Top South Island Day Trips & Excursions

Q: 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: 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

Q: 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: Akaroa Day Tour from Christchurch Return Garden and City tour Dunedin Nature & City Tour – Full Day Cruise Excursion Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Queenstown Arrowtown to Queenstown Full-Day Bike Adventure View all kid-friendly Tours →

Q: Which South Island Day Trips & Excursions have Instant Confirmation?

South Island Day Trips & Excursions with Instant Confirmation include: Akaroa Day Tour from Christchurch Return Garden and City tour Dunedin Nature & City Tour – Full Day Cruise Excursion Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Queenstown Arrowtown to Queenstown Full-Day Bike Adventure View all Tours with Instant Confirmation →

Q: 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: Akaroa Day Tour from Christchurch Return Garden and City tour Dunedin Nature & City Tour – Full Day Cruise Excursion Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Queenstown Arrowtown to Queenstown Full-Day Bike Adventure View all Tours with Free Cancellation →

Q: I need a ride! Which South Island Day Trips & Excursions have Hotel Pickup?

No problem. These South Island Day Trips & Excursions include Hotel Pickup: Akaroa Day Tour from Christchurch Return Methven Ōpuke Hot Pool & Scenic Canterbury Tour from Christchurch Christchurch City Full Day Private Tour Taste the Valley Wine Tour in Marlborough with Wine Tasting Waipara Wine Experience for 2 or more, inc tastings and lunch View all Tours with Hotel Pickup →

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 Day Tour from Christchurch Return

Christchurch to Akaroa: A Scenic Escape Journey from Christchurch to Akaroa through breathtaking landscapes, rolling hills, and stunning coastal views. Explore Akaroa’s French charm, vibrant …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (13)

Akaroa Day Tour from Christchurch Return

Christchurch to Akaroa: A Scenic Escape Journey from Christchurch to Akaroa through breathtaking landscapes, rolling hills, and stunning coastal views. Explore Akaroa’s French charm, vibrant...

7 to 8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (13)

from
$31

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

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 (125)

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 (125)

from
$55

Come and experience the original Hop on Hop off Wine & Beer tour at the lowest price guaranteed. Maximum of 8 travellers per group unless …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.8 (349)

Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Queenstown

Come and experience the original Hop on Hop off Wine & Beer tour at the lowest price guaranteed. Maximum of 8 travellers per group unless...

5 to 7 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (349)

from
$59

Arrowtown to Queenstown Full-Day Bike Adventure

Discover one of Queenstown’s ultimate biking adventures on this self-guided ride from historic Arrowtown to central Queenstown. Shuttle to Arrowtown, get fitted with a top-quality …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.8 (96)

Arrowtown to Queenstown Full-Day Bike Adventure

Discover one of Queenstown’s ultimate biking adventures on this self-guided ride from historic Arrowtown to central Queenstown. Shuttle to Arrowtown, get fitted with a top-quality...

5 to 7 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (96)

from
$60

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

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

Arrowtown to Queenstown Bike Tour with Shuttle

⭐ Set off on the Ride to Riches journey, traversing the stunning Twin River trail outside Queenstown, featuring seven bridges and three rivers. This trail …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.8 (113)

Arrowtown to Queenstown Bike Tour with Shuttle

⭐ Set off on the Ride to Riches journey, traversing the stunning Twin River trail outside Queenstown, featuring seven bridges and three rivers. This trail...

3 to 5 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (113)

from
$65

Bike The Wineries (Full-Day) - Bike & Wine Adventure

Our Full Day Bike the Wineries Ride is one of Queenstown’s most popular experiences, combining historic Arrowtown, scenic river trails, and the renowned Gibbston wine …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.8 (99)

Bike The Wineries (Full-Day) - Bike & Wine Adventure

Our Full Day Bike the Wineries Ride is one of Queenstown’s most popular experiences, combining historic Arrowtown, scenic river trails, and the renowned Gibbston wine...

7 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (99)

from
$66

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

Discover Queenstown’s finest wineries with the flexible, Wine Hopper experience. Unlike rigid tours, our expert local Wine Guides help you customize your day, letting you …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (369)

Queenstown Wine Tour

Discover Queenstown’s finest wineries with the flexible, Wine Hopper experience. Unlike rigid tours, our expert local Wine Guides help you customize your day, letting you...

6 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (369)

from
$68

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

We've been welcoming visitors to the spectacular Abel Tasman granite coast since 1841. Travel in style on our Vista Cruise. There's no need to go …More

Nelson, New Zealand

4.7 (404)

Abel Tasman Vista Cruise

We've been welcoming visitors to the spectacular Abel Tasman granite coast since 1841. Travel in style on our Vista Cruise. There's no need to go...

3 to 6 hours Free Cancellation

4.7 (404)

from
$72

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

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

Join this guided full day tour in the historic Pelorus Mail Boat as it delivers mail, groceries, freight, and people to this stunning and remote …More

Havelock, New Zealand

4.8 (326)

Full Day Iconic Mail Boat Cruise

Join this guided full day tour in the historic Pelorus Mail Boat as it delivers mail, groceries, freight, and people to this stunning and remote...

5 to 10 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (326)

from
$82

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

Taieri Gorge Scenic Railway Journey from Dunedin

Journey deep into the Taieri Gorge on a 5-hour heritage rail experience from Dunedin. Cross spectacular viaducts, hand-carved tunnels, and step onto the Deep Stream …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.6 (957)

Taieri Gorge Scenic Railway Journey from Dunedin

Journey deep into the Taieri Gorge on a 5-hour heritage rail experience from Dunedin. Cross spectacular viaducts, hand-carved tunnels, and step onto the Deep Stream...

5 hours

4.6 (957)

from
$96

Tekapo Shuttle: Lake Tekapo to Mt Cook National Park

-IMPORTANT UPDATE- *Operating year-round with no minimum passenger requirement and a capacity of up to 60 passengers, our shuttle lets you enjoy this self-guided walk …More

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

4.8 (51)

Tekapo Shuttle: Lake Tekapo to Mt Cook National Park

-IMPORTANT UPDATE- *Operating year-round with no minimum passenger requirement and a capacity of up to 60 passengers, our shuttle lets you enjoy this self-guided walk...

8 to 9 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (51)

from
$97