South Island Vacations from $394

South Island vacation package prices vary by destination and trip length, with options ranging from around $200 to $2,850 per adult.


For a week-long South Island vacation package in Queenstown, expect to pay around $1,150 per adult. Prices for packages in Queenstown range from around $450 to $2,750 per adult.


A weekend South Island vacation package in Christchurch typically costs around $250 per adult. Package prices in Christchurch range from around $200 to $2,850 per adult.


*Package prices shown are the average total cost per adult across Expedia bookings over the past year and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

When you bundle, you can save up to 30%*. To save money on a South Island package, consider traveling during the quieter months or be flexible with your dates to find more options. Bundling your flights and hotel together often unlocks savings compared to booking separately. *Members only. Savings vary.

A South Island vacation package lets you combine flights, hotel stays, and rental cars, based in one of the region's top destinations like Queenstown, Christchurch, or Dunedin. In Queenstown, nearly all hotels offer airport shuttle service to and from Queenstown International Airport (ZQN), and most include free breakfast. Nearly all Christchurch hotels provide airport shuttle service to and from Christchurch International Airport (CHC), while nearly a third offer free breakfast. In Dunedin, nearly all hotels offer airport shuttle service to and from Dunedin International Airport (DUD), and nearly a third include free breakfast.


Exactly what's included will vary by hotel and package, so it's worth reviewing the details before you confirm your booking.

Christchurch and Queenstown are some of the top destinations for cheap South Island vacation package deals. For an affordable weekend getaway, Christchurch is often among the most budget-friendly options, with package prices starting around $170 per adult. For notable bundle savings, Queenstown is often among the best options, with flight-and-hotel bundles saving around $65 per adult.


Browse cheap vacation packages in South Island on Expedia to compare current deals.


*Package prices shown are the average total cost per adult across Expedia bookings over the past year and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

The best time for a South Island vacation package depends on which destination you choose.


Christchurch is busiest in November and December, with average highs around 68°F in December and 64°F in November. If you'd prefer fewer crowds, May through August are quieter, with average highs around 57°F in May.


Queenstown sees its highest demand in December and July. December offers average highs around 64°F, while July is cooler with average highs around 40°F, ideal for winter sports. For a quieter South Island vacation, May, June, and October are less busy, with average highs around 49°F in May.


Dunedin is most popular in December and February, with average highs around 60°F in December and 62°F in February. If you prefer fewer visitors, January, June, and August are quieter, with average highs around 50°F in August.

South Island vacation packages offer diverse travel styles across its popular destinations like Queenstown and Christchurch:

• Couples: In Queenstown, Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa, a 5-star property rated 8.5 out of 10 by travelers, provides a spa and bar/lounge, with travelers praising the amazing staff and luxurious rooms.
• Budget: Queenstown also features budget-friendly options like Driftaway Queenstown, rated 9.3 out of 10 by travelers, which includes a hot tub and kitchen, making it a comfortable stay for value-conscious travelers.
• Parking: For those traveling with a car, ROKI Collection Queenstown, a 5-star hotel rated 10 out of 10 by travelers, offers convenient parking along with an indoor pool and spa.
• Family: In Queenstown, Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, a 4-star hotel rated 7.9 out of 10 by travelers, is a good choice for families thanks to its family rooms and hot tub, with travelers highlighting its climate-controlled rooms and fantastic location.
• Ski: Queenstown, known for its adventure activities, has ski-focused packages with hotels like Mercure Queenstown Resort, a 4-star property rated 7.9 out of 10 by travelers, which features an outdoor pool and restaurant, and travelers often note the great staff and lovely location.

For your South Island vacation, consider these destinations based on your travel style:

• Christchurch: A great base for families and those interested in city and urban attractions, offering a blend of outdoor activities and business travel amenities. It's a well-established package base with many lodging choices.
• Queenstown: Ideal for romantic getaways and adventure seekers, known for its outdoor activities and scenic views. This city is also a popular package destination.
• Wānaka: Perfect for couples seeking romantic getaways amidst stunning scenic views and a wide range of outdoor and adventure activities.
• Nelson: A top choice for a beach vacation, also offering plenty of outdoor activities and scenic beauty.
• Dunedin: Best suited for cultural trips, with a rich array of cultural attractions, scenic views, and options for romantic getaways and outdoor activities.

A South Island vacation is primarily an outdoor and nature experience, celebrated for its stunning scenic views and adventure activities. Travelers can explore diverse landscapes, from the forest-lined shores of the Marlborough Sounds to the snow-capped Southern Alps and ancient fiords like Milford Sound.


The South Island also offers distinct beach and cultural experiences. Nelson is known for its beaches, such as Tahunanui Beach Reserve, while Dunedin stands out for its cultural attractions, including Larnach Castle.


Ultimately, a South Island vacation package can be tailored to blend thrilling outdoor adventures with relaxing beach days or enriching cultural explorations, depending on your preferred base.

For a South Island vacation, several key airports serve the main destinations. Christchurch International Airport (CHC) is a primary gateway, serving the city of Christchurch. Queenstown International Airport (ZQN) provides access to Queenstown and its surrounding adventure region. Further south, Dunedin International Airport (DUD) serves the city of Dunedin, known for its cultural attractions. The choice of airport for your South Island vacation will depend on your specific itinerary.

A South Island vacation offers a diverse range of experiences across its distinct destinations, from adventure hubs to cultural centers:


Browse and book things to do in South Island on Expedia.

Yes, family vacation packages in South Island can include hotels with a variety of kid-friendly amenities across its destinations:

• The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments: In Queenstown, this 5-star property, rated 8.7 out of 10 by travelers, offers spacious family rooms and a game room, with travelers often praising the good rooms and amazing overall experience.
• Northwood Motor Lodge: In Christchurch, this 3.5-star lodge, rated 9.5 out of 10 by travelers, provides a playground and family rooms, and travelers highlight its great location and excellent facilities.
• Wanaka Homestead Lodge & Cottages: In Wānaka, this 4-star lodge, rated 9.6 out of 10 by travelers, features a hot tub and kitchen, making it convenient for families, with travelers frequently mentioning the friendly staff and modern rooms.
• Arcadia Motel: In Nelson, this 3.5-star motel, rated 9.1 out of 10 by travelers, includes an outdoor pool and family rooms, and travelers often note the pristine overall condition and spacious rooms.
• Scenic Hotel Southern Cross: In Dunedin, this 4.5-star hotel, rated 8.2 out of 10 by travelers, offers kitchenettes and family rooms, and travelers loved its location and clean facilities.

Luxury South Island vacation packages can be found across several destinations, offering premium stays:


Most South Island vacation packages pair the hotel with flights. Browse luxury vacation packages in South Island on Expedia to compare options.

Several destinations in South Island offer adults-only resorts that you can book as part of a South Island vacation package:


Browse adults-only resorts in South Island on Expedia to compare.

Booking times for a South Island vacation package vary by destination — most travelers book around 7 to 8 weeks ahead, depending on the destination.


Travelers tend to book trips to these destinations most often from December to March. If you're planning a spontaneous getaway, Expedia also offers last-minute South Island vacation packages.

Most South Island vacation packages last around 3 to 4 days, but the ideal trip length depends on where you're going and what you'd like to experience.


Queenstown, known for its outdoor activities, scenic views, and adventure, is often enjoyed over around 4 days. Week-long stays are popular, with many travelers also opting for weekend trips to experience attractions like Skyline Queenstown.


Christchurch, a city known for its family-friendly attractions and urban appeal, is well-suited for a trip of around 3 days. Weekend trips are popular, and week-long stays are also common, allowing time to explore places like Hagley Park.

Yes, you can cancel your vacation package via your itinerary page on Expedia or by contacting customer service. Remember that some packages are fully refundable, but the details vary based on each unique booking. A fully refundable package may depend on how far out from the travel dates you're canceling and what airline you are traveling with.

Yes, members who join our free One Key™ travel rewards program can instantly unlock additional savings and save 10% or more on over 500,000 stays worldwide with Member Prices and over 1 million car rentals.

Yes, with Expedia's Book Now, Pay Later option, powered by Affirm, you can spread the cost of your South Island vacation over 3, 6, or 12 months. With no late payment fees or hidden costs, it's easy to secure your ideal vacation package as soon as you spot it.

To find last-minute vacation packages to South Island, explore the last-minute deals section for the latest package offers, including flights, departing in the coming weeks. Being flexible with your travel dates and hotel preferences can help you secure the best prices.

Free cancellation on a South Island vacation package depends on the specific hotel and rate combination you book. Many bookings allow free cancellation up to a stated deadline (often a few days before travel) where eligible. Read the cancellation terms carefully when reviewing the package, and visit Expedia help center for further details.

An Expedia vacation package could land you great savings when compared to arranging flights and hotels separately. Better still, you can tailor your South Island getaway to match your exact preference. Pick your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a car rental. Explore our bundles to see how much you can save.

Booking your vacation package on Expedia makes it easier to get more out of your trip from the start. With a wide choice of hotels, you can compare prices, reviews and amenities all in one place, then bundle your hotel with flights which could help you save even more. Flexible booking options on selected stays also make it easier to plan with confidence.