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New Zealand's South Island Holidays
Admire the snow-tipped peak of Mount Cook, cruise the vast fiords of Milford Sound or relax on the golden sands of Abel Tasman National Park. Wine is equally as popular on the South Island; enjoy tastings in the wineries of world-renowned Marlborough and the scenic central Otago.
Trailfinders is the UK & Ireland’s No.1 Tour Operator to New Zealand and most of our travel consultants have travelled extensively here. What we specialise in is tailormade holidays in New Zealand and with us, in every part of the country, you can pick and choose how you’d like to get around, where you’d like to stay and how you’d like to experience the attractions.
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Speak to a Travel Expert
We believe booking online is no substitute for one-on-one service. Between them our expert travel consultants have travelled to over 96% of the world's countries. As a result the service and advice they offer is second to none.
OUR HOLIDAYS TO NEW ZEALAND'S SOUTH ISLAND
Best of New Zealand
20 days / 19 nights
from £2,091
Maori Culture Wellington Queenstown
from £2,091
South Island Highlights
17 days / 16 nights
from £2,308
Milford Sound Marlborough Sounds Franz Josef Glacier
from £2,308
South Island Discovery
12 days / 11 nights
from £707
Queenstown Fiordland National Park Carrick Wine Estate Fox Glacier
from £707
South Island Less Travelled
11 days / 10 nights
from £1,453
Birdlife Stewart Island
from £1,453
Great Walks of New Zealand
20 days / 19 nights
from £3,944
Tongariro Crossing Abel Tasman Coast Track Hollyford Track
from £3,944
Kea
7 days / 6 nights
from £2,264
Milford Sound Queenstown Wanaka Franz Josef Glacier Punakaiki Christchurch
from £2,264
WHERE TO GO IN THE SOUTH ISLAND
Marlborough, Abel Tasman & Kaikoura
The top of New Zealand’s South Island is blessed with a warm temperate climate, spectacular coastal scenery and abundant marine wildlife: this is Mother Nature at her best.
Central South Island
The central South Island boasts an incredibly diverse landscape, from the spectacular shimmering ice formations of Franz Josef Glacier and the snow-capped peak of Mount Cook, to the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and towering gorges of Arthur’s Pass National Park. Christchurch, the largest city in the region boasts extensive botanical gardens and the quaint town of Akaroa, nestled in a dormant volcano, is not to be missed.
Queenstown, Wanaka & Fiordland
Whilst all of these regions have beautiful lakes and towering mountains in common, each differ in character and geography: be mesmerised by the iconic views from the top of Queenstown's gondola and the famous Wanaka tree, and cruise through glacial-carved valleys of Milford and Doubtful Sounds in Fiordland National Park.
Stewart Island & The South East Coast
This idyllic and lesser traversed corner of New Zealand boasts an abundance of wildlife experiences and beautiful scenery. Explore the harbour city of Dunedin with its Scottish heritage and spot waddling penguins on a cruise around the neighbouring Otago Peninsula, or up the coast in historic Oamaru. Get truly off the beaten track in Catlins Forest Park; see Nugget Point Lighthouse, tumbling waterfalls and rugged undulating coastline, dotted with vast deserted beaches. Offshore, rural Stewart Island is the country’s southernmost point is a haven for hikers and offers the best chance of spotting kiwis roaming free.
OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN THE SOUTH ISLAND
Furneaux Lodge
Marlborough, Abel Tasman & Kaikoura
from £55
Restaurant & bar Free use of kayaks & stand-up paddle boards Parking from $5 per day at Picton
from £55
The Peppertree
Marlborough, Abel Tasman & Kaikoura
from £184
Dining room Outdoor pool Exercise room Vineyard Petanque court & lawn croquet Free parking Free wi-fi
from £184
Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses
Marlborough, Abel Tasman & Kaikoura
from £253
Restaurant & bar Outdoor pool Massage treatments Sauna Free use of bikes Free parking Free wi-fi
from £253
Wilderness Lodge
Central South Island
from £257
Restaurant & bar Guided excursions of the working sheep farm Over 12 miles of walking trails Free parking Free wi-fi
from £257
Mahu Whenua
Queenstown, Wanaka & Fiordland
from £551
Dining room Heated outdoor pool & hot tub Stables Library & games room Massage treatments Yoga lessons & cooking classes Free parking Free wi-fi
from £551
QT Queenstown
Queenstown, Wanaka & Fiordland
from £98
Restaurant & bar Heated outdoor pool Parking from $20 per day Free wi-fi
from £98
THINGS TO DO IN THE SOUTH ISLAND
Marlborough Sounds & Wineries
Approx 7-8 hours
from £127
Delicious wine tasting Beautiful cruise on Marlborough Sounds Locally sourced seafood delicacies
from £127
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Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins
Approx 3-4 hours
from £104
Guided commentary See dusky dolphins in the wild
from £104
Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
Approx 3 hours
from £261
Scenic helicopter flight Ice hike
from £261
Milford Sound Day Tour - Coach Cruise Flight
Approx 10 hours
from £338
Captivating Milford Sound Spectacular nature cruise Scenic flight to Queenstown
from £338
Mount John Observatory Tour
Approx 2 hours
from £94
Mount John summit Panoramic views Star gazing
from £94
Routeburn Track Guided Hike
Approx 9 hours (5 hours walking)
from £108
Expert Guide Beautiful mountain scenery Chance to spot native birdlife
from £108
Speak to a Travel Expert
We believe booking online is no substitute for one-on-one service. Between them our expert travel consultants have travelled to over 96% of the world's countries. As a result the service and advice they offer is second to none.
Our travel centres are currently closed
Our phone lines are open at the following times:-
Monday to Friday: 8am - 8pm (UK) : 9am-7pm (ROI)
Saturday & Bank Holidays: 9am - 6pm
Sunday: 10am - 6pm
For individual opening times please check your local travel centre
Order a brochure
For inspiration on how to include any of these destinations in a tailormade
holiday order your copy of
Trailfinders brochure
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South Island Fast Facts
Visa information given is given for
British
citizens holding a valid
UK
passport with at least 6 months validity remaining. Immunisation guidelines assume routine
UK
childhood immunisation has been given and will not apply to all situations. Medical advice should be
sought. Your Trailfinders consultant will advise you of the specific visa and immunisation
requirements for your trip.
YOUR TRAVEL PLANS ALWAYS TO HAND, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME - YOUR ESSENTIAL TRAVEL COMPANION
Our free Viewtrail App stores your essential travel information in one secure place, ensuring we are with you from start to finish.
- View your travel plans on or offline, wherever and whenever you wish
- Live flight notifications - real time information as you travel
- Online check-in links and pre-tour notifications
- Luggage allowance
- Mapped places of interest - restaurants, shops, stations...plus route guidance back to your hotel
- View e-vouchers and export them to your Apple wallet
- Secure access to booking history, profile and insurance contact information
- One touch emergency contact 365/24/7
- Add to calendar function
- Countdown to travel
- Local time, weather, translator and exchange rate calculator