Top South Island Tours by Duration - page 4

Enjoy uninterrupted views of the mountain scenery without having to self-drive to Milford Sound from Queenstown in a glass-roofed coach. Your driver will provide commentary along the way, to keep you informed. At Milford Sound, embark on a cruise on the water, all the way out to the Tasman Sea. Relax and take in the views as you enjoy lunch on board, too.

Join a small group for a full-day tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula. During the city tour, see landmarks such as the University of Otago and Scottish heritage sites. Next, explore the Otago Peninsula, including Otago Harbour, Larnach Castle (where there will be time for lunch), and the penguin colony and albatross sanctuary at Taiaroa Head. Your tour includes pickup and drop-off in central Dunedin or the port.

Explore Milford Sound on a full-day tour from Queenstown with a combination of a scenic coach ride, sightseeing cruise, and return flight over the pristine mountain wilderness. Avoid the hassle of self-driving through the beautiful landscape and let an experienced driver take the wheel on the mountainous roads. Look out for rare South Island wildlife on the cruise, then save time with a flight back to Queenstown.

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.

Located on the eastern shores of New Zealand’s South Island, Kaikoura is famous for the spectacular array of marine wildlife living off its shores—but to see the best of it, you have to take to the waves. On this tour, cruise into Kaikoura’s deep waters by speedy catamaran with running commentary throughout from your guide, and spot dolphins, seals, and sperm whales in their natural habitat.

Soar through the forest on the world’s steepest tree-to-tree zipline, 1,500 feet (450 meters) above Queenstown. Choose from three different courses, one with a thrilling 68-foot (21-meter) drop. Or, tone down the adrenaline a notch on a longer course, perfect for families with kids. Expert guides supervise your launch so all you have to do is take in the panoramic mountain and lake views.

Cruise from Queenstown to Walter Peak High Country Farm and venture out on horseback with an expert guide. You'll board a Queenstown Lake Cruise for a round-trip ride across Lake Wakatipu then have morning or afternoon tea at the Colonel’s Homestead. Numbers are limited for a small-group experience on the horse trek, with views of the Remarkables mountain range.

Admire the natural wonder that is Milford Sound on a nature cruise that lets you soak up the scenery from the water. Glide past granite walls, glacier-fed waterfalls, and stunning Mitre Peak on a spacious catamaran to avoid the crowds. Enjoy great photo ops of this famous South Island attraction situated within Fiordland National Park, and be on the lookout for Fiordland crested penguins and bottlenose dolphins.

Take a break and escape into nature on this tour of Milford Sound in the World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Relax as you visit one of New Zealand’s notable Fjords, taking in the waterfalls at Mirror Lake and the fresh glacier water at Monkey Walk. Then, take to the water itself with a boat cruise on Milford Sound. Perfect for travelers wanting to immerse themselves in the South Island’s landscape.

Tour the western end of Queen Charlotte Sound on a half-day paddling adventure from Picton. Settle into your sea kayak and follow an expert guide from the waterfront to sheltered coves and remote beaches. Search the waters for eagle rays, cormorants, little blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals, and dolphins while you learn about the natural history of the Marlborough Sounds.

Board your choice of the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship, or the modern Spirit of Queenstown for an evening cruise on scenic Lake Wakatipu. Arriving at Walter Peak High Country Farm, you’re treated to a sumptuous buffet dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead. Enjoy local meats, salads, vegetables, and desserts—nobody will go hungry. After dinner, see farm demonstrations or purchase a drink and simply relax in the bar.

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).

Take a shuttle from Queenstown to Arrowtown for a self-guided bike tour on the Queenstown Trail. The bike rental staff provides tips for your ride and directions for the basic route, which covers about 22 miles (36 kilometers) of varied terrain and hills. Mountain bike (or e-bike), helmet, and detailed trail map are provided, along with options for additional stops. Suitable for active people who enjoy a challenging bike ride.

Travelers short on time in Dunedin who want a comprehensive overview of the city and Otago Peninsula will enjoy this half-day small-group tour. After stops at city highlights including Baldwin Street, the University of Otago, and the Octagon, head out to the Otago Peninsula along a scenic road. A guided walk at a wildlife sanctuary offers chances to see yellow-eyed penguins, little blue penguins, fur seals, and sea lions.

View Christchurch’s highlights on a half-day city sightseeing tour that introduces you to the architecture, gardens, and waterways of “The Garden City.” You’ll drive past significant landmarks in the city center, meander around ponds and perennial gardens, visit the seaside, and marvel at views over the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps. Choose a morning or afternoon departure, and upgrade to include the International Antarctic Centre if you like.

Discover the jewel in the South Island’s crown on this full-day Abel Tasman National Park hiking tour with cruise. Travel from Nelson to Kaiteriteri with your guide, then hop aboard your water taxi. Cruise along the coastline toward the heart of the park and the start-point of your trek. Follow hiking trails through the dense forest and learn about the local environment. Stop for lunch at Torrent Beach.

Explore the landscapes that featured in “The Lord of the Rings” movies on this small-group full-day tour. Traveling in a 4-wheel drive enables access to remote locations in the Queenstown area. Get out into the wilderness in the morning, with the chance to dress up in movie costumes and pose with props. Return to town for lunch, then spend the afternoon checking out more sites around Queenstown.

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.

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.

Travel to the Tasman Sea on a Milford Sound cruise from Queenstown or Te Anau. 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.

Enjoy a thrilling jet boat ride on the Dart River, taking you to places you couldn’t reach any other way. During the half-day tour, venture into the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Mt Aspiring National Park from Glenorchy, a short drive from Queenstown. Surrounded by awe-inspiring peaks and hidden valleys, twist and turn down the glacier-fed Dart River. Listen to your guide’s stories about the area’s natural and cultural history en route.

Be surprised by the rugged natural landscape that’s part of the Dunedin city boundaries on this tour of the Otago Peninsula. Start with a guided tour of New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle, and learn all about Dunedin’s early settler history from your guide. Continue further along the peninsula, hopping aboard a wildlife cruise of the Otago Harbour. Spot fur seals, albatross, and maybe even dolphins and penguins while admiring the views.

Board the ‘Milford Mariner’ for a Milford Sound overnight cruise along this pristine waterway, situated in New Zealand’s impressive Fiordland National Park. Cruise the entire length of the fiord before your captain anchors in Harrison Cove. Then, spend the night in a private single or twin-share en suite cabin, including a 3-course buffet dinner and breakfast. Listen to a nature guide on board and make use of provided kayaks to explore waterfalls and glacial-carved cliffs like Mitre Peak.

Explore the snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and waterfalls of Mt. Aspiring National Park on this thrilling half-day tour. Start with a scenic flight from Makarora over the Southern Alps, You’ll be dropped at a hiking trail beside the Siberia River. Hike at your own pace, for around 4–5 hours. Once you reach the Wilkin River, hop into a jet boat for an adrenaline-inducing ride back to the starting point.