South Island
Holidays in South Island, New Zealand, bring you spectacular countryside, dramatic landscapes and popular cities. Explore the mountains with hiking and skiing, take in the beautiful Milford Sound and spot whales and dolphins or try some of the world’s most adventurous sports.
Adventurers will love the opportunities to bungee jump, try a canyon swing or white water raft, while families will find plenty to discover as well. Couples can explore the emerald green vineyards, as well as Queenstown and Christchurch which are home to boutique shops, gourmet restaurants and a thriving Kiwi culture. Whether you want to enjoy luxury hotels and helicopter tours or take in the scenery from the Lord of the Rings films, you’ll find something to enjoy on a holiday in New Zealand’s South Island.
Adventure and luxury on South Island holidays
At Hayes & Jarvis, we have over 65 years of experience and offer expertise in global destinations, allowing us to help you build the right holiday for you. Whether you want to see the highlights or explore a destination like a local, we’ll tailor make your itinerary to suit your needs.
Explore the best the South Island of New Zealand has to offer with our South Island Wanderer tour. Visit the museums and lively streets of Christchurch and the beautiful Winelands of the Marlborough region, before hiking a glacier and trying adventurous sports in Queenstown. Our New Zealand Splendour Tour will take you to Milford Sound, where you can witness the majestic natural beauty of the island, as well as on one of the world’s most spectacular rail journeys, through the Southern Alps.
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South Island Attractions
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Adventure Sports
A holiday in South Island New Zealand wouldn’t be complete without heading to the centre of adventure sports, Queensland. From here you can try white water rafting, bungee jumping, skydiving and skiing. Take a helicopter ride over the Franz Josef Glacier or hike through this magnificent area. Visitors can also see dazzling insects light up the caves below ground and climb a waterfall on a black water rafting trip.
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The Old Ghost Road
Located in the north west of the South Island, the Old Ghost Road is an old miners’ trail which has been renovated into a hiking and cycling trail. It stretches out over 85km and takes you through dense forests and fertile valleys, as well as ghost towns where you can see the former homes of miners from the 1970s.
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Marlborough Sounds
Marlborough Sounds stretches along 4,000 square kilometres of the New Zealand coastline. Its former river valleys are filled by the Pacific Ocean, leaving sandy bays and providing opportunities to spot dolphins and other wildlife. Discover the protected islands which provide a sanctuary to birds and native wildlife, while remaining predator free. Mountain biking, kayaking and boat trips are the ideal way to see this spectacular place.
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Wine Tasting
The South Island’s Marlborough region is full of fertile valleys which produce some of the world’s best varieties of sauvignon blanc. Spend the day learning how the grapes are planted, nurtured and harvested, before tasting a variety of bottles with an expert sommelier. The wonderful views and delicious cuisine provide the perfect complement to a wine tasting tour.
