Top South Island Day Trips & Excursions

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 →

Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

Premium small group tour including a boutique Milford Sound cruise designed for an immersive viewing experience, and picnic lunch from Queenstown. There is no better …More

Fiordland & Milford Sound, New Zealand

4.9 (3,757)

Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

Premium small group tour including a boutique Milford Sound cruise designed for an immersive viewing experience, and picnic lunch from Queenstown. There is no better...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (3,757)

from
$209

Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

Milford Sound is arguably the most scenic destination in New Zealand and a must-see for any traveller. Whether seen in sunshine or rain, the incredible …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (2,623)

Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

Milford Sound is arguably the most scenic destination in New Zealand and a must-see for any traveller. Whether seen in sunshine or rain, the incredible...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (2,623)

from
$238

Award Winning Milford Sound Full Day Tour & Cruise from Te Anau

Discover the spectacular beauty of Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park on an extended 9-hour small-group tour from Te Anau, limited to 16 guests. Travel …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

5.0 (1,297)

Award Winning Milford Sound Full Day Tour & Cruise from Te Anau

Discover the spectacular beauty of Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park on an extended 9-hour small-group tour from Te Anau, limited to 16 guests. Travel...

9 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1,297)

from
$179

Premium Milford Sound Tour, Cruise & Lunch from Te Anau

Premium small group tour including boutique Milford Sound cruise onboard a Milford Sound Cruise, and picnic lunch from Te Anau. There is no better way …More

Fiordland & Milford Sound, New Zealand

4.9 (980)

Premium Milford Sound Tour, Cruise & Lunch from Te Anau

Premium small group tour including boutique Milford Sound cruise onboard a Milford Sound Cruise, and picnic lunch from Te Anau. There is no better way...

7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (980)

from
$181

Full-Day Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Walks from Te Anau

Embark on an awe-inspiring day excursion to Milford Sound from Te Anau, where you'll be part of a friendly, intimate group of no more than …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

5.0 (780)

Full-Day Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Walks from Te Anau

Embark on an awe-inspiring day excursion to Milford Sound from Te Anau, where you'll be part of a friendly, intimate group of no more than...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (780)

from
$186

Award Winning Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries

Voted the World’s Best Wine Tour Begin your day with a warm welcome from your wine-certified guide at (or near) your Queenstown accommodation before setting …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (718)

Award Winning Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries

Voted the World’s Best Wine Tour Begin your day with a warm welcome from your wine-certified guide at (or near) your Queenstown accommodation before setting...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (718)

from
$158

Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown (incl Lunch)

Milford Sound is an area of extraordinary natural beauty. It offers a majestic fiord, dramatic and awe-inspiring scenery and prolific flora and fauna. This tour …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (696)

Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown (incl Lunch)

Milford Sound is an area of extraordinary natural beauty. It offers a majestic fiord, dramatic and awe-inspiring scenery and prolific flora and fauna. This tour...

5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (696)

from
$543

Milford Sound Day Tour with Scenic Cruise from Queenstown

Experience stunning scenery on an unforgettable day trip to Milford Sound. The pristine Milford Sound is part of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, in …More

Fiordland & Milford Sound, New Zealand

4.8 (548)

Milford Sound Day Tour with Scenic Cruise from Queenstown

Experience stunning scenery on an unforgettable day trip to Milford Sound. The pristine Milford Sound is part of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, in...

13 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (548)

from
$195

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise from Manapouri

Experience an 8-hour day trip into the remote wilderness of Doubtful Sound, the heart of Fiordland National Park, while nature guides answer questions and point …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

4.8 (542)

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise from Manapouri

Experience an 8-hour day trip into the remote wilderness of Doubtful Sound, the heart of Fiordland National Park, while nature guides answer questions and point...

7 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (542)

from
$204

TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

Experience the South Island's remarkable natural landscapes by taking a journey on the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass, which is considered one of …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (486)

TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

Experience the South Island's remarkable natural landscapes by taking a journey on the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass, which is considered one of...

10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (486)

from
$216

Beyond the Vines Full-Day Small-Group Marlborough Wine Tour

Beyond the Vines is a full-day Marlborough wine tour from Picton or Blenheim with The Original Marlborough Wine Tours. You visit five handpicked wineries over …More

Blenheim, New Zealand

4.9 (472)

Beyond the Vines Full-Day Small-Group Marlborough Wine Tour

Beyond the Vines is a full-day Marlborough wine tour from Picton or Blenheim with The Original Marlborough Wine Tours. You visit five handpicked wineries over...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (472)

from
$142

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown: Panoramic Views

A seamless journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound, where stunning views are made even better by fascinating stories from your driver. Enjoy a premium coach …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.8 (446)

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown: Panoramic Views

A seamless journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound, where stunning views are made even better by fascinating stories from your driver. Enjoy a premium coach...

12 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (446)

from
$140

Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park Small-Group Tour from Queenstown

Get ready for an adventure or a relaxing day in the mountains! Explore Mt Cook on a fully guided, small-group tour from Queenstown, with free …More

Aoraki Mount Cook (Mount Cook Village), New Zealand

4.9 (437)

Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park Small-Group Tour from Queenstown

Get ready for an adventure or a relaxing day in the mountains! Explore Mt Cook on a fully guided, small-group tour from Queenstown, with free...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (437)

from
$158

Milford Sound Full Day Tour from Te Anau with Cruise

Travel the Milford Road in our luxurious & comfortable vehicles specially designed for small groups tours to Milford Sound. Modern comforts such as bucket leather …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

5.0 (411)

Milford Sound Full Day Tour from Te Anau with Cruise

Travel the Milford Road in our luxurious & comfortable vehicles specially designed for small groups tours to Milford Sound. Modern comforts such as bucket leather...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (411)

from
$204

Milford Sound Cruise with Round-Trip Flights from Queenstown

Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound and enjoy a spectacular view of the mountains, lakes and waterfalls of Fiordland National Park. Surrounded by some of …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (398)

Milford Sound Cruise with Round-Trip Flights from Queenstown

Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound and enjoy a spectacular view of the mountains, lakes and waterfalls of Fiordland National Park. Surrounded by some of...

4 to 5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (398)

from
$486

Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch

Travel in a group tour from Christchurch, on a day trip to Aoraki Mount Cook – the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Visit the picturesque …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (383)

Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch

Travel in a group tour from Christchurch, on a day trip to Aoraki Mount Cook – the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Visit the picturesque...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (383)

from
$156

Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch

Immerse yourself in the magic of the Lord of the Rings trilogy on this 9-hour adventure to Edoras (Mount Sunday) from Christchurch. Explore with your …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.8 (378)

Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch

Immerse yourself in the magic of the Lord of the Rings trilogy on this 9-hour adventure to Edoras (Mount Sunday) from Christchurch. Explore with your...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.8 (378)

from
$190

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

Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Scenic Flight

Milford Sound is arguably the most scenic destination in New Zealand and a must-see for any traveller. Whether seen in sunshine or rain, the incredible …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (362)

Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Scenic Flight

Milford Sound is arguably the most scenic destination in New Zealand and a must-see for any traveller. Whether seen in sunshine or rain, the incredible...

10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (362)

from
$564

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

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?

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?

South Island Day Trips & Excursions with Instant Confirmation include:

View all Tours with 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?