Top activities
Top landmarks
Trip ideas
Nearby places
Port schedule

Top Day Trips from South Island (Updated November 2026)

South Island, New Zealand
Iconic Wildlife Tour with Yellow Eyed Penguins & Royal Albatross

Visit the habitat of the world's rarest penguin. Walk through a private nature reserve on this guided tour for a chance to see the endangered …More

Visit the habitat of the world's rarest penguin. Walk through a private nature reserve on this guided tour for a chance to see the endangered...

7 hours
4.7 (35)
from
$227
Kaikoura Albatross Encounter Tour from Christchurch

Kaikoura is famous for whales and dolphins and arguably one of the world's most exciting arenas for ocean going birds. This full day tour accompanies …More

Kaikoura is famous for whales and dolphins and arguably one of the world's most exciting arenas for ocean going birds. This full day tour accompanies...

11 hours Hotel pickup offered
4.5 (2)
from
$227
Franz Josef to Christchurch 1-Way Transfer Via TranzAlpine Train

Journey from Franz Josef to Christchurch on one of New Zealand’s most iconic scenic routes. Travel along the rugged West Coast, known for its wild …More

Journey from Franz Josef to Christchurch on one of New Zealand’s most iconic scenic routes. Travel along the rugged West Coast, known for its wild...

12 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.7 (3)
from
$321
Scenic Helicopter Flight, Mountain Landing & Wine Tour Queenstown

Fly to the vines with Altitude Tours on a Helicopter Wine Tour. Begin your day being picked up from your Queenstown accommodation before taking a …More

Fly to the vines with Altitude Tours on a Helicopter Wine Tour. Begin your day being picked up from your Queenstown accommodation before taking a...

7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (3)
from
$544
Hanmer Springs Private Day Tour Including Hot Pool & Wine Tasting

Discover Hanmer Springs on a private day tour from Christchurch including a visit to the Thermal Pools and wine tasting. Upgrade to include a thrilling jet …More

Discover Hanmer Springs on a private day tour from Christchurch including a visit to the Thermal Pools and wine tasting. Upgrade to include a thrilling jet...

10 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (2)
from
$340
Milford Sound Coach and Cruise Tour from Queenstown with Flyback

Journey in comfort on one of our brand new, low-emission coaches and take in incredible panoramic views on the road to Milford Sound. Enjoy entertaining …More

Journey in comfort on one of our brand new, low-emission coaches and take in incredible panoramic views on the road to Milford Sound. Enjoy entertaining...

9 hours Free Cancellation
4.7 (38)
from
$568
Queenstown to Christchurch: Wānaka, Mt Cook & Tekapo 1-Way Tour

Most people fly from Queenstown to Christchurch. In an hour, they miss everything in between. This full-day small-group tour covers the same distance on the …More

Most people fly from Queenstown to Christchurch. In an hour, they miss everything in between. This full-day small-group tour covers the same distance on the...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.5 (8)
from
$207
Fiordland Heli-hike from Te Anau

Departing from our Te Anau lakeside base, the journey begins by soaring over Lake Te Anau. Soak up views of the Hidden Lakes before flying …More

Departing from our Te Anau lakeside base, the journey begins by soaring over Lake Te Anau. Soak up views of the Hidden Lakes before flying...

3 to 6 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (18)
from
$279
Ale Trail: Wharehuanui Adventure with Queenstown Shuttles

Our Ale Trail stands out by offering a unique, self-guided biking experience with the freedom to explore at your own pace. Ride along the scenic …More

Our Ale Trail stands out by offering a unique, self-guided biking experience with the freedom to explore at your own pace. Ride along the scenic...

5 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.7 (13)
from
$62
Methven Ōpuke Hot Pool & Scenic Canterbury Tour from Christchurch

Experience the award winning Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa, located in the heart of Mid-Canterbury. Start in Christchurch, where you’ll begin your bespoke tour filled …More

Experience the award winning Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa, located in the heart of Mid-Canterbury. Start in Christchurch, where you’ll begin your bespoke tour filled...

6 to 8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (13)
from
$68
Wine Exposed Nelson Winery Tour

Embark on Wine Exposed Nelson, a journey where every sip tells a story! Discover Nelson's vibrant wine culture across its three distinct sub-regions. Guided by …More

Embark on Wine Exposed Nelson, a journey where every sip tells a story! Discover Nelson's vibrant wine culture across its three distinct sub-regions. Guided by...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (18)
from
$247
Mt. Cook Private Day Trip From Queenstown with Lake Tekapo

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Let’s explore New Zealand's Tallest Peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook’s Māori Significance, Tasman Glacier – New Zealand's Largest Glacier, Unique Flora and Fauna, …More

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Let’s explore New Zealand's Tallest Peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook’s Māori Significance, Tasman Glacier – New Zealand's Largest Glacier, Unique Flora and Fauna,...

12 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (10)
from
$336
Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City and Giants House Tour

A unique shore excursion from Akaroa which combines a tour of the Banks Peninsula and Christchurch with a guided tour of the famous Giant's House. …More

A unique shore excursion from Akaroa which combines a tour of the Banks Peninsula and Christchurch with a guided tour of the famous Giant's House....

6 hours Free Cancellation
3.7 (13)
from
$116
Waipara Wine Trail Private Group Tour From Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Waipara Springs, founding winery and restaurant of the Waipara Region, was established in 1989 and remains an entirely owned and operated …More

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Waipara Springs, founding winery and restaurant of the Waipara Region, was established in 1989 and remains an entirely owned and operated...

1 to 6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (11)
from
$135
Private Dunedin & Otago Peninsula Tours Up to 4 people

We are local Dunedin Tour operators with 10 years of business experience focus on the customized Private Tours around Dunedin area and beyond. We offer …More

We are local Dunedin Tour operators with 10 years of business experience focus on the customized Private Tours around Dunedin area and beyond. We offer...

7 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (13)
from
$511
Akaroa Private Day Trip From Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Embark on a memorable 6-hour Akaroa day trip from Christchurch, where you’ll have the opportunity to discover New Zealand’s stunning volcanic …More

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Embark on a memorable 6-hour Akaroa day trip from Christchurch, where you’ll have the opportunity to discover New Zealand’s stunning volcanic...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (15)
from
$687
Akaroa Private Group Day Trip from Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the region, with a guide providing expert insights into the area's rich history and …More

Totally Personalized Private Experience! This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the region, with a guide providing expert insights into the area's rich history and...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (13)
from
$178
Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo Day Trip from Christchurch

Experience the breathtaking landscapes of the South Island on a private day tour from Christchurch to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and Lake Tekapo. …More

Experience the breathtaking landscapes of the South Island on a private day tour from Christchurch to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and Lake Tekapo....

10 to 13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (18)
from
$193
Milford Sound Small Group Tour and Cruise from Queenstown Max 8

Experience Milford Sound in a more comfortable and personal way on this premium small-group day tour from Queenstown. This is not a standard Milford Sound …More

Experience Milford Sound in a more comfortable and personal way on this premium small-group day tour from Queenstown. This is not a standard Milford Sound...

12 hours 45 minutes Hotel pickup offered
5.0 (5)
from
$462
Christchurch To Kaikoura Whale Watch Tour (Including Ticket)

Explore the breathtaking coastal beauty of Kaikoura on this full-day adventure. Witness majestic sperm whales and playful dolphins in their natural habitats while enjoying spectacular …More

Explore the breathtaking coastal beauty of Kaikoura on this full-day adventure. Witness majestic sperm whales and playful dolphins in their natural habitats while enjoying spectacular...

8 to 10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (14)
from
$143
Recent tour reviews
Activity name

South Island Tours
Attractions
Guides
Calendar