Top South Island Adventure Tours - page 9

Witness the stunning beauty of Queenstown’s ski fields as the sun sets in a golden glow during this 40-minute scenic flight. Glide above the iconic peaks of Coronet Peak, Cardrona, and The Remarkables, with expert commentary from seasoned pilots who share local stories. This unforgettable experience offers breath-taking aerial views of snow-covered landscapes and alpine lakes, perfect for photography enthusiasts and winter sports lovers alike. Enjoy complimentary transport to and from your accommodation, making this tour an easy addition to your winter itinerary. - 40minute scenic flight showcasing Queenstown’s ski fields and alpine lakes - Ideal for capturing stunning sunset photos and planning your ski adventures - Complimentary transport provided from most local accommodations

Approx 18 minute Twin Glacier Overflight! Sometimes the weather conditions (cloud, wind or rain) in Glacier Country don't allow us to get higher into the mountains to the snow landing sites, but we can still safely fly over the Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers. On these days, we often have less sun glare so get the beautiful blue colour in the glacial ice and some awesome photos! Flight times can vary depending on wind speed & direction on the day. Please note there is not a snow landing on this flight.

Epic Adventures to the Real Middle Earth and Back Again! Join our Lord of the Rings “Nerds” aka tour guides who have superior knowledge on all things “Rings”. We’ll take you to the original film locations and put YOU in the scene while narrating humorous and intriguing tales from the time of filming. Join us for your personalised journey through the real Middle Earth. Our scenic Half Day Tour includes visiting Skippers Canyon Lookout (weather permitting), Arrowtown, The Gibbston Valley and Lake Hayes. You will be able to enjoy Lord Of The Rings locations such as The Ford of Bruinen, The Gladden Fields, The Pillars of the Kings and More! This tour includes Morning or Afternoon Tea, Photos with Authentic Props as we have the largest selection of Authentic Licensed replica props! We also have copies of the original movie scripts and production call sheets, adding so much more depth to your Middle Earth experience!

Experience the ultimate Kaikōura helicopter tour and witness New Zealand’s incredible marine life from above. Fly over the renowned Kaikōura Canyon to spot Sperm, Humpback, Southern Right, Orca, or even Blue whales, depending on the season. This extended scenic flight gives you more time to enjoy whale sightings and coastal views. Spot Dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals as you cruise along the shoreline. Land at a remote site only accessible by South Pacific Helicopters, where you'll take in breathtaking views of the mountains and ocean. This unforgettable whale watching and wildlife experience is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

This thoughtfully organized tour takes care of all the logistical details, freeing you to fully appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the Catlins without worrying about tide tables or seasonal access restrictions. By expertly timing your visit to Cathedral Caves during the narrow low-tide window, the tour optimizes your experience at each iconic location and minimizes any potential hassles. With comfortable transportation, insightful local guidance, and a stress-free itinerary, you can simply relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery and unique wildlife of this unforgettable region.

This small group Franz Josef Heli Hike Adventure offers a unique glacier experience, including a scenic helicopter flight, lunch, and drinks. You'll fly from Franz Josef over lush rainforest, landing at 1200m on the glacier. You'll explore the glacier for up to 6 hours with a guide. With a small group size of 1 guide to 4 guests, the adventure can be customized to your preferred level of difficulty.

Skippers Canyon is a dramatic part of the Central Otago landscape, and a photographer’s delight. On this private tour, visit some of the most scenic lookouts and landmarks along the old gold mining route, where you can take great photos. The road into the canyon is notorious and rental car companies don’t allow their vehicles to drive there, so this is a great way to visit the stunning, remote area.

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Enjoying the scenic views between Queenstown and Christchurch and with a fully guided, adventure-filled journey through the breathtaking Southern Alps. Embark on a scenic tour stops at Lindis Pass and Resort town, High Country Salmon, Aoraki/MT.Cook, Tasman Glacier, Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and finally arriving in Christchurch. On your journey explore region’s dramatic landscapes, capture memorable photographs, and learn about the area's natural and cultural significance. The tour concludes in Christchurch, offering a truly enriching and immersive travel experience.

Gain exclusive access to the remote Paradise Valley with a local guide, starting with hotel pickup in Queenstown. You’ll drive to secluded lookout points for the ultimate photo op and have plenty of options for exploring on foot. You may recognize scenery from filming locations for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings movie series. Listen to your guide’s informative anecdotes about regional history, culture, and geography. The flexible itinerary lets you set the pace and choose from a variety of activities. Visit an operational wool shed where sheep are shorn; view Diamond Lake flanked by Mt Alfred and Mt Earnslaw; or search for black swans and paradise ducks at Lake Reid. Spend time in Glenorchy village, first surveyed in 1864 and featuring gold mining, sawmilling, farming, and what may be the world’s smallest library.Finish with the return drive to Queenstown and drop-off at your hotel. Please note this is a private booking and you book for 1-4 passengers or 5-10 passengers.

Kaikōura, whose name translates to ‘eat crayfish’ in English, is a small coastal town often overlooked by tourists. However, we at Cheeky Kea Tours feel it is an absolute "must-see"! Caught between the Kaikōura Ranges - which in the winter are snowcapped and a sight to behold - and the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean (Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa), this area is truly breathtaking. Join us as we venture north to the Kaikōura Peninsula, which was the seat where Māui sat when he fished the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui) up from the depths of the ocean. What can we say except you’re welcome to soak in the panoramic views and spot all the marine wildlife this town has to offer. You will be driven in comfort by our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, and including a 30 minute Whale Watching Flight, this journey is one you will never forget.

Beat the crowds with our signature flight that includes Milford Sound, Lake Quill, Mt Tutoko, Skippers Canyon and our exclusive landing location, the Earnslaw Burn.

Embark on an intimate small-group adventure from Queenstown to Milford Sound—one of Aotearoa’s most iconic natural wonders. This fully guided day trip is more than just a destination; it’s an experience crafted with care, comfort, and connection in mind. Travel in the premium Sprinter, designed for a relaxed pace and optimal viewing, with plenty of time to stop, explore, and soak up the landscape. From majestic alpine valleys to cascading waterfalls and native wildlife encounters, every moment of the journey is part of the magic. After your scenic cruise through the breathtaking fjord, elevate the experience—literally—with a spectacular helicopter flight back to Queenstown. Soar above dramatic peaks, glacial lakes, and untouched wilderness for a perspective few ever get to witness. It’s the perfect finale to an unforgettable day in Fiordland.

The only helicopter experience that combines a Milford Sound flyover with two incredible landings — a remote alpine peak and the cinematic Earnslaw Burn showcasing a hanging glacier.

Begin your journey in Queenstown, heading toward Cromwell, where you’ll pass through the iconic orchards and vineyards. From there, drive up to Lindis Pass, surrounded by golden tussock hills and dramatic mountain ranges. Next, stop in Omarama, and then continue on to Twizel, known for its clear skies perfect for stargazing. Finally, take the route along Lake Pukaki, with its turquoise waters, all the way up to Mount Cook Village, where you’ll be immersed in the beauty of Aoraki/Mount Cook. - Scenic drive alongside the picturesque Lake Wakatipu. - Designed for groups of four, ensuring an intimate experience. - Explore the stunning landscapes at your own pace. - Car included for easy transportation throughout the tour.

Embark on a Legendary Lord of the Rings Journey from Queenstown, this exclusive LOTR tour takes you deep into the Southland region, home to some of the most breathtaking and sought-after filming locations in Middle Earth. Our journey heads to Te Anau, where you’ll uncover the haunting beauty of the Anduin River and the Dead Marshes. From there, venture to the stunning Mavora Lakes, where cinematic magic meets unforgettable moments. Discover which fearless actor famously broke two toes near the edge of Fangorn Forest and relive the dramatic Breaking of the Fellowship as Frodo and Sam take their fateful steps toward Mordor. You’ll gear up for adventure with the largest collection of authentic, licensed LOTR props, including swords, axes, helmets, and even original scripts. Step into the shoes of your favorite characters, and let the spirit of Middle Earth guide you. This is an epic quest you’ll be talking about long after you leave the Shire!

You choose the trail to be biked and nzbiketrails picks you up, and your group (up to 11 riders), for a Private Tour which we aim to be a highlight of your holiday. We ride every day during the year (except xmas Day and Anzac Day). Whether it is Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter/Ski Season your family will enjoy a brilliant experience. The nzbiketrails Guest Experience Manager will host your day, share a little history with you on the way, brief you on the trail/bikes, make sure that you are comfortable before you ride off with your seats at the right height. Your actual ride is 'Self-Guided'. You will have a direct mobile number to your Guest Experience Manager for any support required and on many trails you will see them along the way. If any of the group get tired we can arrange additional pickups and take them to meet you at the next location if possible. nzbiketrails is a Qualmark Gold accredited tourism operator and we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional experiences

The Christchurch to Queenstown journey takes you from the incredibly flat Canterbury Plains right through to the dramatic mountains of the Southern Alps. The area is out of this world beautiful! This tour gives you the opportunity to absorb the wild beauty, starting in Christchurch you'll travel into the heart of the Mt Cook National Park. After a full day of exploration, on the final afternoon, hop on board the coach to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. This is an Independent coach tour, where you travel on a combination of touring coaches and sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour and different drivers. You have free time to explore on your own and are free to choose where and when to eat, meals are not included unless specified.

Journey through New Zealand's natural wonderland on a 7-day road trip through the South Island. Have the chance to explore some of the best spots in Queenstown, the adventure capital! Whether thats Jumping out of a plane, zipling through the trees or relaxing in the city centre with a hot cocoa. Head to Franz Josef to hike the Glacier or visit an iconic, up-close Kiwi in the Wildlife Centre. cruise through the beautiful Milford Sound and discover the spectacular Tekapo through some of its most famous lakes and hikes, then spend the evening relaxing in the Tekapo Hot Springs.

The Mt Aspiring Explorer flight is a truly immersive experience, offering an extended journey through one of New Zealand's most iconic and remote landscapes. Your adventure begins with an aerial circumnavigation of Mount Aspiring, also known as Tititea or the 'Glistening Peak,' standing proudly at 3,033 metres. You’ll soar above the breathtaking landscapes of Mount Aspiring National Park, a World Heritage site, and venture toward the West Coast, crossing the main divide. Along the way, you'll experience awe-inspiring views of massive glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and dense native bush, all framed by the rugged Southern Alps. This extended flight includes two alpine landings, giving you the chance to step onto a glacier and the stunning Albert Burn Saddle, allowing you to truly connect with the pristine wilderness of this remote region.

The Franz Josef, Fox, and Tasman Glaciers are often called accessible glaciers, but you can’t see much of them from ground level. For the best views, take to the skies on a scenic helicopter flight, with a short landing atop one glacier to touch the snow and ice. Enjoy unparalleled views on a private flight, without the risk of strangers hogging the window seat. Flights depart from Franz Josef town.

Milford Sound is a must-visit South Island destination but the journey there is half the fun—and self-driving can be stressful in the mountains. Simplify your visit from Te Anau on a guided tour in a glass-roofed coach, for optimized views of Fiordland National Park. On arrival at the sound, enjoy a nature cruise with live commentary. Get close to waterfalls cascading from the peaks, and watch for dolphins and penguins.

Discover the newly launched Kawarau Gorge Trail, a spectacular self-guided eBiking experience that connects the magnificent wine regions of Gibbston to those in Bannockburn. The 39km route takes you alongside the stunning Kawarau River, showcasing beautiful rocky outcrops and historic gold mining settlements before joining up to the Lake Dunstan Trail in Bannockburn, for a leisurely ride around the inlet. Choose to top off the Great Ride at Carrick Winery & Cellar Door in Bannockburn with a wine tasting flight & pizza lunch (included if the Winery upgrade is selected). With premium eBike rental and shuttle transfers included from Queenstown, you can explore this intermediate trail at your leisure, traversing across two suspension bridges and venturing through previously inaccessible terrain. Everything is included for a Great Day on a Great Ride!

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain. Enjoy a scenic drive, stunning alpine views, easy walks like the Hooker Valley Track, and spectacular views of Tasman Glacier and Lake Tasman. Travel in comfort with a professional driver and create unforgettable memories in one of New Zealand's most iconic destinations.

Highlights - Experience two of the South Island’s most iconic regions in one unforgettable private day - Wanaka charm in the morning and Scenic Glenorchy lakes and valleys in the afternoon - Discover hidden gems, short walks, peaceful lakesides, and breathtaking lookouts - Balance adventure and relaxation with cafés, hikes, photo stops, or local attractions - Fully customisable itinerary with your own local guide and private vehicle