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 →

Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park Small-Group Tour from Queenstown

Get ready for an adventure or a relaxing day in the mountains! Explore Mt Cook on a fully guided, small-group tour from Queenstown, with free …More

Aoraki Mount Cook (Mount Cook Village), New Zealand

4.9 (437)

Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park Small-Group Tour from Queenstown

Get ready for an adventure or a relaxing day in the mountains! Explore Mt Cook on a fully guided, small-group tour from Queenstown, with free...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (437)

from
$158

Small-Group Kayak Adventure in Franz Josef Glacier

A unique kayak adventure, only minutes from Franz Josef Glacier! Set out across Lake Mapourika's mirror-like water and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Southern …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

4.9 (408)

Small-Group Kayak Adventure in Franz Josef Glacier

A unique kayak adventure, only minutes from Franz Josef Glacier! Set out across Lake Mapourika's mirror-like water and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Southern...

3 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (408)

from
$90

Living a rich life is about experiences, not stuff – our spectacular backyard is full of adventure and we want to share it with you. …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (480)

Wildwire Wanaka- Level 2 (4 Hours)

Living a rich life is about experiences, not stuff – our spectacular backyard is full of adventure and we want to share it with you....

4 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (480)

from
$221

Small Group Jet Boat Adventure on the Clutha River from Wanaka

Lets us take you on amazing Jet boat ride down the Mighty Clutha river. Amazing world renowned scenery , snow capped mountains and the famous …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (327)

Small Group Jet Boat Adventure on the Clutha River from Wanaka

Lets us take you on amazing Jet boat ride down the Mighty Clutha river. Amazing world renowned scenery , snow capped mountains and the famous...

1 hour 15 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (327)

from
$90

Milford Sound Cruise with Round-Trip Flights from Queenstown

Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound and enjoy a spectacular view of the mountains, lakes and waterfalls of Fiordland National Park. Surrounded by some of …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (398)

Milford Sound Cruise with Round-Trip Flights from Queenstown

Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound and enjoy a spectacular view of the mountains, lakes and waterfalls of Fiordland National Park. Surrounded by some of...

4 to 5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (398)

from
$486

Queenstown Tandem Paragliding from Coronet Peak

We fly from New Zealand's highest commercial take-off point. Offering stunning views of the Wakatipu valley and beyond, let our highly experienced pilots guide you …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.8 (128)

Queenstown Tandem Paragliding from Coronet Peak

We fly from New Zealand's highest commercial take-off point. Offering stunning views of the Wakatipu valley and beyond, let our highly experienced pilots guide you...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (128)

from
$215

Small Group Lake Mapourika Cruise & Rainforest Walk - Franz Josef

Enjoy exclusive access to our private rainforest trail, only accessible by boat! The rainforest trail journeys through a Kiwi Conservation region and some of Westland's …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

4.9 (103)

Small Group Lake Mapourika Cruise & Rainforest Walk - Franz Josef

Enjoy exclusive access to our private rainforest trail, only accessible by boat! The rainforest trail journeys through a Kiwi Conservation region and some of Westland's...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (103)

from
$90

Lakeland Jet Ski Adventure Tour - Lake Wanaka

Enjoy a jet ski tour exploring all the stunning bays, islands and alpine scenery showcasing the beauty Lake Wanaka has to offer from a different …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (100)

Lakeland Jet Ski Adventure Tour - Lake Wanaka

Enjoy a jet ski tour exploring all the stunning bays, islands and alpine scenery showcasing the beauty Lake Wanaka has to offer from a different...

1 hour Free Cancellation

5.0 (100)

from
$133

Queenstown: Southern Glacier 50 Minute Helicopter Flight

Soar over the majestic Southern Alps on a 50-minute breathtaking helicopter flight from Queenstown. Discover the mystery of Lake Wakatipu's northern shores, before experiencing a …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (142)

Queenstown: Southern Glacier 50 Minute Helicopter Flight

Soar over the majestic Southern Alps on a 50-minute breathtaking helicopter flight from Queenstown. Discover the mystery of Lake Wakatipu's northern shores, before experiencing a...

50 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (142)

from
$503

25-Minute Remarkables Helicopter Tour from Queenstown

Experience the best view in town. Land on the Remarkables spur, overlooking Queenstown and the Wakatipu basin with Coronet and Cecil Peaks in the distance. …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (120)

25-Minute Remarkables Helicopter Tour from Queenstown

Experience the best view in town. Land on the Remarkables spur, overlooking Queenstown and the Wakatipu basin with Coronet and Cecil Peaks in the distance....

25 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (120)

from
$244

Castle, Coast & City Tour - 8 pax max - Castle Entrance Included

A relaxed and friendly small group tour (max. 8 pax) showing you Dunedin's most impressive, unique and charming sights, including a tour of the only …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.9 (120)

Castle, Coast & City Tour - 8 pax max - Castle Entrance Included

A relaxed and friendly small group tour (max. 8 pax) showing you Dunedin's most impressive, unique and charming sights, including a tour of the only...

5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (120)

from
$150

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Te Anau

Your Doubtful Sound adventure begins as you cruise the crystal clear waters of Lake Manapouri. Then it's over Wilmot Pass, stopping along the way to …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

4.8 (329)

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Te Anau

Your Doubtful Sound adventure begins as you cruise the crystal clear waters of Lake Manapouri. Then it's over Wilmot Pass, stopping along the way to...

9 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (329)

from
$217

Queenstown Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat

Combining two of Queenstown's most iconic activities, this trip is second to none! Starting on the Queenstown Jet Boat, you'll get to experience those famous …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (177)

Queenstown Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat

Combining two of Queenstown's most iconic activities, this trip is second to none! Starting on the Queenstown Jet Boat, you'll get to experience those famous...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (177)

from
$187

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown: Panoramic Views

A seamless journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound, where stunning views are made even better by fascinating stories from your driver. Enjoy a premium coach …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.8 (446)

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown: Panoramic Views

A seamless journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound, where stunning views are made even better by fascinating stories from your driver. Enjoy a premium coach...

12 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (446)

from
$140

Franz Josef: Twin Glacier 35-Minute Helicopter Flight

Twice the ice! Explore the glacial icefalls of not one but two glaciers - Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier on this 35-minute helicopter flight …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

4.9 (147)

Franz Josef: Twin Glacier 35-Minute Helicopter Flight

Twice the ice! Explore the glacial icefalls of not one but two glaciers - Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier on this 35-minute helicopter flight...

35 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (147)

from
$288

Queenstown Quad Bike Adventure Tour - Half Day

Leave Queenstown behind and head into spectacular Queenstown Hill Station for an unforgettable off-road quad biking adventure. After a comprehensive safety briefing and training session, …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (261)

Queenstown Quad Bike Adventure Tour - Half Day

Leave Queenstown behind and head into spectacular Queenstown Hill Station for an unforgettable off-road quad biking adventure. After a comprehensive safety briefing and training session,...

4 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (261)

from
$204

Mount Cook and The Glaciers 55-Minute Helicopter Flight

Our premier flight over the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and its vast glaciers and snowfields. See the ancient waters of the Tasman Glacier …More

Aoraki Mount Cook (Mount Cook Village), New Zealand

4.9 (133)

Mount Cook and The Glaciers 55-Minute Helicopter Flight

Our premier flight over the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and its vast glaciers and snowfields. See the ancient waters of the Tasman Glacier...

55 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (133)

from
$538

Ulva Island Explorer from Stewart Island

Take a leisurely cruise around Paterson Inlet and a 45-minute walking tour in the bird sanctuary of Ulva Island. Your 2.5-hour itinerary departs from Stewart Island …More

Stewart Island / Rakiura, New Zealand

4.8 (92)

Ulva Island Explorer from Stewart Island

Take a leisurely cruise around Paterson Inlet and a 45-minute walking tour in the bird sanctuary of Ulva Island. Your 2.5-hour itinerary departs from Stewart Island...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (92)

from
$86

Small Group Lake Mapourika Kayak & Hike in Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary

Explore all that Lake Mapourika has to offer in this half day guided Kayak & Walk excursion - just minutes away from Franz Josef Glacier! …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

5.0 (126)

Small Group Lake Mapourika Kayak & Hike in Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary

Explore all that Lake Mapourika has to offer in this half day guided Kayak & Walk excursion - just minutes away from Franz Josef Glacier!...

4 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (126)

from
$102

Wanaka 4x4 Explorer The Ultimate Lake and Mountain Adventure

The Ultimate Lake and Mountain Adventure Wanaka’s boat and 4×4 tour brings you the best of both worlds with views from the lake and land …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (101)

Wanaka 4x4 Explorer The Ultimate Lake and Mountain Adventure

The Ultimate Lake and Mountain Adventure Wanaka’s boat and 4×4 tour brings you the best of both worlds with views from the lake and land...

4 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (101)

from
$187

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?