South Island tours, things to do and tickets

Experience the magic of Milford Sound on our boutique small-boat cruise and discover this spectacular fiord. With a maximum of just 75 guests aboard a vessel designed for 150, enjoy a more intimate, uncrowded experience. Sit back, relax and immerse yourself the beauty of Milford Sound. Enjoy complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits as our skipper brings the fiord to life with engaging live commentary, who shares fascinating local knowledge and stories. Our friendly crew are also on hand throughout the journey, ready to help, answer your questions, whether you're curious about the wildlife, the waterfalls or the stories behind the scenery. If you're lucky, keep your eyes peeled for New Zealand fur seals, dolphins or the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin (penguins can be spotted spring/early summer). Let us share our backyard with you on an unforgettable adventure. Small boat. Fewer people. Bigger experiences. Discover Milford Sound the local way with Cruise Milford NZ!

Premium small group tour including a boutique Milford Sound cruise designed for an immersive viewing experience, and picnic lunch from Queenstown. There is no better way to see this most famous of attractions! Highlights: • Milford Sound Cruise • 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.

Milford Sound is arguably the most scenic destination in New Zealand and a must-see for any traveller. Whether seen in sunshine or rain, the incredible views are guaranteed to leave you awestruck. This globally award winning small group tour is for travellers seeking an all-inclusive, uniquely-kiwi, personalised trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound and back. Our fleet of modern Mercedes vans are fitted with leather seats, panoramic scenic windows, Wi-Fi and Spotify. Enjoy a small-group journey with 15 people maximum for ultimate comfort and undivided attention from your guide. Let your Altitude Tours guide entertain you with in-depth knowledge of the area, as you travel from Queenstown into the Fiordland National Park on the famous Milford Road. Enjoy many scenic photo stops at both famous locations, as well as your guide's favourite spots. Enjoy a 1hr 45min boutique uncrowded cruise and picnic lunch while taking in the incredible beauty that Milford Sound has to offer!

Take an Trip Advisor award-winning scenic flight to Milford Sound, the Eighth Wonder of the World. Leave the queues behind and see it the way it deserves to be seen — from the air, then from the ocean. We will fly you from Queenstown over the Southern Alps with breathtakingly spectacular and endless panoramic views of lakes, forested river valleys, waterfalls, jagged razor-backed ridge lines and snow covered peaks.

Prepare yourself for the ultimate jet boating experience with Shotover Jet - the unique, breathtaking white water ride and adrenaline rush you’ll never forget!

At the core, we’re a family business with our management team being 6th & 7th generation Banks Peninsula locals. Alongside our family members, we have a passionate team who are committed to you having a once-in-a-lifetime experience! We keep our passenger groups small so that you have more room to move around the boat, and enjoy your cruise without overcrowding or missing dolphin sightings due to a shortage of viewing space. Our boat has a low-lying profile which means you get closer to the wildlife! When you board our boat you’ll be offered a complimentary drink. Choose from beer, award-winning local wine or non-alcoholic options. You’ll also enjoy our famous home-baked treats made from our family recipe and served to you by our delightful onboard crew. We are committed to the conservation of our harbour's environment and wildlife. After all, it’s the centre point of our business. *Check-in is 30 minutes prior to the departure, with boarding 15 minutes beforehand.

Whale Watch is located in the small coastal town of Kaikōura on the East Coast of New Zealand’s South Island a scenic two and a half-hour drive north from Christchurch and two hour drive south from Picton. Kaikōura is a special place of lush pastures and towering, snow covered peaks that fall to the sea. This rare magic continues just offshore where a deep undersea canyon combines with unusual sea currents to attract an extraordinary abundance of marine life, the most famous being the Giant Sperm Whale. Whale Watch is New Zealand's only vessel-based whale watching company offering visitors an exciting up-close encounter with the world’s largest toothed predator the Giant Sperm Whale in their natural environment at all times of the year. Whale Watch scheduled tours operate daily. Our 95% success rate means we guarantee an 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale. Whale Watch tours are extremely popular so we recommend booking early.

Enjoy a unique whale watching experience off the South Island of New Zealand. Experience an up-close encounter with the world’s largest toothed predator, the giant sperm whale. Look out for other wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and birds.

Cruise across Lake Whakatipu on the iconic TSS Earnslaw Steamship for a spectacular dining experience. Discover Queenstown’s incomparable fine dining destination and full gourmet BBQ buffet.

Enjoy a two hour cruise traversing the deep waters of Milford Sound, located in Fiordland. Your cruise will take you past St Anne’s lighthouse and out into the Tasman Sea. Informative guides point out scenic highlights along the way, such as the Bowen Falls (dropping 160 metres seaward), Sinbad Gully (a classic example of a hanging valley), snow-capped Mount Pembroke, and the awe-inspiring Mitre Peak itself, towering 1692 metres from the ocean floor.

See Queenstown like never before as you take the ultimate leap of faith as you tandem skydive. Feel your adrenaline surge as you reach altitude and prepare to jump, before free-falling at terminal velocity reaching speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour.

A return scenic cruise from Queenstown Bay, across stunning Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm on a vessel of your choice, a farm demonstration and a delicious BBQ Lunch at the Colonel’s Homestead. The rural demonstrator will give guests an insight into life in the New Zealand high country by providing an entertaining farm show including working sheep dogs. Enjoy a unique dining experience at Walter Peak where the menu showcases food and wine from the wider Central Otago region. Chefs prepare a tasty selection of meats on the outdoor grill, while fresh, seasonal salads and vegetables are available from the dining area of the Colonel’s Homestead. Top off lunch with a selection of delicious sweet treats and local cheeses. Choose between sailing on the iconic 1912 TSS Earnslaw Steamship or the spacious and modern Spirit of Queenstown Catamaran.

Take in the stunning views and wonderful wildlife as you cruise around Milford Sound. Relax on board with tea and coffee, enjoying the commentary, and make the most of the photo ops as you go.

Awarded Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Top 10 of outdoor experiences Australasia and Top 1% of Experiences worldwide for 2026. Dress up as your favourite character & Feel the trilogy come to life as you visit the breathtaking and magical landscape that inspired Peter Jackson’s film locations from The Lord of the Rings movies. Ithilien, Isengard, Lothlórien Forest, Amon Hen! Travel in small groups with epic guides who have a real passion and knowledge of the area. Take in the diverse landscape of ancient beech forest, braided rivers and glacier carved valleys. We are a Local family owned company that offer the real experience. Operating since 2005! We are one of the few companies that hold Department of Conservation Concessionaire permits to access Mt Aspiring National park.

Discover Queenstown the authentic way, from some of the best seats in town: out on Lake Wakatipu. On this relaxing 90-minute cruise, leave the bustle of the waterfront behind and soak up the scenery that brings people to Queenstown. The Remarkables rise above the lake, feeling close enough to touch, while quiet bays, willow islands and lakeside homes reveal a different side of the region. As you cruise through the Frankton Arm towards the historic Kawarau Falls Dam, there’s time to look around, take photos and simply enjoy being on the water. Choose an outdoor seat for the open views or settle inside and watch the landscape unfold. Your captain brings the scenery to life with live commentary, stories and a little Kiwi humour, while the crew offers a warm welcome. It’s a chance to pause, share remarkable views and make memories that last well beyond the cruise.

Enjoy a cruise across Lake Te Anau to the Murchison Mountains’ network of natural caves. Explore an underground world of sculptured rock, underground waterfalls, and a silent hidden glowworm grotto.

The fascinating Te Anau caves system on the western shore of Lake Te Anau offers an underground adventure that charms visitors of all ages. This tour takes you to a mysterious underground world of rushing water before drifting in silent darkness beneath the luminous shimmer of thousands of glowworms. Please be sure to arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled departure to check in.

Discover the spectacular beauty of Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park on an extended 9-hour small-group tour from Te Anau, limited to 16 guests. Travel the famous Milford Road with an experienced local guide, enjoying scenic stops, short walks and photo opportunities through glacier-carved valleys, ancient rainforest and dramatic waterfalls. Enjoy freshly baked morning tea along the way before arriving in Milford Sound for a 1-hour 45-minute nature cruise. Take in towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and incredible Fiordland scenery, with opportunities to spot kea, seals, dolphins and the elusive Fiordland crested penguin. After the cruise, enjoy free time to explore the Milford Sound waterfront. For an unforgettable aerial perspective, upgrade to a 30-minute scenic helicopter flight with a mountain-top landing, departing from and returning to Milford Sound, or choose to helicopter directly back to Te Anau.

See the highlights of Queenstown on a Segway tour, the perfect introduction to New Zealand’s capital of outdoor adventure. Begin with a short lesson on how to operate your personal Segway, and then follow a guide around the shores of Lake Wakatipu, passing through Queenstown Gardens and other scenic spots. Enjoy a personalized experience on this small-group tour limited to eight people. Choose either a 1hr taste of Segway riding or 2hr Queenstown Tour offered at various times throughout the day.

Join talented and knowledgeable guides on a journey along one of New Zealand's most scenic drives. All guides have unique and insightful stories to share, and spill the secrets of their beautiful backyard as you travel through lush rainforest, glacier carved valleys, alpine lookouts and much more. Enjoy spectacular short walks and incredible photo stops before arriving at the main event, magical Milford Sound. On arrival at Milford Sound, board a modern and spacious catamaran exploration of the region’s most famous fiord. As the boat travels the length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea, the welcoming crew will share what they know about their place, its wildlife, waterfalls, and fascinating history. Enjoy complimentary lunch before joining the crew for a dance in the spray of pure glacial melt as the boat noses close Stirling Falls for a refreshing finale!