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

South Island, New Zealand
Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Arthur's Pass National Park Day Tour

Explore the beautiful alpine setting of Arthur's Pass National Park on this shore excursion from Lyttelton Port via guided coach, including time for lunch (own …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Explore the beautiful alpine setting of Arthur's Pass National Park on this shore excursion from Lyttelton Port via guided coach, including time for lunch (own...

7 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.7 (22)
from
$190
Stewart Island/Rakiura Half-Day Guided Nature Walk to Oneke

Embark on a guided small-group walk to Oneke, 'The Neck,' on Rakiura Stewart Island. Check in at the ferry terminal in Oban, just a 5 …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Embark on a guided small-group walk to Oneke, 'The Neck,' on Rakiura Stewart Island. Check in at the ferry terminal in Oban, just a 5...

3 hours 15 minutes Free Cancellation
4.8 (11)
from
$90
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch

Discover the picturesque village of Hanmer Springs on this full-day trip from Christchurch. You will be picked up from your accommodation and transfered to the …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Discover the picturesque village of Hanmer Springs on this full-day trip from Christchurch. You will be picked up from your accommodation and transfered to the...

8 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered
4.5 (15)
from
$139
3.5 Hour Marlborough Sounds Delivery Cruise

Take a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at daily life in the unique and isolated Marlborough Sounds as we deliver goods and passengers to far-flung jetties and …More

Take a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at daily life in the unique and isolated Marlborough Sounds as we deliver goods and passengers to far-flung jetties and...

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.5 (75)
from
$74
Gibbston Half-Day Private Wine Tour with Hotel Pickup

After complimentary accommodation pick-up, we will set off for the heart of Gibbston on a small private tour to visit four cellar doors and journey …More

After complimentary accommodation pick-up, we will set off for the heart of Gibbston on a small private tour to visit four cellar doors and journey...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered
5.0 (37)
from
$243
Kaikōura Whale Watch Tour from Christchurch - Small Group

Discover New Zealand's marine wildlife capital on this whale watching day tour from Christchurch to Kaikōura. Journey along a spectacular coastal route to witness giant …More

Discover New Zealand's marine wildlife capital on this whale watching day tour from Christchurch to Kaikōura. Journey along a spectacular coastal route to witness giant...

8 to 10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.8 (12)
from
$215
Okarito Nature Tour

Embark on the Ōkārito Nature Tour with Glacier Valley Eco Tours and explore New Zealand's South Westland. Just 20 minutes from Franz Josef Glacier, the …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Embark on the Ōkārito Nature Tour with Glacier Valley Eco Tours and explore New Zealand's South Westland. Just 20 minutes from Franz Josef Glacier, the...

3 to 4 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (7)
from
$68
Full-Day Omaka Aviation Heritage Center and Wine Tasting Tour

This full-day small-group tour from Blenheim or Picton takes you to the Omaka Heritage Aviation Centre (entry fees apply). This is a popular icon stop …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

This full-day small-group tour from Blenheim or Picton takes you to the Omaka Heritage Aviation Centre (entry fees apply). This is a popular icon stop...

5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (3)
from
$185
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

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

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
$1,419
Full-Day Marlborough Scenic and Wine Tour from Picton

This full-day Marlborough experience takes you across the Wairau Plains into the picturesque sea port of Havelock, where you can stop to explore and enjoy …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

This full-day Marlborough experience takes you across the Wairau Plains into the picturesque sea port of Havelock, where you can stop to explore and enjoy...

7 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (4)
from
$207
8 Day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour

Turquoise lakes, majestic glaciers, dramatic mountain peaks and the picture-perfect towns of Queenstown, Wanaka and Franz Josef. With accommodation and some activities included (see below), …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Turquoise lakes, majestic glaciers, dramatic mountain peaks and the picture-perfect towns of Queenstown, Wanaka and Franz Josef. With accommodation and some activities included (see below),...

8 days
5.0 (2)
from
$908
Private Family Cultural Journey Through Historic Dunedin

This private family tour reveals the cultural heritage, architectural character, and natural beauty of Dunedin, one of New Zealand’s most historic cities. Explore a destination …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

This private family tour reveals the cultural heritage, architectural character, and natural beauty of Dunedin, one of New Zealand’s most historic cities. Explore a destination...

3 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (2)
from
$210
Picton Wine & Scenic Adventure: VIP Cruise Excursion

The only Marlborough wine tour organized by a local winemaker we will tailor make this wine tour to perfection. Make the most of your short …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

The only Marlborough wine tour organized by a local winemaker we will tailor make this wine tour to perfection. Make the most of your short...

4 to 5 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (6)
from
$906
Mount Cook Day tour from Christchurch to Queenstown

Venture out on a one-way sightseeing tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook and experience the splendour of the NZ Southern Alps. Enjoy the …More

Venture out on a one-way sightseeing tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook and experience the splendour of the NZ Southern Alps. Enjoy the...

11 hours Free Cancellation
4.3 (66)
from
$218
Mt Cook Day Tour from Queenstown via Wānaka and Pukaki

New Zealand's highest peak deserves more than a drive-past. This full-day small-group tour from Queenstown travels north via Kawarau Gorge, before heading through the Mackenzie …More

New Zealand's highest peak deserves more than a drive-past. This full-day small-group tour from Queenstown travels north via Kawarau Gorge, before heading through the Mackenzie...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.5 (10)
from
$150
Private Luxury Queenstown Portrait 4WD Gold Heritage Tour

Private pickup, luxury Land Rover, expert local guide, and professional photography — all included, no extras. Your group only, your pace, at locations chosen for …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Private pickup, luxury Land Rover, expert local guide, and professional photography — all included, no extras. Your group only, your pace, at locations chosen for...

3 hours Hotel pickup offered
5.0 (6)
from
$735
Roxburgh Gorge Bike Hire with Jet Boat & Return Shuttle Included

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail Experience is a purpose built Official NZ Great Ride (Grade 1 to 3) that follows the Clutha River. Alongside the Lake …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail Experience is a purpose built Official NZ Great Ride (Grade 1 to 3) that follows the Clutha River. Alongside the Lake...

6 hours 15 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (8)
from
$212
Mou Waho Island Cruise & Self-Guided Nature Walk

Enjoy a comfortable cruise on our 28 seat super taxi Moutimu and a knowledgeable Kiwi skipper to answer your questions along the way. Cruise through …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Enjoy a comfortable cruise on our 28 seat super taxi Moutimu and a knowledgeable Kiwi skipper to answer your questions along the way. Cruise through...

3 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (8)
from
$84
Private 8hr Shore Exc: Akaroa. Guide, Lunch & Transport Included.

This private tour is specifically designed for cruise ship passengers. Visit Akaroa and explore the Banks Peninsula with one of our friendly and knowledgeable local …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

This private tour is specifically designed for cruise ship passengers. Visit Akaroa and explore the Banks Peninsula with one of our friendly and knowledgeable local...

6 to 7 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (7)
from
$248
Inland Canterbury & Castle Hill Tour (Lyttelton Shore Excursion)

This scenic small-group tour includes lunch, transport, and a local guide to Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti. Visit country towns, mountain passes, alpine lakes, and the amazing …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

This scenic small-group tour includes lunch, transport, and a local guide to Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti. Visit country towns, mountain passes, alpine lakes, and the amazing...

7 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (5)
from
$299
Akaroa Shore Excursion: Akaroa Harbour and Sheep Farm Local Tour

A 2.5 hour shore excursion which combines a guided local tour of Akaroa township and harbours with a tour of a working sheep farm. After …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

A 2.5 hour shore excursion which combines a guided local tour of Akaroa township and harbours with a tour of a working sheep farm. After...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.6 (11)
from
$65
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