All South Island Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026

Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

13 hoursFree Cancellation

(3,628)

from $222

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

4.5

(3,036)

from $108

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

(303)

from $162

Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour

2 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

4.5

(1,124)

from $77

Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch

Aerial views of Kaikoura Sperm Whales & Boat

11 hoursFree Cancellation

4.4

(193)

from $222

TranzAlpine Train Journey from Greymouth to Christchurch

4 hours 50 minutes

4.3

(202)

from $144

Special Offer

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

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.

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

7 hours 45 minutesFree Cancellation

Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

(1,471)

from $119

Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike

3 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(41)

from $582

Hover above the Southern Alps on a spectacular helicopter ride that lets you see places you couldn’t otherwise access without expert mountaineering skills. Glide over Aoraki Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, and down the Tasman Glacier, then over to the West Coast for a glimpse of the famous Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. Learn more about the mountains via helpful commentary from your pilot.

Mount Cook and The Glaciers 55-Minute Helicopter Flight

Mount Cook and The Glaciers 55-Minute Helicopter Flight

55 minutesFree Cancellation

4.7

(141)

from $539

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(659)

from $554

Lord of the Rings - Journey to Edoras Tour

Visit Edoras of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ fame on this full-day excursion by 4WD vehicle to the peak of New Zealand’s Mt Sunday. Get a look at exclusive photos of Edoras under construction and learn from a knowledgeable LOTR guide about its transformation from tranquil countryside to mythical capital city of the Rohan people. Pose with replica props from the popular trilogy, such as Aragorn’s sword, Gimli’s axe and the flag of Rohan. Includes round-trip hotel transport from Christchurch plus a picnic lunch with sparkling wine.

Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch

9 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

(378)

from $195

Glenorchy & Paradise Half-Day Scenic Tour from Queenstown

4 hours 30 minutesFree 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.

(485)

from $113

TranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth

4 hours 50 minutes

4.3

(353)

from $144

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

35 minutesFree Cancellation

(394)

from $297

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

Enjoy unobstructed views of New Zealand’s tallest mountain—Aoraki Mt. Cook—as well as some of the South Island’s most beautiful natural landscapes without having to drive yourself. Join an easy guided full-day tour from Christchurch that takes you past Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, fields of lavender (summer season only), and to hiking trails in Mt. Cook National Park to see the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest. End back in Christchurch.

(492)

from $240

Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch

13 hoursFree 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.

(385)

from $150

Taieri Gorge Scenic Railway Journey from Dunedin

Taieri Gorge Scenic Railway Journey from Dunedin

5 hours

4.5

(965)

from $101

Mt Cook Full-Day Small Group Tour from Queenstown

12 hoursFree Cancellation

Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

(262)

from $174

25 minutesFree Cancellation

(2,842)

from $123

25-Minute Remarkables Helicopter Tour from Queenstown

Remarkables flight during Winter (snow landing)

25 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

(121)

from $186

Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

25 minutesFree 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.

(238)

from $237

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

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

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.6

(286)

from $95

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

Tekapo: Mt. John Observatory Guided Stargazing Experience

1 hour 45 minutesFree Cancellation

4.4

(188)

from $135

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Top Attractions in South Island

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Attractions

What are people saying about South Island

Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour

Brian_J, Sep 2026

We loved the glow worm tour in Te Anu

The tour left from the Real NZ dock at Te Anu lakeshore, which was super easy to find and you were welcomed by the very friendly staff. A short boat ride across the lake brought us to the glow worm caves. The guides organized us into groups and brought us into the caves. The caves were amazing and very accessible to visitors with scaffolding and adequate lighting. The tour led up to a 15 minute-ish boat ride through a pitch black section of cave to view the glow worms themselves. The lights were fainter than pictures led me to expect, but still quite amazing. It felt a bit like the early Bayou stage of the Pirates of the Caribbean boat ride at Disneyland — except real, of course— if I had to compare the experience to something. After retracing our steps out of caves, the guides treated us to hot beverages and provided a short lecture on the full life cycle of the glow worms, giving perspective to what we just experienced, before the boat took us back to Te Anu. A truly unique experience and not to be skipped if you are in the Queenstown vicinity.

Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

Audra_R, Aug 2026

Thank you Andy!

We were a group of 4 friends traveling together and this was an amazing tour. It was a small group so we were comfortable in a van rather than a large bus on the drive to and from Milford sound. They provided great packed lunches that seemed more substantial and organized than any other tour we saw. Andy was our tour guide and was WONDERFUL. He was nice, knowledgeable, funny, and accommodating. We learned a lot from him and he provided great recommendations for other things to do in the area. The stopping points on the way to Milford sound were beautiful and perfectly timed. There were plenty of opportunities to stop and use the restroom as well. Additionally, there were always snacks and waters available in the van. Andy had a great playlist and commentary that made the time pass quickly. Would recommend this tour to anyone, it is much better than trying to do it on your own.

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 Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

Henry_H, Aug 2026

Must do day trip if in Queenstown!!

Absolutely incredible full day trip and can’t recommend it highly enough. Ash our guide was amazing and extremely knowledgeable of not just Milford Sound but everything along the way. The drive out to Milford was just as beautiful as the boat trip on the main attraction. Had plenty of stops along the way to take some incredible photos at some great locations. Absolutely must do day trip.

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

Elle_M, Jul 2026

The untouched corner

A long day but absolutely worth it! An amazing experience for my 70+ year old parents, me and my husband and our 6yr old. The coach and boat were both comfortable, knowledge of our driver enhanced the experience and the trip is very well timed so that stops are the perfect length for a refreshment, toilet break or photo opportunity. That part of the world is so untouched that you feel so removed from reality, if only for a day! The flora, fauna and landforms really show all that Mother Nature has to offer

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

Peter_G, Jun 2026

Amazing Day - Loved the Train!

It was a fabulous experience. The train was gorgeous and the views were unbeatable. Plus, the staff was incredibly kind. The driver was great with fun facts and lots of yummy snacks. I really enjoyed the hike and other walks included - lots of stops and viewpoints, which was great. Really great tour - I recommend it, especially the train!

Milford Sound Cruise

Marianne_A, Jun 2026

Great Ship, Great Tour

This boat was an excellent one for the experience as it had many seats and table tables inside, along with a café to get food. It’s one of the only boats that tour Milford sound which offer this option. But even better, there are great viewing opportunities outside and up top, which we took full advantage of. The tour took us all around the sound, and we saw all the waterfalls, as well as going out into the Tazman Sea for a ways, and then turning around to come back into the sound. The captain talked quite a bit, although it was more difficult to hear outside, but overall, I highly recommend this tour, which was also a very competitive price.

Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

Trudi_M, Apr 2026

Must-do when in...

Must-do when in Queenstown. Did this first when I visited in February with my sisters, and enjoyed it so much, I had to take my now husband on the way to our wedding. Both of us were really nervous before the first time we both went, but the drivers are absolutely amazing (I think they said they train for 18mths before they take passengers). Ngāi Tahu tourism are an extremely professional operation, and their safety record is impeccable. They are the best for a Queenstown jet boat experience - don't skimp and go for a cheaper operator - Shotover Jet have the exclusive rights to the section of river that's best for this. So much fun - you really won't regret it (and like us, will probably want to go again as soon as you get off!)

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.