Our Top Five South Island Tours To Do

New Zealand's South Island offers some of New Zealand’s most incredible landscapes, from towering mountains and pristine fiords to lush vineyards and ancient forests.

With so many tour options available to see these landscapes, choosing the right experiences can be challenging.

We've compiled a list of the top five South Island tours based on visitor feedback, unique experiences, and overall value to help you decide which South Island tours deserve a place on your New Zealand itinerary.

Now we aren't here to talk about ourselves but we have thrown in a bonus of what we believe to be a special, one of a kind 3-day tour to Milford Sound. Check it out at the bottom!

Key Takeaways

• Doubtful Sound overnight cruises offer an immersive wilderness experience in remote Fiordland.
  

• The TranzAlpine train journey provides spectacular alpine views without any driving.
  

• The Dart River Jet boat through Mt Aspiring National Park combines thrills with stunning scenery.
  

• Hop ‘N Grape tours in Marlborough showcase top-tier vineyards with expert guidance.
  

• Stewart Island's Ulva Island sanctuary offers rare wildlife encounters in pristine environments.
  

• Each tour caters to different interests while highlighting the South Island's diverse landscapes

Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

The Experience

Real NZ's Doubtful Sound overnight cruise takes you into the heart of pristine Fiordland wilderness. The journey begins at Lake Manapouri, where you board a vessel to cross the lake before a coach transports you over the stunning Wilmot Pass to reach Doubtful Sound.

Once aboard your overnight vessel, you'll explore the secluded inlets and coves of this magnificent fiord, venturing to the Tasman Sea.

An onboard nature specialist enhances the experience with commentary about the area's unique ecosystem and helps you spot local wildlife including dolphins, seals, and rare penguins.

The experience includes optional kayaking or small boat excursions with nature guides, allowing you to get even closer to this pristine environment. As evening falls, the fiord transforms into an extraordinarily peaceful setting far from civilisation.

Vessel Options

Two vessel choices are available for this overnight experience:

The Fiordland Navigator resembles a traditional sailing vessel with private cabins featuring ensuite bathrooms and twin or double bed configurations. Guests enjoy a buffet dinner prepared by the onboard chef, with spacious viewing decks and an observation lounge for wildlife spotting.

Alternatively, the Fiordland Wanderer offers two-person sleeping compartments with shared bathroom facilities. This vessel serves plated meals rather than buffet style but features similar amenities including viewing decks, a dining saloon, and a licensed bar.

Both vessels carry kayaks and tender craft for shore excursions.

Pricing and Reviews

Prices start from approximately $749 for two adults in an ensuite cabin, with children's rates from $584 for two children. 

With a 4.5-star average online review rating, visitors consistently praise the experience:

"Cannot speak highly enough of this cruise. The crew, the food, the scenery were all stellar. Trip of a lifetime."

 "A wonderful experience to cruise and walk the very remote area. Beautiful landscapes."

"The sites are amazing. This tour was professional and worth every penny. Certainly one of the best."

TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch to Greymouth

The Experience

Great Journeys NZ operates the famous TranzAlpine rail service, which travels coast to coast through the dramatic Southern Alps divide.

This scenic train journey begins in Christchurch on the East Coast and traverses to Greymouth on the West Coast, offering stunning views throughout.

The train climbs from the farmland of the Canterbury Plains into the spectacular Southern Alps. Passengers witness ever-changing landscapes including braided rivers, native beech forests, and the rugged scenery of the West Coast, including glimpses of glacial lakes.

Large panoramic windows ensure excellent viewing from your seat, while the open-air viewing carriage allows you to step outside to breathe the fresh alpine air and capture unobstructed photographs of the passing scenery.

Onboard Amenities

The TranzAlpine features a café serving locally sourced food and beverages. Comfortable seating and informative commentary enhance the journey, which takes approximately 4 hours one way.

The train operates daily for most of the year, though from May to July service reduces to Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, before returning to a seven-day schedule from early July. 

Pricing and Reviews

One-way fares start from $249 per adult. Passengers can either return the same day or stay in Greymouth to explore the West Coast, later returning to Christchurch via the TranzAlpine or hiring a vehicle in Greymouth for further exploration. 

With a 4.5-star average online rating, travellers consistently praise:

"Everything about this journey was exceptional. The food was good and it's a brilliant way to see the countryside."

"The staff were friendly and helpful, and the scenery was absolutely stunning."

"A must-do experience when visiting New Zealand's South Island."

Dart River Wilderness Jet

The Experience

Dart River Adventures offers an exhilarating jet boat ride that ventures deep into Mount Aspiring National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage area. This half-day experience combines the thrill of jet boating with access to stunning wilderness scenery.

Covering up to 90 kilometres of the braided Dart River, this is the longest jet boat ride in the region. The journey takes you through pristine landscapes with snowcapped mountains, ancient native forests, and crystal-clear waters.

Knowledgeable guides share stories about Māori legends, local history, and the famous Greenstone Trail. The experience also includes a short guided forest walk, where you’ll learn about the flora and fauna.

Details and Inclusions

The tour runs for approximately two hours with both morning and afternoon departures available. Life jackets are provided, and complimentary return transport from Queenstown can be arranged if needed.

Owned by Ngāi Tahu, the tour emphasises conservation and cultural heritage, offering insights into local environmental protection efforts alongside the adventure elements.

Pricing and Reviews

Peak season (October-April) pricing is $349 per adult and $229 per child, with family packages available at $927 for two adults and two children. Off-peak rates (May-September) are slightly lower at $299 per adult, $205 per child, and family packages at $803 for two adults and two children.

With an 4.7- star average online rating, guests frequently comment:

"Definitely put this on your Queenstown itinerary. A must-do, exhilarating with fantastic views, great guide, lots of photos, and short walk to a beautiful hidden spot. Highly recommended."

"Outstanding. This trip was a favourite during our two weeks on the South Island. We cannot recommend these guys highly enough."

Hop ‘N Grape Wine Tour

The Experience

Hop ‘N Grape Tours in Blenheim offers a premium wine experience in New Zealand's renowned Marlborough region. This half-day tour is designed for wine enthusiasts seeking insider access to the area's acclaimed vineyards.

Led by wine-trained specialists, the tour provides exclusive tastings at four top wineries. Guests enjoy a curated selection of Marlborough's finest Sauvignon Blancs along with other varietals.

The tour also makes time for lunch at one of the vineyard restaurants (lunch cost not included in tour price).

Tour Details

Running from approximately 12:15 PM to 4:30 PM, this tour keeps groups small to ensure a personalised experience. Complimentary pickup and drop-off service is provided for accommodations in Blenheim or Renwick.

The guides offer expert commentary on wine production, grape varieties, and the unique landscape and climate factors that make Marlborough wines world-class.

Pricing and Reviews

Priced at $175 per adult, this tour maintains a 5-star average online rating.

Visitors frequently praise:

 "An excellent day of wine tasting. Expert commentary was informative and fun."

"Great day. Great wines. Highly recommended."

 "It was a dream visit through Marlborough wineries. A perfect day.

Ulva Island Explorer

The Experience

Real NZ's Ulva Island Explorer provides access to one of New Zealand's most pristine wildlife sanctuaries. Operating from Stewart Island at the southern tip of New Zealand, this tour visits Ulva Island – a predator-free offshore haven for rare native species.

The experience begins with a sea cruise around Stewart Island's picturesque shores and through Patterson Inlet. During this journey, guides share stories about the area's cultural history, Māori heritage, and unique wildlife.

Upon reaching Ulva Island, visitors enjoy a 90-minute guided walk through ancient native forests and along sandy beaches. The absence of mammalian predators has created an environment where endangered species thrive, offering wildlife encounters rarely possible elsewhere.

Tour Highlights

Knowledgeable nature guides help spot and identify rare bird species that may include South Island saddleback, yellowhead, rifleman, and the inquisitive Stewart Island robin. The island's pristine environment provides insight into how New Zealand looked before human arrival.

The tour operates with small groups, ensuring minimal environmental impact and maximising wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can pre-order picnic lunches to enjoy during their island experience.

Pricing and Reviews

Priced at approximately $145 per adult and $75 per child, this tour maintains a 4.9-star average online rating.

Recent reviews highlight:

 "Really enjoyed our trip to Ulva Island. The guide was very knowledgeable and passionate. Highly recommend this trip."

 "Our guide was awesome. This is an experience we will always remember."

"The bird life was incredible and seeing them in their natural habitat was very special."

Bonus: New Backcountry Milford Sound Tour

A New Way to Experience Milford Sound

Luxe Tours is launching our new three-day backcountry tour connecting Queenstown to Milford Sound. Set to begin in October 2025, this all-inclusive experience will provide access to exclusive backcountry routes.

The journey begins aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship from Queenstown to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where guests enjoy farm demonstrations and a gourmet barbecue lunch. From there, travellers board a premium coach specially designed for comfort with extra legroom and space.

The tour traverses spectacular backcountry routes through Mount Nicholas Station and the beautiful Mavora Lakes before arriving in Te Anau for overnight accommodation.

Day two features our established five-star rated Milford Sound experience, including a cruise and nature walks, before returning to Te Anau for a second night.

What's Included

This comprehensive package includes two nights of quality accommodation in Te Anau, two buffet breakfasts, a barbecue lunch at Walter Peak, transport aboard the TSS Earnslaw, premium coach travel, and a Milford Sound cruise.

The small group size ensures a personalised experience, while the three-day format allows visitors to fully appreciate each location without rushing. The exclusive backcountry route offers perspectives on New Zealand landscapes that few travellers ever witness.

Pricing and Preview

This premium experience will be priced from $1,249 per adult. While this back-country tour is new, Luxe Tours' established Milford Sound day tour consistently receives five-star ratings with comments such as:

"Highly recommended way to visit Milford Sound. I'm so glad we chose Luxe Tours. Our driver and guide was lovely and very passionate."

 "Best tour ever. We loved the day and would not hesitate to recommend them."

This new offering aims to provide a more immersive option for Queenstown-Milford connections, allowing travellers to experience the journey as much as the destination.

New Zealand’s South Island offers extraordinary diversity in its landscapes and experiences. From the remote wilderness of Doubtful Sound to the wine country of Marlborough, these top five tours showcase the best the region has to offer.

Each experience has been selected for its exceptional quality, consistently positive visitor feedback, and the unique perspective it provides on New Zealand's natural and cultural heritage. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural insights, these tours deliver memorable experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year for South Island tours?

Most tours operate year-round, though peak season (October-April) offers warmer weather and longer daylight hours. Off-peak season (May-September) typically has fewer crowds and often reduced pricing, with the added possibility of snow-capped mountain views, though there’s colder weather.The best time depends on your personal preferences.

Are these tours suitable for families with children?

Most tours accommodate children, though age restrictions may apply for certain activities. The Dart River Wilderness Jet and Ulva Island Explorer are particularly popular with families, while the wine tour is only suitable for adults. Always check age requirements when booking.

How far in advance should I book South Island tours?

Booking at least 6 months ahead is recommended if possible, especially for tours in the peak summer December - February months. 

What should I bring for South Island tours?

Generally, a camera, sunscreen, water bottle, layered clothing, and sturdy walking shoes are recommended for all tours. Specific tours may have additional requirements - for example, a waterproof jacket is essential for jet boating.