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 →

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City Tour and the International Antarctic Centre

Experience the grand architecture and beautiful gardens of Christchurch when your ship is in port in Akaroa. Your shore excursion from Akaroa port also includes …More

Akaroa, New Zealand

4.0 (124)

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City Tour and the International Antarctic Centre

Experience the grand architecture and beautiful gardens of Christchurch when your ship is in port in Akaroa. Your shore excursion from Akaroa port also includes...

6 hours

4.0 (124)

from
$131

Our small group personalized day-trip is the best way to experience all the Abel Tasman National Park has to offer in comfort in one day. …More

Nelson, New Zealand

5.0 (245)

Abel Tasman Cruise- Best Day trip

Our small group personalized day-trip is the best way to experience all the Abel Tasman National Park has to offer in comfort in one day....

6 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (245)

from
$264

Gourmet Gold Wine Tour: Indulge in Cloudy Bay's finest wines

Discover the essence of Marlborough with a premier experience designed for discerning wine lovers. This exclusive tour offers a deep dive into Cloudy Bay’s prestigious …More

Blenheim, New Zealand

5.0 (25)

Gourmet Gold Wine Tour: Indulge in Cloudy Bay's finest wines

Discover the essence of Marlborough with a premier experience designed for discerning wine lovers. This exclusive tour offers a deep dive into Cloudy Bay’s prestigious...

6 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (25)

from
$349

Private Guided Tour of Dunedin City Heritage and Unique Wildlife and Scenery

Enjoy Dunedin on a private tour, tailored exclusively for your group of up to six passengers. A knowledgeable driver-guide will show you the city’s best …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

5.0 (38)

Private Guided Tour of Dunedin City Heritage and Unique Wildlife and Scenery

Enjoy Dunedin on a private tour, tailored exclusively for your group of up to six passengers. A knowledgeable driver-guide will show you the city’s best...

5 to 7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (38)

from
$1,035

Arthur's Pass with optional TranzAlpine Train (Small Group Tour)

Join us on a scenic day trip from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass, where you’ll journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Southern Alps. Travel by …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (15)

Arthur's Pass with optional TranzAlpine Train (Small Group Tour)

Join us on a scenic day trip from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass, where you’ll journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Southern Alps. Travel by...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (15)

from
$328

Explore Hokitika Gorge and Tree Top Walkway

At Tree Top Walk Way, experience life with the birds high in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. Easy access for all to enjoy …More

Greymouth, New Zealand

4.6 (39)

Explore Hokitika Gorge and Tree Top Walkway

At Tree Top Walk Way, experience life with the birds high in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. Easy access for all to enjoy...

5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.6 (39)

from
$124

Discover why Central Otago is one of the world's most celebrated cool-climate wine regions on this small-group tour through Gibbston Valley. Visit four of the …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (26)

Queenstown Wine Tour

Discover why Central Otago is one of the world's most celebrated cool-climate wine regions on this small-group tour through Gibbston Valley. Visit four of the...

5 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (26)

from
$137

Stewart Island Fly Explore Fly ex Queenstown by Glenorchy Air

Depart over the Remarkables, track along the Oreti River across New Zealand’s vast southern farmland before reaching the stunning Southern Coast. Fly over Foveaux Strait …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (28)

Stewart Island Fly Explore Fly ex Queenstown by Glenorchy Air

Depart over the Remarkables, track along the Oreti River across New Zealand’s vast southern farmland before reaching the stunning Southern Coast. Fly over Foveaux Strait...

8 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (28)

from
$544

Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown

True South Flights is the only fixed wing operator to offer the Franz Josef Heli Hike from Queenstown as a day trip. The Franz Josef …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (37)

Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown

True South Flights is the only fixed wing operator to offer the Franz Josef Heli Hike from Queenstown as a day trip. The Franz Josef...

7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (37)

from
$1,236

Photography Tour from Queenstown to Glenorchy - 1/2 Day

Half day tour from Queenstown to Glenorchy. This photographic tour is an enjoyable outdoor adventure combined with insightful guidance on maximising the use of your …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (38)

Photography Tour from Queenstown to Glenorchy - 1/2 Day

Half day tour from Queenstown to Glenorchy. This photographic tour is an enjoyable outdoor adventure combined with insightful guidance on maximising the use of your...

5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (38)

from
$219

Sail, Seals, and Walk Tour in Abel Tasman

Start your day sailing from Kaiteriteri beach, soaking up the scenery along the stunning coastline, passing the iconic Split Apple Rock and the playful NZ …More

Marahau, New Zealand

4.8 (36)

Sail, Seals, and Walk Tour in Abel Tasman

Start your day sailing from Kaiteriteri beach, soaking up the scenery along the stunning coastline, passing the iconic Split Apple Rock and the playful NZ...

7 to 8 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (36)

from
$80

Bike The Wineries (3/4 Day) - Ride Through Gibbston's Vineyards

The ¾ Day Bike the Wineries ride is a relaxed and scenic way to experience Queenstown’s famous wine region without committing to a full day. …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.8 (28)

Bike The Wineries (3/4 Day) - Ride Through Gibbston's Vineyards

The ¾ Day Bike the Wineries ride is a relaxed and scenic way to experience Queenstown’s famous wine region without committing to a full day....

6 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (28)

from
$66

Bike The Wineries (1/2 Day) - Quick Pedal to Pinot

Short on time but still want to experience the best of Queenstown’s wine country? What you'll do ✓ Shuttle from Queenstown to The Church Cellar …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.7 (48)

Bike The Wineries (1/2 Day) - Quick Pedal to Pinot

Short on time but still want to experience the best of Queenstown’s wine country? What you'll do ✓ Shuttle from Queenstown to The Church Cellar...

5 hours Free Cancellation

4.7 (48)

from
$60

Let our winemaker tailor a Marlborough wine tour especially for you or your group’s needs… or let us surprise you with something special! You decide …More

Blenheim, New Zealand

5.0 (17)

Private Marlborough Winery Tour

Let our winemaker tailor a Marlborough wine tour especially for you or your group’s needs… or let us surprise you with something special! You decide...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (17)

from
$482

Dunedin Shore Excursion City Sightseeing & Tour of Larnach Castle

Staring dickside, discover Dunedin’s roots when your ship is in port on a shore excursion that takes in the city's central sights and historic Larnach …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.3 (64)

Dunedin Shore Excursion City Sightseeing & Tour of Larnach Castle

Staring dickside, discover Dunedin’s roots when your ship is in port on a shore excursion that takes in the city's central sights and historic Larnach...

7 hours

4.3 (64)

from
$111

Dunedin Nature & City Tour – Full Day Cruise Excursion

This is a tour by bus around some of the main attractions of Dunedin. It is aimed at cruise ship passengers and only runs on …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.7 (122)

Dunedin Nature & City Tour – Full Day Cruise Excursion

This is a tour by bus around some of the main attractions of Dunedin. It is aimed at cruise ship passengers and only runs on...

6 to 7 hours Free Cancellation

4.7 (122)

from
$55

A wonderful day tour to Arthurs Pass which includes a train journey on one of the worlds famous train journeys, a visit to the National …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (95)

Tranz Alpine Train Tour

A wonderful day tour to Arthurs Pass which includes a train journey on one of the worlds famous train journeys, a visit to the National...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered

4.9 (95)

from
$308

5 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Queenstown

This immersive 5 day tour from Queenstown offers you a perfect mixture of travel each day, visiting the majority of the top attractions in New …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (11)

5 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Queenstown

This immersive 5 day tour from Queenstown offers you a perfect mixture of travel each day, visiting the majority of the top attractions in New...

5 days Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (11)

from
$1,452

Private boat charter in Abel Tasman National Park

Our fully catered boat charter ensures you are able to experience the most of the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park in one day and in …More

Nelson, New Zealand

5.0 (33)

Private boat charter in Abel Tasman National Park

Our fully catered boat charter ensures you are able to experience the most of the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park in one day and in...

6 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (33)

from
$2,634

Full-Day Abel Tasman National Park Hiking Tour with Cruise

Abel Tasman Water and Walk is a small group tour for visitors who prefer faster access into the heart of this popular National Park so …More

Nelson, New Zealand

4.9 (88)

Full-Day Abel Tasman National Park Hiking Tour with Cruise

Abel Tasman Water and Walk is a small group tour for visitors who prefer faster access into the heart of this popular National Park so...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (88)

from
$345

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?

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

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?