Top things to do in South Island in Summer (Updated November 2026)

South Island, New Zealand
Kaikōura Whale Watching and Scenic Landing - 1hr Premier Tour

Experience Kaikōura’s longest and most immersive helicopter whale watching tour. This one-hour adventure begins with an unforgettable aerial journey over the Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary and …More

Experience Kaikōura’s longest and most immersive helicopter whale watching tour. This one-hour adventure begins with an unforgettable aerial journey over the Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary and...

1 hour Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (27)
from
$776
Milford Extended Helicopter Tour from Queenstown

Explore the spectacular Fiordland National Park by air on this half-day Milford Sound helicopter flight from Queenstown. Fly over Milford Sound by helicopter with a …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Explore the spectacular Fiordland National Park by air on this half-day Milford Sound helicopter flight from Queenstown. Fly over Milford Sound by helicopter with a...

2 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (66)
from
$991
Kaikoura Whale Watching - 45 Minute Ocean Safari

Experience the ultimate Kaikōura helicopter tour and witness New Zealand’s incredible marine life from above. Fly over the renowned Kaikōura Canyon to spot Sperm, Humpback, …More

Experience the ultimate Kaikōura helicopter tour and witness New Zealand’s incredible marine life from above. Fly over the renowned Kaikōura Canyon to spot Sperm, Humpback,...

1 hour 15 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (44)
from
$489
30-Minute Alpine Scenic Flight from Queenstown

A winning combination: Experience breathtaking alpine scenery, from the dramatic Skippers Canyon to the expansive Queenstown Basin, with a landing on one of the region’s …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

A winning combination: Experience breathtaking alpine scenery, from the dramatic Skippers Canyon to the expansive Queenstown Basin, with a landing on one of the region’s...

30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (70)
from
$313
Oarsome Marine Reserve Kayak Tour

So much to see in this spectacular one day guided adventure! On a high tide, explore the dreamy depths of Shag Harbour where you can …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

So much to see in this spectacular one day guided adventure! On a high tide, explore the dreamy depths of Shag Harbour where you can...

8 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (41)
from
$207
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

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

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
$290
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

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

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
$290
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

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

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
$399
Franz Josef: Mountain Scenic Spectacular 40-Min Helicopter Flight

Experience two of New Zealand's finest National Parks, divided by the imposing Southern Alps. Discover the gigantic expanse of the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Experience two of New Zealand's finest National Parks, divided by the imposing Southern Alps. Discover the gigantic expanse of the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier...

40 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (39)
from
$407
Fox Glacier Mountain Scenic Spectacular 40-Min Helicopter Flight

This premier 40-minute helicopter tour lets you experience two of New Zealand's finest National Parks, divided by the imposing Southern Alps. Discover the gigantic expanse …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

This premier 40-minute helicopter tour lets you experience two of New Zealand's finest National Parks, divided by the imposing Southern Alps. Discover the gigantic expanse...

40 minutes Free Cancellation
4.8 (26)
from
$407
Fox Glacier: Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are two of New Zealand largest glaciers. From above you can view and appreciate the incredible natural phenomenon, towering ice …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are two of New Zealand largest glaciers. From above you can view and appreciate the incredible natural phenomenon, towering ice...

35 minutes Free Cancellation
4.7 (43)
from
$290
Fox Glacier: Neve Discoverer Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

The perfect opportunity to get up close to the glacier and touch snow. You'll be captivated as you lift off and fly up and over …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

The perfect opportunity to get up close to the glacier and touch snow. You'll be captivated as you lift off and fly up and over...

25 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (20)
from
$231
Franz Josef: Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

Marvel at some of New Zealand’s most amazing scenery on this once-in-a-lifetime 30-minute helicopter flight over the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Enjoy panoramic views …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Marvel at some of New Zealand’s most amazing scenery on this once-in-a-lifetime 30-minute helicopter flight over the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Enjoy panoramic views...

35 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (175)
from
$290
Franz Josef: Neve Discoverer Helicopter Flight with snow landing

The perfect opportunity to get up close to the glacier and touch snow. You'll be captivated as you lift off and fly up and over …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

The perfect opportunity to get up close to the glacier and touch snow. You'll be captivated as you lift off and fly up and over...

25 minutes Free Cancellation
4.8 (39)
from
$231
Twin Glacier Franz and Fox, snow landing (allow 30 mins - departing Franz Josef)

Twin Glacier Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier including snow landing (allow 30 minutes) This flight gives you the opportunity to discover the scenic wonders …More

Twin Glacier Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier including snow landing (allow 30 minutes) This flight gives you the opportunity to discover the scenic wonders...

30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (103)
from
$271
1 Day Sea Kayak Rental

Kayak from Marahau and enjoy the many beaches along the Astrolabe Roadstead. Visit the islands, watch the seals, listen to the birdsong and kayak back …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Kayak from Marahau and enjoy the many beaches along the Astrolabe Roadstead. Visit the islands, watch the seals, listen to the birdsong and kayak back...

7 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (35)
from
$69
Mount Cook Spectacular Helicopter Flight from Franz Josef

Enjoy the ultimate glacial experience on this 40-minute Mount Cook spectacular helicopter flight from Franz Josef. This flight tours covers it all including glacial icefalls …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Enjoy the ultimate glacial experience on this 40-minute Mount Cook spectacular helicopter flight from Franz Josef. This flight tours covers it all including glacial icefalls...

40 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (15)
from
$409
Fox Glacier & Mount Cook 35-Minute Helicopter Flight

Enjoy the ultimate helicopter experience on this 35-minute Mount Cook spectacular helicopter flight from Fox Glacier. This flight tour covers it all including glacial icefalls …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Enjoy the ultimate helicopter experience on this 35-minute Mount Cook spectacular helicopter flight from Fox Glacier. This flight tour covers it all including glacial icefalls...

35 minutes Free Cancellation
4.8 (10)
from
$288
Bays and Bush Flight Scenic Tour

This air tour is the best way to see and experience the grandeur of the inner Marlborough Sounds, with views beyond to the Outer Sounds. …More

This air tour is the best way to see and experience the grandeur of the inner Marlborough Sounds, with views beyond to the Outer Sounds....

40 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (17)
from
$85
2hr Scenic Milford Sound Flight with Landing - 201

Mitre Peak beckons as your helicopter lifts off to begin your journey into Milford Sound. Your 2 hour tour includes a landing in Milford Sound …More

Mitre Peak beckons as your helicopter lifts off to begin your journey into Milford Sound. Your 2 hour tour includes a landing in Milford Sound...

2 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (68)
from
$935
Mount Cook Spectacular Helicopter Flight from Fox Glacier

Enjoy the ultimate glacial experience on this 40-minute Mount Cook spectacular helicopter flight from Fox Glacier. This flight tour covers it all including glacial icefalls …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Enjoy the ultimate glacial experience on this 40-minute Mount Cook spectacular helicopter flight from Fox Glacier. This flight tour covers it all including glacial icefalls...

40 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (7)
from
$407
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