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 →

Kaikoura Albatross Encounter Tour from Christchurch

Kaikoura is famous for whales and dolphins and arguably one of the world's most exciting arenas for ocean going birds. This full day tour accompanies …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.5 (2)

Kaikoura Albatross Encounter Tour from Christchurch

Kaikoura is famous for whales and dolphins and arguably one of the world's most exciting arenas for ocean going birds. This full day tour accompanies...

11 hours Hotel pickup offered

4.5 (2)

from
$227

Franz Josef to Christchurch 1-Way Transfer Via TranzAlpine Train

Journey from Franz Josef to Christchurch on one of New Zealand’s most iconic scenic routes. Travel along the rugged West Coast, known for its wild …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

4.7 (3)

Franz Josef to Christchurch 1-Way Transfer Via TranzAlpine Train

Journey from Franz Josef to Christchurch on one of New Zealand’s most iconic scenic routes. Travel along the rugged West Coast, known for its wild...

12 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.7 (3)

from
$321

Scenic Helicopter Flight, Mountain Landing & Wine Tour Queenstown

Fly to the vines with Altitude Tours on a Helicopter Wine Tour. Begin your day being picked up from your Queenstown accommodation before taking a …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Scenic Helicopter Flight, Mountain Landing & Wine Tour Queenstown

Fly to the vines with Altitude Tours on a Helicopter Wine Tour. Begin your day being picked up from your Queenstown accommodation before taking a...

7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$544

Hanmer Springs Private Day Tour Including Hot Pool & Wine Tasting

Discover Hanmer Springs on a private day tour from Christchurch including a visit to the Thermal Pools and wine tasting. Upgrade to include a thrilling jet …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Hanmer Springs Private Day Tour Including Hot Pool & Wine Tasting

Discover Hanmer Springs on a private day tour from Christchurch including a visit to the Thermal Pools and wine tasting. Upgrade to include a thrilling jet...

10 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$340

Milford Sound Coach and Cruise Tour from Queenstown with Flyback

Journey in comfort on one of our brand new, low-emission coaches and take in incredible panoramic views on the road to Milford Sound. Enjoy entertaining …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.7 (38)

Milford Sound Coach and Cruise Tour from Queenstown with Flyback

Journey in comfort on one of our brand new, low-emission coaches and take in incredible panoramic views on the road to Milford Sound. Enjoy entertaining...

9 hours Free Cancellation

4.7 (38)

from
$568

Queenstown to Christchurch: Wānaka, Mt Cook & Tekapo 1-Way Tour

Most people fly from Queenstown to Christchurch. In an hour, they miss everything in between. This full-day small-group tour covers the same distance on the …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.5 (8)

Queenstown to Christchurch: Wānaka, Mt Cook & Tekapo 1-Way Tour

Most people fly from Queenstown to Christchurch. In an hour, they miss everything in between. This full-day small-group tour covers the same distance on the...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.5 (8)

from
$207

Departing from our Te Anau lakeside base, the journey begins by soaring over Lake Te Anau. Soak up views of the Hidden Lakes before flying …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

5.0 (18)

Fiordland Heli-hike from Te Anau

Departing from our Te Anau lakeside base, the journey begins by soaring over Lake Te Anau. Soak up views of the Hidden Lakes before flying...

3 to 6 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (18)

from
$279

Ale Trail: Wharehuanui Adventure with Queenstown Shuttles

Our Ale Trail stands out by offering a unique, self-guided biking experience with the freedom to explore at your own pace. Ride along the scenic …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.7 (13)

Ale Trail: Wharehuanui Adventure with Queenstown Shuttles

Our Ale Trail stands out by offering a unique, self-guided biking experience with the freedom to explore at your own pace. Ride along the scenic...

5 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.7 (13)

from
$62

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

Methven Ōpuke Hot Pool & Scenic Canterbury Tour from Christchurch

Experience the award winning Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa, located in the heart of Mid-Canterbury. Start in Christchurch, where you’ll begin your bespoke tour filled …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (13)

Methven Ōpuke Hot Pool & Scenic Canterbury Tour from Christchurch

Experience the award winning Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa, located in the heart of Mid-Canterbury. Start in Christchurch, where you’ll begin your bespoke tour filled...

6 to 8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (13)

from
$68

Akaroa Full Day Private Tour From Christchurch

Book an unforgettable day trip to Akaroa! Departing from Lyttelton Port, you'll enjoy stunning coastal views, including a stop at Sumner Beach before arriving in …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (16)

Akaroa Full Day Private Tour From Christchurch

Book an unforgettable day trip to Akaroa! Departing from Lyttelton Port, you'll enjoy stunning coastal views, including a stop at Sumner Beach before arriving in...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (16)

from
$153

Embark on Wine Exposed Nelson, a journey where every sip tells a story! Discover Nelson's vibrant wine culture across its three distinct sub-regions. Guided by …More

Nelson, New Zealand

5.0 (18)

Wine Exposed Nelson Winery Tour

Embark on Wine Exposed Nelson, a journey where every sip tells a story! Discover Nelson's vibrant wine culture across its three distinct sub-regions. Guided by...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (18)

from
$247

Mt. Cook Private Day Trip From Queenstown with 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

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (10)

Mt. Cook Private Day Trip From Queenstown with Lake Tekapo

12 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (10)

from
$336

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City and Giants House Tour

A unique shore excursion from Akaroa which combines a tour of the Banks Peninsula and Christchurch with a guided tour of the famous Giant's House. …More

Akaroa, New Zealand

3.7 (13)

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City and Giants House Tour

A unique shore excursion from Akaroa which combines a tour of the Banks Peninsula and Christchurch with a guided tour of the famous Giant's House....

6 hours Free Cancellation

3.7 (13)

from
$116

Waipara Wine Trail Private Group Tour From Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Waipara Springs, founding winery and restaurant of the Waipara Region, was established in 1989 and remains an entirely owned and operated …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (11)

Waipara Wine Trail Private Group Tour From Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Waipara Springs, founding winery and restaurant of the Waipara Region, was established in 1989 and remains an entirely owned and operated...

1 to 6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (11)

from
$135

Private Dunedin & Otago Peninsula Tours Up to 4 people

We are local Dunedin Tour operators with 10 years of business experience focus on the customized Private Tours around Dunedin area and beyond. We offer …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.9 (13)

Private Dunedin & Otago Peninsula Tours Up to 4 people

We are local Dunedin Tour operators with 10 years of business experience focus on the customized Private Tours around Dunedin area and beyond. We offer...

7 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (13)

from
$511

Akaroa Private Day Trip From Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Embark on a memorable 6-hour Akaroa day trip from Christchurch, where you’ll have the opportunity to discover New Zealand’s stunning volcanic …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (15)

Akaroa Private Day Trip From Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Embark on a memorable 6-hour Akaroa day trip from Christchurch, where you’ll have the opportunity to discover New Zealand’s stunning volcanic...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (15)

from
$687

Akaroa Private Group Day Trip from Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the region, with a guide providing expert insights into the area's rich history and …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (13)

Akaroa Private Group Day Trip from Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the region, with a guide providing expert insights into the area's rich history and...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (13)

from
$178

Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo Day Trip from Christchurch

Experience the breathtaking landscapes of the South Island on a private day tour from Christchurch to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and Lake Tekapo. …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (18)

Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo Day Trip from Christchurch

Experience the breathtaking landscapes of the South Island on a private day tour from Christchurch to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and Lake Tekapo....

10 to 13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (18)

from
$193

Milford Sound Small Group Tour and Cruise from Queenstown Max 8

Experience Milford Sound in a more comfortable and personal way on this premium small-group day tour from Queenstown. This is not a standard Milford Sound …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (5)

Milford Sound Small Group Tour and Cruise from Queenstown Max 8

Experience Milford Sound in a more comfortable and personal way on this premium small-group day tour from Queenstown. This is not a standard Milford Sound...

12 hours 45 minutes Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (5)

from
$462

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?