From the lofty Southern Alps to the broad Canterbury Plains, the peaceful spa resort of Hanmer Springs to the bustle of the country’s most English of cities, Christchurch, this stunning region is one of contrast and diversity with experiences to match.
With its international airport, Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island and the country’s second largest city. It is the hub of the Canterbury region and offers an environment that is both laid-back and action-packed. Possessing a stable sunny climate, the city’s parks and gardens are a key attraction year round and are renowned for their beauty, especially in spring.
Located about 2 hours drive north of Christchurch, Kaikoura is New Zealand’s centre for whale watching and the first town to be awarded Green Globe 21. Maori-run whale watching trips take visitors out by boat to see mighty sperm whales that gather in the deep waters just a few miles offshore.
I understand that one size doesn’t fit all, and that’s why you have the freedom to design your experience, your way.
Trip ideas
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Best of the South Island
New Zealand EscortedExperience the highlights of the South Island with fellow travellers.
From £4675 Excluding Flights
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New Zealand Highlights
New Zealand EscortedExperience the best of New Zealand on this escorted group tour.
From £4950 Excluding Flights
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South Island Solo Travellers Tour
New Zealand EscortedSpecially designed for solo travellers, share this comprehensive exploration of the South Island with fellow-adventurers.
From £3410 Excluding Flights
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Hike and Drive New Zealand
New Zealand Self DriveExplore with your own 4x4 and hike some of New Zealand's best backcountry trails.
From £4619
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Discover Aotearoa
New Zealand Self DriveThe ultimate self drive covering a lot of ground but with plenty of time to relax too.
From £4199
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New Zealand by Rail, Cruise and Coach
New Zealand Escorted RailExperience spectacular rail journeys and boat cruises on this escorted group tour.
From £5450 Excluding Flights
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New Zealand by Motorhome
New Zealand Self DriveThis motorhome itinerary offers you a wonderfully independent self-drive holiday.
From £2184
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Spectacular North and South
New Zealand Self DriveExplore New Zealand in depth on this well-paced self-drive allowing you to immerse yourself in the country's plentiful wonders.
From £4666
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Wildlife Encounters
New Zealand Self DriveTrack down New Zealand's endemic wildlife on this self drive nature tour.
From £5037 Excluding Flights
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Whale and Dolphin Explorer
New Zealand Self DriveImmerse yourself in a wealth of wildlife and nature on this fantastic self drive.
From £3979 Excluding Flights
Trip experiences
Accommodation ideas
Other New Zealand regions
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Auckland
The most cosmopolitan of New Zealand’s cities, one fifth of Auckland’s one million inhabitants are of Polynesian descent.
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Dunedin and Southland
With an abundance of natural wonders that includes some of the best wildlife viewing in the country, the South Island’s southern tip can also lay claim to the most interesting architecture in the elegant and stately city of Dunedin.
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Nelson and Marlborough
The gateway to South Island, this is a region of sunshine, wine, arts and crafts and stunning nature encompassing an area of superlative natural beauty. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts or just those wanting a relaxing escape, this is a region not to be missed.
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Northland
Stretching 350km north from Auckland, Northland is New Zealand’s only sub-tropical region and with its above average sunshine record and glorious beaches, it is popular with locals as well as visitors.
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Pacific Coast
The Pacific coast region includes both the most travelled and least visited parts of New Zealand incorporating the Coromandel, the Bay of Plenty, Eastland and Hawke’s Bay.
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Rotorua and Central Plateau
In the geographic heart of New Zealand’s North Island, the immensely varied landscapes of this acclaimed region take in fertile farmlands, snow-capped volcanoes, steaming geothermal fields and crystal-clear trout-filled lakes.
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Southern Lakes
This picturesque southern corner of New Zealand has achieved almost legendary status for its superb scenery and range of adrenaline-charged activities, including skiing.
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Wellington and Wairarapa
Wellington is New Zealand’s vibrant capital city and is renowned for its arts and culture, proximity to nature and varied culinary experiences, perfectly complemented by the world class wines of the Wairarapa vineyards.
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West Coast
The West Coast of New Zealand's South Island is wild and rugged, yet immensely beautiful and a popular location for visitors.
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Western North Island
Taranaki is the North Island’s 'nose', a peninsula that juts out into the wild Tasman Sea. From its broad, flat plain, used mostly for dairy farming, the majestic volcanic cone of Mt. Taranaki rises to over 2500m.
