New Zealand South Island Tours & Holidays

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises). 

However, we continue to strongly recommend  that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 policy

The two major airports for New Zealand's South Island are Christchurch or Queenstown. Flying into Christchurch is generally cheaper than flying into Queenstown, especially during ski season. Vehicle ferry services which also take foot passengers travel between Wellington in the North Island and Picton at the tip of the South Island daily and take around three-and-a-half hours. 

Click to read more about getting to the South Island

Most people hire a car or a motorhome or book a New Zealand tour to travel around the South Island of New Zealand. InterCity buses are also available for long distance travel to the major towns in the South Island. 

If you would like to go skiing, the best time to visit the South Island is from late June to early September. Visiting outside the school holidays is the best option if you aren't travelling with school age children as New Zealand's South Island is popular for family holidays and gets busy during these times. Summer is pleasantly warm with low humidity and days which are generally clear and sunny. Winter sees snow on the mountains and in the middle of the South Island. Some inland roads can be closed at times due to snow so plan your journey accordingly. Spring sees less crowds and is ideal for hiking and outdoor pursuits. 

Click to read more about the weather on the South Island

The weather in the South Island can be changeable so pack clothes you can layer plus a jumper or jacket, wet weather gear, a hat and a beanie. Even if you are visiting in winter, a pair of shorts and a t-shirt is a good idea if you are planning on going hiking as it can be get surprisingly warm in the middle of the day during the cooler months. 

The South Island of New Zealand is a fairly casual place although locals do tend to dress up if they are 'hitting the town' at night in major towns like Queenstown or Christchurch. Smart casual is the norm at most restaurants, aside from the signature 'date night' ones where people tend to dress up more. 

There is good WiFi coverage in major towns and tourist centres in the South Island of New Zealand but it is not uncommon to lose coverage in some situations such as when you are driving through mountains or hiking in remote areas. 

There is good mobile coverage in major towns and tourist centres in the South Island of New Zealand but it is not uncommon to lose coverage in some situations such as when you are driving through mountains or hiking in remote areas. 

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. Some of the walking and hiking trails in the South Island are accessible but others can make walking difficult for travellers who are less mobile on foot. However, we’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Learn more about Accessible Travel with Intrepid