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

South Island, New Zealand
Sunset Evening Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura

Kaikoura's Original Kayak Operator - Est 1998 Celebrating 27 years of operation! 100% guaranteed to view Fur Seals on all tours. Family Friendly - operating …More

Kaikoura's Original Kayak Operator - Est 1998 Celebrating 27 years of operation! 100% guaranteed to view Fur Seals on all tours. Family Friendly - operating...

3 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (89)
from
$94
Private Wildlife Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura

Kaikōura’s Original Kayak Operator – Est. 1998 Celebrating 27 years on the water! New Zealand’s only sea kayak operator with a marine mammal permit to …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Kaikōura’s Original Kayak Operator – Est. 1998 Celebrating 27 years on the water! New Zealand’s only sea kayak operator with a marine mammal permit to...

3 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (48)
from
$227
2-Hour Waiatoto River Jetboat Safari

The jet boat is the mode of transport, the river safari is the attraction. The jet boat will take you safely up the river into …More

The jet boat is the mode of transport, the river safari is the attraction. The jet boat will take you safely up the river into...

2 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (130)
from
$181
Full day Guided Sea Kayak Tour from Picton

Experience the beauty and seclusion of the Marlborough Sounds on a full day small group guided sea kayak tour. Your tour takes in the western …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Experience the beauty and seclusion of the Marlborough Sounds on a full day small group guided sea kayak tour. Your tour takes in the western...

7 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (25)
from
$97
Sunset Kayak tour in Kaikoura

You’re going to love how easy it is to kayak in and around the beautiful Kaikōura Peninsula using the Hobie Mirage Drive Pedal. We have …More

You’re going to love how easy it is to kayak in and around the beautiful Kaikōura Peninsula using the Hobie Mirage Drive Pedal. We have...

3 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (55)
from
$82
Moke Lake Kayak Experience

Enjoy the freedom to paddle at your own pace. Explore the calm waters of Moke Lake at your own pace by kayak or paddle board. …More

Enjoy the freedom to paddle at your own pace. Explore the calm waters of Moke Lake at your own pace by kayak or paddle board....

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (48)
from
$102
Jet Sprint Boating & Ultimate Off-Roading in Queenstown

Learn how it feels to fly on water and take a ride in Oxbow’s unique, custom-built 4-seater Jet Sprint Boats! Accelerating at an incredible 0 …More

Learn how it feels to fly on water and take a ride in Oxbow’s unique, custom-built 4-seater Jet Sprint Boats! Accelerating at an incredible 0...

45 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (45)
from
$162
Queenstown Hydro Attack Shark Ride Adventure

A unique water adventure awaits you on Queenstown's stunning lake with our semi-submersible shark ride. Feel the rush as you reach speeds of 80 kph …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

A unique water adventure awaits you on Queenstown's stunning lake with our semi-submersible shark ride. Feel the rush as you reach speeds of 80 kph...

15 minutes Free Cancellation
4.7 (20)
from
$113
Glenorchy Island Safari, Self-drive option

Come and enjoy a kayaking tour to a wildlife sanctuary not able to be accessed by the general public. Unless you have a kayak in …More

Come and enjoy a kayaking tour to a wildlife sanctuary not able to be accessed by the general public. Unless you have a kayak in...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (23)
from
$88
Jet Sprint Boating in Gibbston Valley, Queenstown

Learn how it feels to fly on the water. Literally. Take a ride in our unique custom-built 4-seater Jet Sprint Boats. Oxbow’s Jet Sprint Boats …More

Learn how it feels to fly on the water. Literally. Take a ride in our unique custom-built 4-seater Jet Sprint Boats. Oxbow’s Jet Sprint Boats...

10 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (16)
from
$85
Shore Excursion Guided Sea Kayaking through Akaroa Marine Reserve

Join one of the best kayak adventures in New Zealand, jump into a safe stable NZ made sea kayak and follow our local guides as …More

Join one of the best kayak adventures in New Zealand, jump into a safe stable NZ made sea kayak and follow our local guides as...

2 to 3 hours
4.9 (158)
from
$77
Guided sea kayaking in Akaroa marine reserve

Our Guided Kayak Safari is a great way to spend your time in amazing Akaroa! This is a once in a lifetime chance to paddle …More

Our Guided Kayak Safari is a great way to spend your time in amazing Akaroa! This is a once in a lifetime chance to paddle...

2 to 3 hours
4.9 (119)
from
$77
Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch

Discover magnificent marine wildlife out on the South Pacific Ocean during this 12-hour Kaikoura dolphin swim from Christchurch. Travel through the rolling hills of North …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Discover magnificent marine wildlife out on the South Pacific Ocean during this 12-hour Kaikoura dolphin swim from Christchurch. Travel through the rolling hills of North...

12 hours Hotel pickup offered
4.7 (27)
from
$283
Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch

Explore the coastal town of Akaroa and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime chance to swim with dolphins on this full day tour from Christchurch. Travel through the …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Explore the coastal town of Akaroa and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime chance to swim with dolphins on this full day tour from Christchurch. Travel through the...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered
4.3 (29)
from
$219
Private Seal Kayaking and Wildlife Tour in Kaikoura

An intimate privately guided wildlife experience around the Kaikoura peninsula on hands free pedal kayaks, allowing for the ultimate kayaking experience. Let us take you …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

An intimate privately guided wildlife experience around the Kaikoura peninsula on hands free pedal kayaks, allowing for the ultimate kayaking experience. Let us take you...

3 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (8)
from
$199
Glenorchy Island Safari departing Queenstown

Come and enjoy a kayaking tour to a wildlife sanctuary not able to be accessed by the general public. Unless you have a kayak in …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Come and enjoy a kayaking tour to a wildlife sanctuary not able to be accessed by the general public. Unless you have a kayak in...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (9)
from
$105
8hr Sea Kayak Tour Lyttelton/Christchurch Lunch, guide, transport

Embark on an unforgettable sea kayaking adventure in the stunning Lyttelton Harbour, where breathtaking coastal scenery and rich maritime history await you. Whether you’re a …More

Embark on an unforgettable sea kayaking adventure in the stunning Lyttelton Harbour, where breathtaking coastal scenery and rich maritime history await you. Whether you’re a...

1 day Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (7)
from
$272
Lock, Stock & 2 Smoking Paddles

This is the original and our most environmentally friendly guided day trip in the park. Start kayaking from Marahau gliding through the tranquil waters of …More

This is the original and our most environmentally friendly guided day trip in the park. Start kayaking from Marahau gliding through the tranquil waters of...

1 day Free Cancellation
5.0 (11)
from
$97
1 Day Freedom Rental

Freedom kayaking Abel Tasman gives you the independence to see the wonders of the coastline at your own pace. Kahu Kayaks will equip you with …More

Freedom kayaking Abel Tasman gives you the independence to see the wonders of the coastline at your own pace. Kahu Kayaks will equip you with...

1 day Free Cancellation
5.0 (11)
from
$68
Jet Sprint Boating & Clay Target Shooting in Queenstown

Learn how it feels to fly on water and take a ride in Oxbow’s unique, custom-built 4-seater Jet Sprint Boats! Accelerating at an incredible 0 …More

Learn how it feels to fly on water and take a ride in Oxbow’s unique, custom-built 4-seater Jet Sprint Boats! Accelerating at an incredible 0...

1 hour Free Cancellation
5.0 (6)
from
$162
Split Apple Paddle Guided Kayak - Nelson

Share a landscape full of stories. No experience required. Your guide supplies all the gear and information you need. …More

Share a landscape full of stories. No experience required. Your guide supplies all the gear and information you need....

3 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (6)
from
$60
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