Tours & activities in Southern Alps NZ
From glacier viewpoints to guided adventures, the Southern Alps (New Zealand) offer year-round experiences around Queenstown, Wanaka, Aoraki / Mt Cook. Book tours and activities after you have fixed your travel dates and base town.
Winter highlights
- Skiing at Coronet Peak
- Remarkables
- Cardrona.
Summer highlights
- Hiking
- bungy
- Milford Sound
- wine.
Recommended tours
Franz Josef Glacier: 2-Hour Scenic Lake Mapourika Cruise
Top pick · 2 hours · 4.7 (127 reviews). Scenic cruise on Lake Mapourika near Franz Josef Glacier.
Franz Josef Glacier: 2.5-Hour Lake Mapourika Cruise and Walk
2.5 hours · 4.8 (68 reviews). Lake Mapourika cruise and walk experience from Franz Josef Glacier.
Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour
Top rated · 10 hours · Skip the line · Pickup available. TranzAlpine train and Castle Hill day tour from Arthur's Pass.
You will be redirected to a trusted booking partner to complete your reservation.
Sample itineraries
3-day highlights
Day 1: Arrive and explore your base town. Day 2: Full mountain day (skiing or hiking). Day 3: Scenic tour or lake activity before departure.
5-day mixed adventure
Combine two mountain days with a guided tour, a cultural town visit, and one flexible weather day for your top viewpoint or lift.
Week-long regional loop
Split nights between two bases in the Southern Alps (New Zealand) — one ski-focused, one lake or culture-focused — linked by train or rental car.
Travel tips
- Getting around: Queenstown and Christchurch airports; hire car or shuttles.
- Book popular cable cars and glacier tours in advance during peak weeks.
- Morning slots are quieter for hikes and scenic lifts; afternoons work well for spa or village time.
- Confirm meeting points and pickup options when booking guided tours.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best tours in the Southern Alps (New Zealand)?
Top experiences include glacier and cable car trips, guided hikes, scenic train rides, and adventure sports. Our curated picks above reflect popular bookable tours in the region.
When is the best season for activities in the Southern Alps (New Zealand)?
June–September for ski; December–February for hiking and lakes.
Should I book tours before arriving in the Southern Alps (New Zealand)?
Book high-demand experiences (glacier trips, paragliding, small-group hikes) before you travel. Leave one flexible day for weather-dependent viewpoints.
How do I get from the airport to activities in the Southern Alps (New Zealand)?
Fly into Queenstown (ZQN), Christchurch (CHC).. Use trains, resort shuttles, or hire cars — see our region overview for transport detail.
Need a base for your trip? Compare hotels in Southern Alps NZ.