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 →

Roxburgh Gorge Bike Hire with Jet Boat & Return Shuttle Included

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail Experience is a purpose built Official NZ Great Ride (Grade 1 to 3) that follows the Clutha River. Alongside the Lake …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (8)

Roxburgh Gorge Bike Hire with Jet Boat & Return Shuttle Included

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail Experience is a purpose built Official NZ Great Ride (Grade 1 to 3) that follows the Clutha River. Alongside the Lake...

6 hours 15 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (8)

from
$213

Christchurch Highlights Tour (Private Lyttelton shore excursion)

Experience the charm, culture, and beauty of Christchurch on a guided day tour through New Zealand's Garden City. Enjoy panoramic views stretching from the coastline …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (10)

Christchurch Highlights Tour (Private Lyttelton shore excursion)

Experience the charm, culture, and beauty of Christchurch on a guided day tour through New Zealand's Garden City. Enjoy panoramic views stretching from the coastline...

6 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (10)

from
$794

Lyttelton 8hr Shore Ex: Akaroa. Guide, Lunch, Transport, Sml Grp

Join our exclusive small-group tour for up to 8 people, designed specifically for cruise ship passengers arriving at Lyttelton Port in Christchurch. Visit Akaroa and …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Lyttelton 8hr Shore Ex: Akaroa. Guide, Lunch, Transport, Sml Grp

Join our exclusive small-group tour for up to 8 people, designed specifically for cruise ship passengers arriving at Lyttelton Port in Christchurch. Visit Akaroa and...

6 to 7 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$328

Progressive Wine and Gourmet Trail of Marlborough

Marlborough's Wine and Gourmet experience is something you should not miss....Progressive Wine and Gourmet Trail with your menu tailor-made for your tastes with a matching …More

Blenheim, New Zealand

5.0 (12)

Progressive Wine and Gourmet Trail of Marlborough

Marlborough's Wine and Gourmet experience is something you should not miss....Progressive Wine and Gourmet Trail with your menu tailor-made for your tastes with a matching...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (12)

from
$508

Cromwell Wine Tasting Tour using Classic Car

Qualmark Accredited Cromwell Classic Car Wine Tours is unique among Central Otago wine-tasting tours. This is no whirlwind mini bus tour crammed with strangers but …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (24)

Cromwell Wine Tasting Tour using Classic Car

Qualmark Accredited Cromwell Classic Car Wine Tours is unique among Central Otago wine-tasting tours. This is no whirlwind mini bus tour crammed with strangers but...

4 to 5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (24)

from
$221

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City Tour and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

See the sights of Christchurch when your ship is in Akaroa port, and explore the city on a comprehensive tour. Your Akaroa shore excursion also …More

Akaroa, New Zealand

3.7 (24)

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City Tour and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

See the sights of Christchurch when your ship is in Akaroa port, and explore the city on a comprehensive tour. Your Akaroa shore excursion also...

6 hours

3.7 (24)

from
$119

Mt Cook Day Tour from Queenstown via Wānaka and Pukaki

New Zealand's highest peak deserves more than a drive-past. This full-day small-group tour from Queenstown travels north via Kawarau Gorge, before heading through the Mackenzie …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.5 (10)

Mt Cook Day Tour from Queenstown via Wānaka and Pukaki

New Zealand's highest peak deserves more than a drive-past. This full-day small-group tour from Queenstown travels north via Kawarau Gorge, before heading through the Mackenzie...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.5 (10)

from
$150

Private Luxury Glenorchy/ Mt Aspiring Park Portrait 4WD Tour

We photograph your tour professionally, so you can sit back and relax. From posed photographs through to candid ones, we'll be helping you feel relaxed …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Private Luxury Glenorchy/ Mt Aspiring Park Portrait 4WD Tour

We photograph your tour professionally, so you can sit back and relax. From posed photographs through to candid ones, we'll be helping you feel relaxed...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$1,418

Dunedin Shore Excursion - Sightseeing, Larnach Castle, Chinese Garden & Museum

A unique opportunity to experience the very best Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula has to offer. This shore excursion combines sightseeing of Dunedin City and …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.6 (9)

Dunedin Shore Excursion - Sightseeing, Larnach Castle, Chinese Garden & Museum

A unique opportunity to experience the very best Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula has to offer. This shore excursion combines sightseeing of Dunedin City and...

7 hours Free Cancellation

4.6 (9)

from
$114

Otago Peninsula & Larnach Castle Shore Excursion

We are a well known tour guiding company in Dunedin. We offer a small group tour of the highest quality, branded vehicles and great fun …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.5 (47)

Otago Peninsula & Larnach Castle Shore Excursion

We are a well known tour guiding company in Dunedin. We offer a small group tour of the highest quality, branded vehicles and great fun...

6 hours Free Cancellation

4.5 (47)

from
$167

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

On this incredibly scenic small group tour, visit Akaroa and explore the Banks Peninsula with one of our friendly and knowledgeable local guides. Visit some …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (5)

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

On this incredibly scenic small group tour, visit Akaroa and explore the Banks Peninsula with one of our friendly and knowledgeable local guides. Visit some...

7 to 8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (5)

from
$328

Mt. Cook Full Day Private Tour via Tekapo from Christchurch

The journey from Christchurch to Mount Cook offers stunning scenery and unique experiences. You can take the scenic route through the Canterbury Plains, passing by …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (28)

Mt. Cook Full Day Private Tour via Tekapo from Christchurch

The journey from Christchurch to Mount Cook offers stunning scenery and unique experiences. You can take the scenic route through the Canterbury Plains, passing by...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (28)

from
$184

Lake Marian Guided Hike with Transfers, Lunch & Morning Tea

Lake Marian Day Walk offers a captivating hike to one of Fiordland’s hidden gems. This full-day experience leads you to Lake Marian, a stunning alpine …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Lake Marian Guided Hike with Transfers, Lunch & Morning Tea

Lake Marian Day Walk offers a captivating hike to one of Fiordland’s hidden gems. This full-day experience leads you to Lake Marian, a stunning alpine...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$187

This tour offers the best of the central West Coast including the most seen hot spots and all in a day! Perfect if you have …More

Greymouth, New Zealand

4.9 (8)

West Coast Full Day Tour

This tour offers the best of the central West Coast including the most seen hot spots and all in a day! Perfect if you have...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (8)

from
$209

Mt. Cook Private Day Trip From Christchurch Via 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

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (21)

Mt. Cook Private Day Trip From Christchurch Via Lake Tekapo

13 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (21)

from
$198

Kaikoura Private Whale Watching Day Trip from Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Embark on an unforgettable journey to Kaikoura, renowned for its world-class whale-watching tours, particularly the unique opportunity to observe sperm whales. …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (20)

Kaikoura Private Whale Watching Day Trip from Christchurch

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (20)

from
$173

Arthurs Pass Private Day Trip from Christchurch with Castle Hill

Totally Personalized Private Experience! A day trip to Arthur's National Park offers a variety of green fields to rugged mountain ranges, lush forest, and ice-fed …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.8 (30)

Arthurs Pass Private Day Trip from Christchurch with Castle Hill

Totally Personalized Private Experience! A day trip to Arthur's National Park offers a variety of green fields to rugged mountain ranges, lush forest, and ice-fed...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.8 (30)

from
$184

Arthur’s Pass and Castle hills Private Day Trip From Christchurch

"Explore Arthur’s Pass & Castle Hill like a local. We skip the crowds, hit secret spots like Lake Lyndon, and let you choose the pace—wild …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (16)

Arthur’s Pass and Castle hills Private Day Trip From Christchurch

"Explore Arthur’s Pass & Castle Hill like a local. We skip the crowds, hit secret spots like Lake Lyndon, and let you choose the pace—wild...

10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (16)

from
$153

Dunedin to Queenstown 1-Way Day Tour with Taieri Gorge Railway

This isn’t just a journey, it’s a story unfolding across gold rush trails, highland outposts, and cinematic landscapes. Travelling from Dunedin to Queenstown with Cheeky …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.6 (16)

Dunedin to Queenstown 1-Way Day Tour with Taieri Gorge Railway

This isn’t just a journey, it’s a story unfolding across gold rush trails, highland outposts, and cinematic landscapes. Travelling from Dunedin to Queenstown with Cheeky...

9 hours Free Cancellation

4.6 (16)

from
$172

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

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.7 (35)

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...

7 hours

4.7 (35)

from
$227

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?