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 →

New Zealand’s South Island hosts the purest natural landscapes you’ll ever experience. From the turquoise waters in Abel Tasman, pods of dolphins in Kaikoura and …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (37)

Small Group Southern Loop 7 Days Tour

New Zealand’s South Island hosts the purest natural landscapes you’ll ever experience. From the turquoise waters in Abel Tasman, pods of dolphins in Kaikoura and...

7 days

5.0 (37)

from
$1,383

Wanaka fishing charters offer a unique and interesting experience for several reasons: 1. Stunning Scenery: Lake Wanaka is set in the picturesque Southern Alps, providing …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (21)

3 Hour in Wanaka Fishing Charters

Wanaka fishing charters offer a unique and interesting experience for several reasons: 1. Stunning Scenery: Lake Wanaka is set in the picturesque Southern Alps, providing...

3 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (21)

from
$187

5 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Dunedin

This immersive 5 day tour from Dunedin offers you a perfect mixture of travel each day, visiting the majority of the top attractions in New …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

5 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Dunedin

This immersive 5 day tour from Dunedin offers you a perfect mixture of travel each day, visiting the majority of the top attractions in New...

5 days Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (2)

from
$1,395

Mou Waho Island Cruise & Self-Guided Nature Walk

Enjoy a comfortable cruise on our 28 seat super taxi Moutimu and a knowledgeable Kiwi skipper to answer your questions along the way. Cruise through …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

4.9 (8)

Mou Waho Island Cruise & Self-Guided Nature Walk

Enjoy a comfortable cruise on our 28 seat super taxi Moutimu and a knowledgeable Kiwi skipper to answer your questions along the way. Cruise through...

3 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (8)

from
$85

Inland Canterbury & Castle Hill Tour (Lyttelton Shore Excursion)

This scenic small-group tour includes lunch, transport, and a local guide to Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti. Visit country towns, mountain passes, alpine lakes, and the amazing …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.8 (5)

Inland Canterbury & Castle Hill Tour (Lyttelton Shore Excursion)

This scenic small-group tour includes lunch, transport, and a local guide to Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti. Visit country towns, mountain passes, alpine lakes, and the amazing...

7 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (5)

from
$300

Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Arthur's Pass National Park Day Tour

Explore the beautiful alpine setting of Arthur's Pass National Park on this shore excursion from Lyttelton Port via guided coach, including time for lunch (own …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.7 (22)

Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Arthur's Pass National Park Day Tour

Explore the beautiful alpine setting of Arthur's Pass National Park on this shore excursion from Lyttelton Port via guided coach, including time for lunch (own...

7 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.7 (22)

from
$190

Clay Target Shooting & Ultimate Off-Roading in Gibbston Valley

If you’re looking for the best Off-Roader experience in New Zealand, this is it. Take a ride in Oxbow’s Ultimate Off-Roader, our one-of-a-kind, custom-built, all-terrain …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (9)

Clay Target Shooting & Ultimate Off-Roading in Gibbston Valley

If you’re looking for the best Off-Roader experience in New Zealand, this is it. Take a ride in Oxbow’s Ultimate Off-Roader, our one-of-a-kind, custom-built, all-terrain...

1 hour 15 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (9)

from
$162

Glenorchy Island Safari departing Queenstown

Come and enjoy a kayaking tour to a wildlife sanctuary not able to be accessed by the general public. Unless you have a kayak in …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (9)

Glenorchy Island Safari departing Queenstown

Come and enjoy a kayaking tour to a wildlife sanctuary not able to be accessed by the general public. Unless you have a kayak in...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (9)

from
$105

Mount Cook Scenic 30 Minute Helicopter Flight

Embark on an exhilarating adventure as you explore the majestic peaks and awe-inspiring valleys surrounding Aoraki / Mount Cook. Fly over the lower Tasman Glacier …More

Aoraki Mount Cook (Mount Cook Village), New Zealand

5.0 (9)

Mount Cook Scenic 30 Minute Helicopter Flight

Embark on an exhilarating adventure as you explore the majestic peaks and awe-inspiring valleys surrounding Aoraki / Mount Cook. Fly over the lower Tasman Glacier...

30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (9)

from
$230

Akaroa Nature and History Private Tour - The 7th Generation

My true story | New Zealand’s History Do not miss out on this incredible New Zealand experience. Just look at the amazing 5 star reviews! …More

Akaroa, New Zealand

5.0 (15)

Akaroa Nature and History Private Tour - The 7th Generation

My true story | New Zealand’s History Do not miss out on this incredible New Zealand experience. Just look at the amazing 5 star reviews!...

3 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (15)

from
$345

Lake Hāwea Small-Group Trout & Salmon Fishing – 6 Hours

Our six-hour shared charter gives you the time to experience more of Lake Hāwea, not simply spend longer fishing. With a maximum of six guests, …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Lake Hāwea Small-Group Trout & Salmon Fishing – 6 Hours

Our six-hour shared charter gives you the time to experience more of Lake Hāwea, not simply spend longer fishing. With a maximum of six guests,...

6 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$446

Lake Hāwea Small-Group Trout & Salmon Fishing – 3 Hours

Catch a Fish is a small-group, owner-operated fishing experience with a maximum of just six guests, giving everyone plenty of personal attention and the chance …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Lake Hāwea Small-Group Trout & Salmon Fishing – 3 Hours

Catch a Fish is a small-group, owner-operated fishing experience with a maximum of just six guests, giving everyone plenty of personal attention and the chance...

3 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$239

Discover the diverse wines of Central Otago on this full-day wine tour from Queenstown. Travel through the Bannockburn, Cromwell, and at different times Wanaka wine …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (29)

Premium Queenstown Wine Tour

Discover the diverse wines of Central Otago on this full-day wine tour from Queenstown. Travel through the Bannockburn, Cromwell, and at different times Wanaka wine...

6 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (29)

from
$162

Glenorchy Snow Landing Helicopter Flight 30mins

Heli Glenorchy’s Snow Landing is a short and scenic flight into the mountains, with a stunning landing in the snow. Perfect for photos, snow play, …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (5)

Glenorchy Snow Landing Helicopter Flight 30mins

Heli Glenorchy’s Snow Landing is a short and scenic flight into the mountains, with a stunning landing in the snow. Perfect for photos, snow play,...

30 to 150 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (5)

from
$224

Mount Cook Lake Tekapo & Tasman Glacier Private Tour

Enjoy a private day tour to Aoraki/Mount Cook - the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Visit the picturesque town of Lake Tekapo, admire stunning alpine …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (13)

Mount Cook Lake Tekapo & Tasman Glacier Private Tour

Enjoy a private day tour to Aoraki/Mount Cook - the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Visit the picturesque town of Lake Tekapo, admire stunning alpine...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (13)

from
$425

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch

Discover the picturesque village of Hanmer Springs on this full-day trip from Christchurch. You will be picked up from your accommodation and transfered to the …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.5 (15)

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch

Discover the picturesque village of Hanmer Springs on this full-day trip from Christchurch. You will be picked up from your accommodation and transfered to the...

8 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered

4.5 (15)

from
$139

Kaikōura Whale Watch Tour from Christchurch - Small Group

Discover New Zealand's marine wildlife capital on this whale watching day tour from Christchurch to Kaikōura. Journey along a spectacular coastal route to witness giant …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.8 (11)

Kaikōura Whale Watch Tour from Christchurch - Small Group

Discover New Zealand's marine wildlife capital on this whale watching day tour from Christchurch to Kaikōura. Journey along a spectacular coastal route to witness giant...

8 to 10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.8 (11)

from
$216

Everything Queenstown 4 Hour Private Tour

Our knowledgeable guides are passionate locals who are dedicated to bringing the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of this stunning region to life. Join …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.8 (43)

Everything Queenstown 4 Hour Private Tour

Our knowledgeable guides are passionate locals who are dedicated to bringing the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of this stunning region to life. Join...

4 hours Hotel pickup offered

4.8 (43)

from
$489

Embark on the Ōkārito Nature Tour with Glacier Valley Eco Tours and explore New Zealand's South Westland. Just 20 minutes from Franz Josef Glacier, the …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

5.0 (7)

Okarito Nature Tour

Embark on the Ōkārito Nature Tour with Glacier Valley Eco Tours and explore New Zealand's South Westland. Just 20 minutes from Franz Josef Glacier, the...

3 to 4 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (7)

from
$69

Freedom kayaking Abel Tasman gives you the independence to see the wonders of the coastline at your own pace. Kahu Kayaks will equip you with …More

Marahau, New Zealand

5.0 (11)

1 Day Freedom Rental

Freedom kayaking Abel Tasman gives you the independence to see the wonders of the coastline at your own pace. Kahu Kayaks will equip you with...

1 day Free Cancellation

5.0 (11)

from
$68

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?