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New Zealand’s South Island

Famous for its starring role as ‘Middle Earth’ in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy, New Zealand’s South Island beckons you to discover its Oscar-worthy landscapes for yourself with an unforgettable holiday experience.

Admire breath-taking snow frosted mountain landscapes as you cross the Southern Alps on the famed TranzAlpine railway and gaze across the extraordinary Fiordland National Park on a cruise through the tranquil waters of Milford Sound.

Take in the colonial treats of the quaint Christchurch and Dunedin towns, and get your pulse racing in the adventure-sports capital of Queenstown… a New Zealand South Island holiday makes ‘mythical’ silver screen splendour an incredible reality.

Where to Book

  • Holidays to New Zealand

  • Riding Coronet Peak, Queenstown

  • Milford Sound view

  • Hot air balloon over Canterbury plain - Tourism New Zealand/David Wall

  • Cycling through the vineyards of Nelson, New Zealand

  • Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, South Island, New Zealand

  • Fox Glacier, New Zealand

  • Lake Wanaka, South Island, New Zealand

  • Tunnel Beach, Dunedin

  • Treble Cone, Wanaka

  • Hiking Sealy Tarns Trail, Mount Cook

  • Road to Westhaven, Kahurangi - Nelson Tasman NZ

  • Aoraki Lake Pukaki, Canterbury - South Island Tourism/Rob Suisted

  • Dining with a view over Queenstown

  • Wharariki Beach scenery - Oliver Weber/Nelson Tasman NZ

  • Cardrona Distillery, Wanaka

Average temperature

Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.

  • 23℃
  • 22℃
  • 20℃
  • 17℃
  • 14℃
  • 11℃
  • 11℃
  • 12℃
  • 15℃
  • 17℃
  • 19℃
  • 21℃
  • 12
  • 10
  • 10
  • 12
  • 11
  • 12
  • 12
  • 12
  • 10
  • 11
  • 10
  • 11

Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.

Rainfall

When to Visit

Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Our Ratings

  • Most Recommended
  • Recommended
  • Highly Recommended
  • Not Recommended

Where to book


Contiki is social travel exclusively for 18-35 year olds. To travel with Contiki is to travel confident. Confident you’ll have the best experiences, seamless transport and sweetest stays. Confident you’ll be introduced to incredible new destinations and flavours. And con...

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Costsaver gives you the power to travel how you choose. Amazing travel memories shouldn’t cost the earth, so Costsaver value trips cover all the essentials whilst providing you the building blocks to tailor your dream trip. It’s the ultimate unpackaged holiday – an experience that you ...

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For over 30 years Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the globe, creating positive change through the joy of travel. That’s over 30 years of adventures, of changing the way people see the world, on small group tours with like-minded Intrepid people.

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New Zealand Sky offers luxury tailor-made tours and holidays specialising in providing expert travel advice and exceptional unhurried customer service. With a wealth of experience we will find the perfect trip for you.

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Trafalgar is a dream holiday without the stress of the ‘what ifs’. Carefully designed tours so you can experience the world differently. You’ll get the personal service, attention to detail and ease you’re looking for, while enjoying the unmissable experiences you have always dreamed of. ...

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Are you ready to roam beyond the ordinary? Travel like you belong, not like you are just passing through. Travel Essence creates bespoke journeys to Australia and New Zealand. As specialists in the art of travel, they will ensure that you make the most out of your time Down Under.

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Wayfairer Travel creates bespoke, luxury adventures for curious travellers who want to explore more of the world. With a strong responsible travel ethos, their passionate team deliver unparalleled customer service that produces almost seamless five-star reviews.

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Wendy Wu Tours are the UK’s leading specialist tour operator offering fully inclusive tours in almost every region of the world, from Asia to South America. With over 25 years of touring experience, they offer an authentic experience, delving deep into local life, with expert guiding from ...

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Hotels

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