All South Island Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026

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.

Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

25 minutesFree Cancellation

Take a scenic round-trip or one-way journey through the wilds of New Zealand’s South Island on the Taieri Gorge railway from Dunedin. Departing from downtown Dunedin’s attractive railway station, you'll gaze out over ever-changing corners of the New Zealand countryside inaccessible by road. With informative and entertaining live commentary on board, gain insight into the railway’s construction and the challenges faced by engineers—in addition to the epic views.

Taieri Gorge Scenic Railway Journey from Dunedin

Experience one of the South Island’s finest natural attractions on a Milford Sound cruise, boarding straight from the sound. A more intimate experience is guaranteed because the boat is only filled to half its capacity. Get up-close views of New Zealand fur seals, dolphins, and Fiordland-crested penguins while enjoying complimentary coffee, tea, and biscuits as you listen to the skipper’s narration.

Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience

1 hour 45 minutesFree Cancellation

Round-trip flights between Queenstown and Milford Sound save you hours of road-travel time in Fiordland National Park. Following a scenic flight with views of snow-covered peaks, remote valleys, and waterfalls, touch down for a cruise on Milford Sound. Traveling by both air and water takes you to dramatic places you'd miss by sticking to the road. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected central Queenstown accommodations.

Milford Sound Flight and Cruise Tour from Queenstown

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

The TranzAlpine train is often referred to as one of the world’s most scenic train journeys, and this tour will allow you to experience it. Enjoy the convenience of a day trip where all transport is taken care of— round-trip transfers in a luxury minivan, and a TranzAlpine train ticket are included. See Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps, Lake Pearson, and get the chance to walk in Arthur’s Pass National Park.

TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

10 hoursFree Cancellation

Swap the cruise port for the Otago countryside on a half-day shore excursion that covers Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula. Your sightseeing tour covers city-center highlights, such as the Dunedin Railway Station, then travels to the wildlife-filled peninsula, stopping en route at scenic lookouts and for a beachside view of basking sea lions. Enjoy personalized attention from your guide on this small-group shore excursion with port transfers.

Dunedin Shore Excursion: Small-Group Tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Travel along the spectacular Milford Road on a full-day Milford Sound tour from Te Anau. See native wildlife such as the endangered kea (an alpine parrot), seals, dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins. Enjoy short walks to beautiful sights including the Chasm and Marian Cascade, and take a sightseeing cruise on Milford Sound. Includes entrance fees, boat cruise, morning tea, and hotel transfers.

Award Winning Milford Sound Full Day Tour & Cruise from Te Anau

9 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Discover volcanic landscapes and breathtaking scenery on New Zealand’s South Island on this Akaroa day trip from Christchurch and avoid the need to self-drive. Ascend the Banks Peninsula for beautiful views over Akaroa Harbour and the volcanic crater. Sample locally made cheeses and admire colonial architecture around Akaroa. Cruise by catamaran into the harbor, where diverse marine and bird life thrives, including rare Hector’s dolphins. Hotel transfers are included.

Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch

9 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Enjoy mountain and lake views from a different angle when you cruise from Queenstown aboard the vintage “TSS Earnslaw” steamship or the modern “Spirit of Queenstown” catamaran across Lake Wakatipu to the Walter Peak High Country Farm. Refuel with a gourmet barbecue lunch featuring Central Otago specialties, salads, desserts, and local cheeses at the Colonel’s Homestead. Learn about local rural life during sheep-shearing and sheepdog demonstrations at the farm.

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Avoid the risk of driving to Milford Sound yourself and being distracted by the views. This group tour from Queenstown makes it easy—and safe—to visit the must-see natural attraction for a day. After a handy hotel pickup, embark on a dramatic journey through mountains, gorges, and the incredible Homer Tunnel. Make scenic stops along the way. Cruise Milford Sound in a catamaran, looking out for wildlife along the way.

Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown

12 hoursFree Cancellation

Take the opportunity to enjoy some guided stargazing with this tour at Lake Tekapo. Peer through a high-tech telescope to marvel at the stars and capture images using our eVscope 2. Savor hot chocolate, cozy blankets, and roasted marshmallows under the night sky. Listen to enchanting stories and fascinating facts about the celestial wonders from your guide in English or Mandarin. Plus, take home complimentary photos snapped during the tour.

Chameleon Stargazing Shared Tour

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Explore Fiordland National Park's Doubtful Sound on this full-day cruise from Manapouri. Enjoy a scenic cruise across Lake Manapouri, then a short coach journey over Wilmot Pass, with stunning views. Cruise the 25-mile (40-kilometer) stretch of Doubtful Sound, looking out for fur seals, bottlenose dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins while listening to your naturalist guide’s commentary. A highlight is when the engines are cut so you can appreciate the silence.

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise from Manapouri

7 hoursFree Cancellation

Ride a train through the Southern Alps on a remarkable scenic journey aboard the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Greymouth. Enjoy views of native beech forest, snow-sprinkled mountains, the powerful Waimakariri River, and Arthur's Pass National Park from a comfortable carriage and open viewing deck. For getting the history and context of the landmarks along the railway, GPS-triggered audio commentary is available through headphones at every seat.

TranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth

4 hours 50 minutes

4.3

(360)

from US$138

Pilot’s Choice: 2 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 35min

35 minutesFree Cancellation

Experience the rugged beauty of remote Milford Sound from Wanaka, all in half-a-day. With a choice of morning or afternoon flight departures, fly over lush national parks, epic glaciers, and alpine lakes, before touching down in the Sound. Enjoy a scenic cruise, keeping an eye out for some of the local inhabitants including seals, penguins, and dolphins, before returning to Wanaka by plane.

Milford Sound Glacier Flight & Cruise from Wanaka

4 hoursFree Cancellation

1 hour 45 minutesFree Cancellation

Stargazing needs clear skies and little to no light pollution—usually at a remote location that’s hard to reach independently. Join a group and astronomer-guides as you travel from Tekapo to the University of Canterbury Mt. John Observatory, perched atop the mountain peak at 3,375 feet. At this world-class facility, powerful telescopes offer clear views of stars, solar systems, and constellations.

Tekapo: Mt. John Observatory Guided Stargazing Experience

1 hour 45 minutesFree Cancellation

*WORLD EXCLUSIVE FLIGHT* Join this tour for the unique opportunity to fly in both a Ski Plane and Helicopter, the only flight like it in the world! Fly up in either a ski plane or helicopter on this incredible 45 minute flight which includes a Tasman glacier landing (10-15 minutes) we switch aircraft for the flight home! Flying through the remarkable Tasman Valley and landing on the snow covered peaks with this scenic option is an unforgettable experience and a WORLD EXCLUSIVE FLIGHT with both the ski plane and helicopter! Get your camera ready!! Check in closes 30 minutes prior to the flight time

45-Minute Mount Cook Ski Plane and Helicopter Combo Tour

45 minutesFree Cancellation

Enjoy an active adventure from Queenstown without having to plan any of the logistics on this half-day canyoneering trip that’s even suitable for beginners. Walk through an ancient beech forest to a steep-walled canyon, where you descend by zipline, abseil (rappel) down waterfalls, plunge into natural pools, float down narrow passageways, and cascade down chutes. Expert guides ensure your safety and provide alternate routes depending on your skill level.

Queenstown Half Day Canyoning Adventure

4 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

Small-Group Zipline Adventure in Queenstown

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

4 hoursFree Cancellation

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Must-Dos in South Island

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What are people saying about South Island

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise

Hassan_J, Oct 2026

An absolutely amazing experience!

The cruise was fantastic from start to finish, and the highlight for me was definitely the food! There was a great variety of options, including halal, vegan, and vegetarian choices, which made the experience even better. Another unique highlight was experiencing a coal-powered cruise, which was something special and memorable. The atmosphere, the food, and the overall experience were all outstanding. Highly recommended to anyone visiting Queenstown. An unforgettable experience that I would happily do again! 🚢❤️

Heli Hike Fox Glacier

Reagan_S, Oct 2026

Fun-tastic Trip!

Very professional tour guides. Shout out to Toa and Rob. They adjust their climbing pace to accommodate and match that with the groups slowest member. Also, we were late for 10 mins and they were happy to wait for us. Thank you team! @Rob - I owe you an energy gel.

Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

Amy_A, Oct 2026

Great small group tour with unforgettable sights

A full day of beautiful sights! Pick up and drop off were very easy, right to our hotel. Colin was a great guide. The tour stopped at several spots along the way to Milford sound. They were beautiful spots to take in the scenery and snap a photo. The small group size and smaller bus was also nice. Lots of snacks and water available during the trip. The boat tour company they partner with was also a good size, with coffee and tea provided on board.

Milford Sound Flight and Cruise Tour from Queenstown

Stephan_A, Oct 2026

The best experience of seeing New Zealand!!

As a Captain on. Boeing 787 Dreamliner I was super impressed with the pilots and their skill, knowledge and professionalism. Jason was our pilot for our experience and he was supremely capable and made the flight for myself and my family unforgettable. I would be remiss to say that this kind of experience is singular (even after 1000s hour of my own flying time) in its indescribably beautiful terrain over, between and through mountains and fjords. The boat cruise down the fjords was equally spectacular!! The whole experience is a must and myself and my family will cherish the memories. I wish Jason, Josh, Sam and the rest of the pilot staff at True North the very and absolute best in their future flying careers!!! Fair winds and blue side up always boys!! Cheers

Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience

Junaid_R, Oct 2026

A Brilliant Boutique Milford Sound Cruise

We really enjoyed our Milford Sound cruise. The smaller boat made it feel much more relaxed and the amenities on board were great. The skipper was fantastic very witty, knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. Such a fun and memorable way to experience Milford Sound. Would definitely recommend!

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise from Manapouri

Sarah_B, Sept 2026

Raw Beauty Wilderness Doubtful Sound

Everything about this experience was 100% brilliant. The staff were fantastic, knowledgeable and friendly. The food was awesome - heaps of options. Doubtful Sound itself was breathtaking. When the boat turned off its motor the experience of silence was awe inspiring and spiritual. Simply beautiful. Thank you to everyone involved. Do not miss this tour.

Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown

Susan_F, Sept 2026

Thankyou.

Absolutely amazing day. From pick up to drop off, we enjoyed the whole trip. For a long 12 hr day, not once were we disappointed or felt the day drag. Our driver was amazing, the views spectacular from the beginning, the cruise was a once in a lifetime experience, not one complaint. Comfortable bus ride and amazing nature views. 1000% recommend. Thankyou pure Milford.

Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

Thomas_B, Sept 2026

Love it.

At first, I was really nervous because I was worried I might get thrown out of the boat, especially when it started turning! But once I found my bearings and got comfortable, I was able to relax and really enjoy the experience. By the end, I was even confident enough to put my arms up while the boat was turning! Such a fun and thrilling experience! I’d definitely do it again!

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

Dakkota_M, Aug 2026

A once in a lifetime...

A once in a lifetime experience. Sarah was our guide and she was incredibly knowledgeable about the glacier, and made sure to take us on a fun and beautiful adventure across the glacier. The company was very honest about potential weather cancellations, and handled a surprise cloud cover with very practiced calm. Highly recommend doing this tour!

Milford Sound Cruise - RealNZ

Stacey_M, Jun 2026

Marseu Family

Our booking was thru RealNZ for the cruise aboard The Haven. Fantastic cruise, the captain was hilarious so glad i booked with them. The whole experience was an Unbelievable and unforgettable experience. I highly recommend anyone ever thinking of seeing Milford Sound, do it because this will be one experience you will never ever forget.