Top South Island Cultural & Theme Tours

Q: Which South Island Cultural & Theme Tours have Instant Confirmation?

South Island Cultural & Theme Tours with Instant Confirmation include: Olveston Historic Home Guided Tour Stewart Island: Rakiura Wild Kiwi Experiences Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket Glenorchy & Paradise Half-Day Scenic Tour from Queenstown Skip the Line: Dangerous Skies WWII Exhibition - Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre View all Tours with Instant Confirmation →

Q: I need a ride! Which South Island Cultural & Theme Tours have Hotel Pickup?

No problem. These South Island Cultural & Theme Tours include Hotel Pickup: Beyond the Vines Full-Day Small-Group Marlborough Wine Tour Mainland Peninsula Tour Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch Christchurch to Arthur's Pass Tours + TranzAlpine Train & Lunch Southern Skies Stargazing Tour in Dunedin View all Tours with Hotel Pickup →

Q: Got any more South Island trip ideas?

We sure do. Check out our curated lists of hand-picked South Island Tours. Top 10 South Island 2026 Senior-friendly tours South Island The best tours and activities for culture lovers in South Island Top Day Trips from South Island Things to do in South Island this summer View all South Island Trip Ideas →

Q: What are the most popular styles of Tours and Activities in South Island?

Based on our sales data over the past year, the most popular styles of tours and activities in South Island are: South Island Luxury & Special Occasions South Island Luxury Tours South Island Outdoor Activities South Island Tours & Sightseeing South Island Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours View all tour styles in South Island →

'Express' Wine Tour & Māori Culture Wānaka

Experience this one-of-a-kind wine tasting with a fascinating Māori culture spin! Learn about Māori history and their experiences of this region while sampling many wonderful …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (99)

'Express' Wine Tour & Māori Culture Wānaka

Experience this one-of-a-kind wine tasting with a fascinating Māori culture spin! Learn about Māori history and their experiences of this region while sampling many wonderful...

3 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (99)

from
$109

Christchurch Inner City Lunchtime Food and Culture Walking Tour

Āmiki offers immersive inner‑city walking tours that share the rich culture of Ōtautahi Christchurch with visitors from near and far. Our guided journeys weave through …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (107)

Christchurch Inner City Lunchtime Food and Culture Walking Tour

Āmiki offers immersive inner‑city walking tours that share the rich culture of Ōtautahi Christchurch with visitors from near and far. Our guided journeys weave through...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (107)

from
$122

Historic Yacht Cruise and Guided Walk on Lake Te Anau

Cruise across lake Te Anau discover untouched wilderness and timeless heritage. Set out across the fresh waters of Lake Te Anau and journey toward the …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

5.0 (173)

Historic Yacht Cruise and Guided Walk on Lake Te Anau

Cruise across lake Te Anau discover untouched wilderness and timeless heritage. Set out across the fresh waters of Lake Te Anau and journey toward the...

3 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (173)

from
$94

Glenorchy Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour - Half Day

Travel in 4WD from Queenstown along the shores of Lake Whakatipu on one of New Zealand's most spectacular scenic drives, surrounded by the Southern Alps, …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.7 (249)

Glenorchy Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour - Half Day

Travel in 4WD from Queenstown along the shores of Lake Whakatipu on one of New Zealand's most spectacular scenic drives, surrounded by the Southern Alps,...

4 hours 15 minutes Free Cancellation

4.7 (249)

from
$183

Queenstown Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour - half day

Rediscover the magic of Tolkien’s Middle-earth on a small-group 4WD adventure through Queenstown’s spectacular landscapes. View The Remarkables from Queenstown Hill, featured as the Misty …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.8 (319)

Queenstown Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour - half day

Rediscover the magic of Tolkien’s Middle-earth on a small-group 4WD adventure through Queenstown’s spectacular landscapes. View The Remarkables from Queenstown Hill, featured as the Misty...

4 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (319)

from
$183

Hokitika Fly SIX Glaciers Heli Tour + Snow Landing

We're a small boutique Glacier tour company that only operates one scenic Helicopter at a time. We are the only business located at the beautiful …More

5.0 (60)

Hokitika Fly SIX Glaciers Heli Tour + Snow Landing

We're a small boutique Glacier tour company that only operates one scenic Helicopter at a time. We are the only business located at the beautiful...

45 to 60 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (60)

from
$397

Iconic Shore Excursion: Dunedin City Highlights Tour

Discover top attractions and iconic sites and lookouts around the city of Dunedin on this half-day city tour. Explore Dunedin with a guide and take …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.8 (147)

Iconic Shore Excursion: Dunedin City Highlights Tour

Discover top attractions and iconic sites and lookouts around the city of Dunedin on this half-day city tour. Explore Dunedin with a guide and take...

4 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (147)

from
$82

Dunedin Shore Excursion: Small-Group Tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula

See the beautiful countryside surrounding Dunedin when your cruise ship is in port, on a small-group tour of the Otago Peninsula. This scenic tour takes …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.6 (283)

Dunedin Shore Excursion: Small-Group Tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula

See the beautiful countryside surrounding Dunedin when your cruise ship is in port, on a small-group tour of the Otago Peninsula. This scenic tour takes...

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.6 (283)

from
$90

Full-Day Godley Head Coastal Hike with Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a stunning guided walk along the Godley Head Loop Track, one of the most breathtaking hikes in Christchurch. Your guide picks you up from …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (165)

Full-Day Godley Head Coastal Hike with Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a stunning guided walk along the Godley Head Loop Track, one of the most breathtaking hikes in Christchurch. Your guide picks you up from...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (165)

from
$193

Queenstown Highlights Tour: with Wine Tasting & Cheese Platters

Discover the highlights of Queenstown and the stunning Whakatipu Basin on this relaxed half-day sightseeing tour. Travel beyond the town centre to enjoy spectacular alpine …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (153)

Queenstown Highlights Tour: with Wine Tasting & Cheese Platters

Discover the highlights of Queenstown and the stunning Whakatipu Basin on this relaxed half-day sightseeing tour. Travel beyond the town centre to enjoy spectacular alpine...

4 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (153)

from
$130

Iconic Shore Excursion: Iconic Larnach Castle Tour

Enjoy a personalized small group tour of Larnach Castle and Dunedin City. This is a 6 hour fully guided tour that lets you explore Dunedin …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.9 (114)

Iconic Shore Excursion: Iconic Larnach Castle Tour

Enjoy a personalized small group tour of Larnach Castle and Dunedin City. This is a 6 hour fully guided tour that lets you explore Dunedin...

6 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (114)

from
$111

Half Day Arrowtown and Gibbston Lord of the Rings Film Locations

Epic Adventures to the Real Middle Earth and Back Again! Join our Lord of the Rings “Nerds” aka tour guides who have superior knowledge on …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (364)

Half Day Arrowtown and Gibbston Lord of the Rings Film Locations

Epic Adventures to the Real Middle Earth and Back Again! Join our Lord of the Rings “Nerds” aka tour guides who have superior knowledge on...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (364)

from
$119

Nelson is a stunning, unique city in New Zealand, so whether it’s your first time in Nelson or you’re a seasoned visitor (or local!), our …More

Nelson, New Zealand

4.9 (80)

Nelson City Walking Tour - Guided

Nelson is a stunning, unique city in New Zealand, so whether it’s your first time in Nelson or you’re a seasoned visitor (or local!), our...

2 to 3 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (80)

from
$33

The Mail has been delivered by boat for over 150 years in the Queen Charlotte Sounds, we are the only official licensed New Zealand Post …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.8 (326)

Queen Charlotte Sound Mail Boat Cruise

The Mail has been delivered by boat for over 150 years in the Queen Charlotte Sounds, we are the only official licensed New Zealand Post...

4 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (326)

from
$76

Full Day Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour from Queenstown

Travel by 4WD from Queenstown along Lake Whakatipu, surrounded by the Southern Alps, glacial valleys and native beech forest. Visit 12 Mile Delta for a …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (84)

Full Day Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour from Queenstown

Travel by 4WD from Queenstown along Lake Whakatipu, surrounded by the Southern Alps, glacial valleys and native beech forest. Visit 12 Mile Delta for a...

9 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (84)

from
$378

Discover the full diversity of wine varieties this stunning Marlborough region has to offer and learn the secrets behind fine wine appreciation on this full-day …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.9 (40)

Full-Day Wine Tour from Picton

Discover the full diversity of wine varieties this stunning Marlborough region has to offer and learn the secrets behind fine wine appreciation on this full-day...

7 to 8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (40)

from
$156

Heritage City and Larnach Castle Van tour with Historian Guide

A tour with Gregor is like no other. Emerging business award finalist, Tales From Darkest Dunedin and Gregor Campbell, respected historian and expert story teller …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

5.0 (81)

Heritage City and Larnach Castle Van tour with Historian Guide

A tour with Gregor is like no other. Emerging business award finalist, Tales From Darkest Dunedin and Gregor Campbell, respected historian and expert story teller...

5 to 6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (81)

from
$136

Full Day Arrowtown and Glenorchy Lord of the Rings Film Locations

Combine our Half Day in Middle Earth with a second Half Day Adventure into another part of Middle Earth with our partner company. We have a 1 hour …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (111)

Full Day Arrowtown and Glenorchy Lord of the Rings Film Locations

Combine our Half Day in Middle Earth with a second Half Day Adventure into another part of Middle Earth with our partner company. We have a 1 hour...

10 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (111)

from
$232

Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton

Depart Picton at 9:00am and cruise through the Queen Charlotte Sound to historic Ship Cove. Along the way enjoy the sights and scenery and keep …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.5 (148)

Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton

Depart Picton at 9:00am and cruise through the Queen Charlotte Sound to historic Ship Cove. Along the way enjoy the sights and scenery and keep...

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.5 (148)

from
$68

The Wine tour with Maori Culture Queenstown is the only wine tour in Queenstown that connects Maori culture with the local wines and land where …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (92)

Wine Tour & Maori Culture Queenstown

The Wine tour with Maori Culture Queenstown is the only wine tour in Queenstown that connects Maori culture with the local wines and land where...

5 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (92)

from
$181

Frequently Asked Questions

These answers are based on answers previously given to Cool Shore Excursions customers' questions.

What are the best options for South Island Cultural & Theme Tours?

What are the best kid-friendly options for South Island Cultural & Theme Tours Tours?

According to verified reviews on Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor, the best kid-friendly South Island Cultural & Theme Tours are:

View all kid-friendly Tours →

Which South Island Cultural & Theme Tours have Instant Confirmation?

Which South Island Cultural & Theme Tours have Free Cancellation?

South Island Cultural & Theme Tours with Free Cancellation (in most cases up to 24 hours in advance of your tour date, check the specific tour page) include:

View all Tours with Free Cancellation →

I need a ride! Which South Island Cultural & Theme Tours have Hotel Pickup?

Got any more South Island trip ideas?

What are the most popular styles of Tours and Activities in South Island?