temp: 12 - 20 ℃ / 53 - 68 ℉
Winter
June - August
Avg Temp: 7 - 12 ℃ / 44 - 53 ℉
Getting around the South Island
The South Island is larger than many travellers expect, and the journey between destinations is part of the experience. Coach tours include regular sightseeing and comfort stops, so actual travel days are typically longer than driving times alone.
Approximate driving times
Picton to Christchurch
4 hours 30 minutes
Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
3 hours
Lake Tekapo to Queenstown
3 hours
Queenstown to Milford Sound
4 hours
Queenstown to Dunedin
3 hours 30 minutes
Dunedin to Christchurch
4 hours 45 minutes
Christchurch to Greymouth
3 hours 30 minutes
Greymouth to Franz Josef
2 hours 30 minutes
Franz Josef to Queenstown
4 hours 45 minutes
Frequently asked questions
Some of the South Island's most popular destinations include Queenstown, Milford Sound, Mount Cook National Park, Lake Tekapo, Wānaka, Franz Josef, Kaikōura, Dunedin and Christchurch. Many New Zealand tours combine several of these destinations into one itinerary, making it easy to experience the island's diverse landscapes.
Most travellers spend between 7 and 15 days exploring the South Island, depending on how much they want to see. Shorter tours usually focus on Queenstown, Milford Sound and the West Coast and Mount Cook, while longer itineraries include destinations such as Dunedin, Kaikōura, Marlborough and Abel Tasman National Park.
For many travellers, yes. Distances between destinations can be longer than they appear on a map, and some of the most scenic roads include alpine passes and winding mountain sections. Travelling on a coach tour means your accommodation, transport and sightseeing are organised, allowing you to enjoy the scenery instead of concentrating on the drive.
Guided coach tours are ideal if you want accommodation, transport and sightseeing organised for you. Self-guided coach tours are 100% customisable, making it easy to add extra nights or tailor your itinerary. Small group tours offer a more personal guided experience with fewer travellers while still including many of the South Island's highlights.
Absolutely. Many travellers explore the South Island without driving by joining a coach tour. Whether you choose a guided coach tour, a small group tour or a self-guided coach tour, you'll be able to visit iconic destinations while someone else takes care of the transport, leaving you free to enjoy the incredible scenery along the way.
Travel specialists
Speak to a coach tour specialist
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