Top Things to Do in South Island

We compared all 576 experiences in South Island so you can choose in minutes: real prices, verified reviews and our editorial picks.

★4.8 576 experiences from NZ$ 14.54 ✓Free cancellation on most experiences

All tours (41–60 of 576)

Christchurch: International Antarctic Centre & Penguin Encounter
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Most booked
Christchurch: International Antarctic Centre & Penguin EncounterWalk through an Antarctic storm, ride a Hägglund off-road vehicle, and meet Little Blue Penguins at Christchurch's International Antarctic Centre. Open daily 9am–4:30pm.
561 reviews
4.46★
Duration
2h–3h
start times · Every day
2
Free cancellationfromNZ$ 74per person
Waipara Wine Tasting Tour: 3 Vineyards & Lunch Included
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Travelers' pick
Waipara Wine Tasting Tour: 3 Vineyards & Lunch IncludedVisit three North Canterbury boutique vineyards in Waipara to taste 15+ wines, enjoy plattered lunch and air-conditioned transport from Christchurch.
518 reviews
4.47★
Duration
5h 30m
Every day
11:30
Live guide ENFree cancellationfromNZ$ 199per person
Glenorchy & Paradise Half-Day Tour: Middle-earth Sites
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Travelers' pick
Glenorchy & Paradise Half-Day Tour: Middle-earth SitesHalf-day scenic tour from Queenstown to Glenorchy and Paradise Valley with a local guide, morning or afternoon tea.
516 reviews
4.88★
Duration
4h 30m
start times · Every day
3
Live guide ENFree cancellationfromNZ$ 189per person
Kaikoura: Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour with Seals & Dolphins
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Travelers' pick
Kaikoura: Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour with Seals & DolphinsCurious about paddling alongside fur seals in Kaikoura? Join a wildlife sea kayaking tour with marine mammal permit, local guides, and all gear included.
504 reviews
4.80★
Duration
3h
Every day
16:30
Live guide ENFree cancellationfromNZ$ 165per person
Christchurch to Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train & Castle Hill Day Trip
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Travelers' pick
Christchurch to Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train & Castle Hill Day TripWake up in Christchurch, ride the TranzAlpine train through the Southern Alps, hike Arthur’s Pass, and explore Castle Hill’s boulders. Includes pickup & guide.
501 reviews
4.85★
Duration
10h
Tue, Thu, Sat and Sun
07:00
Live guide ENPickup optionalFree cancellationfromNZ$ 380per person
Wanaka: Highest Waterfall Cable Climb Level 2 (4 Hours)
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★Top rated
Wanaka: Highest Waterfall Cable Climb Level 2 (4 Hours)Four-hour cable climb on the world's highest waterfall via ferrata, 20 minutes from Wanaka. Includes guide, safety gear, training and lunch. Moderate fitness required.
492 reviews
4.99★
Duration
4h
start times · Every day
6
Live guide ENFree cancellationfromNZ$ 389per person
Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Cruise & Walter Peak Farm with Afternoon Tea
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Travelers' pick
Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Cruise & Walter Peak Farm with Afternoon TeaCruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw or catamaran, then explore Walter Peak working farm with dog shows and scones. Includes farm tour, afternoon tea, and lake commentary.
489 reviews
4.63★
Duration
3h 30m
start times · Every day
3
Live guide ENFree cancellationfromNZ$ 139per person
Marlborough Wine Tasting: 5 Cellar Doors & Lunch from Picton
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Travelers' pick
Marlborough Wine Tasting: 5 Cellar Doors & Lunch from PictonFive wineries, 20+ wines tasted, and lunch at Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen. Door-to-door from Picton or Blenheim, no driving required. Full day, small groups.
480 reviews
4.94★
Duration
6h
start times · Every day
2
Live guide ENHotel pickupFree cancellationfromNZ$ 250per person
Queenstown: 12 Mile Canyon Canyoning with 2 Guides & Hot Shower
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Travelers' pick
Queenstown: 12 Mile Canyon Canyoning with 2 Guides & Hot ShowerHalf-day canyoning in Queenstown's 12 Mile Canyon: zip, abseil, slide and plunge through forest. Includes gear, photos and hot shower. Central check-in, no experience needed.
471 reviews
4.90★
Duration
4h
start times · Every day
4
Live guide ENFree cancellationfromNZ$ 249per person
Milford Sound Day Trip from Queenstown Cruise beneath falls
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Travelers' pick
Milford Sound Day Trip from Queenstown Cruise beneath fallsTake a full-day coach and cruise from Queenstown with a scenic 1hr 45min nature cruise, refreshments, and return transport for an unforgettable day out.
461 reviews
4.74★
Duration
12h 30m
Every day
07:00
Live guide ENFree cancellationfromNZ$ 309NZ$ 247per person
Kaikoura: Seal Kayak Tour & Sunset Pedal Kayaking Options
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Travelers' pick
Kaikoura: Seal Kayak Tour & Sunset Pedal Kayaking OptionsFeel the ocean air on a hands-free seal kayak tour in Kaikoura. Pedal or paddle with a local guide, spot fur seals up close, and capture photos without stopping.
449 reviews
4.97★
Duration
3h
start times · Every day
3
Live guide ENFree cancellationfromNZ$ 145per person
Mt Cook Day Tour from Queenstown: Scenic Drive & 3 Hours Free Time
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Travelers' pick
Mt Cook Day Tour from Queenstown: Scenic Drive & 3 Hours Free TimeFull-day Mt Cook tour from Queenstown with Lake Pukaki, Hooker Valley hikes, and scenic flights optional. Small group, hotel pickup included, local guide. Around 10–11 hours.
444 reviews
4.87★
Duration
13h
Every day
06:30
Live guide ENPickup optionalFree cancellationfromNZ$ 279per person
Abel Tasman Coastal Cruise: Granite Coast & Fur Seals
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Best value
Abel Tasman Coastal Cruise: Granite Coast & Fur SealsCruise the Abel Tasman granite coastline from golden sands beach, viewing Split Apple Rock and fur seals with optional beach stops and walks along the way.
431 reviews
4.61★
Duration
3h–6h
start times · Every day
2
Free cancellationfromNZ$ 125per person
Milford Sound Full Day Tour from Te Anau: Cruise & Guided Stops
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Likely to sell out
Milford Sound Full Day Tour from Te Anau: Cruise & Guided StopsFull-day guided tour from Te Anau to Milford Sound with a two-hour nature cruise, three optional walks, and reserved seating on the boat in small air-conditioned groups.
413 reviews
4.98★
Duration
9h
start times · Every day
3
Live guide ENPickup optionalFree cancellationfromNZ$ 359per person
Milford Sound: Queenstown Flights & Fiord Cruise
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Travelers' pick
Milford Sound: Queenstown Flights & Fiord CruiseFly from Queenstown to Milford Sound with scenic flight, 2-hour cruise through Fiordland, and return flight. Includes hotel pickup and light refreshments. Half-day tour.
413 reviews
4.82★
Duration
4h–5h
start times · Every day
4
Live guide ENPickup optionalFree cancellationfromNZ$ 856per person
Lake Mapourika kayak tour near Franz Josef Glacier
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Lake Mapourika kayak tour near Franz Josef GlacierPaddle Lake Mapourika with a local guide for three hours, taking in views of Franz Josef Glacier and the Southern Alps from the water while exploring.
412 reviews
4.91★
Duration
3h
start times · Every day
4
Live guide ENFree cancellationfromNZ$ 159per person
Franz Josef & Fox Glacier: Helicopter Snow Landing 35min
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Travelers' pick
Franz Josef & Fox Glacier: Helicopter Snow Landing 35minHelicopter flight over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers with 10-minute snow landing. 35 minutes total, locally operated by commercial pilots, safety gear included.
404 reviews
4.78★
Duration
35m
start times · Every day
13
Free cancellationfromNZ$ 495per person
Milford Sound Cruise: Waterfalls, Mitre Peak & Nature Views
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Milford Sound Cruise: Waterfalls, Mitre Peak & Nature ViewsFeel the spray of Stirling Falls, watch Mitre Peak drift by, and sip hot tea on a Milford Sound cruise with live commentary and flexible lunch options.
404 reviews
4.64★
Duration
1h 45m
start times · Every day
7
Live guide ENFree cancellationfromNZ$ 179per person
Wanaka & Hawea: E-Bike Trail Ride with Shuttle & Bakery Stop
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Travelers' pick
Wanaka & Hawea: E-Bike Trail Ride with Shuttle & Bakery StopFeel the wind on easy Wanaka & Hawea trails, pause for pastries in Albert Town, and ride riverside paths at your own pace. Includes shuttle, e-bike, and gear.
403 reviews
4.92★
Duration
4h
start times · Every day
3
Free cancellationfromNZ$ 130per person
Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Trip from Christchurch
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Travelers' pick
Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Trip from ChristchurchWatch morning mist lift over Lake Tekapo, walk to Tasman Glacier, and share stories with your guide on this small-group Mount Cook day trip from Christchurch with lunch included.
395 reviews
4.85★
Duration
13h
Mon, Wed and Fri
06:30
Live guide ENPickup optionalFree cancellationfromNZ$ 275per person
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