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

South Island, New Zealand
Lakeland Jet Ski Adventure Tour - Lake Wanaka

Enjoy a jet ski tour exploring all the stunning bays, islands and alpine scenery showcasing the beauty Lake Wanaka has to offer from a different …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Enjoy a jet ski tour exploring all the stunning bays, islands and alpine scenery showcasing the beauty Lake Wanaka has to offer from a different...

1 hour Free Cancellation
5.0 (99)
from
$135
Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown

Discover the untamed beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mount Aspiring National Park on this full-day Dart River 'funyak' (inflatable canoe) and jet boat tour …More

Discover the untamed beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mount Aspiring National Park on this full-day Dart River 'funyak' (inflatable canoe) and jet boat tour...

8 hours 15 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (361)
from
$293
Queenstown Kawarau River Rafting and Jet Boat

Combining two of Queenstown's most iconic activities, this trip is second to none! Starting on the Queenstown Jet Boat, you'll get to experience those famous …More

Combining two of Queenstown's most iconic activities, this trip is second to none! Starting on the Queenstown Jet Boat, you'll get to experience those famous...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (175)
from
$188
Lakeland Jet Boat Adventure - Clutha River

Experience one of New Zealand’s most iconic adventure activities in some of the world greatest scenery. Picture yourself skimming across shallow water, over sand bars, …More

Experience one of New Zealand’s most iconic adventure activities in some of the world greatest scenery. Picture yourself skimming across shallow water, over sand bars,...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (235)
from
$80
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

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

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
$103
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
$183
Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura

Kaikōura’s Original Kayak Operator – Est. 1998 Celebrating 28 years on the water! Exclusive access -New Zealand’s only sea kayak operator with a marine mammal …More

Kaikōura’s Original Kayak Operator – Est. 1998 Celebrating 28 years on the water! Exclusive access -New Zealand’s only sea kayak operator with a marine mammal...

3 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (478)
from
$94
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

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...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (23)
from
$89
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 (88)
from
$95
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

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

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
$163
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 (47)
from
$229
Queenstown Kawarau River Whitewater Rafting

Raft the Kawarau River, perhaps better known as the River Anduin in Lord of the Rings, for a great half-day activity in Queenstown This is …More

Raft the Kawarau River, perhaps better known as the River Anduin in Lord of the Rings, for a great half-day activity in Queenstown This is...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (73)
from
$143
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
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

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

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 (15)
from
$85
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 (18)
from
$114
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 (54)
from
$83
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
$286
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
$200
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
$106
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