Top Day Trips from South Island (Updated November 2026)

South Island, New Zealand
Kaikōura Day Tour From Christchurch With Dolphin Encounter

Kaikōura, whose name translates to ‘eat crayfish’ in English, is a small coastal town often overlooked by tourists. Caught between the Kaikōura Ranges - which …More

Kaikōura, whose name translates to ‘eat crayfish’ in English, is a small coastal town often overlooked by tourists. Caught between the Kaikōura Ranges - which...

8 to 10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (1)
from
$221
Arthur’s Pass Tour with Jet-Boat Ride from Christchurch

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

Nestled at the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana), Arthur’s Pass is steeped in history. Home of the world’s only...

10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.5 (2)
from
$212
Kaikōura Day Tour From Christchurch (Small Group, Carbon Neutral)

Kaikōura, whose name translates to ‘eat crayfish’ in English, is a small coastal town often overlooked by tourists. Caught between the Kaikōura Ranges - which …More

Kaikōura, whose name translates to ‘eat crayfish’ in English, is a small coastal town often overlooked by tourists. Caught between the Kaikōura Ranges - which...

8 to 10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.7 (3)
from
$128
Private 8h Scenic Drive & Hike Christchurch Lunch Guide Transport

Godley Head is an exciting and beautiful headland at the far end of the Port Hills. From Godley Head, you will be treated to uninterrupted …More

Godley Head is an exciting and beautiful headland at the far end of the Port Hills. From Godley Head, you will be treated to uninterrupted...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (2)
from
$145
Guided Hike & Scenic Drive: Christchurch. 8hr. Lunch & Transport

Godley Head is an exciting and beautiful place at the far end of the Port Hills. From Godley Head, you will be treated to uninterrupted …More

Godley Head is an exciting and beautiful place at the far end of the Port Hills. From Godley Head, you will be treated to uninterrupted...

3 to 7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (4)
from
$187
Queenstown More Than A Wine Tour

Our Queenstown More Than A Wine Tour is not so much about swirling, sniffing and chatting about gooseberries, oak and tannins. It’s more an opportunity to …More

Our Queenstown More Than A Wine Tour is not so much about swirling, sniffing and chatting about gooseberries, oak and tannins. It’s more an opportunity to...

6 to 9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (1)
from
$794
Private 8hr Akaroa Tour: Lunch, Transport, Guide. Optional Cruise

This private tour, starting and finishing in Christchurch, is a genuinely scenic experience. Visit some of the small settlements around Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbours. …More

This private tour, starting and finishing in Christchurch, is a genuinely scenic experience. Visit some of the small settlements around Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbours....

7 to 8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (1)
from
$248
Cruise Abel Tasman to Golden Bay

Explore the Best of Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay in One Day! Your friendly guide will pick you up from your accommodation for …More

Explore the Best of Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay in One Day! Your friendly guide will pick you up from your accommodation for...

9 hours 45 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (8)
from
$316
Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations

Embark on a Legendary Lord of the Rings Journey from Queenstown, this exclusive LOTR tour takes you deep into the Southland region, home to some …More

Embark on a Legendary Lord of the Rings Journey from Queenstown, this exclusive LOTR tour takes you deep into the Southland region, home to some...

7 to 10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (2)
from
$1,323
Jet Boat and Hot Pools Day Tour from Christchurch

Join Pete for a fully guided day out, travelling through beautiful Canterbury countryside to the magnificent Rakaia Gorge. Here, prepare for an exhilarating 45-minute Discovery …More

Join Pete for a fully guided day out, travelling through beautiful Canterbury countryside to the magnificent Rakaia Gorge. Here, prepare for an exhilarating 45-minute Discovery...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (1)
from
$226
Castle Hill & Arthur Pass Day Trip From Christchurch

Discover one of New Zealand’s most dramatic alpine landscapes on this unforgettable full-day adventure to Arthur’s Pass National Park. Journey from the Canterbury plains into …More

Discover one of New Zealand’s most dramatic alpine landscapes on this unforgettable full-day adventure to Arthur’s Pass National Park. Journey from the Canterbury plains into...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (7)
from
$173
Lyttleton Port Excursion Day Tour 3 options for Cruise travelers

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Tailored 3 Private Tours for Cruise Ship Passengers Arriving in Lyttleton, Christchurch. We offer these tour options, specially designed for only …More

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Tailored 3 Private Tours for Cruise Ship Passengers Arriving in Lyttleton, Christchurch. We offer these tour options, specially designed for only...

7 to 8 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (6)
from
$187
Milford Sound Private Day Trip from Queenstown via Te Anau

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Enjoy a tailored tour exclusively for private tour. Flexible itinerary that can adapt to your interests, pace, and preferences and Options …More

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Enjoy a tailored tour exclusively for private tour. Flexible itinerary that can adapt to your interests, pace, and preferences and Options...

13 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (7)
from
$383
Akaroa & Banks Peninsula Private Day Tour from Christchurch

Discover the charm of Akaroa, a beautiful seaside town known for its French heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Enjoy dolphin watching experiences featuring the rare …More

Discover the charm of Akaroa, a beautiful seaside town known for its French heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Enjoy dolphin watching experiences featuring the rare...

7 to 8 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (7)
from
$141
Private Excursion: Scenic and Seascape Delights from Picton

Relax with the flexibility of your exclusive tour of the Marlborough wine region.  Taste sensational wines and partake of some of the most delicious gourmet treats.  …More

Relax with the flexibility of your exclusive tour of the Marlborough wine region.  Taste sensational wines and partake of some of the most delicious gourmet treats. ...

6 hours Free Cancellation
4.2 (5)
from
$167
VIP Wine Experience from Queenstown Including Gourmet Lunch.

The VIP experience is designed to allow our guests to have a fully immersive experience. The experience allows you a once in a lifetime opportunity …More

The VIP experience is designed to allow our guests to have a fully immersive experience. The experience allows you a once in a lifetime opportunity...

6 to 8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (2)
from
$460
(MT) Mount Cook Day Tour From Christchurch

Explore the heart of New Zealand’s alpine paradise with our Mount Cook Group Day Tour from Christchurch—a full-day escape into stunning mountain and lake landscapes. …More

Explore the heart of New Zealand’s alpine paradise with our Mount Cook Group Day Tour from Christchurch—a full-day escape into stunning mountain and lake landscapes....

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.4 (5)
from
$230
Private Tour: Winter Wine and Scenic Delights Tour from Picton

A private winter wine and scenic tour departing Picton at 9:45am and returning at 4:00pm is the perfect option for discovering Marlborough which has the …More

A private winter wine and scenic tour departing Picton at 9:45am and returning at 4:00pm is the perfect option for discovering Marlborough which has the...

5 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (4)
from
$975
Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch & Lyttelton

Enjoy the beautiful views and scenery on the way by passing through Governor’s Bay, Gebbies Pass, Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora), and Little River. Spend your …More

Enjoy the beautiful views and scenery on the way by passing through Governor’s Bay, Gebbies Pass, Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora), and Little River. Spend your...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (3)
from
$114
(MT) Mount Cook Return Day Tour Via Lake Tekapo from Christchurch

Carefully timed stops at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Pukaki, and NZ Alpine Lavender Farm offer world-class photo opportunities. Travel during lavender bloom …More

Carefully timed stops at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Pukaki, and NZ Alpine Lavender Farm offer world-class photo opportunities. Travel during lavender bloom...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (3)
from
$230
Private Yacht Cruise in the Marlborough Sounds New Zealand

Experience the adventure of a lifetime as we take you on an unforgettable journey through the stunning Marlborough Sounds. Escape to a world of breathtaking …More

Experience the adventure of a lifetime as we take you on an unforgettable journey through the stunning Marlborough Sounds. Escape to a world of breathtaking...

8 to 9 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (2)
from
$5,464
Recent tour reviews
Activity name

South Island Tours
Attractions
Guides
Calendar