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 →

Ride to the Sky is a flagship tour through exclusive locations on specially built eBike track. Ride on premium Full suspension e-bike (pedal assisted) to …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (182)

Guided eBike Tour 'Ride to the Sky'

Ride to the Sky is a flagship tour through exclusive locations on specially built eBike track. Ride on premium Full suspension e-bike (pedal assisted) to...

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (182)

from
$139

This scenic trail meanders through the lush, historic glaciated rainforest of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, where you'll encounter magnificent rata & rimu trees, vibrant …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

4.9 (93)

Fox Glacier Nature Tour

This scenic trail meanders through the lush, historic glaciated rainforest of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, where you'll encounter magnificent rata & rimu trees, vibrant...

3 to 4 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (93)

from
$65

The Hobbit Barrel Run Rafting Tour on the Pelorus River

Paddle down New Zealands most beautiful river. Join our experienced, friendly guides on an eye-opening, fun adventure paddling down the scenic Pelorus river. Includes short …More

Havelock, New Zealand

4.9 (171)

The Hobbit Barrel Run Rafting Tour on the Pelorus River

Paddle down New Zealands most beautiful river. Join our experienced, friendly guides on an eye-opening, fun adventure paddling down the scenic Pelorus river. Includes short...

3 hours 15 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (171)

from
$122

Cardrona High Country Pub Trail Horse Trek (Intermediate level+)

Saddle up on this very unique horse trekking experience, just 20 minutes from Wanaka. The half-day High Country Pub horse trek takes you up into …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (268)

Cardrona High Country Pub Trail Horse Trek (Intermediate level+)

Saddle up on this very unique horse trekking experience, just 20 minutes from Wanaka. The half-day High Country Pub horse trek takes you up into...

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (268)

from
$402

Cardrona Valley Mountain Quad Experience from Wanaka

The Cardrona presents New Zealand's best guided quad bike tour. This two hour mountain experience takes you to the top of the mountains of the …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (246)

Cardrona Valley Mountain Quad Experience from Wanaka

The Cardrona presents New Zealand's best guided quad bike tour. This two hour mountain experience takes you to the top of the mountains of the...

2 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (246)

from
$206

We invite you to join us for an experience unlike any other in New Zealand on one of our guided Wildlife and Penguin Tour. Penguins, …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.8 (44)

Wildlife and Penguin Tour

We invite you to join us for an experience unlike any other in New Zealand on one of our guided Wildlife and Penguin Tour. Penguins,...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (44)

from
$43

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown

Be struck by the beautiful silence of Doubtful Sound as you cruise the crystal waters and take in the breathtaking scenery. Journey across Lake Manapouri, …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.7 (259)

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown

Be struck by the beautiful silence of Doubtful Sound as you cruise the crystal waters and take in the breathtaking scenery. Journey across Lake Manapouri,...

12 hours Free Cancellation

4.7 (259)

from
$272

Full Day Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour from Queenstown

Travel by 4WD from Queenstown along Lake Whakatipu, surrounded by the Southern Alps, glacial valleys and native beech forest. Visit 12 Mile Delta for a …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (84)

Full Day Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour from Queenstown

Travel by 4WD from Queenstown along Lake Whakatipu, surrounded by the Southern Alps, glacial valleys and native beech forest. Visit 12 Mile Delta for a...

9 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (84)

from
$378

The jet boat is the mode of transport, the river safari is the attraction. The jet boat will take you safely up the river into …More

4.9 (130)

2-Hour Waiatoto River Jetboat Safari

The jet boat is the mode of transport, the river safari is the attraction. The jet boat will take you safely up the river into...

2 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (130)

from
$183

Mou Waho Island Cruise and Guided Nature Walk

Cruise to unique Mou Waho Island for a guided nature walk to the natural glacial lake on top of the island . Once aboard our …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

4.9 (76)

Mou Waho Island Cruise and Guided Nature Walk

Cruise to unique Mou Waho Island for a guided nature walk to the natural glacial lake on top of the island . Once aboard our...

3 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (76)

from
$102

Arrowtown to Queenstown Full-Day Bike Adventure

Discover one of Queenstown’s ultimate biking adventures on this self-guided ride from historic Arrowtown to central Queenstown. Shuttle to Arrowtown, get fitted with a top-quality …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.8 (96)

Arrowtown to Queenstown Full-Day Bike Adventure

Discover one of Queenstown’s ultimate biking adventures on this self-guided ride from historic Arrowtown to central Queenstown. Shuttle to Arrowtown, get fitted with a top-quality...

5 to 7 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (96)

from
$60

Flight Experience our Water and Wilderness Scenic Tour

Tour participants see the full grandeur of the Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds in one experience that can only be done by air. And …More

Picton, New Zealand

5.0 (62)

Flight Experience our Water and Wilderness Scenic Tour

Tour participants see the full grandeur of the Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds in one experience that can only be done by air. And...

1 hour 15 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (62)

from
$172

Nature and wildlife enthusiasts will love the Peninsula Encounters + Wildlife Cruise. This tour enjoys unrivalled access to remote locations and rare animals. You'll visit …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.8 (64)

Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour & Cruise

Nature and wildlife enthusiasts will love the Peninsula Encounters + Wildlife Cruise. This tour enjoys unrivalled access to remote locations and rare animals. You'll visit...

6 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (64)

from
$130

The only place to see NZ's Big 5 wildlife (kea, kaka, takahe, tuatara and guaranteed kiwi viewing) all in one location! Get 'up close and …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.6 (119)

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Day Entry

The only place to see NZ's Big 5 wildlife (kea, kaka, takahe, tuatara and guaranteed kiwi viewing) all in one location! Get 'up close and...

1 to 3 hours Free Cancellation

4.6 (119)

from
$21

Queenstown: Full-Day Private Photography & Sightseeing Tour

Explore Queenstown and the Southern Lakes on a private full-day tour with Martin, an experienced local landscape photographer and guide. Combining spectacular sightseeing with friendly, …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (30)

Queenstown: Full-Day Private Photography & Sightseeing Tour

Explore Queenstown and the Southern Lakes on a private full-day tour with Martin, an experienced local landscape photographer and guide. Combining spectacular sightseeing with friendly,...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (30)

from
$204

Milford Sound Heli Tour from Queenstown with 2 Alpine Landings

Soar over captivating Milford Sound on a 1.5-hour helicopter flight from Queenstown. You'll fly over New Zealand's most dramatic scenery, from secluded alpine lakes and …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (56)

Milford Sound Heli Tour from Queenstown with 2 Alpine Landings

Soar over captivating Milford Sound on a 1.5-hour helicopter flight from Queenstown. You'll fly over New Zealand's most dramatic scenery, from secluded alpine lakes and...

1 hour 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (56)

from
$812

Mt Cook Supreme: 4 Glaciers with 2 Snow Landings - 60mins

Your tour operator 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

4.8 (45)

Mt Cook Supreme: 4 Glaciers with 2 Snow Landings - 60mins

Your tour operator is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife...

1 hour Free Cancellation

4.8 (45)

from
$508

Fox Glacier and Mount Cook Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

Depart Fox Glacier Village, fly over the legendary Fox Glacier and snowfields and watch the crevasses and ice forms race by below you. Land in …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

5.0 (47)

Fox Glacier and Mount Cook Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

Depart Fox Glacier Village, fly over the legendary Fox Glacier and snowfields and watch the crevasses and ice forms race by below you. Land in...

35 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (47)

from
$288

Twin Glacier 35-Minute Helicopter Flight from Fox Glacier

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

4.8 (48)

Twin Glacier 35-Minute Helicopter Flight from Fox Glacier

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

4.8 (48)

from
$288

45-Minute Glacier Highlights Helicopter Tour from Mount Cook

Join this 45-minute Helicopter scenic experience through Aoraki Mt Cook National Park for a helicopter tour like no other! Sit back, relax, and soak in …More

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu), New Zealand

4.8 (56)

45-Minute Glacier Highlights Helicopter Tour from Mount Cook

Join this 45-minute Helicopter scenic experience through Aoraki Mt Cook National Park for a helicopter tour like no other! Sit back, relax, and soak in...

45 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (56)

from
$397

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?