Top South Island How to Get Around - page 5

For active relaxers, this self-guided bike tour is the perfect way to see Arrowtown and Gibbston while getting some exercise. Take a shuttle to either Arrowtown or Gibbston, where you can explore at your own pace before being picked up from your choice of vineyard or brewery in the Gibbston area. This tour is great for those who want to see the best of both towns without having to worry about organising a car (and designated driver).

Witness the majesty of the Southern Alps from both the ground and the air on this full-day, small-group combination bus, helicopter, and ski plane tour. Most travelers miss the opportunity to see the area from so many different vantage points. Heading out from Queenstown, see the azure waters of Lake Dunstan and Lake Pukaki before spotting Mount Cook’s (Aoraki’s) snow-capped peaks cresting the horizon. Then, hop aboard your aircraft for a flight through the mountains, including a landing at Tasman Glacier.

Take to the skies on a 50-minute Queenstown helicopter flight that includes a snow landing on Jura Glacier. Soar above Lake Wakatipu’s northern shores and discover unparalleled views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps from an aerial perspective. After your pilot lands atop the glacier, snap photos of surrounding alpine peaks, such as Mt Aspiring, before the return helicopter ride over glacier-fed lakes and the Rees and Dart River valleys.

After a catamaran cruise across Lake Wanaka to Mou Waho Island—which sits in the middle of the lake—spot rare native birds that are extinct on mainland New Zealand. Thanks to successful conservation efforts, the island is a rare haven for birdlife. Enjoy a guided hike with an expert guide to a lake at the top of the island, an experience that’s rated one of the best must-do activities in Wanaka.

Hidden away behind a peninsula, Stevensons Island is one of the harder islands to get to on Lake Wānaka. On this short trip—ideal for busy schedules—catch a luxury catamaran from Wānaka and sail out to the island. Upon disembarking, hike with your guide to the island’s summit and take in grand views of the peninsula, the lake, and the Southern Alps. Enjoy drinks and snacks on the return journey.

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.***

Travelers short on time in the South Island won’t miss out on exploring the Southern Alps with this easy day tour from Christchurch. Take the train there and a car on the way back. Hop aboard the TranzAlpine train in Christchurch for the ride through the Canterbury Plains, Waimakariri Gorge, and up to Arthur’s Pass National Park. Explore the village, take walks, and visit a farm before returning to Christchurch.

Milford Sound is an unmissable destination in the South Island, but self-driving can be risky and the return road trip from Queenstown is long. Simplify your visit on this small-group tour from Queenstown. Travel there in a luxury bus with panoramic scenic windows, allowing unobstructed views. Take a relaxing cruise on Milford Sound, beautiful in all weather, then return to Queenstown by air, saving time and maximizing the views.

Take in the truly magnificent views of Franz Josef Glacier and surrounds with this helicopter flight. See lush rainforest, the amazing glacier, and the impressive Southern Alps mountain range. Part of this flight time is an alpine landing (approximately 10 minutes) where you get to land on top of a peak and pause to take in the dramatic scenery.

Spend an afternoon tasting South Island wines and taking in the scenery of Central Otago on a half-day tour from Queenstown. Admire the mountain and river views en route, including people bungee jumping from the Kawarau Bridge if you’re lucky. Your guide will take you to three wineries for tastings and a wine cave tour. The tour includes wine tastings, a cheeseboard, and handy hotel transfers.

Spend half a day among the thriving wildlife of the outer Marlborough Sounds on a small-boat wildlife tour from Picton. Spot rare sea birds like penguins and shags, plus a couple of species of dolphin, in Queen Charlotte Sound. Set foot on Motuara Island, a bird sanctuary Island that holds significance to colonial New Zealand history. Your guides are deeply knowledgeable about this area, so make the most of them and ask plenty of questions.

The deep waters, soaring cliffs, and thundering waterfalls of Milford Sound are spectacular from all angles, and this half-day tour by air and boat takes in all the highlights. Enjoy thrilling aerial views of the Fiordland National Park on a round-trip flight from Queenstown, and marvel at Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, and Mount Pembroke on a scenic Milford Sound cruise. Hotel pickup and drop-off, and lunch are included for a truly seamless experience.

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.

Explore Dunedin highlights on a half-day, small-group tour that goes from the city's historic landmarks to the beaches of the Otago Peninsula. See the University of Otago, the Dunedin Railway Station, and more, then continue to the beautiful Otago Peninsula, pausing en route for a walk on St. Clair Beach and esplanade. This tour includes transfers from Port Chalmers, with departure times to suit cruise ship arrivals.

Make the most of your time in port in Christchurch with a half-day shore excursion that takes in all the highlights. Explore downtown Christchurch, stroll around Monavale Gardens, and learn how the city was rebuilt after the devasting earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. Continue along the scenic Summit Road, stopping to admire the views from the Sign of the Takahe, and stop at Riverside Market for a lunch break (own expense).

Travel to the Tasman Sea on a Milford Sound cruise from Queenstown. Travel in a comfortable luxury coach with a glass roof for premium views of the towering mountains. At Milford Sound, cruise past by the world-renowned Mitre Peak and drift alongside rushing waterfalls as you search for wildlife, including New Zealand fur seals, dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins. An onboard nature specialist provides expert commentary.

Immerse yourself in the natural landscape of the Otago Peninsula on this small-group tour. Don't worry about navigating your way on unfamiliar roads, with your guide driving you there. Enjoy taking in the local wildlife and the chance to see native blue penguins. Ideal for nature-lovers and those looking to take a break from the city.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to take a Milford Sound cruise while visiting UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park. Departing from Milford Wharf, this spacious boat cruises past Mitre Peak and gets close to numerous waterfalls cascading down steep-walled mountains rising out of the water. See Bowen Falls, Stirling Falls, and Seal Point while searching the deep fiord for marine life, including bottlenose dolphins and New Zealand fur seals.

When you have limited time, a delivery cruise is an ideal way to get around the Marlborough Sounds. Get an up-close look at remote homes and resorts while your boat delivers supplies to hidden coves and tucked-away bays. Learn about the ever-popular Queen Charlotte Track and relax while exploring miles of wild coastline.

Hike the Fox Glacier Valley on a guided small-group walking tour that explores glaciology, geology, local plants, and animals. Walking alongside a local guide is a great way to learn the natural history of Fox Glacier and the surrounding mountains. You’ll gain a greater understanding of the area than you would by sticking to the paved roads.

Journey through the breathtaking Southern Alps aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train, one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Departing from Christchurch, travel through dramatic river gorges and alpine passes before disembarking in Arthur’s Pass where you’ll meet your guide and continue by modern Mercedes Sprinter. Enjoy free time in Arthur’s Pass Village to explore, walk to the impressive Devils Punchbowl Waterfall, or relax with a coffee, before returning via scenic stops at the remarkable Otira Viaduct and the unique limestone formations of Castle Hill, renowned for their natural beauty and cinematic history. - Scenic 10-hour experience combining the TranzAlpine train and guided return journey - Free time in Arthur’s Pass Village for walking, exploring, or relaxing - Visit the iconic Otira Viaduct and Castle Hill’s unique limestone landscapes

There are many great places to enjoy the mountain views in Queenstown, but the best are undoubtedly from the air. Catch views of the Remarkables you can’t get any other way on a scenic helicopter flight. The pilot selects the route on the day. Hover close to peaks and land high above Lake Wakatipu, with unparalleled views of the Southern Alps. The package includes hotel transfers for your convenience.

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.

For a full day of adventure and nature, join this pack-rafting experience. Set on the mighty Matukituki River, just a short drive from Wānaka, you’ll start by walking to a waterfall and then gearing up for your paddle. Learn the basics of paddling before climbing aboard your lightweight, stable, two-person rafts and taking in the mountains and glaciers of the Mt. Aspiring National Park. All guests must be able to swim to participate.