All South Island Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026 - page 2

Beyond the Vines - Full-Day Marlborough Wine Tasting Tour

(467)

6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $134

90-Minute Scenic Cruise on Lake Wakatipu – Explore Queenstown from the Water

Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

(1,521)

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $48

Otira Viaduct—engineering marvel spanning the gorge

Experience the beauty of New Zealand’s Southern Alps on a full-day tour to Arthur's Pass from Christchurch. Travel into the mountains by car, then return in the afternoon on the TranzAlpine scenic train. At Arthur’s Pass visit Castle Hill, Lake Pearson, and the Otira Viaduct, explore the national park, and walk to the Devil’s Punchbowl waterfall. Lunch, snacks, and Christchurch hotel transfers add convenience.

Christchurch to Arthur's Pass Tours + TranzAlpine Train & Lunch

4.4

(121)

10 hoursFree Cancellation

from $254

Special Offer

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

4.7

(553)

7 hoursFree Cancellation

1 hour 45 minutesFree Cancellation

from $92

Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)

(228)

40 minutesFree Cancellation

from $168

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

4.6

(452)

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $85

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

5.0

(1,284)

9 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $182

This Doubtful Sound overnight cruise takes you over Manapouri Lake to this South Island gem in the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park. Board the ‘Wanderer,’ a 3-mast motorized boat designed on a traditional scow, and cruise past soaring granite peaks in New Zealand’s second-largest fiord. Learn from an onboard nature guide about wildlife such as fur seals, penguins, and bottlenose dolphins. Then spend the night in a comfortable cabin, including a 3-course dinner and breakfast.

Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

(279)

2 days

from $457

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

Embark on a cruise of Fiordland’s Doubtful Sound, starting from an easy-to-find location in Te Anau village. Travel by coach to Manapouri Lake for a short boat ride, followed by a bus trip over Wilmot Pass. En route, stop for alpine views of Fiordland National Park, park of a UNESCO-listed landscape, before taking in the dramatic landscapes, soaring peaks, and wildlife of Doubtful Sound on a cruise.

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Te Anau

4.7

(325)

9 hoursFree Cancellation

from $234

Unbelievable Apline views up to Mount Cook

Mt Cook Full-Day Small Group Tour from Queenstown

(244)

12 hoursFree Cancellation

from $170

Glenorchy sits at the northern tip of Lake Whakatipu, along a stunningly beautiful stretch of road that runs from Queenstown to the (aptly-named) rural farm of Paradise further north. Instead of trying to negotiate these unfamiliar, sometimes dangerous country roads on your own, get a driver who knows the region on a half-day trip. Spend time exploring Glenorchy’s waterfront, and take advantage of some remarkable alpine photo ops.

Glenorchy & Paradise Half-Day Scenic Tour from Queenstown

(438)

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $115

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown

Get a comprehensive tour of Milford Sound with this combination coach tour and boat cruise from Te Anau. Avoid the hassle of self-driving along the mountainous Milford Road by going with a guide and group in a low-emission vehicle. Stop for photo ops and short walks en route. Then, transfer to a boat for a scenic cruise on Milford Sound. Enjoy lunch and unlimited coffee and tea on the water.

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise ex Te Anau Stunning Views with Lunch

(145)

8 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $201

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

4.6

(138)

7 hours 45 minutesFree Cancellation

from $133

Likely to Sell Out

Glenorchy Air Milford Sound Fly | Cruise | Fly scenic flight past Lake Erskine

Take in the vast scale of Milford Sound from the air and water with a half-day trip that includes round-trip flights and a catamaran cruise. You’ll board a small plane that accommodates up to 13 passengers, lift off above the ridges and lakes of Fiordland National Park, then cruise Milford Sound all the way to the Tasman Sea. Watch for fur seals and penguins, and pass through the mists of Stirling Falls before meeting the pilot for the return trip to Queenstown.

Milford Sound Flight & Cruise Day Trip from Queenstown

5.0

(651)

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $481

UNESCO World Heritage-listed Milford Sound is an icon of New Zealand’s South Island—a dramatic fjord ringed by jagged cliffs and cascading waterfalls. This cruise checks off all the highlights, affording spectacular views of Bowen Falls, Sinbad Gully, and Mt. Pembroke, passing mighty Mitre Peak, and gliding out along the Tasman Sea coast. It starts and ends at Milford Sound itself so the rest of your day is free.

2-Hour Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

(1,603)

2 hoursFree Cancellation

from $103

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.

Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch

(370)

13 hoursFree Cancellation

from $164

Likely to Sell Out

Yellow eyed penguin from our beach viewing hide

Clearwater Wildlife Tours (small group 10max) Otago Peninsula

(679)

4 hoursFree Cancellation

from $137

Likely to Sell Out

Marvel at the sprawling South Island from the sky on this unique and thrilling sightseeing adventure. Perfect for beginners as well as experts, this skydiving experience will pair you with a certified Tandem Master, your partner for your dive above Wanaka. Take a scenic flight to the jump spot, then take the plunge and take in the landscape, including the rolling Southern Alps, the Twin Lakes and the mighty Clutha and Waiau Rivers.

3 hoursFree Cancellation

from $219

Discover boutique cellar door and vineyard locations

5.0

(677)

Award Winning Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries

6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $162

Price varies by group size

Milford Business Class offers a truly unique, luxurious experience that sets it apart from other Milford Sound tours. With a small group size of just 15 guests per van, it ensures high service standards, a personalised journey, and added amenities for your comfort. You’ll travel in custom-built Mercedes vehicles designed with business-class comfort, featuring a glass roof, panoramic windows, seat charging ports, and Wi-Fi. Upon arrival at Milford Sound, you’ll board the exclusive Sinbad Cruise, a luxury vessel offering spacious seating and exceptional service. Guests enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and a locally sourced, gourmet menu with Māori cultural influences, while a nature guide shares fascinating insights. Scenic stops along the journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound allow you to connect with Fiordland’s natural beauty, away from the crowds. An optional upgrade to return via plane or helicopter is available for an added touch of luxury.

Milford Sound Business Class from Queenstown & Gourmet Cruise

(42)

12 hoursFree Cancellation

from $427

Instead of glimpsing snippets of extraordinary beauty from the Milford Road, travelers in the known enjoy the entire landscape in context on this cruise of Piopiotahi, Milford Sound. Slowly turn your attention across the horizon to see glacier-carved cliffs rising from the inky waters below - when you’re travelling by boat, there’s plenty of time to take it all in before framing up the perfect shot to preserve the moment.

Milford Sound Cruise - RealNZ

4.7

(543)

2 hoursFree Cancellation

from $107

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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 🤩