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South Island

Luxury South Island Tours made for you

Epic adventures in New Zealand's South Island

Experience dramatic landscapes and snow-capped mountains

In contrast to the more populous North Island, the South Island of New Zealand is less inhabited, untamed and wild: perfect for adventure seekers. From the lush nature of Abel Tasman National Park to the majestic mountain ranges of the Fiordland: this is nature at its most dramatic and awe-inspiring.

For those looking to experience New Zealand’s unique nature, there are iconic hiking trails to explore, turquoise lakes to kayak across and glacier-carved fiords to cruise down.

Adrenalin junkies are naturally drawn to the South Island too, especially Queenstown, for skydiving, white-water rafting and a chance to visit the birthplace of the modern bungee jump.

In the north east of the island, the Marlborough wine region produces two-thirds of the nation’s wine. The region’s distinctive sauvignon blanc, with its tropical, mineral finish, has helped put New Zealand’s award-winning wine on the map.

Marvel at star-filled skies in remote luxury lodges, embark on an adventure to the Southern Alps or just explore the boundless nature, alive with native birdsong. The South Island is a rugged wilderness just waiting to be explored, an experience certain to create unforgettable memories.

  • Milky Way Rising Above Church Of Good Shepherd, Tekapo NZ with Aurora Australis Or The Southern Light Lighting Up The Sky . Noise due to high ISO; soft focus / shallow DOF due to wide aperture used.
  • Cinematic Road to Mount Cook , New Zealand.
  • Landscape Caucasian male and female New Zealand adventure hikers on their travel trekking vacation near scenic Lake Wakatipu Queenstown The Remarkables Otago
  • Famous Moeraki Boulders at sunrise, Koekohe beach,Otago, South Island, New Zealand
  • Close up portrait of traditional ancient red wooden Maori sculpture figure in Abel Tasman National Park Nelson Tasman South Island of New Zealand
  • Located in New Zealand’s South Island, the Skippers Canyon Road is known for its scenic roads, and scary narrow road. There are steep sheer cliff face. Below is the famous shotover river stream.
  • Traditional Maori rock carvings, Taupo Lake, New Zealand

From our experts

Experiences picked by our South Island specialists

Navigate the Marlborough Sounds

There are few better ways to discover this beautiful part of New Zealand than navigating the tranquil waterways of the Marlborough Sounds on a private vessel

Cruise Abel Tasman

Take a private helicopter flight to Awaroa and explore the unique rock formations in Kahurangi National Park before cruising through Abel Tasman National Park

Cycle the Queenstown Trail to the Kelvin Peninsula

Spend an afternoon cycling along the scenic Queenstown Trail towards the Kelvin Peninsula, stopping at cafes along the way for coffee and refreshments

A word from one of our experts

The South Island provides such a stunning contrast of landscapes, unique wildlife and great food and wine. Swim with dolphins in Marlborough Sounds or watch yellow penguins arrive on the beaches around Dunedin. Drink Sauvignon Blanc in the north and Pinot Noir in the south, kayak the bays of Abel Tasman or soar above Milford Sound in a helicopter to land on a icy glacier. The South Island is made for those who want to be awed every moment of the day.

Ellie Khoury Senior Travel Designer

Luxury accommodation in South Island

There are many incredible places to stay in South Island. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

Why book with Jacada?

  • Personalised design

    We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

  • Authentic experiences

    Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

  • Responsible travel

    Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

Trip Inspiration

Get inspired with our New Zealand example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure

15 days From $28,650

Essential New Zealand

A wonderful introduction to New Zealand, this 15-day luxury trip takes in both New Zealand’s North and South Islands, passing through epic landscapes, friendly…

Explore trip

Ready to plan your adventure?

Whatever you want from your South Island tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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Where to go

Meet your Australasia team

When to visit

New Zealand is a year-round destination . In summer visit the beaches and explore the country’s National Parks. Spring is a mild time of year to travel and the countryside comes to life. In winter the South Island is a playground for outdoor adventures and epic scenery. Autumn sees cold, crisp days in the South Island and more mild rainy days in the North Island.

Wine Tasting

March–April

Skiing and Snowboarding

June–September

Whale and Dolphin Spotting

Year Round

When Is the Best Time to Visit New Zealand?

New Zealand Travel Guides

Plan your trip to South Island

Whatever you want from your adventure in South Island, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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Don't take our word for it

“We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada…”

We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada and it surely won't be our last! Every detail and moment of our trip was perfectly planned. We were met every step of the way with courteous and knowledgeable drivers and guides. We really appreciated the local guides and the commitment they had to make every day special. Thank you Jacada for the…

Amy Schulz Trustpilot ★★★★★

“heavenly honeymoon”

My wife and I used Jacada to plan our honeymoon to French Polynesia. Working with the Jacada team was fantastic and effortless. Every question was quickly answered. Every hiccup was quickly addressed. We felt like we were in the hands of experts who are equally passionate about travel, and who were committed to helping us have the trip of a…

MJ Trustpilot ★★★★★

“Jacada Travel has been outstanding”

We enjoy traveling and we have used Jacada Travel for some wonderful trips over several years. We have never been disappointed. In 2024 we took a Safari in Botswana Africa and walked with the gorillas in Rwanda planned by Jacada and the itinerary was amazing. In 2025 we had planned a trip to Antartica ( with another company ) but…

Lisa Schrage Trustpilot ★★★★★

“Communication and organization were…”

Communication and organization were excellent. The Jacada team was helpful and genuinely interested in our experience. The guides were personable, knowledgeable, and clearly enjoy their work. Vehicles were spotless, timely, and coordinators managed our every need brilliantly. I will recommend Jacada to friends and family. The only way to travel!

Andrew Woodcock Trustpilot ★★★★★

“Iceland 8 Days”

We had a wonderful trip planned through Jacada. We enjoyed the venues and the excursions. This is a beautiful place we'd recommend to anyone who wants to go on a new adventure.

The Reynolds Trustpilot ★★★★★

Your trip, your story

We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.

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