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 →

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

Private Full-Day Godley Head Guided Coastal Hike with Picnic

Enjoy a premium guided coastal hike at spectacular Godley Head on Banks Peninsula, travelling by private SUV with your own experienced local guide. This full-day …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (39)

Private Full-Day Godley Head Guided Coastal Hike with Picnic

Enjoy a premium guided coastal hike at spectacular Godley Head on Banks Peninsula, travelling by private SUV with your own experienced local guide. This full-day...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (39)

from
$289

Skip the Line:WWI & WWII Combo Exhibitions at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre presents two world-class exhibitions. The first is the original ‘Knights of the Sky’ exhibition, featuring film director, Sir Peter Jackson's …More

Blenheim, New Zealand

4.9 (95)

Skip the Line:WWI & WWII Combo Exhibitions at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre presents two world-class exhibitions. The first is the original ‘Knights of the Sky’ exhibition, featuring film director, Sir Peter Jackson's...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (95)

from
$28

The Wine tour with Maori Culture Wanaka is the only wine tour in Wanaka and Cromwell that connects Maori culture with the local wines and …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (83)

Wine Tour & Maori Culture Wanaka

The Wine tour with Maori Culture Wanaka is the only wine tour in Wanaka and Cromwell that connects Maori culture with the local wines and...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (83)

from
$175

Arrowtown and Wanaka Highlights Tour from Queenstown

Discover Wānaka, Arrowtown and the spectacular Crown Range on a relaxed small-group day tour from Queenstown. Travel with a knowledgeable local driver-guide through dramatic mountain …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (296)

Arrowtown and Wanaka Highlights Tour from Queenstown

Discover Wānaka, Arrowtown and the spectacular Crown Range on a relaxed small-group day tour from Queenstown. Travel with a knowledgeable local driver-guide through dramatic mountain...

6 hours

4.9 (296)

from
$119

Queenstown Sightseeing Tour: Highlights of Queenstown (3.5 hours)

Embark on a guided morning adventure through Queenstown’s most iconic sights in the comfort of a luxury minivan. With small-group intimacy and complimentary hotel transfers, …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.8 (35)

Queenstown Sightseeing Tour: Highlights of Queenstown (3.5 hours)

Embark on a guided morning adventure through Queenstown’s most iconic sights in the comfort of a luxury minivan. With small-group intimacy and complimentary hotel transfers,...

3 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.8 (35)

from
$102

Kinross Winery: Classic Central Otago Wine Tasting Experience

Our talented Wine Advisors are the characters of Kinross. Let them take you on a journey through the world of our wine partners - Hawkshead, …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.8 (19)

Kinross Winery: Classic Central Otago Wine Tasting Experience

Our talented Wine Advisors are the characters of Kinross. Let them take you on a journey through the world of our wine partners - Hawkshead,...

45 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (19)

from
$17

Half-Day Godley Head Coastal Hike from Christchurch

Enjoy a half-day guided walk on Banks Peninsula, a spectacular extinct volcano only 30 minutes from Christchurch. Experience world-class views and see some of New …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (53)

Half-Day Godley Head Coastal Hike from Christchurch

Enjoy a half-day guided walk on Banks Peninsula, a spectacular extinct volcano only 30 minutes from Christchurch. Experience world-class views and see some of New...

4 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (53)

from
$162

Enjoy an afternoon among the vines on this half-day wine tour from Picton. You will be collected and taken on a tour through the Marlborough …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.9 (156)

Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton

Enjoy an afternoon among the vines on this half-day wine tour from Picton. You will be collected and taken on a tour through the Marlborough...

3 to 4 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (156)

from
$113

Private Luxury Queenstown Stargazing & Astro Portraits 4WD Tour

A private two-hour stargazing tour from Queenstown with an astrophysicist guide. Explore the Southern Night Sky and listen to Māori astronomy stories, receive professionally edited …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (72)

Private Luxury Queenstown Stargazing & Astro Portraits 4WD Tour

A private two-hour stargazing tour from Queenstown with an astrophysicist guide. Explore the Southern Night Sky and listen to Māori astronomy stories, receive professionally edited...

2 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (72)

from
$510

A 2 hour Small Group Dunedin City Highlights Tour

Join a small-group tour to discover the highlights of Dunedin, the oldest city in New Zealand. Our City Tour is the perfect choice for those …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.9 (31)

A 2 hour Small Group Dunedin City Highlights Tour

Join a small-group tour to discover the highlights of Dunedin, the oldest city in New Zealand. Our City Tour is the perfect choice for those...

2 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (31)

from
$77

The Green Kiwi Tours 'Private Christchurch Walking Tour' is an informative and entertaining way to get the express history of Christchurch! From Māori and European …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (31)

Private Christchurch Walking Tour

The Green Kiwi Tours 'Private Christchurch Walking Tour' is an informative and entertaining way to get the express history of Christchurch! From Māori and European...

2 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (31)

from
$24

Queenstown to Dunedin with Taieri Gorge Train One-Way Tour

Follow gold rush trails, explore historic towns, and journey through breathtaking landscapes. This isn’t just a transfer, it’s an odyssey through the heart of Central …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (25)

Queenstown to Dunedin with Taieri Gorge Train One-Way Tour

Follow gold rush trails, explore historic towns, and journey through breathtaking landscapes. This isn’t just a transfer, it’s an odyssey through the heart of Central...

10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (25)

from
$170

This iconic experience includes a visit within New Zealand's largest wine cave. Informative and fun, this is a must-do activity to gain a true understanding …More

4.7 (102)

Gibbston Valley Wines - Cave Tour

This iconic experience includes a visit within New Zealand's largest wine cave. Informative and fun, this is a must-do activity to gain a true understanding...

30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.7 (102)

from
$16

This is a short tour by bus around some of the main attractions of Dunedin. It is aimed at cruise ship passengers but anyone can …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.8 (242)

Garden and City tour

This is a short tour by bus around some of the main attractions of Dunedin. It is aimed at cruise ship passengers but anyone can...

4 to 5 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (242)

from
$35

Full Day Mavora Lakes Adventure Lord of the Rings Film Locations

Embark on a Legendary Lord of the Rings Journey from Queenstown Operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays this exclusive LOTR tour takes you deep into …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (44)

Full Day Mavora Lakes Adventure Lord of the Rings Film Locations

Embark on a Legendary Lord of the Rings Journey from Queenstown Operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays this exclusive LOTR tour takes you deep into...

7 to 10 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (44)

from
$175

Heritage Dunedin City Walking Guided Tour

The stories Gregor researches have rarely been heard before. They are the culmination of years of research and are exclusive to Tales From Darkest Dunedin. …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.7 (57)

Heritage Dunedin City Walking Guided Tour

The stories Gregor researches have rarely been heard before. They are the culmination of years of research and are exclusive to Tales From Darkest Dunedin....

90 to 120 minutes Free Cancellation

4.7 (57)

from
$34

Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Goldrush Small Group Tour

The Goldrush Tour was created with one goal: to be Queenstown's most detailed historical experience Travelling through Skippers Canyon with up to 11 guests, professionally …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (42)

Queenstown: Skippers Canyon Goldrush Small Group Tour

The Goldrush Tour was created with one goal: to be Queenstown's most detailed historical experience Travelling through Skippers Canyon with up to 11 guests, professionally...

3 to 4 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (42)

from
$97

Knights of the Sky - The Great War Exhibition in Blenheim

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre presents the outstanding Knights of the Sky exhibition, featuring film director, Sir Peter Jackson's own collection of World War One …More

Blenheim, New Zealand

5.0 (29)

Knights of the Sky - The Great War Exhibition in Blenheim

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre presents the outstanding Knights of the Sky exhibition, featuring film director, Sir Peter Jackson's own collection of World War One...

45 to 120 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (29)

from
$17

Dunedin Shore Excursion City Sightseeing & Tour of Larnach Castle

Staring dickside, discover Dunedin’s roots when your ship is in port on a shore excursion that takes in the city's central sights and historic Larnach …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.3 (64)

Dunedin Shore Excursion City Sightseeing & Tour of Larnach Castle

Staring dickside, discover Dunedin’s roots when your ship is in port on a shore excursion that takes in the city's central sights and historic Larnach...

7 hours

4.3 (64)

from
$111

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?