Top South Island Day Trips

300+ results

Get ready for an adventure or a relaxing day in the mountains! Explore Mt Cook on a fully guided, small-group tour from Queenstown, with free time to hike, fly, or simply unwind. Highlights: • Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park • Lake Pukaki • Kawarau Gorge, Lindis Pass, the Southern Alps • High Country Salmon (time dependent) • Free time for activities & walks Enjoy approximately three hours of free time at Mt Cook to make your day as adventurous or relaxed as you choose: hike alpine trails, soar above glaciers on a scenic flight, or unwind at the Hermitage Hotel with a hot chocolate, soaking in the views. Make memories that last a lifetime. ***PLEASE NOTE: The Hooker Valley Track is currently closed beyond Müller Lookout (located between the first and second swing bridges) while the Department of Conservation replaces one of the bridges. This scenic section still offers stunning views and a rewarding hiking experience. The full track is expected to reopen in Spring 2026.***

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4.9

(418)

Mt Cook Small Group Scenic Day Tour from Queenstown

13 hoursFree Cancellation

from $165

Travel along the spectacular Milford Road on a full-day Milford Sound tour from Te Anau. See native wildlife such as the endangered kea (an alpine parrot), seals, dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins. Enjoy short walks to beautiful sights including the Chasm and Marian Cascade, and take a sightseeing cruise on Milford Sound. Includes entrance fees, boat cruise, morning tea, and hotel transfers.

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5.0

(1,278)

Award Winning Milford Sound Full Day Tour & Cruise from Te Anau

9 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $179

This is a tour by bus around some of the main attractions of Dunedin. It is aimed at cruise ship passengers and only runs on cruise ship days The tour stops at all locations mentioned with a chance to get off and have a walk around. Comfortable vehicles with Aircon and a commentary is provided. A full refund is offered if at the conclusion of the tour the customer is dissatisfied with any part of the experience that is an error or omission within the operator's control so long as the issue is raised first with the operator before any other party. (Subject to tripadvisor complying with operator request) Operator reserves the right, without liability, to alter or amend the tour time and destinations to fit in with the time window available for the ship's visit.

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4.6

(127)

Dunedin Nature & City Tour – Full Day Cruise Excursion

6 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

from $57

Explore Fiordland National Park's Doubtful Sound on this full-day cruise from Manapouri. Enjoy a scenic cruise across Lake Manapouri, then a short coach journey over Wilmot Pass, with stunning views. Cruise the 25-mile (40-kilometer) stretch of Doubtful Sound, looking out for fur seals, bottlenose dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins while listening to your naturalist guide’s commentary. A highlight is when the engines are cut so you can appreciate the silence.

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4.7

(553)

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise from Manapouri

7 hoursFree Cancellation

from $215

Unbelievable Apline views up to Mount Cook

4.9

(243)

Mt Cook Full-Day Small Group Tour from Queenstown

12 hoursFree Cancellation

from $167

Explore the scenic waterways of the Marlborough Sounds on a small-group half-day cruise by mail boat from Havelock. The historic Pelorus Mail Boat delivers mail, groceries, and freight to residents along this remote inland waterway where the boat is the main link to the outside world. Hear commentary from the crew about the region, and perhaps have time to disembark at spots along the way (conditions permitting).

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4.8

(332)

Full Day Iconic Mail Boat Cruise

5 to 10 hoursFree Cancellation

from $84

Likely to Sell Out

Avoid the risk of driving to Milford Sound yourself and being distracted by the views. This group tour from Queenstown makes it easy—and safe—to visit the must-see natural attraction for a day. After a handy hotel pickup, embark on a dramatic journey through mountains, gorges, and the incredible Homer Tunnel. Make scenic stops along the way. Cruise Milford Sound in a catamaran, looking out for wildlife along the way.

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4.7

(898)

Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown

12 hoursFree Cancellation

from $159

-IMPORTANT UPDATE- *Temporary tour conditions due to partial closure of the Hooker Valley Track. * Shuttle operates every day with capacity up to 30 passengers. Experience the freedom of exploring Mount Cook National Park on a day trip with us! - Highly recommended for the following people - Hikers and Adventurers: For those seeking outdoor adventures and hiking opportunities, our one-day trip is the perfect choice. You have enough time to complete the Hooker Valley Track at your own pace. Photography Enthusiasts: If capturing picturesque landscapes is your passion, the scenic views along the way and at Mount Cook will provide you with ample opportunities for remarkable photographs. Family and Friends: The tour caters to all age groups, making it a great choice for families and friends to create lasting memories together.

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4.8

(42)

Day Trip: Lake Tekapo to Mt Cook National Park

8 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

from $89

We carry kayaks so you may paddle through the beautiful lagoons

If you’re pressed for time and can’t spend multiple days hiking in Abel Tasman National Park, this small-group tour packs a lot into a day. Cruise around Split Apple Rock, then anchor at Tonga Island Marine Reserve. Take the opportunity to explore the park on your own terms: go snorkeling at the beach, paddle a kayak, or disembark and take a bush walk to enjoy the views from another angle.

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5.0

(250)

Best Abel Tasman Day trip

6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $275

The TranzAlpine train is often referred to as one of the world’s most scenic train journeys, and this tour will allow you to experience it. Enjoy the convenience of a day trip where all transport is taken care of— round-trip transfers in a luxury minivan, and a TranzAlpine train ticket are included. See Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps, Lake Pearson, and get the chance to walk in Arthur’s Pass National Park.

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4.8

(467)

TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

10 hoursFree Cancellation

from $234

Travel from Queenstown to the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Milford Sound on an easy day trip. Enjoy live commentary along the way, and many scenic photo stops. At Milford Sound, don’t worry about waiting in lines as tickets are included. Admire views of waterfalls and Mitre Peak from your cruise. Refuel with a tasty picnic lunch in a scenic location. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from listed locations for added convenience.

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4.9

(3,355)

Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

13 hoursFree Cancellation

from $221

Travel deep into the Southern Alps on a small-group day trip from Christchurch. Admire views of Lake Tekapo, the Tasman Glacier, and Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park while traveling comfortably on a minibus without needing to drive. Enjoy an included lunch and hotel pickup for a seamless experience. Learn more from your guide than you would going alone, and receive personalized attention in a small group.

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4.8

(201)

Mt Cook & Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch (lunch included)

13 hoursFree Cancellation

from $179

Crisp mountain air and glacier-carved valleys, Milford Road never disappoints

Discover one of the jewels in the crown of New Zealand's spectacular South Island on this full day Milford Sound hiking tour with cruise. Travel along the Milford Road from Te Anau and enjoy panoramic views over the beautiful countryside. Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise through the fjord and out to the Tasman Sea, and gaze over soaring clifftops and plummeting waterfalls. Afterwards, enjoy short guided walks and explore Fiordland's spectacular natural scenery with a local nature guide.

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5.0

(767)

Full-Day Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Walks from Te Anau

9 hoursFree Cancellation

from $186

Visit Edoras of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ fame on this full-day excursion by 4WD vehicle to the peak of New Zealand’s Mt Sunday. Get a look at exclusive photos of Edoras under construction and learn from a knowledgeable LOTR guide about its transformation from tranquil countryside to mythical capital city of the Rohan people. Pose with replica props from the popular trilogy, such as Aragorn’s sword, Gimli’s axe and the flag of Rohan. Includes round-trip hotel transport from Christchurch plus a picnic lunch with sparkling wine.

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4.8

(373)

Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch

9 hoursFree Cancellation

from $195

Take in the sights of Marlborough's wine-country scenery and taste some of the region's best offerings on this full-day tour from Blenheim or Picton. Make several stops at different wineries and taste Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Pinot Noir as well as some lesser-known varieties from the area. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for central locations, making your experience seamless and relaxing.

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4.9

(467)

Beyond the Vines - Full-Day Marlborough Wine Tasting Tour

6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $132

4.6

(358)

Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Queenstown

5 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

from $63

Embark on a cruise of Fiordland’s Doubtful Sound, starting from an easy-to-find location in Te Anau village. Travel by coach to Manapouri Lake for a short boat ride, followed by a bus trip over Wilmot Pass. En route, stop for alpine views of Fiordland National Park, park of a UNESCO-listed landscape, before taking in the dramatic landscapes, soaring peaks, and wildlife of Doubtful Sound on a cruise.

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4.7

(322)

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Te Anau

9 hoursFree Cancellation

from $230

Discover volcanic landscapes and breathtaking scenery on New Zealand’s South Island on this Akaroa day trip from Christchurch and avoid the need to self-drive. Ascend the Banks Peninsula for beautiful views over Akaroa Harbour and the volcanic crater. Sample locally made cheeses and admire colonial architecture around Akaroa. Cruise by catamaran into the harbor, where diverse marine and bird life thrives, including rare Hector’s dolphins. Hotel transfers are included.

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4.6

(290)

Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch

9 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $162

visit a range of Marlborough cellar doors

4.9

(208)

Discover Marlborough Wine - Afternoon Marlborough Wine Tour

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

from $114

Learn the secrets to great wine on this full-day wineries tour of Marlborough, guided by a winemaker. Visit 4–6 wineries in New Zealand’s largest wine region, including a behind-the-scenes winery tour and tastings at every stage. Wine-tasting fees are included and you can purchase lunch at a top winery restaurant. Transfers and hotel pickup from the Blenheim and Renwick areas are included.

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5.0

(326)

Full Day Winemakers Tour in Marlborough

6 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $129

Take a break and escape into nature on this tour of Milford Sound in the World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Relax as you visit one of New Zealand’s notable Fjords, taking in the waterfalls at Mirror Lake and the fresh glacier water at Monkey Walk. Then, take to the water itself with a boat cruise on Milford Sound. Perfect for travelers wanting to immerse themselves in the South Island’s landscape.

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4.6

(559)

Milford Sound Day Tour with Scenic Cruise from Queenstown

13 hoursFree Cancellation

from $191

4.8

(394)

Milford Sound Cruise with Round-Trip Flights from Queenstown

5 hoursFree Cancellation

from $461

Otira Viaduct—engineering marvel spanning the gorge

Experience the beauty of New Zealand’s Southern Alps on a full-day tour to Arthur's Pass from Christchurch. Travel into the mountains by car, then return in the afternoon on the TranzAlpine scenic train. At Arthur’s Pass visit Castle Hill, Lake Pearson, and the Otira Viaduct, explore the national park, and walk to the Devil’s Punchbowl waterfall. Lunch, snacks, and Christchurch hotel transfers add convenience.

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4.4

(121)

Christchurch to Arthur's Pass Tours + TranzAlpine Train & Lunch

10 hoursFree Cancellation

from $250

Discover boutique cellar door and vineyard locations

5.0

(676)

Award Winning Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries

6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $159

Price varies by group size

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Top South Island Day Trips

300+ results

Top Attractions in South Island

Fiordland National Park

Lake Wakatipu

Tasman Glacier (Haupapa)

Mitre Peak

Milford Sound

Mirror Lakes

Fiordland National Park

Lake Wakatipu

Tasman Glacier (Haupapa)

Mitre Peak

Milford Sound

Mirror Lakes

Fiordland National Park

Lake Wakatipu

Tasman Glacier (Haupapa)

Mitre Peak