Top South Island Day Trips & Excursions

Q: Which South Island Day Trips & Excursions have Instant Confirmation?

South Island Day Trips & Excursions with Instant Confirmation include: Premium Milford Sound Tour, Cruise & Lunch from Te Anau Full Day Iconic Mail Boat Cruise Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise from Manapouri Award Winning Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries Milford Sound Premium Coach & Cruise from Queenstown with Lunch View all Tours with Instant Confirmation →

Q: Got any more South Island trip ideas?

We sure do. Check out our curated lists of hand-picked South Island Tours. Top 10 South Island 2026 Senior-friendly tours South Island The best tours and activities for culture lovers in South Island Top Day Trips from South Island Things to do in South Island this summer View all South Island Trip Ideas →

Q: What are the most popular styles of Tours and Activities in South Island?

Based on our sales data over the past year, the most popular styles of tours and activities in South Island are: South Island Luxury & Special Occasions South Island Luxury Tours South Island Outdoor Activities South Island Tours & Sightseeing South Island Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours View all tour styles in South Island →

You Choose the Itinerary Dunedin Full Day 6hrs

Private Transport option with a flexible itinerary to suit your interests - SEE THE BEST SPOTS OF YOUR CHOOSING! …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

You Choose the Itinerary Dunedin Full Day 6hrs

Private Transport option with a flexible itinerary to suit your interests - SEE THE BEST SPOTS OF YOUR CHOOSING!...

5 to 7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$1,192

Akaroa Day Tour from Christchurch Return

Christchurch to Akaroa: A Scenic Escape Journey from Christchurch to Akaroa through breathtaking landscapes, rolling hills, and stunning coastal views. Explore Akaroa’s French charm, vibrant …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (13)

Akaroa Day Tour from Christchurch Return

Christchurch to Akaroa: A Scenic Escape Journey from Christchurch to Akaroa through breathtaking landscapes, rolling hills, and stunning coastal views. Explore Akaroa’s French charm, vibrant...

7 to 8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (13)

from
$31

Akaroa Full Day Tour Including Harbor Nature Cruise from Christchurch

Discover the coastal town of Akaroa on a day tour from Christchurch. Enjoy a 2-hour Harbour Nature Cruise. Encounter panoramic views, boutique shops, waterfront cafes, …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Akaroa Full Day Tour Including Harbor Nature Cruise from Christchurch

Discover the coastal town of Akaroa on a day tour from Christchurch. Enjoy a 2-hour Harbour Nature Cruise. Encounter panoramic views, boutique shops, waterfront cafes,...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$369

Enjoy your private day tour to picturesque town of Lake Tekapo that lies in the heart of Mackenzie country. It is one of the most …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day Tour

Enjoy your private day tour to picturesque town of Lake Tekapo that lies in the heart of Mackenzie country. It is one of the most...

10 to 12 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$284

Waipara Wine Trail Tour From Christchurch

Waipara Springs is a unique and iconic family owned and operated award winning boutique winery and cafe. With 29 years' experience in hospitality, we have …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.7 (13)

Waipara Wine Trail Tour From Christchurch

Waipara Springs is a unique and iconic family owned and operated award winning boutique winery and cafe. With 29 years' experience in hospitality, we have...

1 to 6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.7 (13)

from
$127

Private Central Otago Wine tasting Tour with Gourmet Lunch.

Our Taste Of Central Tour presents a chance for a remarkable tasting adventure. This tour is designed to discover three subregions of Central Otago, providing …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (5)

Private Central Otago Wine tasting Tour with Gourmet Lunch.

Our Taste Of Central Tour presents a chance for a remarkable tasting adventure. This tour is designed to discover three subregions of Central Otago, providing...

7 to 8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (5)

from
$429

Private Wine Gourmet and Scenic Delights Tour from Blenheim

An experienced local chauffeur/guide will take you on an exciting wine and gourmet experience on this private, full-day tour from Blenheim. You will enjoy stunning scenic …More

Blenheim, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Private Wine Gourmet and Scenic Delights Tour from Blenheim

An experienced local chauffeur/guide will take you on an exciting wine and gourmet experience on this private, full-day tour from Blenheim. You will enjoy stunning scenic...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$564

Mt Cook Day Tour From Tekapo (Small Group, Carbon Neutral)

At 3724 metres, Aoraki Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak. Located in the heart of the ruggedly beautiful Mackenzie District, it was first summited …More

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

4.6 (9)

Mt Cook Day Tour From Tekapo (Small Group, Carbon Neutral)

At 3724 metres, Aoraki Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak. Located in the heart of the ruggedly beautiful Mackenzie District, it was first summited...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.6 (9)

from
$128

Private Full Day Queenstown Lord of the Rings Film Locations

Combine our Half Day in Middle Earth with a second Half Day Adventure into another part of Middle Earth with our partner company. We have a 1-1.5 hour …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (6)

Private Full Day Queenstown Lord of the Rings Film Locations

Combine our Half Day in Middle Earth with a second Half Day Adventure into another part of Middle Earth with our partner company. We have a 1-1.5 hour...

10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (6)

from
$1,150

Kaikōura Day Tour From Christchurch With Dolphin Encounter

Kaikōura, whose name translates to ‘eat crayfish’ in English, is a small coastal town often overlooked by tourists. Caught between the Kaikōura Ranges - which …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Kaikōura Day Tour From Christchurch With Dolphin Encounter

Kaikōura, whose name translates to ‘eat crayfish’ in English, is a small coastal town often overlooked by tourists. Caught between the Kaikōura Ranges - which...

8 to 10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$221

Arthur’s Pass Tour with Jet-Boat Ride from Christchurch

Nestled at the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana), Arthur’s Pass is steeped in history. Home of the world’s only …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.5 (2)

Arthur’s Pass Tour with Jet-Boat Ride from Christchurch

Nestled at the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana), Arthur’s Pass is steeped in history. Home of the world’s only...

10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.5 (2)

from
$212

Kaikōura Day Tour From Christchurch (Small Group, Carbon Neutral)

Kaikōura, whose name translates to ‘eat crayfish’ in English, is a small coastal town often overlooked by tourists. Caught between the Kaikōura Ranges - which …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.7 (3)

Kaikōura Day Tour From Christchurch (Small Group, Carbon Neutral)

Kaikōura, whose name translates to ‘eat crayfish’ in English, is a small coastal town often overlooked by tourists. Caught between the Kaikōura Ranges - which...

8 to 10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.7 (3)

from
$128

Private 8h Scenic Drive & Hike Christchurch Lunch Guide Transport

Godley Head is an exciting and beautiful headland at the far end of the Port Hills. From Godley Head, you will be treated to uninterrupted …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Private 8h Scenic Drive & Hike Christchurch Lunch Guide Transport

Godley Head is an exciting and beautiful headland at the far end of the Port Hills. From Godley Head, you will be treated to uninterrupted...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$145

Guided Hike & Scenic Drive: Christchurch. 8hr. Lunch & Transport

Godley Head is an exciting and beautiful place at the far end of the Port Hills. From Godley Head, you will be treated to uninterrupted …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Guided Hike & Scenic Drive: Christchurch. 8hr. Lunch & Transport

Godley Head is an exciting and beautiful place at the far end of the Port Hills. From Godley Head, you will be treated to uninterrupted...

3 to 7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$187

Our Queenstown More Than A Wine Tour is not so much about swirling, sniffing and chatting about gooseberries, oak and tannins. It’s more an opportunity to …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Queenstown More Than A Wine Tour

Our Queenstown More Than A Wine Tour is not so much about swirling, sniffing and chatting about gooseberries, oak and tannins. It’s more an opportunity to...

6 to 9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$794

Private 8hr Akaroa Tour: Lunch, Transport, Guide. Optional Cruise

This private tour, starting and finishing in Christchurch, is a genuinely scenic experience. Visit some of the small settlements around Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbours. …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Private 8hr Akaroa Tour: Lunch, Transport, Guide. Optional Cruise

This private tour, starting and finishing in Christchurch, is a genuinely scenic experience. Visit some of the small settlements around Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbours....

7 to 8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$248

Explore the Best of Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay in One Day! Your friendly guide will pick you up from your accommodation for …More

Nelson, New Zealand

5.0 (8)

Cruise Abel Tasman to Golden Bay

Explore the Best of Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay in One Day! Your friendly guide will pick you up from your accommodation for...

9 hours 45 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (8)

from
$316

Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations

Embark on a Legendary Lord of the Rings Journey from Queenstown, this exclusive LOTR tour takes you deep into the Southland region, home to some …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations

Embark on a Legendary Lord of the Rings Journey from Queenstown, this exclusive LOTR tour takes you deep into the Southland region, home to some...

7 to 10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$1,323

Jet Boat and Hot Pools Day Tour from Christchurch

Join Pete for a fully guided day out, travelling through beautiful Canterbury countryside to the magnificent Rakaia Gorge. Here, prepare for an exhilarating 45-minute Discovery …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Jet Boat and Hot Pools Day Tour from Christchurch

Join Pete for a fully guided day out, travelling through beautiful Canterbury countryside to the magnificent Rakaia Gorge. Here, prepare for an exhilarating 45-minute Discovery...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$226

Castle Hill & Arthur Pass Day Trip From Christchurch

Discover one of New Zealand’s most dramatic alpine landscapes on this unforgettable full-day adventure to Arthur’s Pass National Park. Journey from the Canterbury plains into …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (7)

Castle Hill & Arthur Pass Day Trip From Christchurch

Discover one of New Zealand’s most dramatic alpine landscapes on this unforgettable full-day adventure to Arthur’s Pass National Park. Journey from the Canterbury plains into...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (7)

from
$173

Frequently Asked Questions

These answers are based on answers previously given to Cool Shore Excursions customers' questions.

What are the best options for South Island Day Trips & Excursions?

What are the best kid-friendly options for South Island Day Trips & Excursions Tours?

According to verified reviews on Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor, the best kid-friendly South Island Day Trips & Excursions are:

View all kid-friendly Tours →

Which South Island Day Trips & Excursions have Instant Confirmation?

Which South Island Day Trips & Excursions have Free Cancellation?

South Island Day Trips & Excursions with Free Cancellation (in most cases up to 24 hours in advance of your tour date, check the specific tour page) include:

View all Tours with Free Cancellation →

I need a ride! Which South Island Day Trips & Excursions have Hotel Pickup?

No problem. These South Island Day Trips & Excursions include Hotel Pickup:

View all Tours with Hotel Pickup →

Got any more South Island trip ideas?

What are the most popular styles of Tours and Activities in South Island?