South Island Holidays from NZ$578

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The Latest South Island Holiday Deals

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Adina CityLife Wellington

Adina CityLife Wellington

Wellington CBD
Save 100% on your flight
NZ$578
per person
17 Nov - 20 Nov
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
Auckland (AKL) to Wellington (WLG)
9/10 Wonderful! (1,165 reviews)
Interactions with Reception were always slow and transactional, going through the motions like robots. Older decor throughout but room was spacious, clean and comfortable and enjoyed the 11am checkout time. Would stay again if price was right

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2026

The Spire Hotel Queenstown

The Spire Hotel Queenstown

Queenstown City Centre
Save 100% on your flight
NZ$1,691
per person
24 Nov - 26 Nov
found 12 hours ago
Return flight included
Auckland (AKL) to Queenstown (ZQN)
9.6/10 Exceptional! (130 reviews)
Spire Hotel was an absolute delight! The location is fantastic, catering to both city dwellers and outdoor enthusiasts. The room was superb, offering a beautiful view, comfort, and cleanliness. The breakfast was simply amazing, and the staff treated us with exceptional personal attention and genuine friendliness.

Reviewed on 12 Sept 2026

Hulbert House

Hulbert House

Queenstown City Centre
Save 100% on your flight
NZ$2,861
per person
21 Dec - 24 Dec
found 23 hours ago
Return flight included
Auckland (AKL) to Queenstown (ZQN)
10/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
Charming room, great staff, valet parking, location perfect

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026

De Lago Motel Apartments

De Lago Motel Apartments

Merivale
Save 100% on your flight
NZ$978
per person
12 Nov - 19 Nov
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
Auckland (AKL) to Christchurch (CHC)
8.6/10 Excellent! (167 reviews)
Lovely host, made us feel very welcome. Nice clean room, had everything we needed. Bed very comfortable.

Reviewed on 20 Sept 2026

Bealey Avenue Motel

Bealey Avenue Motel

Christchurch City Centre
Save 100% on your flight
NZ$738
per person
12 Nov - 19 Nov
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
Auckland (AKL) to Christchurch (CHC)
8.4/10 Very good! (702 reviews)
No daily clean ,but all ok

Reviewed on 10 Sept 2026

Our guide on where to stay in South Island

Find the best South Island areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about South Island
A colorful street with a tram, outdoor cafes, and a restaurant named "The Nook Thai".

Christchurch City Centre

1 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

Explore the picturesque and vibrant heart of the city that is getting back to normal after a series of devastating earthquakes.

Find hotels in Christchurch City Centre
A beach with clear turquoise water, a forested mountain in the background, and people relaxing on the sand.

Queenstown City Centre

The panoramic lake views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Queenstown City Centre. Make a stop by Skycity Queenstown Casino or Queenstown Mall while you're exploring the area.

Find hotels in Queenstown City Centre
A traditional Chinese building with a tiled roof, a rocky garden, and a stone bridge over a pond.

Dunedin City Centre

Dunedin City Centre is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Regent Theatre or The Octagon.

Find hotels in Dunedin City Centre
A mountainous landscape with a valley and a lake.

Frankton

Stay in this picturesque part of Queenstown where the airport is located to enjoy spectacular mountain views and relaxed lakeside walks.

Find hotels in Frankton
An airport runway with surrounding fields and buildings.

Christchurch Airport

While Christchurch Airport may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like International Antarctic Centre and Harewood Golf Club.

Find hotels in Christchurch Airport

South Island Holiday

Things to do near South Island

Shopping

Near the heart of Christchurch, explore the vibrant Cashel Street for unique boutiques and souvenirs. Head to Westfield Riccarton for a variety of retail options, or visit the Arts Centre for local crafts and artisan gifts that capture the spirit of South Island.

Recreation

At Mount John Observatory, immerse yourself in the cosmos with family-friendly stargazing experiences. Lake Tekapō Regional Park offers serene pathways for relaxation amidst stunning landscapes. Enjoy a round of golf at The Cairns Golf Course, where you can appreciate the breathtaking outdoors while engaging in invigorating sports.

Adventure

Experience exhilarating skiing at Roundhill Ski Area, located 14.5km from South Island, where you can carve through pristine snow. Enjoy the breathtaking views while hiking the Cowans Hill Walkway, 11.3km away, or trek the stunning Hooker Valley Track, 38.6km from South Island, surrounded by magnificent scenery.

Nightlife

The nightlife in South Island is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy live music at the iconic Christchurch Town Hall, or sip cocktails at the stylish The Bealey’s Speight’s Alehouse. For a laid-back vibe, unwind at the funky Littleton’s bars along the waterfront.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near South Island

South Island offers a perfect getaway for those who love the outdoors, scenic beauty, and romantic experiences. With its breathtaking lakes, soothing hot springs, and charming churches, there are countless attractions to explore. Whether you're interested in adventure, culture, or simply relaxing in nature, South Island has something for everyone. Don't forget to consider the nearby North Island for a more comprehensive New Zealand experience.

  • Lake Tekapo: Experience the stunning turquoise waters and striking mountain backdrop of Lake Tekapo. Ideal for outdoor adventures, it offers romantic picnic spots and scenic walks along the shore, perfect for soaking in the picturesque beach vibes.
  • Tekapo Springs: Unwind at Tekapo Springs, a relaxing hot spring destination surrounded by natural beauty. Enjoy the soothing outdoor pools and wellness treatments, making it an ideal retreat for rejuvenation and relaxation.
  • Church of the Good Shepherd: Visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, a charming stone church with breathtaking views of the lake and mountains. Its cultural significance and serene atmosphere make it a must-see for visitors seeking a deeper connection to the area.

Best time to go to South Island

The best time to visit South Island can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around South Island falls in December, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around South Island falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May50.4°F (10.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June46.8°F (8.200000000000001°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August46.2°F (7.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
October51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December59.7°F (15.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Tips to save on your trip to South Island

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to South Island.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically June and August to September) for more affordable package holidays to South Island.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Our pick of the best South Island Hotel Deals

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown

16 - 18 Mountain Ash Drive Queenstown
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
NZ$212
11 Oct - 12 Oct
includes taxes & fees
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,660 reviews)
"It was a lovely stay property was clean and tidy staff was nice too Just car parking can be better, as there is free limited parking space available on first come first serve bases. I would recommend this property for your next visit to qzn"

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2026

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
LyLo Christchurch Airport

LyLo Christchurch Airport

5 Peter Leeming Road Christchurch
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
NZ$145
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
8.4/10 Very good! (1,000 reviews)
"it was very simple and straightforward. a short walk from the airport and a simple kiosk for checking in if you booked ahead. checkout was the same. the room and bathroom weren't very nice but it was the most budget accomadation in the area so that makes sense."

Reviewed on 22 Sept 2026

LyLo Christchurch Airport
Kamana Lakehouse

Kamana Lakehouse

139 Fernhill Road Queenstown
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
NZ$389
12 Oct - 13 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Kamana Lakehouse
See all 7,981 properties in South Island
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular South Island attractions

A mountain path with snow-capped peaks and green vegetation.

Aoraki / Mount Cook

9.6/10 (613 reviews)
Explore the great outdoors at Aoraki / Mount Cook and enjoy the stunning glacier views during your trip to Mount Cook. Wander the lakeside in this quaint area.
See properties
A snow-capped mountain range with a turquoise lake in the foreground.

Mount Cook National Park

9.8/10 (179 reviews)
Ski on a glacier, enjoy hot springs and tackle the peak where Sir Edmund Hillary trained for Everest in this spectacular part of New Zealand.
See properties
A mountain range with a lake reflecting the peaks.

Milford Sound

9.6/10 (22 reviews)
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.
See properties
A coastal town with a harbor, mountains in the background, and a clear sky.

Lyttelton Harbour

8.6/10 (1,052 reviews)
Enjoy cafés, markets and boat trips at this scenic European port town, steeped in history and bordered by volcanic hills.
See properties
A calm river with trees and grass on both sides.
Photo by Paolo Corrales

Hagley Park

9.2/10 (2,450 reviews)
Explore the great outdoors at Hagley Park, a lovely green space in Christchurch. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the shops in this culturally rich area.
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A mountain range with snow-capped peaks, a dense forest, and a turquoise lake.

Lake Pukaki

9.6/10 (937 reviews)
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.
See properties

Frequently asked questions

How much does a South Island holiday package cost?
Starting from as low as NZ$578, you can customize your South Island package. Simply bundle hotels, flights and car rentals and be rewarded with discounts.
How do I get a cheap travel package to South Island?
One of the easiest ways to save cash (and time) is to bundle your bookings with Expedia. Hotels, flights, rental cars and activities — we've got them all. Choose a combination that suits you and see your savings pile up. Of course, a package deal is never a one-size-fits-all. That's why we offer more than 550 airlines and 1 000 000 properties across the globe, which lets you customize your South Island holiday.
Where should I stay in South Island?
Christchurch is a fantastic city to visit. Here, you'll find well-known sights including Lyttelton Harbour and New Brighton Beach. Dunedin also lures many globetrotters eager to explore some of the best attractions in South Island. Some of the best are Larnach Castle and St. Clair Beach.
What are the top hotels in South Island?
For hotels in Queenstown with cosy beds and friendly service, you can't top Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown, an IHG Hotel and Novotel Queenstown Lakeside. If you're visiting Christchurch as well, you can look forward to a great night's sleep at The George Christchurch or Distinction Christchurch Hotel.
How far in advance should I book my South Island holiday?
To land rock-bottom prices, book ASAP. Airlines usually release flights, along with some of the lowest fares, nearly a year ahead of time. Hotels, car rental and experiences should also be booked well in advance to avoid disappointment. If you're in need of a last-minute getaway in South Island, there are always lots of great deals to be had on Expedia. Book something in today!
What does an Expedia South Island travel package include?
With Expedia, you can select any combination of car rentals, hotels and flights to create your ideal South Island package. Once you've made your booking, you can add on the fun things like day tours and activities. Don't forget — the more you bundle, the more discounts you'll get!
What should I know before booking a South Island travel package?
A package can be more affordable than separately booking all you need for your trip. For example, combine your hotels, flights and rental cars and score big savings. Whatever your holiday goals are, there's sure to be a package that's perfect for you.
Can I choose my airline with a South Island Expedia holiday package?
You sure can. We offer more than 550 partner airlines all over the world, so choose the carrier that matches your budget needs.
If I'm not able to travel, can I cancel my South Island holiday package?
Whether it's your hotel or flight, you can cancel and rebook it. Booked your South Island holiday package in the last 24 hours? You may be able to make changes at no cost. If it's been longer than that, you may be charged a fee by your airline, hotel or car rental company. For further information, check out our Customer Service Portal. We'll help you every step of the way.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.