Top Day Trips from South Island (Updated November 2026)

South Island, New Zealand
Arthur's Pass with optional TranzAlpine Train (Small Group Tour)

Join us on a scenic day trip from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass, where you’ll journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Southern Alps. Travel by …More

Join us on a scenic day trip from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass, where you’ll journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Southern Alps. Travel by...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (15)
from
$329
Explore Hokitika Gorge and Tree Top Walkway

At Tree Top Walk Way, experience life with the birds high in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. Easy access for all to enjoy …More

At Tree Top Walk Way, experience life with the birds high in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. Easy access for all to enjoy...

5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.6 (39)
from
$124
Full Day Mavora Lakes Adventure Lord of the Rings Film Locations

Embark on a Legendary Lord of the Rings Journey from Queenstown Operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays this exclusive LOTR tour takes you deep into …More

Embark on a Legendary Lord of the Rings Journey from Queenstown Operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays this exclusive LOTR tour takes you deep into...

7 to 10 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (45)
from
$176
Dunedin Shore Excursion City Sightseeing & Tour of Larnach Castle

Staring dickside, discover Dunedin’s roots when your ship is in port on a shore excursion that takes in the city's central sights and historic Larnach …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Staring dickside, discover Dunedin’s roots when your ship is in port on a shore excursion that takes in the city's central sights and historic Larnach...

7 hours
4.3 (64)
from
$111
Franz Josef Glacier Helihike ex Queenstown

True South Flights is the only fixed wing operator to offer the Franz Josef Heli Hike from Queenstown as a day trip. The Franz Josef …More

True South Flights is the only fixed wing operator to offer the Franz Josef Heli Hike from Queenstown as a day trip. The Franz Josef...

7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (37)
from
$1,221
Photography Tour from Queenstown to Glenorchy - 1/2 Day

Half day tour from Queenstown to Glenorchy. This photographic tour is an enjoyable outdoor adventure combined with insightful guidance on maximising the use of your …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Half day tour from Queenstown to Glenorchy. This photographic tour is an enjoyable outdoor adventure combined with insightful guidance on maximising the use of your...

5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (38)
from
$216
Discover Christchurch Tour

Join Pete - your passionate local guide, for an unforgettable experience showcasing Christchurch’s iconic landmarks, beautiful coastal suburbs, rich history and hidden gems. Travelling in …More

Join Pete - your passionate local guide, for an unforgettable experience showcasing Christchurch’s iconic landmarks, beautiful coastal suburbs, rich history and hidden gems. Travelling in...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (139)
from
$227
Sail, Seals, and Walk Tour in Abel Tasman

Start your day sailing from Kaiteriteri beach, soaking up the scenery along the stunning coastline, passing the iconic Split Apple Rock and the playful NZ …More

Start your day sailing from Kaiteriteri beach, soaking up the scenery along the stunning coastline, passing the iconic Split Apple Rock and the playful NZ...

7 to 8 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (36)
from
$79
Bike The Wineries (3/4 Day) - Ride Through Gibbston's Vineyards

The ¾ Day Bike the Wineries ride is a relaxed and scenic way to experience Queenstown’s famous wine region without committing to a full day. …More

The ¾ Day Bike the Wineries ride is a relaxed and scenic way to experience Queenstown’s famous wine region without committing to a full day....

6 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.8 (28)
from
$65
Bike The Wineries (1/2 Day) - Quick Pedal to Pinot

Short on time but still want to experience the best of Queenstown’s wine country? What you'll do ✓ Shuttle from Queenstown to The Church Cellar …More

Short on time but still want to experience the best of Queenstown’s wine country? What you'll do ✓ Shuttle from Queenstown to The Church Cellar...

5 hours Free Cancellation
4.7 (48)
from
$60
Christchurch City Full Day Private Tour

Kiwi Horizons Travel' Christchurch city tour stands out due to its focus on providing a comprehensive and immersive experience of the city. Key aspects that …More

Kiwi Horizons Travel' Christchurch city tour stands out due to its focus on providing a comprehensive and immersive experience of the city. Key aspects that...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (20)
from
$105
Full Day Tour of the Sights and Tastes of the West Coast

This tour gives you the chance to relax and enjoy the sights and tastes along our route through the Grey and Buller districts, although a …More

This tour gives you the chance to relax and enjoy the sights and tastes along our route through the Grey and Buller districts, although a...

9 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (26)
from
$193
Dunedin Nature & City Tour – Full Day Cruise Excursion

This is a tour by bus around some of the main attractions of Dunedin. It is aimed at cruise ship passengers and only runs on …More

This is a tour by bus around some of the main attractions of Dunedin. It is aimed at cruise ship passengers and only runs on...

6 to 7 hours Free Cancellation
4.7 (125)
from
$54
Tranz Alpine Train Tour

A wonderful day tour to Arthurs Pass which includes a train journey on one of the worlds famous train journeys, a visit to the National …More

A wonderful day tour to Arthurs Pass which includes a train journey on one of the worlds famous train journeys, a visit to the National...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered
4.9 (95)
from
$304
6 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Christchurch

This signature 6-day tour offers a perfect blend of travel per day covering the majority of top attractions in New Zealand's South Island, optional handpicked …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

This signature 6-day tour offers a perfect blend of travel per day covering the majority of top attractions in New Zealand's South Island, optional handpicked...

6 days Hotel pickup offered
5.0 (15)
from
$1,633
Full-Day Abel Tasman National Park Hiking Tour with Cruise

Abel Tasman Water and Walk is a small group tour for visitors who prefer faster access into the heart of this popular National Park so …More

Abel Tasman Water and Walk is a small group tour for visitors who prefer faster access into the heart of this popular National Park so...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (88)
from
$340
Mt. Cook Full Day Group Tour via Tekapo from Christchurch

Book your day trip from Christchurch to Mount cook by passing all the amazing stops like Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, lavender farms (Summer) and beautiful …More

Book your day trip from Christchurch to Mount cook by passing all the amazing stops like Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, lavender farms (Summer) and beautiful...

13 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.8 (18)
from
$182
9 Day South to North Island NZ Private Tour from Queenstown

This signature 9-day, 8-night tour offers a perfect blend of daily travel, covering the majority of top attractions in both South Island (Milford Sound to …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

This signature 9-day, 8-night tour offers a perfect blend of daily travel, covering the majority of top attractions in both South Island (Milford Sound to...

9 days Hotel pickup offered
5.0 (15)
from
$2,669
Christchurch To Kaikoura Whale Watch Tour (Including Ticket)

Explore the breathtaking coastal beauty of Kaikoura on this full-day adventure. Witness majestic sperm whales and playful dolphins in their natural habitats while enjoying spectacular …More

Explore the breathtaking coastal beauty of Kaikoura on this full-day adventure. Witness majestic sperm whales and playful dolphins in their natural habitats while enjoying spectacular...

8 to 10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (15)
from
$141
Waipara Valley Winery Tour Wine Tastings and Scenic Views

Explore the enchanting Waipara Valley, renowned for its boutique wineries and breathtaking landscapes. This 5-6 hour winery tour invites you to taste award-winning wines, learn …More

Explore the enchanting Waipara Valley, renowned for its boutique wineries and breathtaking landscapes. This 5-6 hour winery tour invites you to taste award-winning wines, learn...

5 to 6 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (17)
from
$170
Milford Sound Coach and Cruise Tour from Queenstown with Flyback

Journey in comfort on one of our brand new, low-emission coaches and take in incredible panoramic views on the road to Milford Sound. Enjoy entertaining …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Journey in comfort on one of our brand new, low-emission coaches and take in incredible panoramic views on the road to Milford Sound. Enjoy entertaining...

9 hours Free Cancellation
4.7 (38)
from
$561
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