All South Island Tours & Excursions in 2026

Excellent from start to finish. We debated about which boat trip to take on the lake and decided on the traditional TSS Earnslaw and to include the BBQ lunch and sheep dog and shearing display. What a fabulous decision we made! The BBQ buffet was absolutely fantastic .. one of the best we have come across with so much variety in such a lovely location at the homestead at Walter Peak. Even though we are Aussies and have seen quite a lot of farming we found the display interesting. There was a short amount of time then to wander up and see some of the other animals or visit the little shop or wander around the lovely gardens. Then it was time to get back onboard for the return trip and to take in the stunning scenery. A truly wonderful and relaxing excursion and highly recommended.

Amazing landscape with towering mountains and still water. It was raining the day we went. The rain helped the waterfalls bring down torrential waterfalls The clouds however covered the peaks. Take a poncho with a tie down hood. I was told it rains 220days a year. So be prepared!

An absolutely fantastic day from start to finish! An early 7:15 AM departure, but everything was incredibly well organized by our guide, Anuj. The small-group experience made the day even more enjoyable. The approximately three-hour TranzAlpine train journey was comfortable, with absolutely spectacular scenery as we travelled through the mountains. A real highlight was the 2km return hike to Devils Punchbowl Falls in Arthur’s Pass. Although relatively short, it’s not the easiest walk, but the spectacular waterfall at the end makes it well worth the effort! We stopped in Arthur’s Pass for lunch, where we were entertained by several cheeky Kea parrots hopping from table to table. A few scenic photo stops along the drive back towards Christchurch provided even more opportunities to appreciate the beautiful surroundings. One of the most memorable stops was Castle Hill, where we had time to wander among the enormous limestone rock formations. Not only is the landscape incredible, but it’s also a sacred Māori site with significant cultural importance. Our guide, Anuj, was outstanding throughout the day: accommodating, patient, an excellent driver, and full of interesting commentary along the way. His enthusiasm and organization really made the experience special. An incredible combination of scenic rail travel, hiking, wildlife, culture and breathtaking landscapes. I’d give this tour 10 stars if I could! Highly recommended!