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 8hr Rock Climbing: Christchurch. Lunch, Guide & Transport

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 (1)

Private 8hr Rock Climbing: Christchurch. Lunch, Guide & Transport

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 (1)

from
$142

Milford Sound Grand Tour Helicopter Scenic Flight Departing from Milford Sound

Combine all that Milford Sound is famous for into one flight! Explore Mitre Peak, the Sutherland Falls, and Tutuko Glacier. A minimum of four passengers …More

Fiordland & Milford Sound, New Zealand

5.0 (5)

Milford Sound Grand Tour Helicopter Scenic Flight Departing from Milford Sound

Combine all that Milford Sound is famous for into one flight! Explore Mitre Peak, the Sutherland Falls, and Tutuko Glacier. A minimum of four passengers...

45 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (5)

from
$515

This is the Wānaka most locals have never seen. We take you well off the beaten track exploring private backroads high into the mountains of …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (7)

Wanaka High Country Walk

This is the Wānaka most locals have never seen. We take you well off the beaten track exploring private backroads high into the mountains of...

6 to 7 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (7)

from
$285

40-minute Mt Fyffe Summit Heli Tour in Kaikoura

Experience the true beauty of Kaikoura and mountain top experience without the 4 hour hike. On a clear day the view stretches from the North …More

Kaikoura, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

40-minute Mt Fyffe Summit Heli Tour in Kaikoura

Experience the true beauty of Kaikoura and mountain top experience without the 4 hour hike. On a clear day the view stretches from the North...

40 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$238

Kaikoura Helicopters Grand Alpine Helicopter Tour

Departing from our centrally located beachfront pads, skirting the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula, before climbing over 8000 feet into the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges where you get …More

Kaikoura, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Kaikoura Helicopters Grand Alpine Helicopter Tour

Departing from our centrally located beachfront pads, skirting the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula, before climbing over 8000 feet into the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges where you get...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$482

Private Guided Xquisite 2 Hour Kingston Hill Climb (October – May)

We jump in “the beast” and cruise up Kingston Hill to give you exclusive access to the most stunning views of Lake Wakatipu. You and …More

Invercargill, New Zealand

5.0 (9)

Private Guided Xquisite 2 Hour Kingston Hill Climb (October – May)

We jump in “the beast” and cruise up Kingston Hill to give you exclusive access to the most stunning views of Lake Wakatipu. You and...

30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (9)

from
$201

Alpaca Farm Tour 20 Minutes from Christchurch - Meet Cute Alpacas

An interactive alpaca farm tour just 20 minutes north of Christchurch. Get hands-on as you feed, touch, and cuddle these friendly alpacas, including adorable babies …More

Canterbury, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Alpaca Farm Tour 20 Minutes from Christchurch - Meet Cute Alpacas

An interactive alpaca farm tour just 20 minutes north of Christchurch. Get hands-on as you feed, touch, and cuddle these friendly alpacas, including adorable babies...

1 hour Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$23

Lyttleton Port Excursion Day Tour 3 options for Cruise travelers

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Tailored 3 Private Tours for Cruise Ship Passengers Arriving in Lyttleton, Christchurch. We offer these tour options, specially designed for only …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.8 (6)

Lyttleton Port Excursion Day Tour 3 options for Cruise travelers

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Tailored 3 Private Tours for Cruise Ship Passengers Arriving in Lyttleton, Christchurch. We offer these tour options, specially designed for only...

7 to 8 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (6)

from
$187

Akaroa & Banks Peninsula Private Day Tour from Christchurch

Discover the charm of Akaroa, a beautiful seaside town known for its French heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Enjoy dolphin watching experiences featuring the rare …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (7)

Akaroa & Banks Peninsula Private Day Tour from Christchurch

Discover the charm of Akaroa, a beautiful seaside town known for its French heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Enjoy dolphin watching experiences featuring the rare...

7 to 8 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (7)

from
$141

Queenstown to Wanaka Small-Group Tour (one-way)

Travel from Queenstown to Wānaka and experience the stunning Cardrona Valley. This one-way tour, led by passionate guides with deep local knowledge, features iconic stops …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Queenstown to Wanaka Small-Group Tour (one-way)

Travel from Queenstown to Wānaka and experience the stunning Cardrona Valley. This one-way tour, led by passionate guides with deep local knowledge, features iconic stops...

2 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$79

Wanaka to Queenstown Small-Group Tour (one-way)

Journey from Wanaka to Queenstown, soaking in the stunning views of the Southern Alps and Cardrona Valley. This small group tour is fully guided and …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Wanaka to Queenstown Small-Group Tour (one-way)

Journey from Wanaka to Queenstown, soaking in the stunning views of the Southern Alps and Cardrona Valley. This small group tour is fully guided and...

2 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$79

Private Half Day Photography Tour of Queenstown | Skippers | Glenorchy

• This private photography tour provides a flexible itinerary & starting times. • You can choose an astrophotography tour option between February & November. • …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Private Half Day Photography Tour of Queenstown | Skippers | Glenorchy

• This private photography tour provides a flexible itinerary & starting times. • You can choose an astrophotography tour option between February & November. •...

4 to 5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$108

Lifting off from our base at the Manapouri Te Anau Airport, you will immediately enjoy stunning views over Lake Manapouri, before you travel west towards …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Dusky Sound // Helicopter Scenic Flight

Lifting off from our base at the Manapouri Te Anau Airport, you will immediately enjoy stunning views over Lake Manapouri, before you travel west towards...

1 hour Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$659

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 (4)

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...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$152

Timaru Shore Excursions, Private Tour, Aoraki Adventure

On your scenic drive to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park you will pass the famous cool aid looking Lake Pukaki and enjoy the view on New …More

Canterbury, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Timaru Shore Excursions, Private Tour, Aoraki Adventure

On your scenic drive to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park you will pass the famous cool aid looking Lake Pukaki and enjoy the view on New...

7 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$156

Glacier Galore Helicopter Scenic Flight from Milford Sound

Climb out from Milford and up past Harrison's Cove, see the Pembroke Glacier, alpine lakes and sheer cliffs dwarf the surrounding rivers before approaching the …More

Fiordland & Milford Sound, New Zealand

4.6 (5)

Glacier Galore Helicopter Scenic Flight from Milford Sound

Climb out from Milford and up past Harrison's Cove, see the Pembroke Glacier, alpine lakes and sheer cliffs dwarf the surrounding rivers before approaching the...

25 minutes Free Cancellation

4.6 (5)

from
$342

Tandem Skydive 10,000ft from Franz Josef

Skydive amongst mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and ocean views. Skydive Franz has New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook and the biggest glaciers Fox and Franz …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Tandem Skydive 10,000ft from Franz Josef

Skydive amongst mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and ocean views. Skydive Franz has New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook and the biggest glaciers Fox and Franz...

3 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$209

Lupin Flower Tour Through The Mackenzie's Stunning Landscapes. Journey with us through remote High Country Stations, which are private farms surrounded by rugged mountain ranges …More

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Lupin Flowers Tour Lake Tekapo

Lupin Flower Tour Through The Mackenzie's Stunning Landscapes. Journey with us through remote High Country Stations, which are private farms surrounded by rugged mountain ranges...

3 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$241

ENJOY SHORT WALKS IN THE SUMMER? Take the time out to try your hand at Snowshoeing, among the snow and ice, and see for yourself …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Remarkables Alpine Guided Snowshoeing

ENJOY SHORT WALKS IN THE SUMMER? Take the time out to try your hand at Snowshoeing, among the snow and ice, and see for yourself...

4 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$132

Race Car Simulator - Thrillzone Queenstown

Go solo or go head-to-head with your friends in an ultra-immersive racing simulation! Take command of the world's most iconic cars on legendary global tracks. …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Race Car Simulator - Thrillzone Queenstown

Go solo or go head-to-head with your friends in an ultra-immersive racing simulation! Take command of the world's most iconic cars on legendary global tracks....

30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$26

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?