Top South Island Nature and Wildlife

While jet boat tours are common in New Zealand, this is the only one that takes passengers from mountain to sea. Enjoy this exclusive boat ride down Haast’s beautiful Waiatoto River in comfort with a private tour that accommodates up to eight people and flexible booking options that allow you to choose the duration of the trip.

Channel your inner Hobbit and enjoy outdoor adventure in the heart of New Zealand on this 4-hour Hobbit barrel run rafting tour on the Pelorus River. Pull on your wetsuit and hop aboard your raft, then drift onto the Pelorus River — made famous in the 2013 movie ‘The Desolation of Smaug.’ Stop off at filming locations used in the making of the movie to hear of the ways in which the film was shot, and listen as your guide sheds light on the region’s milling and mining heritage.

Ringer or not, you’re sure to enjoy this 'Lord of the Rings' air tour led by the aerial film pilot for the movie series. Fly above beautiful Queenstown, and see the spots filmed for the fictional places of Isengard, Amon Hen, Lothlorien, the Misty Mountains, and the Redhorn Pass. See the mountain range from the opening scene of 'The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers,' and feel like you’re in Middle-earth.

Located in the heart of Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound forms part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site. Explore the stunning fiord by air and water during a half-day excursion. The exhilarating, round-trip helicopter flight from Queenstown includes a glacier landing on Mt. Tutoko. Perhaps spot dolphins, seals, and penguins during an unforgettable cruise.

Take your Queenstown visit to new ‘heights’ of adventure thanks to this 50-minute helicopter flight complete with a glacier landing. Soar above the spectacular scenery of Mt. Aspiring National Park, gliding above turquoise ice formations, hidden alpine lakes and towering mountains before landing on top of a glacier for photos.

This comfortable hut is in an exclusive location with helicopter access only. Purpose built for our guests, here people can enjoy a Wilderness experience with home comforts nearby. A completely guided experience, you hosts will accompany you through your choice of activities, be it hiking, fishing or light hunting. The river is at your doorstep for summer swim. Enjoy the serenity and the quiet in spectacular valley with no digital connection or cell coverage. The hut is well appointed with power, electricity, hot water, a full kitchen and a cosy fireplace in the living area. Sit back and relax while you are whisked away on a completely organised trip. Snacks and dinner is included on the first night, cooked breakfast on the morning of return journey.

Avoid the crowds and experience the grandeur of Milford Sound from the seat of a helicopter. This exclusive two-hour ride via helicopter will take you the full length of Milford Sound and, weather permitting, land on a glacier in Fiordland National Park. Listen to informative commentary from your skilled pilot during the trip, and stop for a short walk and photo opportunity at Milford Sound.

Join a small group for a full-day tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula. During the city tour, see landmarks such as the University of Otago, Baldwin Street, and Scottish heritage sites. Next explore the Otago Peninsula, including Otago Harbour, Sandfly Bay, Tunnel Beach, and historic Larnach Castle. Your tour includes pickup and drop-off in central Dunedin or the port.

Iconic city sights, coastal inlets and stunning harbor views are the highlights of this 4-4.5 hour tour, and it starts when we collect you from Port Chalmers, where you’ll meet your guide. We start with a scenic drive that takes in the location of where Dunedin first began for both the early Māori and European settlers, and a look at some of the beautiful iconic sites our city has to offer. We then head out for the Otago Peninsula which delivers spectacular views above the Otago Harbour before winding back down to sea level to arrive at scenic inlets frequented by wading birds. Hear commentary about the nature and the natural processes that shaped the land and learn about Māori, the first people to step ashore here. We’ll take a stroll along a stunning sandy beach where we are often lucky enough to glimpse New Zealand sea lions and fur seals. We finish our tour with a look at Baldwin street, the world's steepest residential street.

Explore native forests, experience spectacular coastlines, watch for seals, sea lions, albatross and other seabirds with an ex DoC Ranger. Complete your day by marvelling at little penguins returning home for the night. This tour is designed for those who want to get a deeper insight into Dunedin's iconic wildlife and wilderness landscapes.

We will visit iconic, yet ‘hidden gems’ of Dunedin’s urban nature. Explore and experience the sights and sounds of native bush, only minutes from the city centre. Your guide will share stories about the unique properties of the many tree species such as kānuka, lemonwood and lancewood and explain how these were used by Māori and European settlers. As we wander beneath the forest canopy, listen for bird-song of iconic New Zealand native birds, including tui, kererῡ (wood pigeon), korimako (bell bird), and many more. ​ The perfect tour to unwind, relax and ignite your senses.

The Otago Peninsula is renowned for its diverse wildlife and rich Maori heritage. Discover both on this shore excursion from Dunedin, which takes in the highlights of Dunedin town, as well as the coastal scenery. Set sail on a boat cruise to Taiaroa Head and look out for wildlife including albatross, penguins, seals, and sea lions; visit Maori landmarks and learn about traditional Maori foods and medicines; and enjoy a picnic lunch in a local beauty spot.

Take a break from the city and head out to Otago Peninsula for this nature tour around undisturbed bush and native animal colonies. Instead of joining a tour with a guide reading from a script, learn all sorts of things about the local flora and fauna from your guide, a former Department of Conservation ranger with decades of experience in species management. Cruise around Taiaroa Head Nature Reserve, where royal albatross nest and breed, and keep your eyes peeled for fur seals, penguins and more.

Take a cruise across Lake Wanaka to the remote Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve and make a memorable, eco-friendly impact by planting a native tree before you leave. Opt to take a 1-hour-return guided bush walk to reveal Mou Waho’s hidden secret - another lake, nestled atop the island with panoramic views of Wanaka and the Southern Alps. Enjoy “high tea” surrounded by this spectacular alpine scenery.

Discover the jewel in the crown of New Zealand’s South Island on this full-day Abel Tasman National Park hiking tour with cruise. Travel from Nelson to Kaiteriteri with your guide, then hop aboard your water taxi. Cruise the azure-blue seas toward the heart of Abel Tasman National Park and the start-point of your trek. Follow hiking trails through the dense forest and listen as your guide points out medicinal and edible plants along the way. Gain insight into native Maori and Dutch settlers’ heritage, and enjoy lunch on Torrent Beach.

Saddle up for a horseback ride through the wild landscapes of the Cardrona Valley. Trace the path of the 19th-century gold rush, climb the mountains for a thrilling view over Wanaka Lake, and trot or gallop through the valley plains. Rides can be tailored for all levels, from complete beginners to experienced riders.

Saddle up and explore New Zealand’s rugged wilderness on this 3.5-hour Cardrona High Country pub trail horse-riding trek. Head on horseback into the New Zealand countryside with your guide. Discover points of historical interest along the winding mountain trails, and gain insight into the 19th-century gold rush that brought wealth to the area. Pass through a working cattle farm, traverse choppy rivers and enjoy panoramic views over the rugged scenery. Stop at the historic Cardrona Hotel for a complimentary drink, then return to base along the mighty Cardrona River.

Explore Fiordland by Heli, Hike & Boat * Private, full or half day experience * Perfect for people looking to see and do it all in a single day A fantastic Fiordland experience that truly does have it all. Begin with a spectacular helicopter ride to Mount Luxmore, hike the famous Kepler Track and short boat ride on Lake Te Anau.

The Kepler Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, running from the shores of Lake Te Anau to Lake Manapouri and back via majestic alpine vistas. Start your trek off with this private water taxi across Lake Te Anau to Brod Bay. From there, stroll back to Te Anau along the lake’s limestone bluffs or, for more of a challenge, hike up Mount Luxmore, a summit with impressive views of Te Anau basin.

Join us for a distinctly Fiordland fishing experience on the Waiau River you won’t forget in a hurry. • Perfect chance to battle bountiful, aggressive Fiordland rainbow and wily brown trout. • Using our boat provides us with superior maneuverability for top results drift fishing the river or accessing beaches and islands on the river you can’t get to on foot. • Experience the outstanding evening rises and Mayfly hatches that can occur on the Upper Waiau. • Our professional kiwi guides are true Fiordland locals and great people to spend time with – they know the Waiau River like the back of their hand. • Enjoy kiwi hospitality at its very best; our BBQ lunch with locally sourced produce tops off an epic day on the water.

* Fastest Boat to the Milford Track * Small and personal family company offering top notch service and a fun commentary along the way * Get to know your fellow hikers

Explore the rivers and rainforests of New Zealand’s beautiful South Westland region on this 2-hour Waitato River safari from Haast. Hop aboard your boat and cruise up the mighty Waitato River with your guide. Admire attractive flora and fauna thriving on the riverbanks and learn of the rainforest’s varied animal and bird life. Take an optional hike into the rainforest, and enjoy thrilling spins and turns over the waves. Watch the skies for native white heron and fantails, and look out for flounder, whitebait and trout in the clear waters.

Lake Mapourika holds great stock of New Zealand Brown Trout and Wild Sea-Run Salmon. The calm waters and scenic views will keep all anglers entertained. Our unique comfortable tour boat makes fishing and excellent activity rain or shine.

Enjoy exclusive access to our private rainforest trail, only accessible by boat! The rainforest trail journeys through a Kiwi Conservation region and some of Westland's oldest untouched rainforest.