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 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

New Zealand's only heli-snowmobiling adventure. This adventure occurs on the Garvie Range, which is exclusive to Queenstown Snowmobiles. Access is only by helicopter. Explore the …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (23)

Queenstown Heli-Snowmobiling Adventure

New Zealand's only heli-snowmobiling adventure. This adventure occurs on the Garvie Range, which is exclusive to Queenstown Snowmobiles. Access is only by helicopter. Explore the...

2 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (23)

from
$849

Private Flight: 3 Glaciers with Snow Landing - 45mins

Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

4.7 (16)

Private Flight: 3 Glaciers with Snow Landing - 45mins

Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.7 (16)

from
$1,475

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

Lake Tekapo Scenic Wilderness Cass Valley Tour

Explore stunning private lands that are otherwise off-limits to the public, and travel into the Cass Valley alpine river valley just minutes away from Lake …More

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

4.7 (22)

Lake Tekapo Scenic Wilderness Cass Valley Tour

Explore stunning private lands that are otherwise off-limits to the public, and travel into the Cass Valley alpine river valley just minutes away from Lake...

3 hours Free Cancellation

4.7 (22)

from
$238

Self-Guided Milford Track Day Walk - Milford Sound

Discover a side of Milford Sound that most visitors miss with Fiordland Outdoors’ Milford Track Day Walk. This adventure allows you to explore beyond the …More

Fiordland & Milford Sound, New Zealand

4.9 (21)

Self-Guided Milford Track Day Walk - Milford Sound

Discover a side of Milford Sound that most visitors miss with Fiordland Outdoors’ Milford Track Day Walk. This adventure allows you to explore beyond the...

3 to 4 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (21)

from
$43

Dunedin Wildlife Cruise-Albatross, seals and harbour

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 (136)

Dunedin Wildlife Cruise-Albatross, seals and harbour

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 (136)

from
$108

Twin Glacier Franz and Fox, snow landing (allow 30 mins - departing Franz Josef)

Twin Glacier Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier including snow landing (allow 30 minutes) This flight gives you the opportunity to discover the scenic wonders …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

4.9 (103)

Twin Glacier Franz and Fox, snow landing (allow 30 mins - departing Franz Josef)

Twin Glacier Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier including snow landing (allow 30 minutes) This flight gives you the opportunity to discover the scenic wonders...

30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (103)

from
$271

A world-class tourism destination just 45 minutes from Queenstown Airport, Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park is home to a range of exceptional experiences which are …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (70)

Highlands Motorsport Go-Karts.

A world-class tourism destination just 45 minutes from Queenstown Airport, Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park is home to a range of exceptional experiences which are...

45 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (70)

from
$33

Milford Sound Luxury Lunch Cruise onboard The Fiordland Jewel

Enjoy chef-prepared cuisine while taking in the breathtaking landscapes and local wildlife of Milford Sound. With a boutique atmosphere the Fiordland Jewel was designed specifically …More

Fiordland & Milford Sound, New Zealand

4.8 (18)

Milford Sound Luxury Lunch Cruise onboard The Fiordland Jewel

Enjoy chef-prepared cuisine while taking in the breathtaking landscapes and local wildlife of Milford Sound. With a boutique atmosphere the Fiordland Jewel was designed specifically...

2 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (18)

from
$198

Tandem Skydive 16,500ft from Franz Josef

Skydive amongst mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and ocean views. Skydive Franz has New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook and the biggest glaciers Fox and Franz …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

5.0 (20)

Tandem Skydive 16,500ft from Franz Josef

Skydive amongst mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and ocean views. Skydive Franz has New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook and the biggest glaciers Fox and Franz...

3 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (20)

from
$316

Te Anau to Dunedin Via The Catlins Small-Group Tour (One-Way)

Venture into the rugged beauty of the Catlins on this full-day, one- way small group tour from Te Anau to Dunedin. Delight in the dramatic …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

5.0 (17)

Te Anau to Dunedin Via The Catlins Small-Group Tour (One-Way)

Venture into the rugged beauty of the Catlins on this full-day, one- way small group tour from Te Anau to Dunedin. Delight in the dramatic...

11 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (17)

from
$165

Lake Tekapo Private Day Trip from Queenstown

Escape the crowds with a fully private, customizable 12-hour day trip from Queenstown to the turquoise wonder of Lake Tekapo. Travel through spectacular alpine landscapes, …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (15)

Lake Tekapo Private Day Trip from Queenstown

Escape the crowds with a fully private, customizable 12-hour day trip from Queenstown to the turquoise wonder of Lake Tekapo. Travel through spectacular alpine landscapes,...

11 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (15)

from
$579

Radical U-Drive - Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park

A world-class tourism destination just 45 minutes from Queenstown Airport, Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park is home to a range of exceptional experiences which are …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (35)

Radical U-Drive - Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park

A world-class tourism destination just 45 minutes from Queenstown Airport, Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park is home to a range of exceptional experiences which are...

30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (35)

from
$246

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 (122)

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 (122)

from
$55

Full-Day Sailing Adventure in the Abel Tasman National Park

Treat yourself to the only scheduled Full Day sailing tour in New Zealand's coastal paradise - the Abel Tasman National Park. Either chill out and …More

Nelson, New Zealand

4.9 (86)

Full-Day Sailing Adventure in the Abel Tasman National Park

Treat yourself to the only scheduled Full Day sailing tour in New Zealand's coastal paradise - the Abel Tasman National Park. Either chill out and...

7 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (86)

from
$160

Fox Glacier & Mount Cook 35-Minute Helicopter Flight

Enjoy the ultimate helicopter experience on this 35-minute Mount Cook spectacular helicopter flight from Fox Glacier. This flight tour covers it all including glacial icefalls …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

4.8 (10)

Fox Glacier & Mount Cook 35-Minute Helicopter Flight

Enjoy the ultimate helicopter experience on this 35-minute Mount Cook spectacular helicopter flight from Fox Glacier. This flight tour covers it all including glacial icefalls...

35 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (10)

from
$292

Full-Day Abel Tasman National Park Hiking Tour with Cruise

Abel Tasman Water and Walk is a small group tour for visitors who prefer faster access into the heart of this popular National Park so …More

Nelson, New Zealand

4.9 (88)

Full-Day Abel Tasman National Park Hiking Tour with Cruise

Abel Tasman Water and Walk is a small group tour for visitors who prefer faster access into the heart of this popular National Park so...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (88)

from
$345

Mt. Cook Full Day Group Tour via Tekapo from Christchurch

Book your day trip from Christchurch to Mount cook by passing all the amazing stops like Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, lavender farms (Summer) and beautiful …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.8 (18)

Mt. Cook Full Day Group Tour via Tekapo from Christchurch

Book your day trip from Christchurch to Mount cook by passing all the amazing stops like Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, lavender farms (Summer) and beautiful...

13 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.8 (18)

from
$184

This air tour is the best way to see and experience the grandeur of the inner Marlborough Sounds, with views beyond to the Outer Sounds. …More

Picton, New Zealand

5.0 (17)

Bays and Bush Flight Scenic Tour

This air tour is the best way to see and experience the grandeur of the inner Marlborough Sounds, with views beyond to the Outer Sounds....

40 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (17)

from
$86

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?