Top South Island Nature and Wildlife Tours - page 8

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.

Make the most of a travel day—and avoid the hassle of self-driving—on a well-planned 1-way tour from Dunedin to Queenstown. Travel the first leg of the journey on the historic Taieri Gorge Railway, passing deep river canyons and high bridges. From Pukerangi, continue the journey through Central Otago by road. Admire the mountainous landscapes without the distraction of watching the road, and be dropped off at your hotel in Queenstown.

Check out the interactive alpaca farm tour just 20 minutes north of Christchurch. Get hands-on as you feed, touch, and cuddle these friendly alpacas, including adorable babies when they're around. The owner shares entertaining stories and answers all your questions, making it a fun and informative experience. After the tour, check out the fibre shed, trophy room, and shop, or take a stroll through the beautiful gardens and hang out with the alpacas again. Perfect for family outings and a hit with air crew. - One-hour interactive tour with alpacas, perfect for all ages - Feed, cuddle, and hold baby alpacas (seasonal) - Enjoy informative commentary from the owner - Explore the fibre shed, trophy room, and lovely gardens after the tour

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Earnslaw Burn, home to a stunning hanging glacier, vibrant blue ice, and cascading waterfalls. As the only company permitted to land at this hidden gem, Heliworks provides exclusive access to this remarkable destination. Experience panoramic views over historic Skippers Canyon and rugged schist slopes, making this helicopter tour a must for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Whether you visit in summer, when waterfalls flow abundantly, or in winter, when the glacier is capped in fresh snow, each visit promises an unforgettable spectacle of nature’s wonders. - Exclusive landing rights at the stunning Earnslaw Burn glacier - Scenic flight over Skippers Canyon and historic gold mining sites - Spectacular views of seasonal waterfalls and vibrant blue ice - Ideal for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike

This track walk takes visitors on one of the world’s most famous walks. This walk only 3-4 hours return, so ideal for visitors staying at Milford Sound Lounge or on a day trip in the Milford Sound. It takes visitors to the Giant Gate Falls, a highlight of the track.

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 bush walks, and see the limestone rock formations of Castle Hill.

If you're looking for an unforgettable nature experience, look no further than the Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton. This tour takes you to one of New Zealand's rodent-free offshore sanctuaries, Motuara Island, where you'll see a variety of native birds in regenerating native bush. You'll also cruise to Meretoto / Ship Cove, a beautiful sheltered cove that was once a favorite spot of Captain James Cook. Compared with a traditional mail boat cruise, this tour offers more time seeing wildlife and less time parked on shore.

Enjoy a day out of Christchurch without having to drive yourself through the mountains on this handy day trip. Start your adventure with an exciting jet boat ride at Thrillseekers Canyon, then visit the mountain resort village of Hanmer Springs, where you melt your stress away with a relaxing soak. Refuel with the included lunch at the on-site café and enjoy the convenience of hotel transfers from Christchurch.

On a rainy day, an animated show is perfect way to learn about the fascinating history of Lake Wakatipu while keeping warm indoors. This state-of-the-art animated show takes you on a journey through time, from the moment the earth was formed to the present day. You'll learn about the dinosaurs that once roamed the earth, how the lake was carved out by a giant glacier. Then view the marine life that now calls it home from the comfort of Queenstown underwater observatory.

Enjoy a comfortable cruise on our 28 seat super taxi Moutimu and a knowledgeable Kiwi skipper to answer your questions along the way. Cruise through outstanding mountain scenery to the remote Mou Waho Island nature reserve. We are contracted to the Department of Conservation and every guest contributes to funding the conservation work on Mou Waho Island ensuring that it is a predator-free conservation area for our unique native birds and other fauna. Here you can see first-hand results of conservation efforts including the rare flightless Buff Weka (extinct on the mainland since 1920), the Mountain Stone Weta and many other native birds. A two hour self-guided nature walk is included and this will take you up to the natural glacial lake right on top of the island and magnificent mountain and lake scenery in every direction. This is rated as one of the top activities by visitors to Wanaka and rated among the best Wanaka walks and hikes.

Saddle up and explore New Zealand’s rugged wilderness on this half-day Cardrona High Country Pub Trail horse-riding trek. Learn about historical locales along the winding mountain trails from your guide. Pass through a working cattle farm, traverse choppy rivers, and enjoy panoramic views. Stop at the historic Cardrona Hotel for a complimentary drink, then return to base along the Cardrona River. Best suited to riders with at least intermediate-level experience.

Take in aerial views of the home of one of the world's largest marine mammals on this scenic helicopter flight in Kaikōura. Search for sperm whales, dolphins and have a better chance at seeing baleen whales. Get panoramic views of the South Island's rugged east coast. See whales feeding further offshore, away from the tourist boats.

Join this 55-minute Ski Plane scenic experience through the Mt Cook and Westland National Parks for a unique air tour like no other. Flight path goes right around Aoraki MT Cook and views over to the Fox, Franz Josef and Tasman Glaciers. The ultimate way to see the Southern Alps including a glacier landing! Bucket list item!

Master the art of taking dramatic landscape photographs on this half-day photography tour. Starting your tour in Queenstown, head to the charming settlement of Glenorchy, famous for its beautiful views. Here you will be able to photograph a range of natural scenery, including snow-capped mountains, ancient forests and pristine lakes and rivers.

Lift off from Kaikōura's beachfront helipad on a scenic helicopter tour over the deep-sea canyon and coastline. Look out for sperm whales, humpbacks, Hector's dolphins, and New Zealand fur seals in their natural habitat while enjoying panoramic views of the Seaward Kaikōura mountain range and Kaikōura Peninsula. Headsets with microphones provide live commentary and the chance to ask questions during this unforgettable aerial whale-watching experience.

Travel from Greymouth to Christchurch on a scenic journey showcasing the stunning landscapes of New Zealand's South Island. This small-group tour offers premium comfort as you traverse through Arthur’s Pass, absorbing tales from knowledgeable guides about its rich history and natural beauty. Stop at breathtaking locations like the Otira Viaduct Lookout and the iconic Devils Punchbowl Waterfall, where you can capture unforgettable moments. Conclude your adventure in Christchurch, filled with new friends and incredible memories. - Small-group experience ensures personalized attention - Fully guided by passionate local experts - Includes complimentary bottled water and snacks

Nature enthusiasts will love this full-day tour of the Otago Peninsula and a wildlife cruise on Otago Harbour. Check out the local colony of penguins at Penguin Place on the peninsula, and look out for a variety of birds on the cruise, including albatross. You also have a good chance of seeing fur seals and sea lions, both in the sea and on the beaches.

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.

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.

Climb out from Milford and up past Harrison's Cove, see the Pembroke Glacier, alpine lakes and sheer cliffs dwarf the surrounding rivers before approaching the Tutoko Glacier for a snow landing. Take a few minutes to capture photo's on the snow before boarding the helicopter again to fly past the glaciated tops of Mt Tutoko, the highest peak in Fiordland national park at 2723m. Track via the lower Tutoko valley and return to Milford airport.

Take in views of Mt. Cook (Aoraki) and the Southern Alps from a vantage point that most travelers miss on this small-group helicopter tour. Fly above the snow-capped peaks, taking in Fox Glacier, the Franz Josef Glacier, and much more before landing for a quick opportunity to explore the pristine wilderness on foot.

This 30-minute helicopter flight with an expert alpine pilot takes you over the twin glaciers of Franz Josef and Fox, with a snow landing at the head of Fox Glacier. At the landing site above the icefalls, step out to marvel at the phenomenal glacial beauty of the crevasse-filled landscape below. Your helicopter will take you above the magnificent carved valleys of the Southern Alps, for phenomenal views.

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

Observe yellow-eyed penguins and royal albatrosses in their natural habitats on a tour from Dunedin to the Otago Peninsula. Hear informative narration about these native New Zealand birds and enjoy great photo ops from various lookouts. The penguin hides are carefully placed to maximize your chance of seeing the birds in the wild, as this isn’t a center with birds in captivity. Tour includes a brief introductory tour of Dunedin.