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 →

Private Half Day Photography Tour of Queenstown | Skippers | Glenorchy

• 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 (19)

Private Half Day Photography Tour of Queenstown | Skippers | Glenorchy

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

4 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (19)

from
$108

Franz Josef to Wanaka Small-Group Tour (One-Way) Includes Lunch

Experience the ultimate 1 way adventure from Franz Josef to Wanaka. Our small group, fully-guided tour takes you from Franz Josef along the beautiful West …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Franz Josef to Wanaka Small-Group Tour (One-Way) Includes Lunch

Experience the ultimate 1 way adventure from Franz Josef to Wanaka. Our small group, fully-guided tour takes you from Franz Josef along the beautiful West...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$165

Wanaka fishing charters offer a distinctive angling experience set against the breathtaking backdrop of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. The pristine waters of Lake Wānaka and …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Private 3-Hour Fishing Charter

Wanaka fishing charters offer a distinctive angling experience set against the breathtaking backdrop of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. The pristine waters of Lake Wānaka and...

3 hours

5.0 (2)

from
$920

Private Dunedin & Otago Peninsula Tours Up to 4 people

We are local Dunedin Tour operators with 10 years of business experience focus on the customized Private Tours around Dunedin area and beyond. We offer …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.9 (13)

Private Dunedin & Otago Peninsula Tours Up to 4 people

We are local Dunedin Tour operators with 10 years of business experience focus on the customized Private Tours around Dunedin area and beyond. We offer...

7 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (13)

from
$511

Akaroa Private Day Trip From Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Embark on a memorable 6-hour Akaroa day trip from Christchurch, where you’ll have the opportunity to discover New Zealand’s stunning volcanic …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (15)

Akaroa Private Day Trip From Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Embark on a memorable 6-hour Akaroa day trip from Christchurch, where you’ll have the opportunity to discover New Zealand’s stunning volcanic...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (15)

from
$687

3 Day Abel Tasman Guided Kayak & Walk - Nelson

Walk, kayak and relax on this 3 Day/2 Night journey into Abel Tasman National Park. No need to give up modern comforts. Stay at our …More

Motueka, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

3 Day Abel Tasman Guided Kayak & Walk - Nelson

Walk, kayak and relax on this 3 Day/2 Night journey into Abel Tasman National Park. No need to give up modern comforts. Stay at our...

3 days Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (2)

from
$1,129

Walk, cruise and relax on this 3 Day/2 Night journey into Abel Tasman National Park. No need to give up modern comforts. Stay at our …More

Motueka, New Zealand

4.7 (9)

3 Day Abel Tasman Guided Walk

Walk, cruise and relax on this 3 Day/2 Night journey into Abel Tasman National Park. No need to give up modern comforts. Stay at our...

3 days

4.7 (9)

from
$987

Christchurch To Kaikoura Whale Watch Tour (Including Ticket)

Explore the breathtaking coastal beauty of Kaikoura on this full-day adventure. Witness majestic sperm whales and playful dolphins in their natural habitats while enjoying spectacular …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (14)

Christchurch To Kaikoura Whale Watch Tour (Including Ticket)

Explore the breathtaking coastal beauty of Kaikoura on this full-day adventure. Witness majestic sperm whales and playful dolphins in their natural habitats while enjoying spectacular...

8 to 10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (14)

from
$143

You Choose the Itinerary Dunedin Full Day 6hrs

Private Transport option with a flexible itinerary to suit your interests - SEE THE BEST SPOTS OF YOUR CHOOSING! …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

You Choose the Itinerary Dunedin Full Day 6hrs

Private Transport option with a flexible itinerary to suit your interests - SEE THE BEST SPOTS OF YOUR CHOOSING!...

5 to 7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$1,191

Invercargill to Dunedin via the Catlins Small Group 1 Way Tour

Discover New Zealand’s wild southern coast on a full-day tour from Invercargill to Dunedin. Traverse the stunning Catlins region, where ancient forests meet dramatic coastlines. …More

Invercargill, New Zealand

4.7 (11)

Invercargill to Dunedin via the Catlins Small Group 1 Way Tour

Discover New Zealand’s wild southern coast on a full-day tour from Invercargill to Dunedin. Traverse the stunning Catlins region, where ancient forests meet dramatic coastlines....

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.7 (11)

from
$142

Dunedin to Invercargill via the Catlins 1 Way Small Group Tour

Explore New Zealand’s wild southern coast on a scenic one-way tour from Dunedin to Invercargill, traversing the breathtaking Catlins. This full-day adventure features stunning landscapes, …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

5.0 (5)

Dunedin to Invercargill via the Catlins 1 Way Small Group Tour

Explore New Zealand’s wild southern coast on a scenic one-way tour from Dunedin to Invercargill, traversing the breathtaking Catlins. This full-day adventure features stunning landscapes,...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (5)

from
$142

Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton

Cruise from Picton Harbour to Motuara Island and beyond to see rare native birds and other wildlife on this 4.5-hour boat excursion. Spend time exploring …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.2 (36)

Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton

Cruise from Picton Harbour to Motuara Island and beyond to see rare native birds and other wildlife on this 4.5-hour boat excursion. Spend time exploring...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.2 (36)

from
$69

Akaroa Full Day Tour Including Harbor Nature Cruise from Christchurch

Discover the coastal town of Akaroa on a day tour from Christchurch. Enjoy a 2-hour Harbour Nature Cruise. Encounter panoramic views, boutique shops, waterfront cafes, …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Akaroa Full Day Tour Including Harbor Nature Cruise from Christchurch

Discover the coastal town of Akaroa on a day tour from Christchurch. Enjoy a 2-hour Harbour Nature Cruise. Encounter panoramic views, boutique shops, waterfront cafes,...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$369

Enjoy your private day tour to picturesque town of Lake Tekapo that lies in the heart of Mackenzie country. It is one of the most …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day Tour

Enjoy your private day tour to picturesque town of Lake Tekapo that lies in the heart of Mackenzie country. It is one of the most...

10 to 12 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$284

Twin Glacier Fox and Franz, Snow Landing (allow 30 mins - departing Fox Glacier)

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

5.0 (9)

Twin Glacier Fox and Franz, Snow Landing (allow 30 mins - departing Fox Glacier)

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

5.0 (9)

from
$271

Private 8hr Caving Tour from Christchurch. Lunch guide transport.

Morning - Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti is an amazing labyrinth of giant limestone boulders. The area is rich with cultural and recreational significance …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Private 8hr Caving Tour from Christchurch. Lunch guide transport.

Morning - Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti is an amazing labyrinth of giant limestone boulders. The area is rich with cultural and recreational significance...

1 day Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$248

Caving, Castle Hill Rocks 8hr Shore Ex. from Lyttelton. Lunch inc

Morning - Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti is an amazing labyrinth of giant limestone boulders. The area is rich with cultural and recreational significance …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Caving, Castle Hill Rocks 8hr Shore Ex. from Lyttelton. Lunch inc

Morning - Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti is an amazing labyrinth of giant limestone boulders. The area is rich with cultural and recreational significance...

7 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$328

New Zealand: Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

You absolutely will not find another tour out there as packed with activities and attractions as this one, provided by CharlieTheTraveler. You will also not …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (5)

New Zealand: Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

You absolutely will not find another tour out there as packed with activities and attractions as this one, provided by CharlieTheTraveler. You will also not...

9 days

5.0 (5)

from
$6,638

Christchurch to Mt Cook via Tekapo (1 way) (Small Group)

At 3724 metres, Aoraki Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak. As a sacred ancestor for local Ngā Tahu iwi, Aoraki is more than just …More

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

4.3 (8)

Christchurch to Mt Cook via Tekapo (1 way) (Small Group)

At 3724 metres, Aoraki Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak. As a sacred ancestor for local Ngā Tahu iwi, Aoraki is more than just...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.3 (8)

from
$128

Fly high above the beautiful Lake Wanaka with Wanaka Parasailing on either a single, or a tandem flight. This is one of the best things …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

3.0 (4)

Wanaka Parasailing

Fly high above the beautiful Lake Wanaka with Wanaka Parasailing on either a single, or a tandem flight. This is one of the best things...

1 hour Free Cancellation

3.0 (4)

from
$106

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?