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 →

Milford Sound Earnslaw Burn Helicopter Tour from Queenstown

The only helicopter experience that combines a Milford Sound flyover with two incredible landings — a remote alpine peak and the cinematic Earnslaw Burn showcasing …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (8)

Milford Sound Earnslaw Burn Helicopter Tour from Queenstown

The only helicopter experience that combines a Milford Sound flyover with two incredible landings — a remote alpine peak and the cinematic Earnslaw Burn showcasing...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (8)

from
$962

Queenstown Helicopter Experience Exclusive Earnslaw Burn Glacier

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Earnslaw Burn, home to a stunning hanging glacier, vibrant blue ice, and cascading waterfalls. As the only company permitted to …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (9)

Queenstown Helicopter Experience Exclusive Earnslaw Burn Glacier

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Earnslaw Burn, home to a stunning hanging glacier, vibrant blue ice, and cascading waterfalls. As the only company permitted to...

1 hour Free Cancellation

5.0 (9)

from
$564

Full Day Canyoning in Glenorchy Paradise from Queenstown

- Experience nature in a whole new way - Small groups sizes of up to 10 persons maximum - No experience required - Enjoy an …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Full Day Canyoning in Glenorchy Paradise from Queenstown

- Experience nature in a whole new way - Small groups sizes of up to 10 persons maximum - No experience required - Enjoy an...

7 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$226

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City Tour and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

See the sights of Christchurch when your ship is in Akaroa port, and explore the city on a comprehensive tour. Your Akaroa shore excursion also …More

Akaroa, New Zealand

3.7 (24)

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City Tour and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

See the sights of Christchurch when your ship is in Akaroa port, and explore the city on a comprehensive tour. Your Akaroa shore excursion also...

6 hours

3.7 (24)

from
$119

Includes: 1 Alpine Lift from our hangar at Queenstown Airport, fly up to the Remarkables Mountain range, where the helicopter will land and shutdown, so …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (35)

Queenstown Memories Helicopter Flight

Includes: 1 Alpine Lift from our hangar at Queenstown Airport, fly up to the Remarkables Mountain range, where the helicopter will land and shutdown, so...

30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (35)

from
$368

Caving Adventure with Optional Castle Hill Rocks Tour

This adventure lets you experience one of New Zealand’s most accessible underground rivers as well as the dramatic limestone landscape of Castle Hill—available in several …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (8)

Caving Adventure with Optional Castle Hill Rocks Tour

This adventure lets you experience one of New Zealand’s most accessible underground rivers as well as the dramatic limestone landscape of Castle Hill—available in several...

1 day Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (8)

from
$187

It's all about the experience! Exhilarating! Sightseeing has never been so much fun. Standard tour or made-to-measure, you are sure to enjoy your ride on …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (9)

V8 Trike Private Tour of Christchurch

It's all about the experience! Exhilarating! Sightseeing has never been so much fun. Standard tour or made-to-measure, you are sure to enjoy your ride on...

30 to 45 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (9)

from
$132

Private Luxury Glenorchy/ Mt Aspiring Park Portrait 4WD Tour

We photograph your tour professionally, so you can sit back and relax. From posed photographs through to candid ones, we'll be helping you feel relaxed …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Private Luxury Glenorchy/ Mt Aspiring Park Portrait 4WD Tour

We photograph your tour professionally, so you can sit back and relax. From posed photographs through to candid ones, we'll be helping you feel relaxed...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$1,418

Skydive Mt. Cook - 45+ Seconds of Freefall from 13,000ft

Enjoy New Zealand’s most stunning skydiving experience! Located in Pukaki and boasting some of the country’s most epic scenery. Skydive Mt Cook offers quintessential South …More

Aoraki Mount Cook (Mount Cook Village), New Zealand

5.0 (16)

Skydive Mt. Cook - 45+ Seconds of Freefall from 13,000ft

Enjoy New Zealand’s most stunning skydiving experience! Located in Pukaki and boasting some of the country’s most epic scenery. Skydive Mt Cook offers quintessential South...

2 hours

5.0 (16)

from
$226

Routeburn Guided Day Hike from Te Anau with Lunch & Transport

Take in stunning panoramic views of mountains and alpine lakes on this half-day, fully guided small-group hike along the Routeburn Track to Key Summit. Limited …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Routeburn Guided Day Hike from Te Anau with Lunch & Transport

Take in stunning panoramic views of mountains and alpine lakes on this half-day, fully guided small-group hike along the Routeburn Track to Key Summit. Limited...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$187

4-8hr Rock Climbing tour Christchurch. Food, guide, transport inc

The 30 min drive up to the climbing area will take you through some of Christchurch’s most affluent suburbs, affording uninterrupted views from the Pacific …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (7)

4-8hr Rock Climbing tour Christchurch. Food, guide, transport inc

The 30 min drive up to the climbing area will take you through some of Christchurch’s most affluent suburbs, affording uninterrupted views from the Pacific...

1 day Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (7)

from
$187

Te Anau Jetboat Experience, Kepler Guided Hike, Transport & Lunch

The most scenic jet boat ride ever: see actual “Lord of the Rings” film locations on the way down to the beautiful Lake Manapouri. On …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Te Anau Jetboat Experience, Kepler Guided Hike, Transport & Lunch

The most scenic jet boat ride ever: see actual “Lord of the Rings” film locations on the way down to the beautiful Lake Manapouri. On...

6 to 7 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$255

Lake Marian Guided Hike with Transfers, Lunch & Morning Tea

Lake Marian Day Walk offers a captivating hike to one of Fiordland’s hidden gems. This full-day experience leads you to Lake Marian, a stunning alpine …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Lake Marian Guided Hike with Transfers, Lunch & Morning Tea

Lake Marian Day Walk offers a captivating hike to one of Fiordland’s hidden gems. This full-day experience leads you to Lake Marian, a stunning alpine...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$187

Introduction to Wanaka Rock Climbing - Half Day

The ‘Introduction To Rock Climbing’ is our most popular trip. You get the opportunity to experience outdoor rock climbing in a safe and fun way, …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (5)

Introduction to Wanaka Rock Climbing - Half Day

The ‘Introduction To Rock Climbing’ is our most popular trip. You get the opportunity to experience outdoor rock climbing in a safe and fun way,...

4 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (5)

from
$226

Skippers Canyon - Half Day PRIVATE Photography Tour Queenstown NZ

Private Skippers Canyon tour with the most experienced 4 wheel drive guide in Queenstown, having over 30 years commercial Skippers Canyon driving experience. • Private …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (5)

Skippers Canyon - Half Day PRIVATE Photography Tour Queenstown NZ

Private Skippers Canyon tour with the most experienced 4 wheel drive guide in Queenstown, having over 30 years commercial Skippers Canyon driving experience. • Private...

4 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (5)

from
$227

Mt. Hay Farm Experience Genuine Country Farming(Carbon Positive)

Discover the Mt. Hay Farm Experience, where New Zealand’s high-country farming heritage comes alive! Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Lake Tekapo, this authentic farm …More

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

4.0 (2)

Mt. Hay Farm Experience Genuine Country Farming(Carbon Positive)

Discover the Mt. Hay Farm Experience, where New Zealand’s high-country farming heritage comes alive! Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Lake Tekapo, this authentic farm...

1 hour Free Cancellation

4.0 (2)

from
$57

This tour offers the best of the central West Coast including the most seen hot spots and all in a day! Perfect if you have …More

Greymouth, New Zealand

4.9 (8)

West Coast Full Day Tour

This tour offers the best of the central West Coast including the most seen hot spots and all in a day! Perfect if you have...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (8)

from
$209

Mt. Cook Private Day Trip From Christchurch Via Lake Tekapo

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Let’s explore New Zealand's Tallest Peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook’s Māori Significance, Tasman Glacier – New Zealand's Largest Glacier, Unique Flora and Fauna, …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (21)

Mt. Cook Private Day Trip From Christchurch Via Lake Tekapo

13 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (21)

from
$198

Kaikoura Private Whale Watching Day Trip from Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Embark on an unforgettable journey to Kaikoura, renowned for its world-class whale-watching tours, particularly the unique opportunity to observe sperm whales. …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (20)

Kaikoura Private Whale Watching Day Trip from Christchurch

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (20)

from
$173

Arthurs Pass Private Day Trip from Christchurch with Castle Hill

Totally Personalized Private Experience! A day trip to Arthur's National Park offers a variety of green fields to rugged mountain ranges, lush forest, and ice-fed …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.8 (30)

Arthurs Pass Private Day Trip from Christchurch with Castle Hill

Totally Personalized Private Experience! A day trip to Arthur's National Park offers a variety of green fields to rugged mountain ranges, lush forest, and ice-fed...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.8 (30)

from
$184

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?

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

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?