Top South Island Dining Experiences

Travel from Queenstown to the much-loved UNESCO-listed Milford Sound. Enjoy live commentary along the way, and many scenic stops to take photos and admire the views. At Milford Sound, you won’t have to worry about waiting in lines as entrance tickets are included. Cruise on the sound and see stunning views of waterfalls and Mitre Peak. Refuel with a tasty picnic lunch in a scenic location.

Board the TSS "Earnslaw," a vintage steamship, for an evening cruise on Queenstown’s scenic Lake Wakatipu. Arriving at Walter Peak High Country Farm, you’re treated to a sumptuous barbecue dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead. Sink your teeth into roasted meats and seafood, homemade desserts, and a New Zealand cheeseboard. After dinner, see farm demonstrations or purchase a drink and simply relax in the bar.

Avoid the risk of driving to Milford Sound yourself and being distracted by the views. This group tour from Queenstown makes it easy—and safe—to visit the must-see natural attraction for a day. After a handy hotel pickup, embark on a dramatic journey through mountains, gorges, and the incredible Homer Tunnel. Make scenic stops along the way. Cruise Milford Sound in a catamaran, looking out for wildlife along the way.

A Milford Sound cruise is a must-do activity in southern New Zealand. Make the most of your time on this tour from Te Anau that includes a picnic lunch. Look at the views rather than the road by going with a guide and driver. You’ll see many spectacular sights along the way, including the Mirror Lakes and the Homer Tunnel.

Be amazed by the dramatic landscapes of Fiordland on this full-day tour by boat and by air. If you’re short on time in the area, this combo tour makes it easy to see a lot in one day. Enjoy a cruise on Milford Sound–beautiful in any weather–and a scenic flight over Fiordland National Park and back to Queenstown, seeing views you couldn’t experience any other way.

For active relaxers, this self-guided bike tour is the perfect way to see Arrowtown and Gibbston while getting some exercise. Take a shuttle to either Arrowtown or Gibbston, where you can explore at your own pace before being picked up from your choice of vineyard or brewery in the Gibbston area. This tour is great for those who want to see the best of both towns without having to worry about organising a car (and designated driver).

Upon reaching Milford Sound, board a luxurious catamaran. Peer through panoramic windows of a luxury coach while you travel through the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park with a guide, before a memorable sightseeing cruise by Mitre Peak and the magnificent cliff-side waterfalls of Milford Sound.

Discover one of the jewels in the crown of New Zealand's spectacular South Island on this full day Milford Sound hiking tour with cruise. Travel along the Milford Road from Te Anau and enjoy panoramic views over the beautiful countryside. Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise through the fjord and out to the Tasman Sea, and gaze over soaring clifftops and plummeting waterfalls. Afterwards, enjoy short guided walks and explore Fiordland's spectacular natural scenery with a local nature guide.

Experience stunning scenery on an unforgettable day trip to Milford Sound. The pristine Milford Sound is part of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, in the south west of the South Island, and is famed for its remote atmosphere and rugged beauty. It is New Zealand’s best known fiord and the only one that can be reached by road. Maori are believed to have discovered Milford Sound more than 1,000 years ago, returning seasonally to collect the prized pounamu (greenstone). In the early 1800s John Grono was the first European settler to land in the sound, which he named after Milford Haven in Wales. Described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world', Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. Milford Sound is breathtaking in any weather. Cliffs rise high into the air from the dark waters, mountain peaks scrape the sky and waterfalls cascade downwards, some as high as 1000 metres.

For those looking to explore one of New Zealand's most scenic drives, the Premium Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Tour from Te Anau is the perfect option. Join knowledgeable and experienced guides on a journey through lush rainforests, glacier carved valleys, and alpine lookouts, with plenty of opportunities for short walks and photo stops along the way before embarking on your cruise. Enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and lunch as you take in the stunning scenery and learn about the fiord's fascinating history and wildlife from the welcoming crew. Finish with a refreshing dance under the Stirling Falls before heading back to Te Anau.

Abel Tasman National Park is a scenic highlight of the Nelson-Marlborough region. But if you’re pressed for time and can’t spend multiple days hiking the park, this day trip packs a lot into the few hours you have available. Cruise around Split Apple Rock and then anchor at Tonga Island Marine Reserve. Once there, take the opportunity to explore the Park on your own terms: go snorkeling by the beach, take a kayak down the coast, or disembark and hike along the Pitt Head loop overlooking Te Pukatea Bay.

Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest wine region, famous for its Sauvignon Blanc and scenic Marlborough Sounds. Discover both on this full-day small-group tour as you visit several Marlborough wineries, indulge in expert-led wine tastings, tuck into a kiwi style BBQ onboard the vessel before setting sail on a cruise through the Marlborough Sounds, accompanied by a delicious seafood tasting platter.

Explore the glorious Abel Tasman National Park on this boat charter. This trip through one of New Zealand’s most famous parks is easily personalized to suit your needs. With hiking, swimming, and kayaking opportunities available to all fitness levels, this day traversing the park's emerald waters and golden sands can be full of adventure or relaxation - the choice is up to you.

Visit 4 of Marlborough's famous cellar doors with an experienced and friendly local tour guide. We have been providing wine tours for over 20 years and to cruise ship passengers since they began visiting the port of Picton. Enjoy sampling the wines of the region and find out why our young wine region has such a big reputation around the world.

On this small group tour, we'll pick you up anywhere in Wanaka at your preferred time. We've created this trip due to high demand for an easy e-bike ride with a focus on wine and food. After a quick 20-minute orientation on the e-bike, you're ready to roll. We've got your back with first aid kits, maps, and a spare bike. While it's not guided, we're nearby if you need help. Explore food and drink options, enjoy the flat, wide trail – great for beginners. It's a 6-hour trip, with about 2 hours of easy biking. We take care of the driving so you can savor the wine in style. Just a short 35-minute ride from Wanaka takes you to the unique Bannockburn landscape and their superb Pinot Noirs.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat a loved one, this private heli-picnic is a great way to reach parts of the Kaikoura Range you’d struggle to access any other way. You’ll receive a gourmet picnic with local cheese and beer or sparkling wine, to enjoy as you admire the views from a mountaintop. Look out for whales and dolphins from above during the flight.

Cruise to Punga Cove through Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui in the morning, arriving in time for lunch at the Punga Fern Restaurant. Relax on the deck while overlooking Endeavour Inlet, or inside the welcoming restaurant while you enjoy your lunch from the tasty lunch menu. Explore the grounds, sit on the beach, or simply drink in the views until we pick you up again at approximately 3.15pm for the scenic boat ride home to arrive back in Picton at approx 5pm.

Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in tranquility with our exclusive picnic and private dining experience on the lakeside. Nestled in a private location, far from the hustle and bustle of the busy town center, our serene setting offers couples the perfect retreat. Relax amid breathtaking views of the majestic mountains and the shimmering waters of Lake Wakatipu. Indulge in a moment of serenity and connection, surrounded by nature's beauty. Book now for an unforgettable experience of relaxation, romance, and private dining by the lakeside

Explore the slopes of Queenstown on this 3-night ski and snowboard adventure. Daily breakfast, a 2-day Superpass, and three nights of accommodation at a 3-star property included. Round-trip transfer from the airport provided.