Top South Island Adventure Tours - page 4

Active travelers seeking an easy, family-friendly outdoor adventure will enjoy this half-day kayaking tour of the Abel Tasman National Park coastline. Departing from Marahau, you’ll paddle to the dramatic Split Apple Rock, enjoying beautiful views along the way. Check out sea caves and look out for birds, including graceful cormorants. This is roughly a three-hour tour.

Active, nature-loving travelers will enjoy this small-group kayaking and hiking tour of the southern part of the Abel Tasman National Park. Starting from Marahau, head out to little Adele Island, where you’re likely to spot fur seals basking in the sun. Continue your adventure on land, hiking to panoramic viewpoints and listening to the birdsong, so far from roads and settlements.

Fly along four dual ziplines at Christchurch Adventure Park, including New Zealand's highest at 492 feet (150 meters) and its longest at 0.7 miles (1.1 kilometers). Enjoy sweeping views of the Southern Alps and Pacific Ocean as you soar above the Port Hills with safety equipment and guides ensuring a secure adventure. The experience lasts about three hours, offering a thrilling experience in a stunning forested setting.

This 20-minute scenic helicopter flight takes you soaring above Franz Josef Glacier with a snow landing at the top — the perfect opportunity to get up close to a glacier in the South Island. You’ll be captivated as you lift off and fly up and over towering ice formations before a soft landing in a snowfield. Admire Mt Cook/Aoraki, New Zealand’s highest peak, from the glacial summit.

Take a break from touristy Queenstown and head along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to the aptly named Paradise. On this half-day tour, experience rural New Zealand. Spot filming locations from The Lord of the Rings around Glenorchy and hear stories from Māori history and mythology as you tour the mountainous countryside. Plus, the vehicles have large windows for even better views.

Explore the snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and waterfalls of Mt. Aspiring National Park on this thrilling half-day tour. Start with a scenic flight from Makarora over the Southern Alps, You’ll be dropped at a hiking trail beside the Siberia River. Hike at your own pace, for around 4–5 hours. Once you reach the Wilkin River, hop into a jet boat for an adrenaline-inducing ride back to the starting point.

Channel your inner Hobbit and enjoy outdoor adventure in the heart of New Zealand on this Hobbit barrel run rafting tour on the Pelorus River. Pull on your wetsuit and hop aboard your raft, then drift onto the Pelorus River — made famous in the 2013 movie "The Desolation of Smaug." Stop off at filming locations used in the making of the movie to hear behind-the-scenes stories.

The best way to see Milford Sound is by helicopter and this aerial adventure from Queenstown takes you into the heart of Fiordland National Park. Soaring high above the cruise boats, fly the length of the stunning fiord all the way to the Tasman Sea, see the famed Mitre Peak, and then make a landing on a wild beach.

Active travelers will love this kayaking tour along the coast of the Abel Tasman National Park from Marahau. Avoid the risk of getting lost or straying into risky water by going with a guide and a small group (max. 8). Check out colonies of fur seals at Shag Harbour and Tonga Island. Paddle to idyllic Anchorage Beach before getting a water taxi back to Marahau.

Stewart Island is renowned for its beautiful beaches, Maori heritage, and diverse wildlife, and lies just off the coast of New Zealand’s South Island. With this round-trip flight, explore the island on a day trip from Queenstown, including hotel pickup and a scenic small plane flight to the island. Enjoy magnificent views of the island from above, then land on the island and spend the day exploring independently.

Be amazed by the views of the bays, beaches, and mountains of the Marlborough Sounds on this half-hour scenic flight. Many parts of the sounds are difficult to access any other way, so taking a scenic flight is the easiest way of seeing a lot in a short time. Starting in Picton, you’ll fly over Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds, and catch views of the outer sounds along the way.

Explore Kaikoura’s rugged scenery, wildlife and local food. Enjoy traveling in a carbon-neutral vehicle that doesn’t skimp on modern comforts while checking out hidden gems and views. Optional activities include whale watching, kayaking and nature walks. Satisfy your appetite with snacks, lunch and a wine or beer tasting before cruising back to Christchurch.

This half-day ATV adventure takes you along 8.5 miles (14 kilometers) of native forest trails near Cable Bay, Nelson. After a safety briefing and practice, ride through bush, farmland, and coastal scenery with stops for commentary. See parts of the landscape you wouldn’t access any other way. The Bayview Circuit suits riders aged 16+, with passenger options for younger guests. It’s a fun outing for families and friends.

A thrilling jet boat ride and a scenic helicopter tour are both must-do activities in New Zealand. Save yourself time and hassle by combining them in one easy trip. Departing from Christchurch, you’ll fly over the scenic Canterbury countryside, admiring the pristine braided rivers as you go. Soon you’ll be zipping over them in a jet boat navigated by an expert driver who will keep you safe while you’re having fun.

Perfect for photography lovers, enjoy a full-day private photography tour in Queenstown and the surrounding area. Start your day in charming Queenstown and then head further afield. The exact itinerary is up to you, but possible destinations include Arrowtown, Glenorchy, Wanaka, Skippers Canyon and more. Your guide is a local photographer, so will be able to give you lots of advice on how to get the best shots.

See the Remarkables Mountain Range from the sky and take in expansive views of sparkling Lake Wakatipu on a half-hour helicopter tour, which includes an alpine landing for the ultimate photo ops. Upgrade your experience with a private charter exclusive to your group, with your choice of a Squirrel or a Eurocopter EC chopper.

The most scenic jet boat ride ever: see actual “Lord of the Rings” film locations on the way down to the beautiful Lake Manapouri. On the way down the river you will get the chance to spot rainbow and brown trout. There is an amazing view around every river bend. The ride has a pinch of adrenalin and heaps of natural beauty. Lake Manapouri is amazing and you may not see another boat in sight. Your start of part of the Kepler Track begins on disembarking from the boat at approximately 12:00 pm. A leisurely guided walk begins through towering Beech trees and even taller Rimu trees. Our guide will share his/her knowledge with you; Native trees, ferns and the occasional Bellbirds, Tuis, friendly Fantails, Tomtits, Finches and Robins will keep your camera clicking. The hike concludes at the large suspension bridge at Rainbow Reach where your transport awaits to take you back to Te Anau

The cliffs, fjords, and waterfalls of Milford Sound are among the most impressive natural wonders of New Zealand’s South Island. This tour is ideal for those short on time, including round-trip flights from Queenstown and up to two hours of free time at Milford Sound. Enjoy spectacular aerial views over the Fiordland National Park, Mount Aspiring National Park, and Lake Wakatipu; then touchdown to hike around the Sound with views of Mitre Peak and Lady Bowen Falls.

Get far away from the crowds on this 4x4 day trip from Wanaka. Start with a boat ride across Lake Wanaka, then get exclusive access to the Mt. Burke Station. Hop aboard the 4x4 vehicle there and drive up into the mountains. Your guide will tell you stories from Otago’s pioneer history and the gold rush era. Enjoy a delicious picnic with spectacular lake and mountain views.

Soar over Lake Te Anau via helicopter. Soak up views of the Hidden Lakes, the Main Divide and the remote Kepler Mountains before getting dropped off at the Luxmore Hut for your hike. Soak up the amazing views from Luxmore Summit, before descending by foot onto the shores of Lake Te Anau.

Go off-roading near Queenstown on a thrilling choose-your-own-adventure 4WD tour. Choose from four tour options to fit your interests: Whakatipu highlights for scenery and optional ‘The Lord of the Rings’ stops; Skippers Canyon to explore long-forgotten trails past former gold rush settlements; a Māori mythology and legends tour; or a scenic Glenorchy and Lake Whakatipu tour.

Fly above Mount Cook’s glacial icefalls, crevasses, and neves on a 40-minute helicopter flight from Franz Josef, and see both of New Zealand’s West Coast glaciers from the air. Your route crosses the spine of the Southern Alps, circles the summit of Mount Cook, then touches down for a snow landing, with spectacular aerial views of Westland Tai Poutini National Park throughout the flight.

Enjoy unrivalled views over the South Island from the air on a 40-minute Aoraki/Mt. Cook helicopter flight from Fox Glacier township. Admire aerial views of Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier, and the Southern Alps with a pilot, and gaze out as far as the coast, where the Tasman Sea rolls in. Land on Aoraki/Mt. Cook to photograph the scenery, then return to base.

For the Lake Dunstan Experience we will meet you at our Clyde Depot in it's historic heart. We will fully brief you on your world class trail e-bike. From here we will transport you to the Historic Precinct of Old Cromwell where you will start your adventure and ride the amazing Lake Dunstan Trail back to Clyde. Ride across one of New Zealand’s most spectacular trails - you'll see engineering marvels, cling to the edge of dramatic cliffs, and discover stories carved into the schist of Central Otago. What sets us apart is our local experience, premium e-bike fleet, and seamless service. You'll also have access to your personal itinerary on the CCT app. Enough talk, let's ride!