All South Island Tours & Excursions in 2026

Step into a powerful jet boat and cruise along the mighty Upper Waiau River from Te Anau on this roughly 2-hour adventure into the heart of Fiordland National Park. Feel the wind rush past you and enjoy unobstructed views of this ancient forested landscape as you head to Lake Manapouri. Enjoy stunts along the way that you could never do in a car or tour bus.

Spend a day in the Southern Alps mountains, surrounded by beautiful nature, without having to drive yourself on this easy day tour from Christchurch. After a pickup in the central city, head to the Arthur’s Pass National Park in a comfortable private vehicle. Explore the natural setting—mountains, waterfalls, and hiking trails—and look out for native birds. After lunch, enjoy a thrilling jet-boat ride on braided rivers, before returning to Christchurch.

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.

Embark on a journey through time and space with this ticket to the Dark Sky Experience at Lake Tekapo. No need to wait until after dark to admire the night sky at this indoor exhibition which draws on Māori astronomy and recent discoveries to tell the story of our skies. This kid-friendly attraction is ideal for families, with multimedia exhibits and hands-on activities offering something to do for everyone.

Go beyond the typical Milford Sound cruise with this package that includes delicious canapés crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Gaze out at the tall mountains, lush rainforests, and crashing waterfalls on a boutique vessel with hot drinks and expert commentary. Plus, keep an eye out for the local wildlife from the spacious decks.

Hike a section of the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, on a guided day trip from Queenstown. This premier tramping trail is located in beautiful Mt. Aspiring National Park. Trek at a moderate pace, with some challenging uphill and downhill sections, toward the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, learning about the local flora and birds from your guide. The tour includes snacks, lunch, and hotel transfers.

This self-guided bike tour is the perfect way to see Arrowtown and Gibbston while getting some exercise and sampling some local wine. Take a shuttle to either Arrowtown or Gibbston, where you can explore at your own pace before being picked up from your choice of vineyard or brewery. This tour is great for travelers who don’t want to worry about organising a car—or a designated driver—from Queenstown.

Set out from Greymount to discover the South Island’s Grey and Buller districts on this full-day small-group tour. Take in the dramatic mountain-filled ocean-front scenery as you travel along the Coast Road, before catching glimpses of sealife at a nearby seal colony. Then, head to a local brewery and a distillery to sample some locally made beers and spirits.

The best of Dunedin in one tour! Start with a scenic ferry crossing from Port Chalmers to the Otago Peninsula, with skipper commentary and views of seabirds, boats, shipwrecks, historic quarantine stations and other harbour highlights. Meet your coach and continue to Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle. Enjoy approximately 2 hours to explore the castle on a self-guided tour and wander through the beautiful gardens. A café is available in the ballroom for refreshments at your own cost. Continue by coach along the scenic High Cliff Road towards Dunedin, with commentary, local history and spectacular views along the way. In Dunedin City, where the driver will point out local interest points and then drop you off in centre city, you’ll have time to explore, shop or enjoy the city at your own pace. By ferrying one way and coaching the other, you save doubling back, which saves you time, while you see more. Especially and only available for Cruise Ship passengers/Shore Excursion.

Completely Customized Personal Experience! A day trip to Arthur's National Park lets you experience a mix of green fields, rough mountains, dense forests, and lakes and rivers filled with ice-cold water. You can also join a guided walk with your guide to see the park's largest waterfall. Drive along the Great Alpine Highway and see the beautiful changing scenery. Discover Lake Lyndon, Castle Hill, known for its huge limestone boulders and rocks, the Otira Viaduct Lookout, which offers a beautiful view, Arthur’s Pass National Park, the impressive Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall, and the Cave Stream Scenic Reserve.

Spend quality time with a wooly llama on New Zealand's rugged Kaikōura Coast. Trek with your own llama, who can carry your belongings in saddle bags. Your guide will help you get to know your wooly companion. Learn Kaikōura history and facts, including the extraordinary effects of the 2016 earthquake, as you trek along Kaikōura's coastlines and beaches. Take in mountain and coastal scenery throughout.

Discover the natural wonders of Lake Mapourika on this half-day kayaking adventure. Paddle across the lake's glassy waters against a backdrop of the Southern Alps, then hike through the ancient Jurassic age rainforest of the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. Lake Mapourika is conveniently located a short distance from Franz Josef village, making this an easy excursion to fit in before or after glacier viewing.

Dunedins most popular 1 hour tour which departs from the cruise ship shuttle area on cruise days. We take you for a locals view of our city outskirts giving you a fun commentary along route as well as making stops to see the sights of the worlds steepest street, and an amazing lookout over the city ( weather permitting) if the weather is bad we will stop at the Botanic Gardens. Join us for the famous Quickie Tour today! This is a great tour to get yourself orientated so you can explore other areas of interest in the city centre at your leisure.

From deep turquoise waters to snow-capped mountain peaks, Christchurch offers some of the most stunning views in all of New Zealand. Make the most of your time in the region on this half-day private walking tour over Banks Peninsula. Take in the spectacular vistas on display from the top of the extinct volcano only 30 minutes away from the city.

Active travelers seeking an easy, family-friendly outdoor adventure will enjoy this half-day kayaking tour of the Abel Tasman National Park coastline. Departing from Marahau, you’ll paddle to the dramatic Split Apple Rock, enjoying beautiful views along the way. Check out sea caves and look out for birds, including graceful cormorants. This is roughly a three-hour tour.

Embark on a thrilling 4WD adventure with local guides in Lake Tekapo. Explore Mt Hay Station, a century-old 25,000-acre family farm. Navigate challenging 4WD tracks, traverse Edward stream, and witness stunning High Country views.

Take to the sky with this scenic hot air balloon ride that departs from the foothills around Mt. Hutt. Your pilots will elevate you to 9,500 feet above the Canterbury Plains, offering panoramic views west to the mountains and east to the Pacific Ocean. Glide above treetops and admire the landscape below, including the snow-capped Southern Alps. This easy-level experience suits those comfortable with gentle physical activity.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound with an exclusive small-group experience that includes transport and a nature cruise. Departing from Queenstown or Te Anau, travel in a customized glass-roof Mercedes Sprinter designed for just 12 guests, ensuring comfort and panoramic views. Upon arrival, enjoy priority boarding for your Nature Cruise, featuring the Captain's VIP Lounge where you can savor stunning views of Stirling Falls and the surrounding cliffs. With all-inclusive food and beverages served onboard, you can relax and enjoy the company of NZ fur seals, and other wildlife throughout your journey. - Small-group tour with a maximum of 12 guests for personalized experiences - Travel in a luxury glass-roof Mercedes Sprinter with onboard amenities - Priority boarding and access to the Captain's VIP Lounge during the cruise - All-inclusive food and drinks served onboard, including beer and wine

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

Kaikoura is a must-visit destination when visiting Christchurch, but self-driving can be distracting because of the beautiful views and winding roads. Simplify your day trip on this tour from Christchurch to Kaikoura, with sea kayaking to look for native marine life. Kaikoura is famous for its whales, but you can also see dolphins and fur seals. Lunch, snacks, and water are included, so there’s no need to pack a picnic.

Experience the best of New Zealand’s largest wine-producing region without the hassle of having to drive–or to designate a sober driver. This half-day tour of the Marlborough region visits 3-4 premier wineries, with a lunch stop with vineyard views at one. Time at a brewery and a chocolate shop can also be arranged. This is a fun tour for couples or groups of friends.

Explore Arrowtown and the surrounding region at your own pace while covering a lot of ground when you rent an e-bike. You can rent the bikes for between one and eight hours. Whether you just want to make a quick trip around town or explore some of the longer-distance trails nearby, this service has options for you.

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!

Escape Christchurch and discover the stunning beauty of Akaroa and Banks Peninsula on a private scenic tour with a local guide. Travel through breathtaking volcanic landscapes, rolling hills, winding roads, and spectacular coastal scenery before arriving in the charming seaside village of Akaroa. Take your time exploring the waterfront, enjoy the village’s unique French inspired character, browse local shops, stop for a coffee or lunch, and capture beautiful photos along the harbour. Scenic viewpoints and photo stops are included along the journey, with additional stops possible depending on your interests and the weather. This private experience is designed to be relaxed and flexible, with no large groups or rushed schedules. Your local guide can adjust the itinerary and pace to suit you, making it a comfortable and memorable way to experience one of New Zealand’s most beautiful coastal destinations.