Top South Island Outdoor Activities

Q: 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: 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

Q: 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: Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour 4 Days, Milford Sound and Glaciers: From Christchurch Heli flight from Milford Sound to Te Anau via Doubtful Sound 3 Day Abel Tasman Guided Kayak & Walk - Nelson 3 Day Abel Tasman Guided Walk View all kid-friendly Tours →

Q: Which South Island Outdoor Activities have Instant Confirmation?

South Island Outdoor Activities with Instant Confirmation include: New Zealand: Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours Abel Tasman Heli-Hike World in a day 9 Day South to North Island NZ Private Tour from Queenstown Private Flight: 4 Glaciers with 2 Snow Landings - 60mins View all Tours with Instant Confirmation →

Q: 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: Abel Tasman Heli-Hike World in a day Private Flight: 4 Glaciers with 2 Snow Landings - 60mins Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour PRIVATE: Shackleton Glacier Whiskey Flight - 50mins View all Tours with Free Cancellation →

Q: I need a ride! Which South Island Outdoor Activities have Hotel Pickup?

No problem. These South Island Outdoor Activities include Hotel Pickup: Abel Tasman Heli-Hike 9 Day South to North Island NZ Private Tour from Queenstown 3 Day Private Photography Tour from Queenstown - The Maniototo 3 Day Private Photography Tour West Coast NZ Departs Queenstown 5 Day South Island Tour from Queenstown including Stewart Island 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 →

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

DETAILS : Return flights from Nelson Airport Return road transfers from accommodation Two-way communication with pilot 1x landing Guided hiking tour of the Abel Tasman …More

Nelson, New Zealand

Abel Tasman Heli-Hike

DETAILS : Return flights from Nelson Airport Return road transfers from accommodation Two-way communication with pilot 1x landing Guided hiking tour of the Abel Tasman...

4 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

from
$4,784

Take off from Christchurch & fly over the Canterbury Plains towards the spectacular Rangitata Gorge, side by side with the Southern Alps. Sidle up to …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

World in a day

Take off from Christchurch & fly over the Canterbury Plains towards the spectacular Rangitata Gorge, side by side with the Southern Alps. Sidle up to...

4 to 5 hours Free Cancellation

from
$2,870

9 Day South to North Island NZ Private Tour from Queenstown

This signature 9-day, 8-night tour offers a perfect blend of daily travel, covering the majority of top attractions in both South Island (Milford Sound to …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (15)

9 Day South to North Island NZ Private Tour from Queenstown

This signature 9-day, 8-night tour offers a perfect blend of daily travel, covering the majority of top attractions in both South Island (Milford Sound to...

9 days Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (15)

from
$2,703

Private Flight: 4 Glaciers with 2 Snow Landings - 60mins

Glacier Country Helicopters 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

5.0 (3)

Private Flight: 4 Glaciers with 2 Snow Landings - 60mins

Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife...

2 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$1,958

Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour

Fly from Christchurch to view the highest mountain in New Zealand, Aoraki Mount Cook—the training ground of Sir Edmund Hillary. Viewing the Canterbury plains, lakes, …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour

Fly from Christchurch to view the highest mountain in New Zealand, Aoraki Mount Cook—the training ground of Sir Edmund Hillary. Viewing the Canterbury plains, lakes,...

3 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$1,782

PRIVATE: Shackleton Glacier Whiskey Flight - 50mins

We welcome you to discover the extraordinary Shackleton Glacier and the fascinating story of its namesake's Sir Ernest Shackleton and his legendary Antarctic expedition. This …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

PRIVATE: Shackleton Glacier Whiskey Flight - 50mins

We welcome you to discover the extraordinary Shackleton Glacier and the fascinating story of its namesake's Sir Ernest Shackleton and his legendary Antarctic expedition. This...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation

from
$1,631

3 Day Private Photography Tour from Queenstown - The Maniototo

The name Maniototo, derived from Māori, is said to mean `plains of blood’ and refers to the `flowing’ red tussocks that cover the land. This …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

3 Day Private Photography Tour from Queenstown - The Maniototo

The name Maniototo, derived from Māori, is said to mean `plains of blood’ and refers to the `flowing’ red tussocks that cover the land. This...

3 days Hotel pickup offered

from
$1,611

3 Day Private Photography Tour West Coast NZ Departs Queenstown

Join us for a photography expedition to the untamed Wild West Coast of Te Wai Pounamu, New Zealand’s South Island. This remote region, framed by …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

3 Day Private Photography Tour West Coast NZ Departs Queenstown

Join us for a photography expedition to the untamed Wild West Coast of Te Wai Pounamu, New Zealand’s South Island. This remote region, framed by...

3 days Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (2)

from
$1,589

4 Days, Milford Sound and Glaciers: From Christchurch

This sweeping four-day circuit showcases the absolute best of the South Island by seamlessly connecting dramatic alpine landscapes with premium guided transport. What makes it …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

4 Days, Milford Sound and Glaciers: From Christchurch

This sweeping four-day circuit showcases the absolute best of the South Island by seamlessly connecting dramatic alpine landscapes with premium guided transport. What makes it...

4 days

5.0 (1)

from
$1,582

5 Day South Island Tour from Queenstown including Stewart Island

This curated 5 day tour from Queenstown offers you a perfect mixture of travel each day, visiting many of the top attractions in New Zealand's …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (9)

5 Day South Island Tour from Queenstown including Stewart Island

This curated 5 day tour from Queenstown offers you a perfect mixture of travel each day, visiting many of the top attractions in New Zealand's...

5 days Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (9)

from
$1,539

Private Flight: 3 Glaciers with Snow Landing - 45mins

Glacier Country Helicopters 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

4.7 (16)

Private Flight: 3 Glaciers with Snow Landing - 45mins

Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.7 (16)

from
$1,475

Mount Cook Tour: Finish at Queenstown, Christchurch or Dunedin

Discover Aoraki Mount Cook on a scenic private journey for up to 3–4 people. Your day begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Mount Cook Tour: Finish at Queenstown, Christchurch or Dunedin

Discover Aoraki Mount Cook on a scenic private journey for up to 3–4 people. Your day begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in...

720 to 750 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$1,437

Private Luxury Glenorchy/ Mt Aspiring Park Portrait 4WD Tour

We photograph your tour professionally, so you can sit back and relax. From posed photographs through to candid ones, we'll be helping you feel relaxed …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Private Luxury Glenorchy/ Mt Aspiring Park Portrait 4WD Tour

We photograph your tour professionally, so you can sit back and relax. From posed photographs through to candid ones, we'll be helping you feel relaxed...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$1,418

5 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Dunedin

This immersive 5 day tour from Dunedin offers you a perfect mixture of travel each day, visiting the majority of the top attractions in New …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

5 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Dunedin

This immersive 5 day tour from Dunedin offers you a perfect mixture of travel each day, visiting the majority of the top attractions in New...

5 days Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (2)

from
$1,395

Private Mt Cook Day Tour From Christchurch via Lake Tekapo

Wanting to explore Aoraki National Park and Lake Tekapo, but want a more personalised and tailored experience? Look no further than our private Mt Cook …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.6 (5)

Private Mt Cook Day Tour From Christchurch via Lake Tekapo

Wanting to explore Aoraki National Park and Lake Tekapo, but want a more personalised and tailored experience? Look no further than our private Mt Cook...

10 to 13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.6 (5)

from
$1,389

5 Day Queenstown Ski Tour - Remarkables Ski Field & Coronet Peak

• Package length 5 days / 4 nights • Accommodation style included is Hotel 3 star for 4 nights • You will need flights arriving …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5 Day Queenstown Ski Tour - Remarkables Ski Field & Coronet Peak

• Package length 5 days / 4 nights • Accommodation style included is Hotel 3 star for 4 nights • You will need flights arriving...

5 days

from
$1,386

New Zealand’s South Island hosts the purest natural landscapes you’ll ever experience. From the turquoise waters in Abel Tasman, pods of dolphins in Kaikoura and …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (37)

Small Group Southern Loop 7 Days Tour

New Zealand’s South Island hosts the purest natural landscapes you’ll ever experience. From the turquoise waters in Abel Tasman, pods of dolphins in Kaikoura and...

7 days

5.0 (37)

from
$1,383

Full-Day Private Tour Mt.Cook from Christchurch

If you want to see the most beautiful nature in a day, this tour is the right choice. This tour is a day tour as …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.3 (4)

Full-Day Private Tour Mt.Cook from Christchurch

If you want to see the most beautiful nature in a day, this tour is the right choice. This tour is a day tour as...

11 to 12 hours Hotel pickup offered

4.3 (4)

from
$1,323

Small Group Southern Voyager 7 Days Tour

Journey through New Zealand's natural wonderland on a 7-day road trip through the South Island. Have the chance to explore some of the best spots …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (90)