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

South Island, New Zealand
Mt Cook & Tekapo Small-Group Tour from Christchurch with lunch

Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo Tour. This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with the famous Lake …More

Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo Tour. This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with the famous Lake...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.8 (253)
from
$156
Waipara Wine Experience for 2 or more, inc tastings and lunch

This is the best wine tour in Christchurch/Canterbury. You will visit some of the best wineries in North Canterbury on the all-inclusive Waipara Wine Experience …More

This is the best wine tour in Christchurch/Canterbury. You will visit some of the best wineries in North Canterbury on the all-inclusive Waipara Wine Experience...

5 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (167)
from
$113
Queenstown: Afternoon Wine & Beer Tour 12 Tastings & Platters

Discover Queenstown’s wine and craft beer scene on the Twilight Wine & Craft Beer Tour — with 12+ tastings and a generous charcuterie platter included. …More

Discover Queenstown’s wine and craft beer scene on the Twilight Wine & Craft Beer Tour — with 12+ tastings and a generous charcuterie platter included....

4 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (377)
from
$147
Taieri Gorge Scenic Railway Journey from Dunedin

Journey deep into the Taieri Gorge on a 5-hour heritage rail experience from Dunedin. Cross spectacular viaducts, hand-carved tunnels, and step onto the Deep Stream …More

Journey deep into the Taieri Gorge on a 5-hour heritage rail experience from Dunedin. Cross spectacular viaducts, hand-carved tunnels, and step onto the Deep Stream...

5 hours
4.6 (957)
from
$96
Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton

The best experience in Marlborough. This tour offers an amazing, fully-guided experience wildlife. A small-group tour to view some of New Zealand’s spectacular wildlife. Visit …More

The best experience in Marlborough. This tour offers an amazing, fully-guided experience wildlife. A small-group tour to view some of New Zealand’s spectacular wildlife. Visit...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.8 (198)
from
$98
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Experience the natural beauty of Doubtful Sound on an overnight cruise departing from Manapouri on New Zealand’s South Island. Cruise on a traditional two-mast sailing …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Experience the natural beauty of Doubtful Sound on an overnight cruise departing from Manapouri on New Zealand’s South Island. Cruise on a traditional two-mast sailing...

2 days
4.8 (274)
from
$452
Abel Tasman Vista Cruise

We've been welcoming visitors to the spectacular Abel Tasman granite coast since 1841. Travel in style on our Vista Cruise. There's no need to go …More

We've been welcoming visitors to the spectacular Abel Tasman granite coast since 1841. Travel in style on our Vista Cruise. There's no need to go...

3 to 6 hours Free Cancellation
4.7 (404)
from
$71
Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch

Enjoy a Sightseeing tour to Akaroa through the spectacular scenery surrounding Banks Peninsula, formed following violent eruptions of two ancient volcanoes.  The Akaroa crater nurses …More

Enjoy a Sightseeing tour to Akaroa through the spectacular scenery surrounding Banks Peninsula, formed following violent eruptions of two ancient volcanoes.  The Akaroa crater nurses...

9 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered
4.7 (300)
from
$165
Queenstown Segway Tour

See the highlights of Queenstown on a Segway tour, the perfect introduction to New Zealand’s capital of outdoor adventure. Begin with a short lesson on …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

See the highlights of Queenstown on a Segway tour, the perfect introduction to New Zealand’s capital of outdoor adventure. Begin with a short lesson on...

2 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (1,289)
from
$56
Queenstown 6 hour Boutique Wine Tour 4 Wineries and Lunch

Experience a tasting journey through three of Central Otago’s incredibly scenic and varying wine sub-regions; Gibbston, Bannockburn and Cromwell. Visit four boutique vineyards, tasting their …More

Experience a tasting journey through three of Central Otago’s incredibly scenic and varying wine sub-regions; Gibbston, Bannockburn and Cromwell. Visit four boutique vineyards, tasting their...

6 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (746)
from
$164
Award Winning Milford Sound Full Day Tour & Cruise from Te Anau

Discover the spectacular beauty of Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park on an extended 9-hour small-group tour from Te Anau, limited to 16 guests. Travel …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Discover the spectacular beauty of Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park on an extended 9-hour small-group tour from Te Anau, limited to 16 guests. Travel...

9 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (1,300)
from
$178
Supercar Fast Dash - Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park

A world-class tourism destination just 45 minutes from Queenstown Airport, Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park is home to a range of exceptional experiences which are …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

A world-class tourism destination just 45 minutes from Queenstown Airport, Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park is home to a range of exceptional experiences which are...

15 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (47)
from
$115
Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

Premium small group tour including a boutique Milford Sound cruise designed for an immersive viewing experience, and picnic lunch from Queenstown. There is no better …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Premium small group tour including a boutique Milford Sound cruise designed for an immersive viewing experience, and picnic lunch from Queenstown. There is no better...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (3,776)
from
$209
Glenorchy & Paradise Half-Day Scenic Tour from Queenstown

Sitting on the northern shores of Lake Whakatipu is the small picturesque village of Glenorchy, the famous Paradise Valley, and world-famous Middle-earth magic. Join this …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Sitting on the northern shores of Lake Whakatipu is the small picturesque village of Glenorchy, the famous Paradise Valley, and world-famous Middle-earth magic. Join this...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (532)
from
$107
Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown

Join talented and knowledgeable guides on a journey along one of New Zealand's most scenic drives. All guides have unique and insightful stories to share, …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Join talented and knowledgeable guides on a journey along one of New Zealand's most scenic drives. All guides have unique and insightful stories to share,...

12 hours Free Cancellation
4.7 (959)
from
$156
Clearwater Wildlife Tours (small group 10max) Otago Peninsula

Fewer People - More Wildlife! The Clearwater Family's Farm is home to more wildlife per square meter than anywhere in Dunedin. The intimate small group …More

Fewer People - More Wildlife! The Clearwater Family's Farm is home to more wildlife per square meter than anywhere in Dunedin. The intimate small group...

4 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (678)
from
$133
Arrowtown Electric Bike Hire

Fast becoming the most popular choice for all levels of fitness and ability. Let the electrics assist you up hills and boost you further than …More

Fast becoming the most popular choice for all levels of fitness and ability. Let the electrics assist you up hills and boost you further than...

1 to 8 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (97)
from
$82
Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

Milford Sound is arguably the most scenic destination in New Zealand and a must-see for any traveller. Whether seen in sunshine or rain, the incredible …More

Milford Sound is arguably the most scenic destination in New Zealand and a must-see for any traveller. Whether seen in sunshine or rain, the incredible...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (2,627)
from
$206
Milford Sound Day Tour with Scenic Cruise from Queenstown

Experience stunning scenery on an unforgettable day trip to Milford Sound. The pristine Milford Sound is part of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, in …More

Experience stunning scenery on an unforgettable day trip to Milford Sound. The pristine Milford Sound is part of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, in...

13 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (548)
from
$195
From Queenstown: Milford Sound Cruise & Glass-Roof Coach Tour

Discover one of the best things to do in South Island New Zealand as you embark on a full-day trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound. …More

Discover one of the best things to do in South Island New Zealand as you embark on a full-day trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound....

12 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.6 (676)
from
$169
Full-Day Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Walks from Te Anau

Embark on an awe-inspiring day excursion to Milford Sound from Te Anau, where you'll be part of a friendly, intimate group of no more than …More

Embark on an awe-inspiring day excursion to Milford Sound from Te Anau, where you'll be part of a friendly, intimate group of no more than...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (783)
from
$185
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