Outdoor Activities in South Island

If you're planning to hike in the Marlborough Sounds, this local boat service ensures easy round-trip transport from Picton to the Queen Charlotte Track. Choose from three self-guided walks of varying length and challenge. Hop on the boat in the morning to the start of your route at Ship Cove, Endeavor Inlet or Torea Bay, then be picked up at the other end of your hike in the late afternoon. Enjoy complimentary coffee and tea on board as you take in the natural beauty of Queen Charlotte Sound. 

Peer at rare yellow-eyed penguins and visit nesting grounds of the northern royal albatross during a full-day tour of the Otago Peninsula and Dunedin. Spend your morning sightseeing in Dunedin's city center, including highlights of the Octagon, followed by an optional visit to Larnach Castle. In the afternoon, immerse in the natural beauty of the Otago Peninsula and the scenic coast along Taiaroa Head. Numbers are limited to 19 people to allow for personalized attention from your informative guide.

Toast your off-road adventure around Lake Wakatipu with wine tasting at two of the region’s finest wineries. First, your expert guide takes the wheel of a 4WD for an exhilarating ride over backcountry roads including Skippers Canyon and the Arrow River. See the former gold mining outpost of Arrowtown and marvel at epic scenery featured in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy with entertaining commentary about multiple LOTR filming sites. Picnic lunch included!

Combine an adventurous zipline tour with admission to Kiwi Birdlife Park with a Queenstown experience that explores spectacular native forest from the air and on the ground. When booking, you'll have the choice between two zipline courses that range from beginner-friendly to high-adrenaline, and independent time at the Kiwi Birdlife Park means you can explore the destination on your own schedule, without being limited by a group itinerary.

Go bungy jumping in New Zealand from the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, the original site of the Queenstown bungy jump. You'll experience the ultimate Queenstown challenge, transforming from nervous to elated as you plunge 141 feet (43 meters) in five seconds. Choose from a variety of options, including a water touch or full immersion in the gorgeous Kawarau River. It may just be the best thing you've ever done!

Take a Queenstown catamaran cruise across Lake Wakatipu to the Mt Nicholas High Country Station, then tour the hills in a 4WD vehicle with your guide. You'll hear interesting narration from the captain en route to the merino sheep farm on Lake Wakatipu's western shore. Take brief walks for a bird's-eye view of the region, including the Remarkables mountains, and enjoy morning or afternoon tea before returning to Queenstown by boat.

Take a 1-hour off-road buggy tour around the Wakatipu region, departing from central Queenstown. With an expert guide at the helm of your 5-passenger vehicle, you'll bump along scenic backcountry terrain. Experience the thrill of riding in a 4x4 across rivers and along forest tracks, with breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu. Wet-weather and safety gear included.

Fly upside down or soar like Superman on a zipline ride from the notorious Kawarau Bridge. The Kawarau Zipride lets you ride solo or in tandem with up to six friends across parallel cables suspended over the scenic Kawarau River. Select a single ride or choose a 3- or 5-ride pack for the optimal adrenaline rush, with round-trip transport from Queenstown.

Go canyoning; a combination of swimming, sliding, climbing and rappelling, during this adrenaline-fueled activity in Wanaka. Follow your expert adventure guide to the mouth of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed canyon, then start exploring with a small group of 5 people or less. No prior experience is necessary, just bring your sense of adventure and get ready to discover the stunning scenery in Mt Aspiring National Park. Lunch, round-trip transportation and use of all equipment are included.

Go off-roading near Lake Wakatipu on a thrilling 4WD adventure from Queenstown. With an expert guide at the wheel, your 4x4 navigates long-forgotten trails past former gold rush settlements. Hear entertaining commentary about this scenic region captured by "˜The Lord of the Rings' trilogy. You'll see multiple LOTR filming sites while jolting down Skippers Canyon and splashing across the Arrow River.

Explore Tekapo's backcountry wilderness on a Scenic 4WD Tour, offering private access into some of The Mackenzie's most beautiful High Country Stations. Discover the impressive natural beauty beyond Tekapo lakefront for unique photography opportunities, educational commentary and an incredible High Country experience situated in the heart of New Zealand's iconic scenery.  Remote Backcountry 4WD High Country Station Tour through Braemar Station Stunning and unique views of Mt Cook & Mt Tasman, The Main Divide & Lake Pukaki & The Ben Ohau Mountains Breathtaking scenery of New Zealand's most impressive landscapes Educational information on the area's unique landforms & species & ecology within The Mackenzie Feed farm animals such as Sheep, Angus Cattle & Red Deer Refreshments & Home Made Snacks

For your next activity in the proclaimed ‘Adventure Capital of the World,’ set out for Queenstown’s off-road terrain aboard a Suzuki sports quad, led by an expert guide. You’ll bump along dirt-bike tracks with creek crossings and hill climbs boasting spectacular views, from the Kawarau River up into the mountains of the Kawarau Gorge. Each tailor-made tour runs with a select small group based on skill level, guaranteeing both beginning and advanced riders an exhilarating 1.5-hour ride.