Top South Island Nature Walks - page 2

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.

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.

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.

Explore the stunning sights of Christchurch in a convenient 4-hour private tour. Discover picturesque locations such as the Cashmere Hills Lookout, Sumner Beach, the Sign of the Kiwi, and the serene Christchurch Botanic Gardens. A knowledgeable local guide shares captivating stories about the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. This tour includes hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off, making it an excellent choice for first-time visitors, families, or anyone looking to experience the essence of Christchurch in a short time. - Visit iconic scenic spots like Cashmere Hills Lookout and Sumner Beach - Enjoy engaging insights from a local guide about the city’s transformation - Comfortable transport with hotel pickup and drop-off included - Perfect for first-time visitors, families, and those with limited time

This small-group tour makes it easy to visit the Punakaiki Blowholes and Pancake Rocks from Greymouth. Avoid the hassle of self-driving and enjoy the views along the incredibly scenic coast road. Learn more about the geological processes that formed the impressive natural attraction, and enjoy a gentle walk around the well-maintained track and boardwalks.

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.

Embark on a guided small-group walk to Oneke, 'The Neck,' on Rakiura Stewart Island. Check in at the ferry terminal in Oban, just a 5 minute walk from the main road. Start with a brief sea cruise to this secluded gem, where stunning coastal landscapes and diverse wildlife await. Your expert guide will lead you through lush forests and rugged beaches, sharing captivating stories of Oneke's Māori and European heritage. The return journey route includes a short cruise back to Oban where the experience began.

Experience an unforgettable day immersed in the great outdoors on a guided Crater Rim Walk along the Godley Head Loop Track. Explore Lyttelton Harbour, nestled within the crater of an extinct volcano, and admire one of New Zealand's most picturesque coastlines. Widely regarded as one of Christchurch’s top hikes, this undulating trail features awe-inspiring coastal views, fascinating WWII landmarks, an Antarctic cabin, a penguin colony, and charming beaches. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and native birds.

Channel your inner Hobbit and enjoy outdoor adventure in the heart of New Zealand on this Hobbit barrel run rafting tour on the Pelorus River. Pull on your wetsuit and hop aboard your raft, then drift onto the Pelorus River — made famous in the 2013 movie "The Desolation of Smaug." Stop off at filming locations used in the making of the movie to hear behind-the-scenes stories.

Pair the fine wines of Central Otago with a gourmet lunch platter on this small-group wine-tasting tour of Gibbston, Bannockburn, and Cromwell from Queenstown. Drive through valleys and vine-clad foothills rich in gold mining history, and stop at four boutique wineries for tastings along the way. Numbers are limited to ensure an intimate experience with other wine lovers and personalized attention from your guide.

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.

Lochmara Lodge is a luxury getaway nestled in the Queen Charlotte Sound, only accessible by water or by a few hours of hiking. Skip the sweating and the heavy backpacks with this short cruise from Picton across the Sound to Lochmara. Once there, you’re free to explore the Lodge and its surroundings at your own pace – there’s no itinerary or time limit. Walk through the forest, go kayaking in Lochmara Bay, enjoy lunch in the waterfront cafe or see the fish in the Lodge’s Underwater Observatory.

Active, nature-loving travelers will enjoy this small-group kayaking and hiking tour of the southern part of the Abel Tasman National Park. Starting from Marahau, head out to little Adele Island, where you’re likely to spot fur seals basking in the sun. Continue your adventure on land, hiking to panoramic viewpoints and listening to the birdsong, so far from roads and settlements.

Fiordland is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful destinations, but self-driving through the landscape of snow-capped mountains, towering waterfalls, and emerald greenery can be challenging—and distracting. Eliminate the hassle when you travel with a small group by coach from Queenstown. Pass Lake Te Anau, the South Island’s largest lake, and enter the hand-carved Homer Tunnel on your way to Milford Sound, where you relax on a scenic nature cruise.

Take a window seat for a scenic round-trip flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound, and see the splendor of Fiordland National Park from the air and sea on this small-group excursion. Board a cruise and pass dramatic waterfalls and Mitre Peak as you travel to the Tasman Sea. Then soar over the Southern Alps on your return.

Escape city lights to Akaroa's pristine dark skies for our intimate "Night Awe" tour. Join expert astronomer Luca for a captivating experience through the Southern Hemisphere's celestial wonders. Experience the cosmos with two powerful telescopes: our 10-inch Dobsonian for stunning visual observations and a ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope for live astrophotography. Witness the breathtaking Milky Way, planets, vibrant nebulae, and distant galaxies. Receive incredible digital photo souvenirs! Instant nebula/deep-sky photos: Captured live with our smart telescope, ready for instant social media sharing! Your personalized souvenir photo under the night sky: A beautiful digital keepsake of you (or your group) among the stars, sent next day. Enjoy complimentary hot drink and cozy blankets for ultimate comfort. Our small group size ensures a personalized experience. Conveniently located at Akaroa Heritage Park, just minutes from town. Book your unparalleled stargazing experience today!

Make the most of a travel day and let someone else do the driving so you can admire the views. This small-group, fully guided tour takes you from Christchurch to Queenstown via Tekapo and Aoraki Mt. Cook. Instead of just sitting in a bus all day, get out and explore Geraldine, Lake Tekapo, Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park, and other points of interest along the way.

Be amazed by Fiordland’s dramatic landscapes on this full-day, small-group tour by coach, boat, and air. This combo tour makes it easy to see a lot in one day. After a Queenstown hotel pickup, admire the dramatic scenery without having to drive yourself. Hop aboard a cruise on Milford Sound, then return to Queenstown by air, flying over Fiordland National Park and seeing views you couldn’t experience any other way.

The Kepler Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, running from the shores of Lake Te Anau to Lake Manapouri and back via majestic alpine vistas. Start your trek off with this private water taxi across Lake Te Anau to Brod Bay. From there, stroll back to Te Anau along the lake’s limestone bluffs or, for more of a challenge, hike up Mount Luxmore, a summit with impressive views of Te Anau basin.

Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most impressive natural wonders, but the remote fjord lies around four hours by road from Queenstown. Save time and maximize your experience with this airplane tour to Milford Sound, which allows you to explore the region from both the air and land. Enjoy spectacular aerial views of Skippers Canyon, Sutherland Falls, and the Fiordland National Park; and touch down to experience the fjord up close with a self-guided walk along the shore.

When your cruise ship docks in Lyttelton, make the most of a day on land with a full-day tour combining a half-day Christchurch city tour with a visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Take in the city’s historical landmarks and rebuilding efforts since devastating earthquakes. Then head to the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for a guided tour that includes viewing of endangered kiwi birds and other New Zealand wildlife—ideal for families.

A Milford Sound cruise is a must-do activity in southern New Zealand, but it’s a very remote spot. This full-day tour makes it easy to visit from Te Anau, and includes hotel pickup and lunch for your convenience. Look at the views rather than the road by going with a guide and driver. See many spectacular sights along the way, including the Mirror Lakes and Homer Tunnel.

Don’t worry about organizing a hire car to get between Queenstown and Christchurch; make your travels as seamless and worry-free as possible by letting someone else drive on this small-group tour. As well as being able to relax and enjoy the views, you can learn as you ride, thanks to onboard commentary. Places showcased on the route include Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo, the Church of the Good Shepherd, and the Southern Alps.

Avoid the stress of self-driving through distractingly beautiful landscapes on a full-day tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Peer through the panoramic windows of a luxury coach as you travel through UNESCO World Heritage–listed Fiordland National Park with a guide, stopping at sites of interest en route. At Milford Sound, board a catamaran for a memorable sightseeing cruise past Mitre Peak and magnificent cliff-side waterfalls. Look out for wildlife, too.