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 →

Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Overnight Tour from Christchurch

Watch whales and swim with dolphins. This is a overnight delight for all those who wish to get close to nature. Journey from Christchurch to …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.5 (8)

Kaikoura Whale and Dolphin Overnight Tour from Christchurch

Watch whales and swim with dolphins. This is a overnight delight for all those who wish to get close to nature. Journey from Christchurch to...

2 days Hotel pickup offered

4.5 (8)

from
$556

Private Luxury Queenstown Portrait 4WD Gold Heritage Tour

Private pickup, luxury Land Rover, expert local guide, and professional photography — all included, no extras. Your group only, your pace, at locations chosen for …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (6)

Private Luxury Queenstown Portrait 4WD Gold Heritage Tour

Private pickup, luxury Land Rover, expert local guide, and professional photography — all included, no extras. Your group only, your pace, at locations chosen for...

3 hours Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (6)

from
$737

Roxburgh Gorge Bike Hire with Jet Boat & Return Shuttle Included

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail Experience is a purpose built Official NZ Great Ride (Grade 1 to 3) that follows the Clutha River. Alongside the Lake …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (8)

Roxburgh Gorge Bike Hire with Jet Boat & Return Shuttle Included

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail Experience is a purpose built Official NZ Great Ride (Grade 1 to 3) that follows the Clutha River. Alongside the Lake...

6 hours 15 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (8)

from
$213

Lord of the Rings and Glacier Helicopter Tour

See the land where The Lord of the Rings trilogy were filmed. After a complimentary hotel pickup, you will arrive and meet your helicopter pilot. …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (45)

Lord of the Rings and Glacier Helicopter Tour

See the land where The Lord of the Rings trilogy were filmed. After a complimentary hotel pickup, you will arrive and meet your helicopter pilot....

1 hour 10 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (45)

from
$730

Private Self Drive Xtreme 30 and X Track Activity

Based in beautiful Kingston just 30mins from Queenstown Airport at the south end of Lake Wakatipu Xtreme Off Road match world-class vehicles with out of …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (51)

Private Self Drive Xtreme 30 and X Track Activity

Based in beautiful Kingston just 30mins from Queenstown Airport at the south end of Lake Wakatipu Xtreme Off Road match world-class vehicles with out of...

30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (51)

from
$126

30 minute Tasman Experience - scenic helicopter flight

Get the cameras ready for one of the best glacier experiences in New Zealand. Climb up the Franz Josef Glacier, crossing the main divide at …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

30 minute Tasman Experience - scenic helicopter flight

Get the cameras ready for one of the best glacier experiences in New Zealand. Climb up the Franz Josef Glacier, crossing the main divide at...

30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$243

Franz Josef Small Group Bespoke Heli Hike Adventure with lunch

This small group Franz Josef Heli Hike Adventure offers a unique glacier experience, including a scenic helicopter flight, lunch, and drinks. You'll fly from Franz …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Franz Josef Small Group Bespoke Heli Hike Adventure with lunch

This small group Franz Josef Heli Hike Adventure offers a unique glacier experience, including a scenic helicopter flight, lunch, and drinks. You'll fly from Franz...

7 to 8 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$901

Christchurch to Queenstown 2-Day Transfer Via Franz Josef

Embark on an unforgettable journey through some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes with Cheeky Kiwi Travel. This two-day tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (14)

Christchurch to Queenstown 2-Day Transfer Via Franz Josef

Embark on an unforgettable journey through some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes with Cheeky Kiwi Travel. This two-day tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via...

2 days Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (14)

from
$329

Private Full Day Photography Tour in Queenstown - Follow the Gold

This full-day private photography tour takes us further afield than our other tours to the wild and rugged hills and mountains east of Queenstown. First …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Private Full Day Photography Tour in Queenstown - Follow the Gold

This full-day private photography tour takes us further afield than our other tours to the wild and rugged hills and mountains east of Queenstown. First...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$264

Queenstown to Christchurch via West Coast 2-Day Small-Group Tour

This two day small group adventure showcases the dramatic contrasts of the South Island, from the rugged rainforests and glaciers of the West Coast to …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (11)

Queenstown to Christchurch via West Coast 2-Day Small-Group Tour

This two day small group adventure showcases the dramatic contrasts of the South Island, from the rugged rainforests and glaciers of the West Coast to...

2 days Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (11)

from
$329

Lyttelton 8hr Shore Ex: Akaroa. Guide, Lunch, Transport, Sml Grp

Join our exclusive small-group tour for up to 8 people, designed specifically for cruise ship passengers arriving at Lyttelton Port in Christchurch. Visit Akaroa and …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Lyttelton 8hr Shore Ex: Akaroa. Guide, Lunch, Transport, Sml Grp

Join our exclusive small-group tour for up to 8 people, designed specifically for cruise ship passengers arriving at Lyttelton Port in Christchurch. Visit Akaroa and...

6 to 7 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$328

Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour

Fly from Christchurch to view the highest mountain in New Zealand, Aoraki Mount Cook—the training ground of Sir Edmund Hillary. Viewing the Canterbury plains, lakes, …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour

Fly from Christchurch to view the highest mountain in New Zealand, Aoraki Mount Cook—the training ground of Sir Edmund Hillary. Viewing the Canterbury plains, lakes,...

3 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$1,781

Skippers Canyon - Half Day PRIVATE 4WD Tour, Queenstown NZ

All tours are Private. Only your party and driver / guide. Join Del - New Zealand's most experienced commercial 4WD guide on a tour exploring …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (10)

Skippers Canyon - Half Day PRIVATE 4WD Tour, Queenstown NZ

All tours are Private. Only your party and driver / guide. Join Del - New Zealand's most experienced commercial 4WD guide on a tour exploring...

4 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (10)

from
$230

Jet Sprint Boating & Clay Target Shooting in Queenstown

Learn how it feels to fly on water and take a ride in Oxbow’s unique, custom-built 4-seater Jet Sprint Boats! Accelerating at an incredible 0 …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (6)

Jet Sprint Boating & Clay Target Shooting in Queenstown

Learn how it feels to fly on water and take a ride in Oxbow’s unique, custom-built 4-seater Jet Sprint Boats! Accelerating at an incredible 0...

1 hour Free Cancellation

5.0 (6)

from
$162

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

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (7)

Ultimate Off-Roading In Gibbston Valley

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

15 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (7)

from
$85

This is the original and our most environmentally friendly guided day trip in the park. Start kayaking from Marahau gliding through the tranquil waters of …More

Marahau, New Zealand

5.0 (11)

Lock, Stock & 2 Smoking Paddles

This is the original and our most environmentally friendly guided day trip in the park. Start kayaking from Marahau gliding through the tranquil waters of...

1 day Free Cancellation

5.0 (11)

from
$96

Kaikoura: Coastal and Alpine Scenic Airplane Flight

Enjoy a 25 minute panoramic scenic flight, with stunning scenic views of the Seaward Kaikoura ranges and a birds eye view of the Kaikoura Peninsula. …More

Kaikoura, New Zealand

4.9 (8)

Kaikoura: Coastal and Alpine Scenic Airplane Flight

Enjoy a 25 minute panoramic scenic flight, with stunning scenic views of the Seaward Kaikoura ranges and a birds eye view of the Kaikoura Peninsula....

25 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (8)

from
$111

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

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

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

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

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

6 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$446

Queenstown Small-Group Trout & Salmon Fishing – 6 Hours

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

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.7 (3)

Queenstown Small-Group Trout & Salmon Fishing – 6 Hours

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

6 hours Free Cancellation

4.7 (3)

from
$446

Private Half-Day Godley Head Coastal Hike from Christchurch

Enjoy a half-day guided walk on Banks Peninsula, a spectacular extinct volcano only 30 minutes from Christchurch. Experience world-class views and see some of New …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (13)

Private Half-Day Godley Head Coastal Hike from Christchurch

Enjoy a half-day guided walk on Banks Peninsula, a spectacular extinct volcano only 30 minutes from Christchurch. Experience world-class views and see some of New...

4 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (13)

from
$261

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?