Top South Island Nature Walks in 2026

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.

This tour lets you discover the breathtaking West Coast Wilderness Trail at your own pace. First up, a guided walk of the Hokitika Gorge the its stunning turquoise waters is a highlight. Then marvel at the natural wonder of Dorothy Falls, before venturing along the Wilderness Trail on your self-guided eBike ride. The trail is mostly flat or downhill, making it perfect for a family-friendly adventure. Soak in the lush native forest surroundings, and picturesque Lake Kaniere. There's a charming stop at Hans Bay then a ride alongside the historic water race built in 1875, surrounded by native flora and scenic landscapes. Complete the journey in Hokitika, exploring local craft stores, galleries, and cosy cafes.

See some of Dunedin’s main attractions on this short city tour. Designed for those arriving into Port Chalmers on cruise ships, this tour is open to everyone and only operates on cruise ship days. Take in the views of the city from Signal Hill, visit the Botanic Gardens and see Baldwin Street - the steepest residential street in the world. See impressive architecture including the iconic Octagon and the Railway Station.

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.

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.

Explore the captivating sights of Dunedin on this comprehensive full-day tour, departing from Port Chalmers. Visit iconic locations like the Octagon, Baldwin Street (the world's steepest street) and enjoy a guided walk through the stunning botanical gardens featuring aviaries with exotic and native birds. The full-day tour includes scenic views from Signal Hill and a stop at St Clair Esplanade. Knowledgeable drivers provide insightful commentary, ensuring you gain a deeper understanding of the region's rich history and culture. Perfect for cruise ship passengers, with flexible pick-up times and options for lunch breaks. - Includes entry to Larnach Castle for self guided tour. - Scenic stops include Baldwin Street and Signal Hill lookout. - Experience a guided walk through botanical gardens. - Knowledgeable local driver/guide.

Join a small group, no more than 8 travellers, with a friendly local Kiwi guide on part of the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks with over 140 years of history. Depart Queenstown or Glenorchy and follow the edge of Lake Wakatipu toward Mt Aspiring National Park. Climb through ancient red beech forest, with a total elevation of 343 metres over 15 kilometres on a well-formed track, moderate enough for regular hikers and achievable for those who don't hike often. Pass Forge Flat and Bridal Veil Falls, with the track running above the Routeburn River gorge. Listen for bush robins and kea as you cross a swing bridge into the alpine meadows of Routeburn Flats, where you'll stop for a picnic lunch surrounded by mountains before the gentle two hour descent back to Queenstown. Approximately 8 hours total, including 4.5 to 5 hours of walking. 8am start from Queenstown, 9am from Glenorchy.

There are few places in New Zealand where you’re likely to spot kiwis in the wild, and Stewart Island is one. Improve your chances of spotting this nocturnal bird on a guided tour at dusk. Head out for a pre-sunset cruise, spotting albatross, penguins, and fur seals, before a venture into the bush toward a secluded beach where kiwi are often spotted. For a deeper understanding of New Zealand, upgrade to the culture "kiwi and culture encounter" to hear stories of Maori and European history.

Expanding on the incredible opportunities of the Wildlife & Penguin Tour, this tour provides the unique opportunity to experience the reserve at sunset. The magnificent light casting over the landscape as the sun sets on the reserve is breathtaking. At points throughout the year, this time of day provides the greatest opportunity to view hoiho | Yellow-eyed Penguins in the wild as they return from a day foraging at sea, as well as opportunities to view other unique wildlife from fur seals, sea lions, shore and land birds, native fauna, and more await you within our private reserve. Best of all, by taking a tour you are joining our work, as tour operations directly fund the conservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and education initiatives at The OPERA.

Watch the spectacular stars above the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve on a tour that starts with a guided constellation tour, and ends in the warm waters of Tekapo Springs. Using a floating hammock in the hot pools is ideal for an evening of stargazing that won’t leave you with a sore neck, and access to an indoor star projector means you’re guaranteed to see stars in any weather.

Our family has farmed this land since 1928 and we love sharing our home and lifestyle with visitors from all over the world. Lake Tekapo Petting Zoo is located on the original grounds of the historic Mt John Homestead and Farm Yard, a 5-10 minute walk from the village center. If you're looking for a hands-on animal experience then come and say hello to our farmyard favorites. Pet and feed our Merino Sheep, Kune Kune Pigs, Lambs, Alpacas, Calf and rabbits. Learn their names and personalities and let our friendly staff teach you about the habits of each animal and explain how we care for them. The admission price include a complimentary bag of animal feed and additional feed can be purchased for $10 per bag.

Located several hours from Queenstown by car and unreachable by public transport, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (part of Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area) can be tricky for travelers to reach. Cover the journey there and back on this small-group tour, stopping off at several scenic spots along the route, before free time to explore the national park at your leisure. Take a hike along one of its trails, unwind with a hot chocolate (own expense), or take in the dramatic scenery.

Experience life on a real working farm at Woodstone with this 90-minute hosted tour. Get up close with friendly animals and enjoy a relaxed, hands-on visit guided by a local farmer. Feed and interact with the animals, then watch live demonstrations including sheep shearing and working dog mustering, while learning how the farm runs day to day. Take a break with while soaking in the surroundings of vineyards, lavender fields, and seasonal blooms. At select times of year, your visit can also include access to the maize or sunflower maze, adding something extra to your day. Perfect for families, couples, or anyone wanting an authentic Kiwi farm experience!

Experience Wānaka from another angle with a cruise across Lake Wānaka to remote Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve. Make an eco-friendly impact by planting a native tree before you leave. Opt to take a guided bush walk to reveal Mou Waho’s hidden secret: another lake, nestled atop the island, with panoramic views of Wānaka and the Southern Alps. Enjoy hot drinks and snacks surrounded by spectacular alpine scenery.

Many people come to Milford Sound, in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, to enjoy a scenic nature cruise. But if you feel like getting more active, join this combo tour for a hike along the scenic Milford Track, too. Get a taste of the multi-day hiking track without the time commitment. Return transfers from Te Anau mean you don’t have to self-drive in this distractingly beautiful landscape.

There’s no need to stick to a rigid itinerary with this private half-day tour. Customize your experience and explore the Christchurch landmarks and attractions that interest you most. Take a relaxing walk through the carefully manicured Christchurch Botanic Gardens, snap panoramic photos from Cashmere Hill Lookout, walk along the sandy Sumner Beach, and much more.

See the glowworm caves of Te Anau on an underground adventure sure to charm visitors of all ages. An informative guide joins you on the tour, which starts with a cruise across Lake Te Anau. Then marvel at the shimmering illumination of thousands of glowworms as you glide through the quiet darkness of this magical underground world.

Experience two of Fiordland's most iconic attractions in a single, unforgettable day. If you select the 9.00am departure: Start with a self-guided walk on the world-famous Milford Track. The gentle 11-km walk to Giant's Gate Falls and back lets you experience the track's magic without committing to the full hike. Then join our premium Nature Cruise on a spacious catamaran, purpose-built to get you closer to stunning waterfalls, wildlife, and cliff faces. Our expert onboard commentary, available in eight languages via a free app, shares captivating stories about the area's natural history and wildlife. Walk first with the 9am departure OR Cruise first with the 10.30am departure - both options offer a perfect blend of adventure and comfort in one of New Zealand's most spectacular locations. Experience the majesty of Milford Sound in two unique ways, all in one day.

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 regularly at locations with a chance to get off and have a walk around. As well as the regular stops there is an option to go to either Larnach Castle or Sandly bay track whilst on Otago Peninsula Comfortable vehicles with Aircon and a commentary is provided. A full refund is offered if the ship cancels its port call for any reason or 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.

Godley Head is an exciting and beautiful place at the far end of the Port Hills. From Godley Head, you will be treated to uninterrupted and spectacular views of Lyttelton Harbour, Christchurch and the South Island's east coast. Rich in history and scattered with remnants of New Zealand’s WWII defences, this is a must-do location for anyone visiting Christchurch. Join us and explore this unique and unforgettable area with one of our friendly local guides. 1/2-Day Walking Tour: - Track grade: Very easy, 2.5 hrs of walking time - Walking distance: 3-5 km (flexible depending on group ability) - Total elevation gain: ~180 m Full-Day Walking Tour: - Track grade: Easy – Moderate fitness required, 3-4 hrs of walking time. - Walking distance: 6-9 km (flexible depending on group ability) - Total elevation gain: 380-440 m

Fly along a series of high-speed ziplines at the Christchurch Adventure Park, soaring high in the air for sweeping views of the Southern Alps and Pacific Ocean that you can’t get any other way. Zipline guides and fitted protective equipment ensure a safe, fun adventure through the Port Hills. Ride four dual ziplines that soar more than 518 feet (150 meters) above the ground for a thrilling experience.

Don’t worry about what to do once you arrive at Lyttelton Harbour. On this small-group tour of the Canterbury countryside surrounding Christchurch, you’ll be transported to Sumner Beach to take in ocean views over coffee before tackling the Godley Head Loop, one of the area’s most popular hikes. Enjoy coastal views and historic World War II landmarks before a picnic lunch at Boulder Bay, surrounded by striking vistas of the Southern Alps.

Be introduced to one of New Zealand’s Great Walks without having to do the whole thing on a morning or afternoon guided hike on a portion of the Routeburn Track. After a pickup from central Queenstown, head into the mountains of Mt. Aspiring National Park. Follow your guide at a relaxed pace through lush forests and experience the tranquility of the Routeburn River and its waterfalls along the way.