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 →

Nelson to Mapua: Full-Day Self-Guided Cycling Adventure

This full day self-guided cycle adventure takes in some of the most stunning scenery on Tasman’s Great Taste Trail with approximately 3 -4 hours of …More

Nelson, New Zealand

4.8 (71)

Nelson to Mapua: Full-Day Self-Guided Cycling Adventure

This full day self-guided cycle adventure takes in some of the most stunning scenery on Tasman’s Great Taste Trail with approximately 3 -4 hours of...

4 to 7 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (71)

from
$80

Marlborough Ultimate Day Out including Cruise, Wine Tour & Lunch

Marlborough Ultimate Day Out puts the Marlborough Sounds and Marlborough wine into one full day with The Original Marlborough Wine Tours. The morning is a …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.7 (24)

Marlborough Ultimate Day Out including Cruise, Wine Tour & Lunch

Marlborough Ultimate Day Out puts the Marlborough Sounds and Marlborough wine into one full day with The Original Marlborough Wine Tours. The morning is a...

8 hours Free Cancellation

4.7 (24)

from
$234

Milford Sound Premium Coach and Cruise from Te Anau

Discover the stress-free way to see Milford Sound from Te Anau. Our premium coaches offer unobstructed views of the spectacular Milford Road so you can …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

4.8 (46)

Milford Sound Premium Coach and Cruise from Te Anau

Discover the stress-free way to see Milford Sound from Te Anau. Our premium coaches offer unobstructed views of the spectacular Milford Road so you can...

7 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (46)

from
$118

Milford Sound Scenic Flight with Landing from Queenstown

Don’t miss out on a spectacular scenic flight with Air Milford to Milford Sound and back. This tour is perfect for those who have already …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (27)

Milford Sound Scenic Flight with Landing from Queenstown

Don’t miss out on a spectacular scenic flight with Air Milford to Milford Sound and back. This tour is perfect for those who have already...

5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (27)

from
$436

Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise

Travel the Milford Road in our luxurious & comfortable vehicles specially designed for small groups tours to Milford Sound from Queenstown. Modern comforts such as …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (188)

Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise

Travel the Milford Road in our luxurious & comfortable vehicles specially designed for small groups tours to Milford Sound from Queenstown. Modern comforts such as...

12 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (188)

from
$225

Shore Excursion: Dunedin City, Otago Peninsula, Castle Gardens & Olveston Tour

With this tour, you will experience the pure beauty of Dunedin through a journey rich in heritage, spectacular scenery, and memorable highlights. You’ll explore the …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.9 (88)

Shore Excursion: Dunedin City, Otago Peninsula, Castle Gardens & Olveston Tour

With this tour, you will experience the pure beauty of Dunedin through a journey rich in heritage, spectacular scenery, and memorable highlights. You’ll explore the...

6 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (88)

from
$176

Wine trail and Christchurch City - Luxury, Small Group Tour

Discover Christchurch & Wine Country Explore Christchurch's vibrant city centre and renowned wine region on this intimate small-group tour. Admire the city's innovative architecture, street …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (17)

Wine trail and Christchurch City - Luxury, Small Group Tour

Discover Christchurch & Wine Country Explore Christchurch's vibrant city centre and renowned wine region on this intimate small-group tour. Admire the city's innovative architecture, street...

5 to 7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (17)

from
$372

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sights Tour

While your ship is in port in Akaroa Harbour, take a shore excursion to tour the scenic Banks Peninsula and visit the city of Christchurch. …More

Akaroa, New Zealand

4.0 (207)

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sights Tour

While your ship is in port in Akaroa Harbour, take a shore excursion to tour the scenic Banks Peninsula and visit the city of Christchurch....

6 hours

4.0 (207)

from
$82

Marlborough’s wines are treasures that have only come to light in a relatively short space of time. Jimmy has worked in the Marlborough wine industry …More

Blenheim, New Zealand

5.0 (57)

Jimmy’s Classic Marlborough Wine tours

Marlborough’s wines are treasures that have only come to light in a relatively short space of time. Jimmy has worked in the Marlborough wine industry...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (57)

from
$224

Kiwi Horizons Travel' Christchurch city tour stands out due to its focus on providing a comprehensive and immersive experience of the city. Key aspects that …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (20)

Christchurch City Full Day Private Tour

Kiwi Horizons Travel' Christchurch city tour stands out due to its focus on providing a comprehensive and immersive experience of the city. Key aspects that...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (20)

from
$106

A five-day INDEPENDANT travel package departing Christchurch daily, see all the highlights of New Zealand's scenic South Island. Travel by coach from Christchurch to Queenstown …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.3 (73)

5Day/4Nights Great Southern Circle

A five-day INDEPENDANT travel package departing Christchurch daily, see all the highlights of New Zealand's scenic South Island. Travel by coach from Christchurch to Queenstown...

5 days

4.3 (73)

from
$1,200

Full Day Tour of the Sights and Tastes of the West Coast

This tour gives you the chance to relax and enjoy the sights and tastes along our route through the Grey and Buller districts, although a …More

Greymouth, New Zealand

5.0 (25)

Full Day Tour of the Sights and Tastes of the West Coast

This tour gives you the chance to relax and enjoy the sights and tastes along our route through the Grey and Buller districts, although a...

9 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (25)

from
$196

Full Day Mavora Lakes Adventure Lord of the Rings Film Locations

Embark on a Legendary Lord of the Rings Journey from Queenstown Operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays this exclusive LOTR tour takes you deep into …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (44)

Full Day Mavora Lakes Adventure Lord of the Rings Film Locations

Embark on a Legendary Lord of the Rings Journey from Queenstown Operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays this exclusive LOTR tour takes you deep into...

7 to 10 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (44)

from
$175

Explore the magic of Milford Sound on our, unforgettable Milford Sound Day Tour! Discover New Zealand’s pristine beauty as you journey through Fiordland's rugged landscapes, …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

5.0 (18)

Epic Milford Guided Tour from Te Anau

Explore the magic of Milford Sound on our, unforgettable Milford Sound Day Tour! Discover New Zealand’s pristine beauty as you journey through Fiordland's rugged landscapes,...

9 hours 15 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (18)

from
$170

Dunedin Shore Excursion: Taieri Gorge Railway & City Sightseeing

When your cruise ship docks in Dunedin, take a trip through the spectacular scenery surrounding the Taieri River on board the Taieri Gorge Railway. Travel …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.2 (303)

Dunedin Shore Excursion: Taieri Gorge Railway & City Sightseeing

When your cruise ship docks in Dunedin, take a trip through the spectacular scenery surrounding the Taieri River on board the Taieri Gorge Railway. Travel...

7 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.2 (303)

from
$165

Queenstown to Dunedin with Taieri Gorge Train One-Way Tour

Follow gold rush trails, explore historic towns, and journey through breathtaking landscapes. This isn’t just a transfer, it’s an odyssey through the heart of Central …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (24)

Queenstown to Dunedin with Taieri Gorge Train One-Way Tour

Follow gold rush trails, explore historic towns, and journey through breathtaking landscapes. This isn’t just a transfer, it’s an odyssey through the heart of Central...

10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (24)

from
$172

Full-Day Wine Gourmet and Scenic Delight Tour of Marlborough from Blenheim

Experience sensational wines, stunning landscapes and seriously delicious gourmet on this relaxing tour offering a full-day experience of the Marlborough wine region, right at the …More

Blenheim, New Zealand

4.8 (22)

Full-Day Wine Gourmet and Scenic Delight Tour of Marlborough from Blenheim

Experience sensational wines, stunning landscapes and seriously delicious gourmet on this relaxing tour offering a full-day experience of the Marlborough wine region, right at the...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.8 (22)

from
$184

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

Marahau, New Zealand

5.0 (41)

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...

8 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (41)

from
$207

Mt. Cook Fly Explore Fly ex Queenstown by Glenorchy Air

Fly up the spine of the South Island, enjoying panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea on one side and Lake Pukaki, arguably New …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (55)

Mt. Cook Fly Explore Fly ex Queenstown by Glenorchy Air

Fly up the spine of the South Island, enjoying panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea on one side and Lake Pukaki, arguably New...

8 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (55)

from
$499

This is a short tour by bus around some of the main attractions of Dunedin. It is aimed at cruise ship passengers but anyone can …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.8 (242)

Garden and City tour

This is a short tour by bus around some of the main attractions of Dunedin. It is aimed at cruise ship passengers but anyone can...

4 to 5 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (242)

from
$35

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?