All South Island Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026

Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

4.5

(3,002)

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $110

4.5

(1,093)

Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour

2 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

from $79

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.

Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

(3,380)

13 hoursFree Cancellation

from $225

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 Fly-Cruise-Fly Tour from Queenstown

(2,045)

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $485

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

(294)

9 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $165

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

(903)

12 hoursFree Cancellation

from $162

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

(3,149)

1 hour 45 minutesFree Cancellation

from $115

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

(643)

4 hoursFree Cancellation

from $563

Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

(2,784)

25 minutesFree Cancellation

from $125

Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

(1,401)

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $121

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

(468)

10 hoursFree Cancellation

from $238

Milford Sound Premium Coach & Cruise from Queenstown with Lunch

(645)

12 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $231

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

(1,306)

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $103

25-Minute Remarkables Helicopter Tour from Queenstown

Remarkables flight during Winter (snow landing)

5.0

(105)

25 minutesFree Cancellation

from $189

Mount John Observatory Stargazing Experience, Tekapo

4.4

(179)

1 hour 45 minutesFree Cancellation

from $137

Premium Milford Sound Tour, Cruise & Lunch from Te Anau

(904)

9 hoursFree Cancellation

from $182

1 hour 45 minutesFree Cancellation

(310)

Milford Sound Cruise

from $92

Special Offer

Cruise the Milford Sound fiord on a two hour nature boat cruise.

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.

Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

(2,576)

13 hoursFree Cancellation

from

$208

$231

Aerial views of Kaikoura Sperm Whales & Boat

Wildlife enthusiasts will love this full-day nature-focused tour to Kaikoura from Christchurch that avoids the need to self-drive along winding coastal roads. Look out for sperm whales, migrating humpbacks, southern right whales, orcas, and dolphins on a cruise with live commentary. Visit a fur seal colony on land, glimpse the snowy peaks of the Kaikoura Ranges during your free time, and top off the day with wine tasting (time permitting).

Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch

4.3

(190)

11 hoursFree Cancellation

from $226

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.

Milford Sound Mariner Overnight Cruise

(165)

2 days

from $420

Per group

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.

Milford Sound Day Tour with Scenic Cruise from Queenstown

(560)

13 hoursFree Cancellation

from $194

Cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship (or a replacement vessel when the steamship is undergoing maintenance). Stroll the lakeside gardens, watch a farm show, and see sheepdogs in action. Take a guided tour and enjoy free time to stroll. Savor a delicious afternoon tea with scones before heading back to Queenstown the same way you came.

Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure

(452)

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $85

Fly Carbon Free! Ziptrek has been certified as Carbon Zero for business

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

(977)

2 hoursFree Cancellation

from $73

Otago Peninsula In-Depth Tour & Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience

(185)

5 hoursFree Cancellation

from $101

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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

Polly_B, May 2026

Well worth the time!

The route, stops and experience overall was excellent. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. So glad we did the all day excursion. We saw so many incredible sights and came away with a greater appreciation of the bast and varied beauty of New Zealand and its people.

Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Tour from Queenstown

Peter_G, May 2026

Should be on your bucket list

A once in a lifetime bucket list item. Well run and professional. Seamless check in and our pilot Michael was superb. Fantastic explanations along the way and the scenery is as good as you’re ever going to see. The cruise was also vey good, with great and humorous commentary. You will feel like you’re in another world. Would highly recommend

Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

Thora_A, May 2026

Perfect Small Group Tour in Milford Sound

This experience was well worth the money and time. Breathtaking scenery, personable and knowledgeable guide, and a laid back comfortable atmosphere. Our guide, Sin Chan, amazed us with his vast knowledge of Queenstown, Milford Sound and New Zealand and his friendly commentary and engaging stories added so much more to this beautiful tour in this world class wonderland.

Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown

Carrie_P, Apr 2026

Worthwhile adventure!

Full day, worthwhile experience. Our coach driver provided some interesting narrative on the ride to Milford. There was a short stop at Te Anu to stretch our legs and grab a cuppa. We experienced all kinds of weather in the sound, so pack accordingly. Lunch was tasty and enough. Beautiful adventure!

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise

Daniel_C, Apr 2026

Great activity well recommended

This was a fantastic experience on a 114 year old steam powered vessel, with commentary and a full bar on board. BBQ lunch at Walter Peake was fantastic, buffet style with desserts included. Followed by a great farm demonstration with sheep shearing and a display from two amazing working dogs. This activity is very much recommended with multiple departures daily.

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.

Milford Sound Cruise

Nichola_A, Apr 2026

Milford sound

This experience was amazing! It’s quite a long drive from Queenstown, over 4 hours both ways, but so worth it! Everything on our tour day was just fab, the weather and even the dolphins came out to play. The tour guide gave interesting facts and information, there was spectacular views and stunning surroundings. The boat was comfortable and modern and was enjoyed by our whole group.

Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience

William_T, Apr 2026

Milford Fjord

We added the minibus guided transport out of Te Anau to the boat on the Milford Sound. We got so much information on the mountains and ecology it was incredible. This added yo the experience on the water. Lucky to have a sunny day, solid outdoor time up top but less flow in the waterfalls. Sll in all, a great day out!

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

David_L, Feb 2026

HeliHike was amazing! 🤩

The weather for our HeliHike was sunny, calm & perfect, and sandwiched between two days of cancellations! It was warm up on the Glacier. Kirk, our guide, only wore a T Shirt on top. The group were all in coats & over trousers. Don’t over do the under layers on a warm day. That said, I had jeans on under the supplied over trousers, but wasn’t over dressed/too hot. The going is a bit tricky in spots, but if you’re fit and able you’ll have no problem. If you get up there, you’ll love it. Such a great experience 🤩