Top South Island Likely To Sell Out - page 10

The mix of warm and cold currents found underwater in Kaikōura Canyon supports a vast diversity of marine life, making it one of New Zealand’s most unique locations. This small-group helicopter journey above the canyon, including a landing in the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges, allows the spotting of humpback, southern right, blue, and sperm whales, as well as the chance to see dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals—all from a vantage point most travelers miss.

The Franz Josef Glacier near Queenstown is a frozen spectacle with deep icy crevasses, crashing waterfalls, and mountainous snowy scenery. Witness the Franz Josef from the sky with a helicopter ride above the glacier on this full-day small-group tour, before setting down for a hike to explore wondrous caves and chilling icefalls.

The only Marlborough wine tour organized by a local winemaker we will tailor make this wine tour to perfection. Make the most of your short time in Marlborough. Visit 3-4 of the best wineries in the region. Enjoy an informative vineyard stroll, followed by a behind-the-scenes look at a New Zealand winery and capture the best behind-the-scenes winery photos. This tour is tailored to the needs of Cruise Ship passengers who may have different timing requirements to our standard daily tours. The tour usually departs at around 9.30am but flexible to suit your ships arrival time. You can relax knowing that we will return you safely and on time for your ship. This tour is for a maximum of 2 people. But the van holds 11 so For larger groups please contact us for a quote. Lunch is at own cost at the vineyard restaurant.

For an adventure-packed trip that will take you to some of the most beautiful places in New Zealand, look no further than this all-inclusive 9-day South Island tour. From stunning glaciers and turquoise lakes, to picturesque towns and dramatic mountain peaks, there's something for everyone on this comprehensive road trip. Plus, with all accommodation and some activities included, you can enjoy the ride rather than making travel plans on the fly.

On this private Pilots Choice flight you'll see two of the three "big" glaciers. You'll fly over the Franz Josef Glacier then over either the Fox Glacier or Tasman Glacier past Mount Cook and fly into the Southern Alps to enjoy the included 10 minute snow landing for photos. Total experience time approx. 35 minutes. We are a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy started the company in January 2014 and you'll generally find one of them out flying most days. Please allow an extra 45minutes on top of your flight time to allow for checking in, transport to helicopter, loading, unloading and to return to our office. Please note that whilst this is a private flight, you may share check in and van travel with other passengers on other flights. Total weight of passenger load must be within the helicopter's weight and balance requirements.

Get out and explore Queenstown’s amazing beer scene on a hop-on hop-off tour, running Thursday–Saturday nights from 5pm to 10pm. Simply hop on the van and get off at a stop of your choice. You can easily fit four hour-long stops into this tour, allowing you to try a range of different local brews and experience unique venues throughout the southern city.

Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife team Gus and Poppy started the company in January 2014, and you'll generally find one of them out flying most days. On our PRIVATE Mt Cook Supreme flight you'll fly over the Franz Josef, Fox, Tasman Glaciers and fly into the Southern Alps to see Mount Cook and enjoy two included 10-minute landings - the first a snow landing for photos and the second on the Shackleton Glacier. Total experience time approx. 60 minutes. Please allow an extra 45minutes on top of your flight time to allow for checking in, transport to helicopter, loading, unloading and to return to our office. Please note that whilst this is a private flight, you may share the check in and van travel with other passengers on other flights. Total weight of passenger load must be within the helicopter's weight and balance requirements.

Watershed’s private sauna experience takes place on a floating pontoon on Lake Whakatipu, with uninterrupted views of the surrounding alpine landscape. Enjoy exclusive use of your own sauna, deck and plunge pool, allowing privacy and flexibility throughout the session. Located just minutes walk from central Queenstown, it offers a rare combination of seclusion, scenery and easy access that sets it apart from traditional land-based spas.

Journey over the mesmerizing Tasman Glacier Lake, taking in breathtaking views while following the path of the Tasman Glacier. Experience the grandeur of Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand's tallest peak and land on a pristine glacier. Traverse the majestic Southern Alps, crossing to the West Coast. Take in the spectacular scenery and witness the mighty Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers for the ultimate glacier experience.

The activity provides opportunities to catch a variety of fish, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and salmon, all thriving in the nutrient-rich waters of Lake Tekapo. Providing access to lesser-known, remote fishing locations around the lake, ensuring a peaceful and uncrowded experience with better chances for a great catch. Lake Tekapo’s pristine, glacial-fed waters offer a unique fishing experience with unmatched clarity, creating a serene and picturesque Southern Alps environment for anglers. Led by experienced guides with extensive knowledge of the local fishery, the tour offers personalized tips and techniques, ensuring both beginners and experienced anglers have a successful and enjoyable day.

Combine hiking on the famous Routeburn Track with a canyoning adventure in Mt. Aspiring National Park on a single active tour from Queenstown. Hike along the Routeburn Track while a guide points out the endemic flora and fauna, then reach the canyonlands, where you will rappel and swim through the caves, canyons, and pools. Refuel with a picnic lunch to wind up your strenuous tour.

Thinking about an 11-day South Island loop from Christchurch? Named after the Takahē, a treasured national bird with vibrant blue-green plumage, once thought to be extinct. This tour offers you unparalleled flexibility, you can start in Christchurch, Picton or Wellington! Our expert guides will take you around the South Island’s highlights and hidden gems in style. Kick off with Abel Tasman's golden beaches and Coastal Track hikes, kayaking turquoise coves. Marvel at Punakaiki's Pancake Rock, then trek Franz Josef's glacier face. Snap the iconic Wānaka tree, then play in our adventure capital, Queenstown, hikes, Fergburgers and nightlife buzz! Cruise past Milford Sound's jaw dropping waterfall, trek the famous Kepler track, then stargaze beneath Aoraki/Mt Cook. Finish off your epic journey with a soak in Tekapo's hot pools and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd. All from the comfort of 3-4 star hotels! Hop on the Takahe Select Tour. Which stop is calling your name?

Skip the rush of buses and shuttles and enjoy a fully private, scenic transfer from Queenstown to Lake Tekapo, designed to turn your travel day into part of the adventure. With alpine lakes, heritage towns, and flexible photo stops along the way, you’ll experience the South Island at a relaxed, personal pace — not just pass through it. - Private one-way journey with no strangers or shared transport - Scenic stops at Lake Pukaki, Lindis Pass, and Cromwell’s historic precinct - Flexible timing for photos, short walks, and comfort breaks - Travel in modern, clean, and comfortable vehicles - Friendly local driver-guides sharing stories and regional insights - A stress-free alternative to long direct transfers or taxis - Door-to-door drop-off in Lake Tekapo Beautiful landscapes, fresh alpine air, and total comfort — this is the most enjoyable way to travel between Queenstown and Lake Tekapo.

Escape to peace and tranquillity with a hot air balloon flight over the Canterbury Plains. Your day starts early. Ballooning is best at sunrise, when the air is calmest and light finest. You'll be contacted the evening before to confirm time and place. Meet the team at the Hororata base, just 30 minutes from Christchurch Airport, then transfer to the best launch site for the day, chosen for the best views based on the weather. Family-run since 2012. Chief Pilot Michael Oakley has flown since 1997, A New Zealand Champion who has represented New Zealand at the World Hot Air Balloon Championships. Son Nicholas has flown since age 4 and now flies commercially alongside him. Flight time is about an hour over the Canterbury Plains, with views to the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean. It can be hands-on: help the crew inflate the balloon and pack it away after landing. Back on the ground, celebrate with chilled bubbly or juice, fresh muffins and seasonal fruit.

Discover Queenstown and historic Arrowtown with a knowledgeable local guide in the comfort of a luxury vehicle. This relaxed small-group experience combines scenic sightseeing, local stories and time to explore Arrowtown at your own pace. Rather than following a rigid sightseeing checklist, your guide uses local knowledge to select suitable viewpoints and stopping places based on the day’s conditions. Hear stories of Queenstown’s history, Māori heritage, gold-mining past and local way of life while enjoying the spectacular Southern Lakes scenery. With personal commentary, flexible local insights and premium transport, this is an authentic introduction to Queenstown and Arrowtown beyond the standard tourist experience.

Welcome aboard the original Round the Bays Cruise, operated by us for over 30 years. Step into the Queen Charlotte Sound the largest of the Marlborough Sounds, a breathtaking network of ancient sea-drowned valleys. Named by Captain Cook after Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, this remarkable area is steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty. As you depart Picton and cruise across the main reach of the Sound, you’ll discover sheltered bays, rolling hills cloaked in regenerating native forest, and an ever-changing backdrop of bird and marine life. This relaxed scenic cruise is the perfect way to experience the very best of the Marlborough Sounds in a limited time frame, making it an ideal option for a cruise ship shore excursion. With over three decades of experience sharing these waters, your friendly crew is always happy to share local knowledge and stories, ensuring you leave with a true sense of the magic that makes this region so special.

Discover the Mt. Hay Farm Experience, where New Zealand’s high-country farming heritage comes alive! Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Lake Tekapo, this authentic farm tour invites you to step into the world of Merino sheep, renowned for their luxurious wool. Witness the skill and precision of a live sheep-shearing demonstration. Watch at the incredible partnership between farmer and dog during a sheepdog herding display, as the dogs expertly guide the flock across the rugged terrain. It’s an opportunity to connect with the land, the animals, and the hardworking traditions that have shaped the region for generations. Perfect for families, nature lovers, and anyone curious about farm life, this experience offers something truly unique. Don’t miss your chance to immerse yourself in the charm of high-country farming—book your Mt. Hay adventure today and create memories to last a lifetime!

Turquoise lakes, majestic glaciers, dramatic mountain peaks and the picture-perfect towns of Queenstown, Wanaka and Franz Josef. With accommodation and some activities included (see below), our all-inclusive tours are hassle-free, authentic experiences for those short on time. This 10 day South Island tour is the ultimate South Island roadie visiting Kaikoura, Christchurch, Tekapo and back across to Christchurch via the famous Arthur’s Pass.

Admire landscapes shaped by Central Otago’s history as you cycle through this famous region. Let us help craft your ideal itinerary and make sure it all goes off without a hitch. All you need to do is turn up and enjoy the ride. Explore the trails your way, whether that is on a romantic getaway, a fun holiday or a family excursion.

Self-guided kayak trip with one-way transport—explore Lake Wānaka's shoreline on your own with gear, tips, and a custom route provided. Know what you’re doing and just need the gear? Explore Lake Wanaka on this self-guided kayaking activity! We’ll get you and the gear out to where you start and your Mission is to paddle it all back! Head off with your buddy, partner or group of friends and enjoy a morning of paddling on Lake Wanaka. We’ll arm you with a kayak, safety equipment and a map, get you out on the lake and your mission is to paddle back to Wanaka Township. Paddle the shoreline, explore islands, jump off jetties, or stop for a picnic - it’s your adventure, your way.

Embark on a day of adventure and history on this small-group day trip to Macetown from Queenstown. Travel off-road to the former gold mining town of Macetown along roads only accessible by 4WD. Stop for a picnic lunch, hike into the alpine wilderness, and try your hand at gold panning in the Arrow River.

The mighty peak of Aoraki/Mt. Cook and the immense Fox Glacier are two of the most spectacular natural wonders in the South Island. Enjoy dramatic aerial views of both as you soar overhead in a helicopter. This 30-minute flight travels the length of the glacier, swoops through the Southern Alps and around the west face of Aoraki/Mt. Cook, and includes an unforgettable snow landing.

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

Milford Sound, in UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park, is a must-visit destination in the South Island, but self-driving through the mountainous landscape can be challenging. Simplify your visit by letting someone else drive so you can enjoy the views. After departing Te Anau, stop at an authentic farm to learn about rural life. Continue to Milford Sound for a nature cruise, admiring views of peaks, waterfalls, and possibly dolphins.