New Zealand’s South Island has some of the world’s most spectacularly diverse scenery. Jagged, snow-capped peaks, mysterious glaciers and fjords give away to tranquil lakes, verdant forests and near-perfect beaches. A fantastic destination for adventurous, outdoorsy travellers of all ages, this is a top spot to see endemic wildlife and enjoy both land and water sports. Discover a huge range of accommodation options, including historic B&Bs, remote eco-lodges and swish city hotels. Carefully chosen for their brilliant location, amenities and design, our pick of the best places to stay in the South Island promises some real gems!
For a buzzy city stay, look to Christchurch — dubbed ’The Garden City’ — or to the gold rush community of Dunedin. Nelson, to the north, is also lively and well-located for exploring the legendary Abel Tasman National Park. The Tasman area is ideal for keen hikers, kayakers, horse riders, anglers and birdwatchers. The Nelson Lakes National Park, the Kahurangi National Park, the Tasman Mountains, the Victoria Ranges or Mount Franklin are all within easy reach.
Some of our South Island Collections:
If you’re dreaming of delectable food and wine, make a bee-line for the Marlborough region, centred around Blenheim, or the Central Otago area. Slightly to the north, Picton is often considered the gateway to the South Island, and offers access to both world-class wineries and the marvellous Marlborough Sounds. Keen sailors and other watersports enthusiasts will adore this area.
New Zealand’s extreme sports capital, Queenstown, has long been a favourite amongst skiers, snowboarders, bungee jumpers and skydivers. You’ll find some of the best places to stay in the South Island clustered around this region, including the hubs of Wanaka, Cardrona and Te Anau. Perfect for couples, friends, families or individual travellers, the South Island really does have it all.