Top Things to do in South Island
Things to do in South Island, New Zealand: The Best Walking Tours
Discover the best top things to do in South Island, New Zealand including Private Tour: Dunedin to the Catlins, Ulva Island Explorer from Stewart Island, Full-Day Small-Group Routeburn Valley Walk, Nelson City Walking Tour - Guided, AuthenticAs Starry Nights - Professional Nightscape Portrait Photography Tour, Premium Milford Sound Bus - Cruise - Fly Tour with Picnic Lunch from Queenstown, Full-Day Milford Sound Hiking Tour with Cruise, Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch from Te Anau, Full Day Queen Charlotte Kayak and Walking Tour from Picton, Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch from Queenstown .
Restaurants in South Island
1. Private Tour: Dunedin to the Catlins
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Waterfalls, deserted beaches, coastal rainforest, and rare wildlife can all be found in the Catlins. Explore this remote part of the South Island on a private day trip from Dunedin. You'll learn about early Maori inhabitants and European settlers from your personal guide, who has a Department of Conservation (DOC) concession with access to unforgettable places.
Inclusions: Gratuities, GST (Goods and Services Tax), National Park fees, Light refreshments, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By keithcG4728US
We have been trying to contact you for the last 2 weeks due to mobility issues . The documentation you sent me wjen I booked in September 2020 had no contact details or the name of the land provide? The land provider contacted me on Wednesday 05/05/2021 and was made aware of the cancellation. You have debited our credit card with AUD$385.60. Please refund this amount ASAP. Regards, Keith F G Colyer.
2. Ulva Island Explorer from Stewart Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Take a leisurely cruise around Paterson Inlet and a 45-minute walking tour in the bird sanctuary of Ulva Island. Your 2.5-hour itinerary departs from Stewart Island and includes a visit to the historic whaler’s base at Prices Inlet and the hidden coves and unspoiled beaches of Paterson Inlet. Your guide provides informative commentary during the scenic cruise. While on board, keep a lookout for New Zealand fur seals and penguins. Please be sure to arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time to check in.
Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), Catamaran cruise and island tour, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Picnic lunch (must contact operator directly after booking to purchase)
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By fionanNZ
Wonderful full day of exploring Lake Manapouri & Doubtful Sound. The team are passionate about their work and their backyard and we saw so much because of their knowledge. The trip was adjusted based on the weather & what was around - the Dolphins were a special treat and beautifully managed. Our driver, Tony was very accommodating for the wide age group & special requirements. The facilities were very good considering how remote we were. This was so wonderful - PLEASE don't tell anyone about this! Keep it our secret of wonderfulness!
3. Full-Day Small-Group Routeburn Valley Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
After being picked up from your hotel in Queenstown, you will take one of the most beautiful road journeys in New Zealand to the Western end of Lake Wakatipu, led by a knowledgeable local guide.The world-renowned Routeburn Track provides stunning variation in vegetation, bird species, and topography as it climbs 6.5 kilometers one way, on a moderate fitness trail through gorges and valleys. This is small group tour with a maximum of 6 people that you will be spending the 7 hour day with. Your lunch sandwich, wrap or bread roll is an additional cost, afternoon tea / coffee fruit and cookies are included.
Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), National Park fees, Afternoon tea & cookies, Fresh fruit, Bottled water, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Coffee and/or Tea
Exclusions: Lunch is not included, a stop is made at a local bakery for you to select a bread roll, wrap or salad.
Reviewed By sanpula
Charles is an excellent friendly guide with tons of interesting knowledge. We took the tour to Skippers Canyon and very glad we did! The views were absolutely breathtaking. My partner suffers from quite severe motion sickness but Charles' smooth handling of the treacherous terrain meant that my partner was comfortable the entire time. We learnt so much of the local gold mining history and bit of LotR and other film facts too. Thanks again!
4. Nelson City Walking Tour - Guided
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Nelson is a stunning, unique city in New Zealand, so whether it’s your first time in Nelson or you’re a seasoned visitor (or local!), our 1.5-2 hour ‘Nelson in a Nutshell’ walking tour will bring this beautiful and diverse city to life. Your tour guide, Dianne, is a ‘born and bred’ Nelsonian, who knows all the hidden gems, and with a unique insight gives you a true flavour of the real Nelson. Discover Trafalgar Street, Christ Church Cathedral, Lord of the Rings Jeweller – Jens Hansen, Queen’s Gardens, Suter Art Gallery, the Centre of New Zealand and so much more in between. Prepare to be impressed!
Inclusions: Water bottles are available and there are refilling stations along the walk, Sun Screen available if required, Tour Guide, Tour commentary, Sanitiser, Disposable Face Mask if required
Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities
5. AuthenticAs Starry Nights - Professional Nightscape Portrait Photography Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Whether you live here or are visiting we have found the best places to photograph our dark skies. We also know how to plan positioning with the moon and weather. The darkest skies are around the new moon. But also we think we take some stunning images when the moon is full as a lunar portrait. Moonlight rocks! These long winter nights in NZ Wintertime coincide with Matariki or the Maori New Year. Come along with us this Winter 2019 and find out more of navigation using the stars, constellations and how to find the Matariki stars. At the very least we can show you the galactic Kiwi! We shoot your portrait with the galactic core as a backdrop while explaining the southern skies.
Inclusions: Hot chocolate & brownie, WiFi on board, PhotographyProfessional photographs - supplied digitally, a small selection within 24...
Exclusions:
Reviewed By travel7792
We booked Simon based on other reviews, and we were not disappointed - both my son and I had a great day! Would highly recommend planning your adventure with Simon so that you can create an experience of a lifetime. A bonus of touring with Simon is that he is a great photographer! (the photos were provided to us after our tour and could easily be downloaded). Would highly recommend and looking forward to the next adventure!
6. Premium Milford Sound Bus - Cruise - Fly Tour with Picnic Lunch from Queenstown
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This small group day trip includes a stunning boutique Milford Sound cruise with TripAdvisors No. 1 rated cruise provider and an amazing scenic flight back to Queenstown. Highlights: •Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford •Scenic return flight with Glenorchy Air •Fiordland National Park •Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, Homer Tunnel & Mitre Peak •Wildlife Spotting Our tours are led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses that are packed with extras, ensuring your comfort and safety. While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.
Inclusions: Cruise Entry, Scenic Flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown , Small Group and Fully Guided Tour, Bottled water, Snacks, Picnic Lunch
Exclusions: Alcoholic beverages (available to purchase), Gratuities
Reviewed By pcol2017
Had a great trip last week with Cheeky Kiwi. Callum our guide was fantastic - took us to beautiful spots we would never have stopped at on our own. He provided a fun commentary and was totally engaging. The cruise with Cruise Milford was stunning. Lovely staff on board who chatted happily to guests and made us feel very welcome. Would totally recommend this trip. Takes the hassle out of driving yourself, and at the end of a long day, having someone else drive you home is a bonus. Nice comfortable van and small size makes a more personal trip. 5 stars
7. Full-Day Milford Sound Hiking Tour with Cruise
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 217 reviews
Enjoy a friendly, small group (maximum 15 people) day excursion to Milford Sound from Te Anau, including a small boat cruise along the full length of the fiord and out to the Tasman Sea. Our relaxed timetable ensures plenty of opportunities for guests to enjoy short walks, photographic stops and exploration with the nature guide. Plus, from November to April guests can select 2 ½ hours hiking (unguided) on the renowned Routeburn Track to Key Summit.
Inclusions: Afternoon or morning tea, Local driver/guide, Te Anau accommodation pickup and drop-off (if advised), Sightseeing boat cruise, Guided and Self-Guided Walking tours, Modern air conditioned minivan (max 15)
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Queenstown pick ups - the tour departs from Te Anau
Reviewed By mike61119
Fabulous trip to Milford Sound today. Andrew's commentary and knowledge of the area was outstanding. Would definitely use Trips and Tramps again. Highly recommend for those looking to book in Fiordland. ????????????????????
8. Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch from Te Anau
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Premium small group tour including boutique Milford Sound cruise onboard TripAdvisors No.1 rated cruise operator, Cruise Milford, and picnic lunch from Te Anau. There is no better way to see this famous attraction. Highlights: • Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford • Fiordland National Park • Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, Homer Tunnel and Mitre Peak • Wildlife Spotting While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Our tours are led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.
Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Cruise Entry, Picnic Lunch, Bottled water, Snacks
Exclusions: Gratuities, Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking
Reviewed By lauramareehay
Mark was an excellent tour guide with a lot of local knowledge. The bird sanctuary was eye opening to the number of native bird species and we even saw a morepork which was a first for us! We absolutely love Lord of the rings and we're happy that the tour could be altered to our interests slightly to incorporate a few more Lord of the rings spots. These additions did not add to much time to the overall travel time which was good! The Mavora lakes area was a highlight and had so many hidden filming spots. We appreciated having exploration time at each point for photos and to soak in the scenery to truely picture what is was like to film in these areas. We were thrilled to get our pictures taken in Amon Hen although it would have been better if we were able to get photos together. Some more in depth knowledge for Lord of the rings super fans would have been awesome like more behind the scenes facts unique to these locations. It was an awesome opportunity to actually walk through Fangorn forest, an activity not usually in the tour. Overall we loved the tour, it introduced us to some areas that we will have to return to!
9. Full Day Queen Charlotte Kayak and Walking Tour from Picton
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 18 reviews
This adventure combo is without a doubt, one of the best ways to experience the Marlborough Sounds. On your full day kayak and walking tour you will experience some of the iconic activities of the spectacular Queen Charlotte Sound. Spot rays and sea birds while learning about the lush native bush. You will encounter amazing beaches and spectacular views. We have small group sizes with 1 guide per 8 people kayaking
Inclusions: Local guide, Lunch, All necessary equipment included, boat ride back to Picton Waterfront after your walk
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified
Reviewed By gordond898
Four of us did the three day , walk , bike and kayak trip . Everything was expertly organised , and we had an incredible time . Beautiful scenery and wildlife , and would thoroughly recommend
10. Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch from Queenstown
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 153 reviews
Premium small group tour including boutique Milford Sound cruise with Cruise Milford, the number 1 Trip Advisor rated cruise company, and picnic lunch from Queenstown. There is no better way to see this most famous of attractions. Highlights: • Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford • Fiordland National Park • Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, Homer Tunnel & Mitre Peak • Wildlife Spotting While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and little details that set our tours apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Our tours are led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing stories and background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses that are packed with extras, ensuring your comfort and safety.
Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Cruise Entry, Picnic Lunch, Bottled water, Snacks
Exclusions: Alcoholic beverages (available to purchase), Gratuities, Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking
Reviewed By tinanU2049PP
Lance was an excellent driver/Guide. He was patient and kept us entertained throughout-Thanks Lance!
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