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 →

Mt. Cook Full Day Group Tour via Tekapo from Christchurch

Book your day trip from Christchurch to Mount cook by passing all the amazing stops like Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, lavender farms (Summer) and beautiful …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.8 (18)

Mt. Cook Full Day Group Tour via Tekapo from Christchurch

Book your day trip from Christchurch to Mount cook by passing all the amazing stops like Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, lavender farms (Summer) and beautiful...

13 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.8 (18)

from
$184

9 Day South to North Island NZ Private Tour from Queenstown

This signature 9-day, 8-night tour offers a perfect blend of daily travel, covering the majority of top attractions in both South Island (Milford Sound to …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (15)

9 Day South to North Island NZ Private Tour from Queenstown

This signature 9-day, 8-night tour offers a perfect blend of daily travel, covering the majority of top attractions in both South Island (Milford Sound to...

9 days Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (15)

from
$2,703

Waipara Valley Winery Tour Wine Tastings and Scenic Views

Explore the enchanting Waipara Valley, renowned for its boutique wineries and breathtaking landscapes. This 5-6 hour winery tour invites you to taste award-winning wines, learn …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (16)

Waipara Valley Winery Tour Wine Tastings and Scenic Views

Explore the enchanting Waipara Valley, renowned for its boutique wineries and breathtaking landscapes. This 5-6 hour winery tour invites you to taste award-winning wines, learn...

5 to 6 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (16)

from
$172

6 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Christchurch

This signature 6-day tour offers a perfect blend of travel per day covering the majority of top attractions in New Zealand's South Island, optional handpicked …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (15)

6 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Christchurch

This signature 6-day tour offers a perfect blend of travel per day covering the majority of top attractions in New Zealand's South Island, optional handpicked...

6 days Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (15)

from
$1,631

4 Day Tour to Milford Sound, Mount Cook & More from Queenstown

Embark on an unforgettable 4-day journey through New Zealand's stunning South Island, exploring many of its major attractions and experiencing the serene beauty of each …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (6)

4 Day Tour to Milford Sound, Mount Cook & More from Queenstown

Embark on an unforgettable 4-day journey through New Zealand's stunning South Island, exploring many of its major attractions and experiencing the serene beauty of each...

4 days Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (6)

from
$920

Milford Sound Helicopter and Cruise Tour from Queenstown

Go one step further taking our Milford Sound / Piopiotahi return scenic Helicopter flights and a wonderous 2 hour Milford Sound Cruise with our partners …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (13)

Milford Sound Helicopter and Cruise Tour from Queenstown

Go one step further taking our Milford Sound / Piopiotahi return scenic Helicopter flights and a wonderous 2 hour Milford Sound Cruise with our partners...

5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (13)

from
$986

Gibbston Half-Day Private Wine Tour with Hotel Pickup

After complimentary accommodation pick-up, we will set off for the heart of Gibbston on a small private tour to visit four cellar doors and journey …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (37)

Gibbston Half-Day Private Wine Tour with Hotel Pickup

After complimentary accommodation pick-up, we will set off for the heart of Gibbston on a small private tour to visit four cellar doors and journey...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (37)

from
$244

Mount Cook Tour: Finish at Queenstown, Christchurch or Dunedin

Discover Aoraki Mount Cook on a scenic private journey for up to 3–4 people. Your day begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Mount Cook Tour: Finish at Queenstown, Christchurch or Dunedin

Discover Aoraki Mount Cook on a scenic private journey for up to 3–4 people. Your day begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in...

720 to 750 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$1,437

5 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Dunedin

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

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

5 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Dunedin

This immersive 5 day tour from Dunedin 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 (2)

from
$1,395

Private 8hr Shore Exc: Akaroa. Guide, Lunch & Transport Included.

This private tour is specifically designed for cruise ship passengers. Visit Akaroa and explore the Banks Peninsula with one of our friendly and knowledgeable local …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (7)

Private 8hr Shore Exc: Akaroa. Guide, Lunch & Transport Included.

This private tour is specifically designed for cruise ship passengers. Visit Akaroa and explore the Banks Peninsula with one of our friendly and knowledgeable local...

6 to 7 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (7)

from
$248

Inland Canterbury & Castle Hill Tour (Lyttelton Shore Excursion)

This scenic small-group tour includes lunch, transport, and a local guide to Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti. Visit country towns, mountain passes, alpine lakes, and the amazing …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.8 (5)

Inland Canterbury & Castle Hill Tour (Lyttelton Shore Excursion)

This scenic small-group tour includes lunch, transport, and a local guide to Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti. Visit country towns, mountain passes, alpine lakes, and the amazing...

7 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (5)

from
$300

Discover the diverse wines of Central Otago on this full-day wine tour from Queenstown. Travel through the Bannockburn, Cromwell, and at different times Wanaka wine …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (29)

Premium Queenstown Wine Tour

Discover the diverse wines of Central Otago on this full-day wine tour from Queenstown. Travel through the Bannockburn, Cromwell, and at different times Wanaka wine...

6 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (29)

from
$162

Mount Cook Lake Tekapo & Tasman Glacier Private Tour

Enjoy a private day tour to Aoraki/Mount Cook - the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Visit the picturesque town of Lake Tekapo, admire stunning alpine …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (13)

Mount Cook Lake Tekapo & Tasman Glacier Private Tour

Enjoy a private day tour to Aoraki/Mount Cook - the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Visit the picturesque town of Lake Tekapo, admire stunning alpine...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (13)

from
$425

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch

Discover the picturesque village of Hanmer Springs on this full-day trip from Christchurch. You will be picked up from your accommodation and transfered to the …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.5 (15)

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch

Discover the picturesque village of Hanmer Springs on this full-day trip from Christchurch. You will be picked up from your accommodation and transfered to the...

8 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered

4.5 (15)

from
$139

Full-Day Marlborough Scenic and Wine Tour from Blenheim

This full-day Marlborough experience from Blenheim takes you across the Wairau Plains into the picturesque sea port of Havelock, where you can stop to explore …More

Blenheim, New Zealand

4.5 (2)

Full-Day Marlborough Scenic and Wine Tour from Blenheim

This full-day Marlborough experience from Blenheim takes you across the Wairau Plains into the picturesque sea port of Havelock, where you can stop to explore...

7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.5 (2)

from
$210

Discover the full diversity of wine varieties this stunning Marlborough region has to offer and learn the secrets behind fine wine appreciation on this full-day …More

Blenheim, New Zealand

4.8 (4)

Full-Day Wine Tour from Blenheim

Discover the full diversity of wine varieties this stunning Marlborough region has to offer and learn the secrets behind fine wine appreciation on this full-day...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.8 (4)

from
$156

Kaikōura Whale Watch Tour from Christchurch - Small Group

Discover New Zealand's marine wildlife capital on this whale watching day tour from Christchurch to Kaikōura. Journey along a spectacular coastal route to witness giant …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.8 (11)

Kaikōura Whale Watch Tour from Christchurch - Small Group

Discover New Zealand's marine wildlife capital on this whale watching day tour from Christchurch to Kaikōura. Journey along a spectacular coastal route to witness giant...

8 to 10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.8 (11)

from
$216

Queen Charlotte Track - Ultimate one Day Walk and Cruise

We are the only Marlborough Sounds Guided Walk company with our own boats. Your day starts with the Ultimate Wildlife Cruise through the calm sheltered …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.9 (11)

Queen Charlotte Track - Ultimate one Day Walk and Cruise

We are the only Marlborough Sounds Guided Walk company with our own boats. Your day starts with the Ultimate Wildlife Cruise through the calm sheltered...

9 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (11)

from
$209

7Day/6Nights Southern Coastal Splendor Tour

A seven-day INDEPENDANT travel package departing Christchurch daily. Travel by coach and train through the specular South Island of New Zealand. Your journey commences in …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

3.9 (7)

7Day/6Nights Southern Coastal Splendor Tour

A seven-day INDEPENDANT travel package departing Christchurch daily. Travel by coach and train through the specular South Island of New Zealand. Your journey commences in...

7 days

3.9 (7)

from
$1,636

Arthurs Pass Jet Boating and TranzAlpine Train 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

4.9 (10)

Arthurs Pass Jet Boating and TranzAlpine Train 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

4.9 (10)

from
$338

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?