Top things to do in South Island in Summer (Updated November 2026)

South Island, New Zealand
Franz Josef: Mountain Scenic Spectacular 40-Min Helicopter Flight

Experience two of New Zealand's finest National Parks, divided by the imposing Southern Alps. Discover the gigantic expanse of the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Experience two of New Zealand's finest National Parks, divided by the imposing Southern Alps. Discover the gigantic expanse of the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier...

40 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (39)
from
$409
Flight Experience our Water and Wilderness Scenic Tour

Tour participants see the full grandeur of the Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds in one experience that can only be done by air. And …More

Tour participants see the full grandeur of the Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds in one experience that can only be done by air. And...

1 hour 15 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (62)
from
$171
Mount Cook: Alpine Vista Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing

This short scenic flight option is ideal if you're looking for the opportunity to experience the thrill of a helicopter flight with incredible alpine views. …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

This short scenic flight option is ideal if you're looking for the opportunity to experience the thrill of a helicopter flight with incredible alpine views....

25 minutes Free Cancellation
4.6 (45)
from
$232
Fox Glacier Mountain Scenic Spectacular 40-Min Helicopter Flight

This premier 40-minute helicopter tour lets you experience two of New Zealand's finest National Parks, divided by the imposing Southern Alps. Discover the gigantic expanse …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

This premier 40-minute helicopter tour lets you experience two of New Zealand's finest National Parks, divided by the imposing Southern Alps. Discover the gigantic expanse...

40 minutes Free Cancellation
4.8 (26)
from
$409
Fox Glacier: Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are two of New Zealand largest glaciers. From above you can view and appreciate the incredible natural phenomenon, towering ice …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are two of New Zealand largest glaciers. From above you can view and appreciate the incredible natural phenomenon, towering ice...

35 minutes Free Cancellation
4.7 (43)
from
$291
Fox Glacier: 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

Take to the skies above the Fox Glacier Township before heading towards the Fox Glacier and exploring the dynamic icefalls on this 25-minute helicopter flight. …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Take to the skies above the Fox Glacier Township before heading towards the Fox Glacier and exploring the dynamic icefalls on this 25-minute helicopter flight....

25 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (100)
from
$232
Fox Glacier: Neve Discoverer Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

The perfect opportunity to get up close to the glacier and touch snow. You'll be captivated as you lift off and fly up and over …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

The perfect opportunity to get up close to the glacier and touch snow. You'll be captivated as you lift off and fly up and over...

25 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (20)
from
$232
Franz Josef: Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

Marvel at some of New Zealand’s most amazing scenery on this once-in-a-lifetime 30-minute helicopter flight over the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Enjoy panoramic views …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Marvel at some of New Zealand’s most amazing scenery on this once-in-a-lifetime 30-minute helicopter flight over the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Enjoy panoramic views...

35 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (175)
from
$291
Franz Josef: Neve Discoverer Helicopter Flight with snow landing

The perfect opportunity to get up close to the glacier and touch snow. You'll be captivated as you lift off and fly up and over …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

The perfect opportunity to get up close to the glacier and touch snow. You'll be captivated as you lift off and fly up and over...

25 minutes Free Cancellation
4.8 (39)
from
$232
25-Minute Helicopter flight including an alpine landing

**For Guaranteed snow landings all year round, please book our Mt Cook: Ski Plane & Helicopter Glacier flight** Experience Mount Cook National Park from the …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

**For Guaranteed snow landings all year round, please book our Mt Cook: Ski Plane & Helicopter Glacier flight** Experience Mount Cook National Park from the...

25 minutes Free Cancellation
4.6 (48)
from
$217
50-Minute Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Flight, Queenstown

Take off from Queenstown on an unforgettable journey through some of the South Island’s most spectacular alpine landscapes. Soar above the rugged cliffs of Skippers …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Take off from Queenstown on an unforgettable journey through some of the South Island’s most spectacular alpine landscapes. Soar above the rugged cliffs of Skippers...

50 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (163)
from
$550
45-Minute Glacier Highlights Ski Plane Tour from Mount Cook

Soar through the sky on this 45-minute Ski Plane scenic experience through Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Enjoy the Breathtaking views from the moment you’re …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Soar through the sky on this 45-minute Ski Plane scenic experience through Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Enjoy the Breathtaking views from the moment you’re...

45 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (21)
from
$401
Packraft Wanaka

This is an adventure like no other, paddling one of New Zealand’s most spectacular mountain rivers in our fun, inflatable packrafts. Start your action packed …More

5.0 (57)

Packraft Wanaka

This is an adventure like no other, paddling one of New Zealand’s most spectacular mountain rivers in our fun, inflatable packrafts. Start your action packed...

7 hours 15 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (57)
from
$249
Kaikoura Whale Watching - 45 Minute Ocean Safari

Experience the ultimate Kaikōura helicopter tour and witness New Zealand’s incredible marine life from above. Fly over the renowned Kaikōura Canyon to spot Sperm, Humpback, …More

Experience the ultimate Kaikōura helicopter tour and witness New Zealand’s incredible marine life from above. Fly over the renowned Kaikōura Canyon to spot Sperm, Humpback,...

1 hour 15 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (44)
from
$487
The Family Cruiser

Join our friendly kayak guides as they share their enthusiasm for this stunning stretch of coast. From Marahau head south on a relaxing exploration of …More

Join our friendly kayak guides as they share their enthusiasm for this stunning stretch of coast. From Marahau head south on a relaxing exploration of...

3 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (245)
from
$69
Kaikōura Whale Watching and Scenic Landing - 1hr Premier Tour

Experience Kaikōura’s longest and most immersive helicopter whale watching tour. This one-hour adventure begins with an unforgettable aerial journey over the Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary and …More

Experience Kaikōura’s longest and most immersive helicopter whale watching tour. This one-hour adventure begins with an unforgettable aerial journey over the Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary and...

1 hour Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (27)
from
$774
Milford Sound Scenic Flight from Queenstown

Experience Milford Sound by air on this scenic flight from Queenstown. Flying you over the highest peaks in Fiordland and their ancient glaciers. Get an …More

Experience Milford Sound by air on this scenic flight from Queenstown. Flying you over the highest peaks in Fiordland and their ancient glaciers. Get an...

1 hour 15 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (43)
from
$320
Milford Extended Helicopter Tour from Queenstown

Explore the spectacular Fiordland National Park by air on this half-day Milford Sound helicopter flight from Queenstown. Fly over Milford Sound by helicopter with a …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Explore the spectacular Fiordland National Park by air on this half-day Milford Sound helicopter flight from Queenstown. Fly over Milford Sound by helicopter with a...

2 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (66)
from
$995
30-Minute Alpine Scenic Flight from Queenstown

A winning combination: Experience breathtaking alpine scenery, from the dramatic Skippers Canyon to the expansive Queenstown Basin, with a landing on one of the region’s …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

A winning combination: Experience breathtaking alpine scenery, from the dramatic Skippers Canyon to the expansive Queenstown Basin, with a landing on one of the region’s...

30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (70)
from
$312
Oarsome Marine Reserve Kayak Tour

So much to see in this spectacular one day guided adventure! On a high tide, explore the dreamy depths of Shag Harbour where you can …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

So much to see in this spectacular one day guided adventure! On a high tide, explore the dreamy depths of Shag Harbour where you can...

8 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (41)
from
$207
Recent tour reviews
Activity name

South Island Tours
Attractions
Guides
Calendar