The 9 Best Eco Tours in Southland Region, South Island

Operating from Lake Te Anau, Trips & Tramps offers small group Milford Sound cruise and walking tours, guided day hikes on the Milford, Routeburn and Kepler Great Walks plus track transport. Our guides are friendly and down-to-earth, you'll love their fascinating commentary and entertaining kiwi stories.

DISCOVERY CRUISE Join Peter (your local born & breed skipper) on 'Cruise Te Anau' for a personalized boutique 3 hour 'Discovery Cruise' to the scenic South Fiord of Lake Te Anau, including a relaxing bush/nature walk to discover the Hidden Lakes. Cruise Te Anau have been operating personalized boutique cruises on beautiful Lake Te Anau, (New Zealand's 2nd largest lake) for over 15 years. With a maximum of 12 people per trip you are assured of the untouched tranquility of the beautiful South Fiord of Lake Te Anau. Cruises Depart Daily at 1pm (also 5pm during summer months) - Bookings essential - you can book through our website.

Discover diverse marine species above and below the waterline during this 2.5 Hour cruise with our nature guide. Explore the coastal area adjacent to Halfmoon Bay and the Titi Islands by catamaran. Then in our semi-submersible view the rich marine life below the waterline including kelp forests and fish species. Keep a look out for penguins, dolphins and albatross and other wildlife including seals and great white sharks. - Duration 2 hours 30 mins (including 30 - 45 mins semi-submersible experience).

Ruggedy Range™ Wilderness Experience operate exclusively in Stewart Island and Ulva Island. We are an independent, small, locally owned and operated business, specialising in guided nature walks, overnight treks, bird watching (including pelagic birding) and kiwi spotting tours, wildlife and scenic cruises, sea kayaking and scenic road tours. Our tours are designed to capture the best the island has to offer and carefully matching this to the interests and abilities of the most discerning traveller. Whether you are a gentle explorer or adventurous and active, whether your interests are general or you are an avid birdwatcher, botanist, naturalist or photographer, we certainly have something to offer. Guides bring their in-depth knowledge, a sense of fun with a few local tales, to create a truly memorable experience. We care about the environment and strive to adopt and maintain sustainable practises. Visit our Ruggedy Range™ Booking Office at 14 Main Road, Stewart Island.

Milford Sound diving trips. We supply everything: boat, gear, guides, food and fun! A scuba experience like no other you can see the famous deep water black coral trees, red corals, dog sharks, octopus, crayfish, seals, penguins, dolphins and over 150 species of fish in a world heritage area marine reserve. We operate with a general maximum of six divers guided and hosted by experienced PADI instructors Lance and Simone whom are the owners/operators of the company. Our passion is dedicated to expanding marine ecology awareness, diving and sharing the local area with you, which makes for a truly personal experience. Includes 4 hours cruising all of Milford Sound. First time divers are welcome to experience diving with us and will be well taken care of. Descend !

Spend a night in the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ in comfort onboard the Fiordland Jewel for our Milford Sound Overnight Cruise. Taking only 20 passengers a night, our boat features a top-deck hot tub, an onboard helicopter pad, and nine private climate-controlled cabins all with ensuites and majestic fiord and sea views. Our friendly expert crew will share with you the incredible natural wilderness and local wildlife of this area. View the fascinating sea life beneath the surface captured by our Remote Operating Vehicle (ROV). Your luxury, bespoke escape away from the crowds includes two cruises of Milford Sound, three-course evening meal, cooked & continental breakfast prepared by our onboard chef, kayaking, Zodiac tender boat explorations & lobster pot pulling (weather permitting) Transport options from Queenstown and Te Anau available in our VW Crafter van (11 passengers) with exclusive charters available upon request.

Cruise the fiords of Doubtful Sound aboard the Southern Secret, sightseeing and exploring the history and splendor, pause at features for photographs and to observe marine mammals, cast a line for fishing, check the crayfish traps and savor the spectacular scenery and wildlife. Activities onboard can include fishing, mammal watching and star gazing on clear evenings. Wildlife is often sighted in Doubtful Sound. Space is limited to 5 Private Cabins per departure, book now. Highlights of our Doubtful Sound / Patea Overnight Cruise Personalized Overnight Cruise with a maximum of just 12 guests Wildlife such as dolphins, penguins and seals may be seen Spectacular and untouched scenery 21 hours on Doubtful Sound Kayaking* Fishing* And the opportunity to enjoy the fish you catch Checking and resetting of crayfish traps* Private Double or Twin Cabin with own toilet and shower Meals provided include luncheon, evening meal and breakfast prepared on-board

Join in the fun, on our unique Jet boat experience in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park(Te Wahipounamu). From iconic 360 degree Hamilton Jet boat spins to the scenic and tranquil surroundings, we can tailor the experience to suit your needs. Our drivers/guide's will make you feel safe and secure whilst giving you the journey of a lifetime! Your adventure awaits, book today!

We’re Jen and Al, and we’ve been living under the dark skies of Stewart Island/Rakiura for five years. Jen is from Canada and has been charged by a grizzly bear and Al is a 'space nerd' from Yorkshire in the UK. We met on Rakiura in 2015 and got married here in 2020. We’ve been stargazing together since a trip to Aoraki/Mt Cook when Al pointed out the centre of the Milky Way galaxy. We became Dark Sky Ambassadors in September 2020 and we're excited to share the Dark Sky Sanctuary with you!