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 →

West Coast Tower Zipline & Treetop Walk Combo

Tower Zipline: 425m, 60km/hr, 47m high, 40-sec ride, guided adventure including a Tree Top Walk, learn about Rimu rainforest, tandem ziplining, post-zip café and exploration. …More

Greymouth, New Zealand

4.9 (20)

West Coast Tower Zipline & Treetop Walk Combo

Tower Zipline: 425m, 60km/hr, 47m high, 40-sec ride, guided adventure including a Tree Top Walk, learn about Rimu rainforest, tandem ziplining, post-zip café and exploration....

2 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (20)

from
$68

50-Minute Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Flight, Queenstown

Take off from Queenstown on an unforgettable journey through some of the South Island’s most spectacular alpine landscapes. Soar above the rugged cliffs of Skippers …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (163)

50-Minute Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Flight, Queenstown

Take off from Queenstown on an unforgettable journey through some of the South Island’s most spectacular alpine landscapes. Soar above the rugged cliffs of Skippers...

50 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (163)

from
$545

Larnach Castle Tour & Wildlife Cruise (Dunedin Shore Excursion)

Join our guide for a personalised tour of Larnach Castle and learn about Dunedin's early history along the way. Enjoy stunning views of the Otago …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.9 (30)

Larnach Castle Tour & Wildlife Cruise (Dunedin Shore Excursion)

Join our guide for a personalised tour of Larnach Castle and learn about Dunedin's early history along the way. Enjoy stunning views of the Otago...

6 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (30)

from
$111

45-Minute Glacier Highlights Ski Plane Tour from Mount Cook

Soar through the sky on this 45-minute Ski Plane scenic experience through Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Enjoy the Breathtaking views from the moment you’re …More

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

5.0 (21)

45-Minute Glacier Highlights Ski Plane Tour from Mount Cook

Soar through the sky on this 45-minute Ski Plane scenic experience through Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Enjoy the Breathtaking views from the moment you’re...

45 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (21)

from
$397

Arthur's Pass Discovery and TranzAlpine Train - Small Group Tour

In the heart of the Southern Alps, Arthur's Pass National Park has an incredible diversity of flora and landscape. Experience a breathtaking journey aboard the …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (306)

Arthur's Pass Discovery and TranzAlpine Train - Small Group Tour

In the heart of the Southern Alps, Arthur's Pass National Park has an incredible diversity of flora and landscape. Experience a breathtaking journey aboard the...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered

4.9 (306)

from
$533

Self-Guided Queen Charlotte Track Walk from Picton

Explore the Marlborough Sounds on foot with one of the popular self-guided walks on the Queen Charlotte Track. Choose from three walks of varying length …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.7 (70)

Self-Guided Queen Charlotte Track Walk from Picton

Explore the Marlborough Sounds on foot with one of the popular self-guided walks on the Queen Charlotte Track. Choose from three walks of varying length...

7 hours Free Cancellation

4.7 (70)

from
$60

Mt Cook Tour & Ultimate Alpine Experience Combo from Queenstown

Mt Cook Bus Tour & Ultimate Alpine Experience, this small group, fully guided bus tour to Mt Cook combines all of the key highlights of …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.8 (57)

Mt Cook Tour & Ultimate Alpine Experience Combo from Queenstown

Mt Cook Bus Tour & Ultimate Alpine Experience, this small group, fully guided bus tour to Mt Cook combines all of the key highlights of...

12 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.8 (57)

from
$498

Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch

Experience the natural treasures of New Zealand on a whale-watching cruise from the picturesque town of Kaikoura. Look for the mighty Sperm Whales that live …More

Kaikoura, New Zealand

4.6 (180)

Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch

Experience the natural treasures of New Zealand on a whale-watching cruise from the picturesque town of Kaikoura. Look for the mighty Sperm Whales that live...

11 hours Hotel pickup offered

4.6 (180)

from
$222

Christchurch to Franz Josef One Way Day Tour with TranzAlpine

Travel from Christchurch to Franz Josef on one of New Zealand’s most iconic journeys, combining the legendary TranzAlpine train with a fully guided West Coast …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (34)

Christchurch to Franz Josef One Way Day Tour with TranzAlpine

Travel from Christchurch to Franz Josef on one of New Zealand’s most iconic journeys, combining the legendary TranzAlpine train with a fully guided West Coast...

12 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (34)

from
$321

Milford Sound Scenic Flight from Queenstown

Experience Milford Sound by air on this scenic flight from Queenstown. Flying you over the highest peaks in Fiordland and their ancient glaciers. Get an …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (43)

Milford Sound Scenic Flight from Queenstown

Experience Milford Sound by air on this scenic flight from Queenstown. Flying you over the highest peaks in Fiordland and their ancient glaciers. Get an...

1 hour 15 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (43)

from
$317

TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Garden to Table in Queenstown

Situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Whakatipu, Walter Peak High Country Farm is the perfect place to spend a relaxing few hours. Immerse yourself …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (18)

TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Garden to Table in Queenstown

Situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Whakatipu, Walter Peak High Country Farm is the perfect place to spend a relaxing few hours. Immerse yourself...

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (18)

from
$96

Queenstown to Lake Tekapo via Mt. Cook 1-Way Small-Group Tour

Explore the beautiful and famous Mt. Cook National Park while traveling to Tekapo on a fully guided small group tour from Queenstown. This is a …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.7 (26)

Queenstown to Lake Tekapo via Mt. Cook 1-Way Small-Group Tour

Explore the beautiful and famous Mt. Cook National Park while traveling to Tekapo on a fully guided small group tour from Queenstown. This is a...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.7 (26)

from
$204

Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch via Castle Hill

Nestled at the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana), Arthur’s Pass is steeped in history. Connecting the east and west …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.8 (43)

Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch via Castle Hill

Nestled at the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana), Arthur’s Pass is steeped in history. Connecting the east and west...

10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.8 (43)

from
$128

Join this 55-minute Ski Plane scenic experience through the Mt Cook and Westland National Parks for a unique air tour like no other. Flight path …More

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

5.0 (16)

55 minute Grand Circle Ski Plane

Join this 55-minute Ski Plane scenic experience through the Mt Cook and Westland National Parks for a unique air tour like no other. Flight path...

1 hour 5 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (16)

from
$453

Nelson to Mapua: Full-Day Self-Guided Cycling Adventure

This full day self-guided cycle adventure takes in some of the most stunning scenery on Tasman’s Great Taste Trail with approximately 3 -4 hours of …More

Nelson, New Zealand

4.8 (71)

Nelson to Mapua: Full-Day Self-Guided Cycling Adventure

This full day self-guided cycle adventure takes in some of the most stunning scenery on Tasman’s Great Taste Trail with approximately 3 -4 hours of...

4 to 7 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (71)

from
$80

Half-Day Godley Head Coastal Hike from Christchurch

Enjoy a half-day guided walk on Banks Peninsula, a spectacular extinct volcano only 30 minutes from Christchurch. Experience world-class views and see some of New …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (52)

Half-Day Godley Head Coastal Hike from Christchurch

Enjoy a half-day guided walk on Banks Peninsula, a spectacular extinct volcano only 30 minutes from Christchurch. Experience world-class views and see some of New...

4 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (52)

from
$162

Quad Biking adventure through native forest & farm tracks

Designed to suit all abilities, this tour follows native forest trails, progressing through fields and along the banks of the river. …More

Nelson, New Zealand

5.0 (20)

Quad Biking adventure through native forest & farm tracks

Designed to suit all abilities, this tour follows native forest trails, progressing through fields and along the banks of the river....

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (20)

from
$79

Milford Sound Premium Coach and Cruise from Te Anau

Discover the stress-free way to see Milford Sound from Te Anau. Our premium coaches offer unobstructed views of the spectacular Milford Road so you can …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

4.8 (46)

Milford Sound Premium Coach and Cruise from Te Anau

Discover the stress-free way to see Milford Sound from Te Anau. Our premium coaches offer unobstructed views of the spectacular Milford Road so you can...

7 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (46)

from
$118

Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour to Blumine Island

This Wildlife and Dolphin tour offers an amazing, fully-guided experience to complete your visit to Marlborough! You will have the opportunity to see rare seas …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.9 (53)

Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour to Blumine Island

This Wildlife and Dolphin tour offers an amazing, fully-guided experience to complete your visit to Marlborough! You will have the opportunity to see rare seas...

3 to 4 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (53)

from
$127

Queenstown: Guided Dirt Bike Ride – Private Off-Road Trails

• Ride real off-road terrain on a private 650-acre property, 5 minutes from central Queenstown - hill climbs, creek crossings, and forest trails with sweeping …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (41)

Queenstown: Guided Dirt Bike Ride – Private Off-Road Trails

• Ride real off-road terrain on a private 650-acre property, 5 minutes from central Queenstown - hill climbs, creek crossings, and forest trails with sweeping...

2 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (41)

from
$255

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?

According to verified reviews on Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor, the best South Island Outdoor Activities are:

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?