All South Island Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026

Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.5

(3,035)

from US$109

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

Travel from Queenstown to the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Milford Sound on an easy day trip. Enjoy live commentary along the way, and many scenic photo stops. At Milford Sound, don’t worry about waiting in lines as tickets are included. Admire views of waterfalls and Mitre Peak from your cruise. Refuel with a tasty picnic lunch in a scenic location. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from listed locations for added convenience.

(491)

from US$241

Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

13 hoursFree Cancellation

Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour

(3,618)

from US$223

2 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

4.5

(1,122)

from US$78

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

4.6

(302)

from US$163

Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch

Aerial views of Kaikoura Sperm Whales & Boat

11 hoursFree Cancellation

4.4

(192)

from US$224

Milford Sound Flight and Cruise Tour from Queenstown

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

Discover one of the jewels in the crown of New Zealand's spectacular South Island on this full day Milford Sound hiking tour with cruise. Travel along the Milford Road from Te Anau and enjoy panoramic views over the beautiful countryside. Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise through the fjord and out to the Tasman Sea, and gaze over soaring clifftops and plummeting waterfalls. Afterwards, enjoy short guided walks and explore Fiordland's spectacular natural scenery with a local nature guide.

(2,168)

from US$481

Crisp mountain air and glacier-carved valleys, Milford Road never disappoints

Full-Day Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Walks from Te Anau

9 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(777)

from US$188

Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

TranzAlpine Train Journey from Greymouth to Christchurch

(1,469)

from US$120

4 hours 50 minutes

4.3

(202)

from US$145

Glenorchy sits along a stunningly beautiful stretch of road from Queenstown to the (aptly named) rural settlement of Paradise. Instead of trying to negotiate these unfamiliar country roads on your own, get a driver who knows the region on a half-day trip. Spend time exploring Glenorchy’s shops and café, take advantage of some remarkable alpine photo ops, and see some of the locations where scenes from famous movies were filmed.

Glenorchy & Paradise Half-Day Scenic Tour from Queenstown

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

(486)

from US$114

Mount John Observatory Stargazing Experience, Tekapo

1 hour 45 minutesFree Cancellation

4.3

(187)

from US$136

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

(353)

from US$145

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

Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown

12 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(955)

from US$166

Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

25 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.

(2,841)

from US$123

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

(1,366)

from US$102

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

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

9 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

(1,303)

from US$191

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 escape 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. Plus, take home complimentary photos snapped during the tour.

Chameleon Stargazing Shared Tour

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

(210)

from US$73

Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

25 minutesFree Cancellation

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

(238)

from US$239

35 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

(394)

from US$299

Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience

1 hour 45 minutesFree Cancellation

A Milford Sound cruise is a must-do activity in southern New Zealand, but getting there independently can be stressful because of the rugged mountain roads. This full-day tour from Te Anau includes a hotel pickup and picnic lunch, so you don’t need to pack your own. Watch the views rather than the road by going with a guide and driver. See many spectacular sights along the way, including Mirror Lakes.

(3,196)

from US$114

Premium Milford Sound Tour, Cruise & Lunch from Te Anau

Premium Milford Sound Tour, Cruise & Lunch from Te Anau

7 hoursFree Cancellation

Cruise Milford Sound and travel the scenic Milford Road without having to self-drive on this handy day tour from Te Anau. Travel to the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Fiordland National Park by luxury coach, stopping en route at the Mirror Lakes and Monkey Creek before boarding a catamaran for a cruise. Journey past waterfalls and steep-walled pinnacles such as postcard-perfect Mitre Peak. Audio commentary is available in multiple languages.

(949)

from US$181

Special Offer

From Te Anau: Milford Sound Cruise & Glass-Roof Coach Tour

From Te Anau: Milford Sound Cruise & Glass-Roof Coach Tour

7 hours 45 minutesFree Cancellation

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(659)

from US$558

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Top Attractions in South Island

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Attractions

What are people saying about South Island

Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

Rachel_H, Aug 2026

Fabulous tour with great people (and food!)

Jason and Alex were fabulous. We had a perfectly knowledgeable and assertive leader in Jason who made sure we stayed on track, saw as much as was possible, and kept us safe on wet and windy roads. What a joy it was to get to experience this tour with people from all over the world and even though it rained for a bit of our time, we were reminded that that weather actually helps to beef up the waterfalls.

Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour

Colar_L, Aug 2026

Great glowworm cave tour

I was a little worried this experience might be underwhelming because we had visited the glowworm caves in the North Island before, which were much larger. However, we were pleasantly surprised and had a fantastic experience. The cave here is lower, so the glowworms felt closer to us, making the experience a little different from what we had experienced in the North Island. It was also a bonus being able to take a cruise to reach the cave. We saw so many glowworms, and it was truly magical. It was my family’s first time seeing glowworms, and they absolutely loved it. They said they had never seen anything quite like it. I only wish the limestone cave was larger so there was more to explore, but the waterfall and unique rock formations were still really cool. Our tour guide was also fantastic. He was very informative, entertaining and funny, which made the experience even more enjoyable.

Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

Shalini_S, Aug 2026

An amazing journey!

Excellent intro to Fjordland park and misnomer Milford Sound.! Plenty of stops on the way for loo breaks, and scenic pictures. The journey to Milford Sound was just as amazing as the boat ride there. Ashleigh was an amazing guide and ensured that we saw all the key sites and local wildlife!

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

Inez_D, Aug 2026

Mind-blowing

What an amazing trip! Took a helicopter and completed a tour across the ice. Felt otherworldly. Ruby was our guide. She was so capable and cheerful. It was clear that she really enjoyed her job. The scenery was just amazing. Well worth the price. An incredible experience.

Premium Milford Sound Tour, Cruise & Lunch from Te Anau

Sue_A, Aug 2026

Sue and Sarah Milford Sound

Well organised, interesting and engaging tour of the road journey from Te Anua to Milford Sound and back, plus the small boat cruise. Jason was an excellent tour guide. He was very informative and easy to listen to and understand. He was also a good, safe driver. He did his best to make the day enjoyable for our small group.

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise

Emma_W, Jul 2026

A beautiful way to relax...

A beautiful way to relax on steam boat sailing along the lake Whakatipu it was interesting to see how the steam boat works as you can observe above them in a special viewing room beautifully maintained throughout the boat. Absolutely gorgeous views to Walter park Walter park was a great place to see some animals with a fun sheep shearing show An amazing buffet for lunch with all fresh Local ingredients Highly recommended !!!!

Milford Sound Flight and Cruise Tour from Queenstown

Hannah_K, Jul 2026

Flying is the way to go!

This was one of the highlights of my trip! Flying to Milford Sound, taking the cruise, and flying back was absolutely worth it. The scenic flight saved so much travel time and offered breathtaking views. We were fortunate to have a beautiful, clear day, and Milford Sound truly lived up to its reputation. Every moment felt majestic, from the towering peaks to the waterfalls and stunning scenery. A special thank you to our pilot, Michael, who was both informative and kind. His commentary throughout the flight added so much to the experience, and he made everyone feel safe and comfortable. I highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to experience Milford Sound in the most unforgettable way.

Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown

Hiteshkumar_P, Jul 2026

Milford sound/ Heaven

It's unforgottable, feels like it's heaven as it was named originally. Can't explain in words, can't be captured in photoes or videos. Further to this the coach service was outstanding and road trip was fully filled with stunning views. Our Pure Milford coach driver "NAOKI" was excellent in providing live commentary through the way.

Milford Sound Cruise

Guy_S, Apr 2026

Excellent - particularly capital and crew

Pure Milford - great way to see the sound. The capital and crew were BY FAR the friendliest, most accommodating, and knowledgeable people I've encountered on a short cruise like this. Heck, they will even take your picture without any bother. Boat was clean, free coffee drinks (cappuccino, mocha, etc).

Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

Valerie_H, Apr 2026

5/5 stars. No notes.

A must do while in Queenstown! My husband and I had the best time on this experience! A quick 10 min drive out of Queenstown, plenty of parking, and really easy to find. There is a lovely brewery/restaurant next to the river to grab a beer/bite before or after the jet boat ride. We didn't eat, but the beers were good! (The food did look good though.) Shotover was running about 10 min behind for the day, so we didn't get on the river at our schedule time, but it was within 10 min. The weather was a perfect fall day, and the sun was out, but it was still a bit chilly on the river. You will get wet, so dress for the experience. Josh, our boat captain, was awesome! He was fun, knowledgeable, and a very skilled driver. He constantly checked-in to make sure everyone was okay and having a good time. You can tell he loves what he does for a living. The views down the river and through the canyons are stunning. The only downfall of the experience is that you can't take photos or videos while the boat is moving. You really have to take it all in and be present in the moment to get the full experience, which is good. The boat gets so close to the rocks and you feel the cold, fresh water on your face -- it is awesome. I would recommend this experience to anyone who visits Queenstown and I would do it again myself.

2-Hour Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

Andrzej_B, Mar 2026

Wow!,,

Top notch trip! We were lucky that it rained overnight so, while it was cloudy and not too warm, the waterfalls were spectacular. A wonderful activity, one not to be missed. A couple of criticisms, however. We were warned that parking could be a problem and that was so true. However, the information about a shuttle operating every 15 mins was not true… there wasn’t one at all. Also, apparently there are several overflow parking lots which staff are supposed to manage.… but we did not see that happen.