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 →

1-Hour Jet Boat Adventure Queenstown with Music

xperience Queenstown differently with Thunder Jet – the only Queenstown jet boat with music on board, combining high-speed adventure with our very own soundtrack, 360° …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (13)

1-Hour Jet Boat Adventure Queenstown with Music

xperience Queenstown differently with Thunder Jet – the only Queenstown jet boat with music on board, combining high-speed adventure with our very own soundtrack, 360°...

1 hour Free Cancellation

4.9 (13)

from
$90

Our Merino Farm Experience allows you to enjoy a slice of kiwi (New Zealand) rural life. Be guided by the family owners and operators on …More

Canterbury, New Zealand

5.0 (9)

Merino Farm Experience

Our Merino Farm Experience allows you to enjoy a slice of kiwi (New Zealand) rural life. Be guided by the family owners and operators on...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (9)

from
$54

Dunedin to Queenstown 1-Way Day Tour with Taieri Gorge Railway

This isn’t just a journey, it’s a story unfolding across gold rush trails, highland outposts, and cinematic landscapes. Travelling from Dunedin to Queenstown with Cheeky …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.6 (16)

Dunedin to Queenstown 1-Way Day Tour with Taieri Gorge Railway

This isn’t just a journey, it’s a story unfolding across gold rush trails, highland outposts, and cinematic landscapes. Travelling from Dunedin to Queenstown with Cheeky...

9 hours Free Cancellation

4.6 (16)

from
$172

Te Anau to Queenstown via Milford Sound Tour with Cruise & Lunch

Explore the stunning landscapes of Fiordland National Park on this premium small group tour from Te Anau to Queenstown, featuring a boutique cruise on Milford …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Te Anau to Queenstown via Milford Sound Tour with Cruise & Lunch

Explore the stunning landscapes of Fiordland National Park on this premium small group tour from Te Anau to Queenstown, featuring a boutique cruise on Milford...

10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$209

Iconic Wildlife Tour with Yellow Eyed Penguins & Royal Albatross

Visit the habitat of the world's rarest penguin. Walk through a private nature reserve on this guided tour for a chance to see the endangered …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.7 (35)

Iconic Wildlife Tour with Yellow Eyed Penguins & Royal Albatross

Visit the habitat of the world's rarest penguin. Walk through a private nature reserve on this guided tour for a chance to see the endangered...

7 hours

4.7 (35)

from
$227

Kaikoura Albatross Encounter Tour from Christchurch

Kaikoura is famous for whales and dolphins and arguably one of the world's most exciting arenas for ocean going birds. This full day tour accompanies …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.5 (2)

Kaikoura Albatross Encounter Tour from Christchurch

Kaikoura is famous for whales and dolphins and arguably one of the world's most exciting arenas for ocean going birds. This full day tour accompanies...

11 hours Hotel pickup offered

4.5 (2)

from
$227

Franz Josef to Christchurch 1-Way Transfer Via TranzAlpine Train

Journey from Franz Josef to Christchurch on one of New Zealand’s most iconic scenic routes. Travel along the rugged West Coast, known for its wild …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

4.7 (3)

Franz Josef to Christchurch 1-Way Transfer Via TranzAlpine Train

Journey from Franz Josef to Christchurch on one of New Zealand’s most iconic scenic routes. Travel along the rugged West Coast, known for its wild...

12 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.7 (3)

from
$321

Private Flight: 4 Glaciers with 2 Snow Landings - 60mins

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

5.0 (3)

Private Flight: 4 Glaciers with 2 Snow Landings - 60mins

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...

2 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$1,958

Mt Cook and Fox Glacier with snow landing (allow 30 mins - departs Fox Glacier)

Mount Cook and Fox Glacier including snow landing (allow 30 minutes) Explore the ice pinnacles and seracs of the magnificent Fox Glacier then fly by …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

4.8 (19)

Mt Cook and Fox Glacier with snow landing (allow 30 mins - departs Fox Glacier)

Mount Cook and Fox Glacier including snow landing (allow 30 minutes) Explore the ice pinnacles and seracs of the magnificent Fox Glacier then fly by...

30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (19)

from
$271

Safe Sun-Viewing Tour with two Telescopes in Akaroa

New Zealand's only guided DAILY tour of the Sun! Discover the Sun like never before. Located just a 90-minute scenic drive from Christchurch, this unique …More

Akaroa, New Zealand

4.9 (7)

Safe Sun-Viewing Tour with two Telescopes in Akaroa

New Zealand's only guided DAILY tour of the Sun! Discover the Sun like never before. Located just a 90-minute scenic drive from Christchurch, this unique...

30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (7)

from
$22

Milford Sound Coach and Cruise Tour from Queenstown with Flyback

Journey in comfort on one of our brand new, low-emission coaches and take in incredible panoramic views on the road to Milford Sound. Enjoy entertaining …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.7 (38)

Milford Sound Coach and Cruise Tour from Queenstown with Flyback

Journey in comfort on one of our brand new, low-emission coaches and take in incredible panoramic views on the road to Milford Sound. Enjoy entertaining...

9 hours Free Cancellation

4.7 (38)

from
$568

Departing from our Te Anau lakeside base, the journey begins by soaring over Lake Te Anau. Soak up views of the Hidden Lakes before flying …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

5.0 (18)

Fiordland Heli-hike from Te Anau

Departing from our Te Anau lakeside base, the journey begins by soaring over Lake Te Anau. Soak up views of the Hidden Lakes before flying...

3 to 6 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (18)

from
$279

Explore Milford Sound and the glaciers of Fiordland National Park from the air. Enjoy an exhilarating flight over Milford, spectacular rivers, valleys and mountains with …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (12)

Milford Sound Highlights - 204

Explore Milford Sound and the glaciers of Fiordland National Park from the air. Enjoy an exhilarating flight over Milford, spectacular rivers, valleys and mountains with...

1 hour 15 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (12)

from
$840

Private Full Day Photo Tour of Queenstown | Skippers | Glenorchy | Wanaka |Otago

• This private photography tour provides a flexible itinerary. • Your guide holds the public liability insurance, first aid certification and Passenger Service license, which …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (14)

Private Full Day Photo Tour of Queenstown | Skippers | Glenorchy | Wanaka |Otago

• This private photography tour provides a flexible itinerary. • Your guide holds the public liability insurance, first aid certification and Passenger Service license, which...

7 to 8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (14)

from
$152

Milford and Fiordland Highlights Tour by Helicopter from Queenstown

View alpine lakes, rivers, forests, glacial valleys, and ice capped mountains from above with this 2-2.5 hour helicopter tour. Fly over the fiord and enjoy …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (18)

Milford and Fiordland Highlights Tour by Helicopter from Queenstown

View alpine lakes, rivers, forests, glacial valleys, and ice capped mountains from above with this 2-2.5 hour helicopter tour. Fly over the fiord and enjoy...

2 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (18)

from
$1,234

Scenic Helicopter & Kepler Guided Hike from Te Anau with Lunch

Your wonderful day begins with an amazing helicopter flight. This is an extended flight – more than just getting you to the start of the …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Scenic Helicopter & Kepler Guided Hike from Te Anau with Lunch

Your wonderful day begins with an amazing helicopter flight. This is an extended flight – more than just getting you to the start of the...

8 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$453

Ale Trail: Wharehuanui Adventure with Queenstown Shuttles

Our Ale Trail stands out by offering a unique, self-guided biking experience with the freedom to explore at your own pace. Ride along the scenic …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.7 (13)

Ale Trail: Wharehuanui Adventure with Queenstown Shuttles

Our Ale Trail stands out by offering a unique, self-guided biking experience with the freedom to explore at your own pace. Ride along the scenic...

5 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.7 (13)

from
$62

Skydive Mt. Cook - 20+ Seconds of Freefall from 10,000ft

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 (5)

Skydive Mt. Cook - 20+ Seconds of Freefall from 10,000ft

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 Free Cancellation

5.0 (5)

from
$170

Our Queenstown More Than A Wine Tour is not so much about swirling, sniffing and chatting about gooseberries, oak and tannins. It’s more an opportunity to …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Queenstown More Than A Wine Tour

Our Queenstown More Than A Wine Tour is not so much about swirling, sniffing and chatting about gooseberries, oak and tannins. It’s more an opportunity to...

6 to 9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$794

Methven Ōpuke Hot Pool & Scenic Canterbury Tour from Christchurch

Experience the award winning Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa, located in the heart of Mid-Canterbury. Start in Christchurch, where you’ll begin your bespoke tour filled …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (13)

Methven Ōpuke Hot Pool & Scenic Canterbury Tour from Christchurch

Experience the award winning Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa, located in the heart of Mid-Canterbury. Start in Christchurch, where you’ll begin your bespoke tour filled...

6 to 8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (13)

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?