Top South Island Outdoor Activities

Q: Which South Island Outdoor Activities have Instant Confirmation?

South Island Outdoor Activities with Instant Confirmation include: Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience NZONE Skydive Queenstown 60 Minute Jet Boat Ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown Small-Group Zipline Adventure in Queenstown View all Tours with Instant Confirmation →

Q: I need a ride! Which South Island Outdoor Activities have Hotel Pickup?

No problem. These South Island Outdoor Activities include Hotel Pickup: Premium Milford Sound Tour, Cruise & Lunch from Te Anau Queenstown: Pilot's Choice Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing Mt Cook & Tekapo Small-Group Tour from Christchurch with lunch Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch Tekapo Star Gazing Tour - Soak in the Stars 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 →

Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown

Explore Milford Sounds stunning fiord from the air and on the water. Join an unforgettable cruise, past sheer cliffs, gushing waterfalls and perhaps even spot …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (199)

Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown

Explore Milford Sounds stunning fiord from the air and on the water. Join an unforgettable cruise, past sheer cliffs, gushing waterfalls and perhaps even spot...

4 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (199)

from
$984

Full Day Tour of the Sights and Tastes of the West Coast

This tour gives you the chance to relax and enjoy the sights and tastes along our route through the Grey and Buller districts, although a …More

Greymouth, New Zealand

5.0 (25)

Full Day Tour of the Sights and Tastes of the West Coast

This tour gives you the chance to relax and enjoy the sights and tastes along our route through the Grey and Buller districts, although a...

9 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (25)

from
$196

Full Day Kayak & Walk Tour-Queen Charlotte Sound & Link Pathway

This adventure combo is without a doubt, one of the best ways to experience the Marlborough Sounds. On your full day kayak and walking tour …More

Picton, New Zealand

5.0 (27)

Full Day Kayak & Walk Tour-Queen Charlotte Sound & Link Pathway

This adventure combo is without a doubt, one of the best ways to experience the Marlborough Sounds. On your full day kayak and walking tour...

8 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (27)

from
$85

Glenorchy Private Day Trip from Queenstown: TravelnGo

Escape the ordinary with a fully private, customizable 6-hour day trip from Queenstown to Glenorchy. Experience some of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes — from …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (26)

Glenorchy Private Day Trip from Queenstown: TravelnGo

Escape the ordinary with a fully private, customizable 6-hour day trip from Queenstown to Glenorchy. Experience some of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes — from...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (26)

from
$322

Queenstown Hydro Attack Shark Ride Adventure

A unique water adventure awaits you on Queenstown's stunning lake with our semi-submersible shark ride. Feel the rush as you reach speeds of 80 kph …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.7 (18)

Queenstown Hydro Attack Shark Ride Adventure

A unique water adventure awaits you on Queenstown's stunning lake with our semi-submersible shark ride. Feel the rush as you reach speeds of 80 kph...

15 minutes Free Cancellation

4.7 (18)

from
$113

Queenstown to Dunedin with Taieri Gorge Train One-Way Tour

Follow gold rush trails, explore historic towns, and journey through breathtaking landscapes. This isn’t just a transfer, it’s an odyssey through the heart of Central …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (24)

Queenstown to Dunedin with Taieri Gorge Train One-Way Tour

Follow gold rush trails, explore historic towns, and journey through breathtaking landscapes. This isn’t just a transfer, it’s an odyssey through the heart of Central...

10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (24)

from
$172

ZIPCHCH - Single Zipline Long Ride: NZ's Longest Zipline

The 4th zipline, aka The Long Ride, is the longest in New Zealand at a whopping 1.1 kilometers! It’s the perfect option if you’re short …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (23)

ZIPCHCH - Single Zipline Long Ride: NZ's Longest Zipline

The 4th zipline, aka The Long Ride, is the longest in New Zealand at a whopping 1.1 kilometers! It’s the perfect option if you’re short...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (23)

from
$56

Mt Cook to Christchurch One-Way Small Group Tour via Lake Tekapo

Mt Cook to Christchurch Small Group Tour Via Lake Tekapo (1 way), this small group, fully-guided transfer means you can travel in style while seeing …More

Aoraki Mount Cook (Mount Cook Village), New Zealand

4.6 (18)

Mt Cook to Christchurch One-Way Small Group Tour via Lake Tekapo

Mt Cook to Christchurch Small Group Tour Via Lake Tekapo (1 way), this small group, fully-guided transfer means you can travel in style while seeing...

5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.6 (18)

from
$107

This tour offers an amazing fully-guided experience to complete your visit to Marlborough! Guided by enthusiastic Marine Biologists, you are sure to spot some rare …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.7 (28)

Captain Cook and Dolphin Cruise

This tour offers an amazing fully-guided experience to complete your visit to Marlborough! Guided by enthusiastic Marine Biologists, you are sure to spot some rare...

4 hours Free Cancellation

4.7 (28)

from
$99

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

Off Road Quad Bike Adventure Tour in Franz Josef

Drive a Quad Bike along the ancient glacial pathways of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, carved into the landscape by ice and water over thousands …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

4.9 (360)

Off Road Quad Bike Adventure Tour in Franz Josef

Drive a Quad Bike along the ancient glacial pathways of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, carved into the landscape by ice and water over thousands...

2 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (360)

from
$85

Albatross, seals, and sea birds-Wildlife Cruise

Small group tours, by Otago Harbour's most experienced skipper/guide! You wont find a wildlife guide with more experience on Otago harbour then owner/operator Rachel McGregor. …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.9 (202)

Albatross, seals, and sea birds-Wildlife Cruise

Small group tours, by Otago Harbour's most experienced skipper/guide! You wont find a wildlife guide with more experience on Otago harbour then owner/operator Rachel McGregor....

90 to 120 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (202)

from
$108

Arrowtown to Gibbston – Iconic Arrow River Bridges Bike Ride

The Arrowtown to Gibbston Ride is a great family-friendly cycling experience for those wanting a Half Day Adventure in Queenstown. This scenic undulating trail offers …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.7 (43)

Arrowtown to Gibbston – Iconic Arrow River Bridges Bike Ride

The Arrowtown to Gibbston Ride is a great family-friendly cycling experience for those wanting a Half Day Adventure in Queenstown. This scenic undulating trail offers...

4 hours Free Cancellation

4.7 (43)

from
$60

Golden Hills Horse Trek in Central Otago

Two hour Top Hill Trek This two-hour trek takes you through the breathtaking hills of Central Otago’s backcountry, where you’ll be treated to spectacular views …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (55)

Golden Hills Horse Trek in Central Otago

Two hour Top Hill Trek This two-hour trek takes you through the breathtaking hills of Central Otago’s backcountry, where you’ll be treated to spectacular views...

2 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (55)

from
$104

Small Group Southern Voyager 7 Days Tour

Journey through New Zealand's natural wonderland on a 7-day road trip through the South Island. Have the chance to explore some of the best spots …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (90)

Small Group Southern Voyager 7 Days Tour

Journey through New Zealand's natural wonderland on a 7-day road trip through the South Island. Have the chance to explore some of the best spots...

7 days

5.0 (90)

from
$1,322

Wanaka Private Day Trip from Queenstown: TravelnGo

Escape the crowds with a fully private, customizable 6-hour day trip from Queenstown to Wanaka — including scenic stops in Arrowtown, Cardrona, and Cromwell. Discover …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (32)

Wanaka Private Day Trip from Queenstown: TravelnGo

Escape the crowds with a fully private, customizable 6-hour day trip from Queenstown to Wanaka — including scenic stops in Arrowtown, Cardrona, and Cromwell. Discover...

7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (32)

from
$357

Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Goldrush Small Group Tour

The Goldrush Tour was created with one goal: to be Queenstown's most detailed historical experience Travelling through Skippers Canyon with up to 11 guests, professionally …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (42)

Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Goldrush Small Group Tour

The Goldrush Tour was created with one goal: to be Queenstown's most detailed historical experience Travelling through Skippers Canyon with up to 11 guests, professionally...

3 to 4 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (42)

from
$97

16,500ft Skydive over Abel Tasman with NZ's Most Epic Scenery

Because the location is perfect, and our team puts everything into making it totally memorable – a tandem skydive with Skydive Abel Tasman is your …More

Motueka, New Zealand

5.0 (21)

16,500ft Skydive over Abel Tasman with NZ's Most Epic Scenery

Because the location is perfect, and our team puts everything into making it totally memorable – a tandem skydive with Skydive Abel Tasman is your...

2 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (21)

from
$312

Photography Tour from Queenstown to Glenorchy - 1/2 Day

Half day tour from Queenstown to Glenorchy. This photographic tour is an enjoyable outdoor adventure combined with insightful guidance on maximising the use of your …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (38)

Photography Tour from Queenstown to Glenorchy - 1/2 Day

Half day tour from Queenstown to Glenorchy. This photographic tour is an enjoyable outdoor adventure combined with insightful guidance on maximising the use of your...

5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (38)

from
$219

Half day tour from Queenstown to Skippers Canyon with an experienced landscape photographer. You will learn how to take beautiful landscape images using your own …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (29)

Half-Day Queenstown Photography Tour

Half day tour from Queenstown to Skippers Canyon with an experienced landscape photographer. You will learn how to take beautiful landscape images using your own...

5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (29)

from
$219

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 Outdoor Activities?

What are the best kid-friendly options for South Island Outdoor Activities Tours?

According to verified reviews on Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor, the best kid-friendly South Island Outdoor Activities are:

View all kid-friendly Tours →

Which South Island Outdoor Activities have Instant Confirmation?

Which South Island Outdoor Activities have Free Cancellation?

South Island Outdoor Activities 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 Outdoor Activities have Hotel Pickup?

Got any more South Island trip ideas?

What are the most popular styles of Tours and Activities in South Island?