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 →

Private Arrowtown & Wānaka Full-Day Tour from Queenstown

Discover the alpine scenery, lakeside beauty and historic villages of the Queenstown and Wānaka regions on a private full-day tour exclusively for your group. Travel …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (85)

Private Arrowtown & Wānaka Full-Day Tour from Queenstown

Discover the alpine scenery, lakeside beauty and historic villages of the Queenstown and Wānaka regions on a private full-day tour exclusively for your group. Travel...

7 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered

4.9 (85)

from
$1,077

Dunedin Nature & City Tour – Full Day Cruise Excursion

This is a tour by bus around some of the main attractions of Dunedin. It is aimed at cruise ship passengers and only runs on …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.7 (125)

Dunedin Nature & City Tour – Full Day Cruise Excursion

This is a tour by bus around some of the main attractions of Dunedin. It is aimed at cruise ship passengers and only runs on...

6 to 7 hours Free Cancellation

4.7 (125)

from
$55

Join us for a relaxed informative 45 minute tour of the vineyard, winery and wine cave. Visit Home Block, the region's oldest vineyard, step into …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.6 (90)

Gibbston Valley Wines - Winery Tour

Join us for a relaxed informative 45 minute tour of the vineyard, winery and wine cave. Visit Home Block, the region's oldest vineyard, step into...

45 minutes Free Cancellation

4.6 (90)

from
$27

Stewart Island/Rakiura Half-Day Guided Nature Walk to Oneke

Embark on a guided small-group walk to Oneke, 'The Neck,' on Rakiura Stewart Island. Check in at the ferry terminal in Oban, just a 5 …More

Stewart Island / Rakiura, New Zealand

4.8 (11)

Stewart Island/Rakiura Half-Day Guided Nature Walk to Oneke

Embark on a guided small-group walk to Oneke, 'The Neck,' on Rakiura Stewart Island. Check in at the ferry terminal in Oban, just a 5...

3 hours 15 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (11)

from
$114

Waipara Valley Winery Tour Wine Tastings and Scenic Views

Explore the enchanting Waipara Valley, renowned for its boutique wineries and breathtaking landscapes. This 5-6 hour winery tour invites you to taste award-winning wines, learn …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (16)

Waipara Valley Winery Tour Wine Tastings and Scenic Views

Explore the enchanting Waipara Valley, renowned for its boutique wineries and breathtaking landscapes. This 5-6 hour winery tour invites you to taste award-winning wines, learn...

5 to 6 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (16)

from
$172

Skippers Canyon 4WD Tour from Queenstown

Discover the beauty of Skippers Canyon on this half-day 4WD tour from Queenstown. Leave behind the hustle and bustle of Queestown and travel 32 kilometers …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (97)

Skippers Canyon 4WD Tour from Queenstown

Discover the beauty of Skippers Canyon on this half-day 4WD tour from Queenstown. Leave behind the hustle and bustle of Queestown and travel 32 kilometers...

4 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (97)

from
$150

Discover Christchurch Hidden Gems Twilight Food and Culture Tour

Our tours are about sharing our ancestors cultural stories, and the narrative of the diverse people which now call Ōtautahi Christchurch home. We do this …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.8 (12)

Discover Christchurch Hidden Gems Twilight Food and Culture Tour

Our tours are about sharing our ancestors cultural stories, and the narrative of the diverse people which now call Ōtautahi Christchurch home. We do this...

2 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (12)

from
$96

Full-Day Omaka Aviation Heritage Center and Wine Tasting Tour

This full-day small-group tour from Blenheim or Picton takes you to the Omaka Heritage Aviation Centre (entry fees apply). This is a popular icon stop …More

Blenheim, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Full-Day Omaka Aviation Heritage Center and Wine Tasting Tour

This full-day small-group tour from Blenheim or Picton takes you to the Omaka Heritage Aviation Centre (entry fees apply). This is a popular icon stop...

5 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$187

Turquoise lakes, majestic glaciers, dramatic mountain peaks and the picture-perfect towns of Queenstown, Wanaka and Franz Josef. With accommodation and some activities included (see below), …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

8 Day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour

Turquoise lakes, majestic glaciers, dramatic mountain peaks and the picture-perfect towns of Queenstown, Wanaka and Franz Josef. With accommodation and some activities included (see below),...

8 days

5.0 (2)

from
$908

Private Family Cultural Journey Through Historic Dunedin

This private family tour reveals the cultural heritage, architectural character, and natural beauty of Dunedin, one of New Zealand’s most historic cities. Explore a destination …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Private Family Cultural Journey Through Historic Dunedin

This private family tour reveals the cultural heritage, architectural character, and natural beauty of Dunedin, one of New Zealand’s most historic cities. Explore a destination...

3 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$211

Private Luxury Queenstown Portrait 4WD Gold Heritage Tour

Private pickup, luxury Land Rover, expert local guide, and professional photography — all included, no extras. Your group only, your pace, at locations chosen for …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (6)

Private Luxury Queenstown Portrait 4WD Gold Heritage Tour

Private pickup, luxury Land Rover, expert local guide, and professional photography — all included, no extras. Your group only, your pace, at locations chosen for...

3 hours Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (6)

from
$737

Christchurch Architectural Marvels: Private Walking Tour

Embark on a captivating journey through Christchurch’s cultural and natural wonders with our private walking tour. Begin at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, a lush haven …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Christchurch Architectural Marvels: Private Walking Tour

Embark on a captivating journey through Christchurch’s cultural and natural wonders with our private walking tour. Begin at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, a lush haven...

2 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$179

Akaroa Nature and History Private Tour - The 7th Generation

My true story | New Zealand’s History Do not miss out on this incredible New Zealand experience. Just look at the amazing 5 star reviews! …More

Akaroa, New Zealand

5.0 (15)

Akaroa Nature and History Private Tour - The 7th Generation

My true story | New Zealand’s History Do not miss out on this incredible New Zealand experience. Just look at the amazing 5 star reviews!...

3 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (15)

from
$345

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

Blenheim, New Zealand

4.8 (4)

Full-Day Wine Tour from Blenheim

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...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.8 (4)

from
$156

Everything Queenstown 4 Hour Private Tour

Our knowledgeable guides are passionate locals who are dedicated to bringing the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of this stunning region to life. Join …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.8 (43)

Everything Queenstown 4 Hour Private Tour

Our knowledgeable guides are passionate locals who are dedicated to bringing the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of this stunning region to life. Join...

4 hours Hotel pickup offered

4.8 (43)

from
$489

Kinross Winery: Pinot Noir Wine Tasting Experience

Enjoy some of Central Otago's finest Pinot Noir wines from Hawkshead, High Garden, Kinross, Valli and Wild Irishman and learn about the legends who pioneered …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Kinross Winery: Pinot Noir Wine Tasting Experience

Enjoy some of Central Otago's finest Pinot Noir wines from Hawkshead, High Garden, Kinross, Valli and Wild Irishman and learn about the legends who pioneered...

1 hour Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$26

Kinross Winery: Premium Central Otago Wine Tasting Experience

Enjoy some of Central Otago's finest wines from Hawkshead, High Garden, Kinross, Valli and Wild Irishman and learn about the legends who pioneered wine production …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Kinross Winery: Premium Central Otago Wine Tasting Experience

Enjoy some of Central Otago's finest wines from Hawkshead, High Garden, Kinross, Valli and Wild Irishman and learn about the legends who pioneered wine production...

45 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$43

Lord of the Rings and Glacier Helicopter Tour

See the land where The Lord of the Rings trilogy were filmed. After a complimentary hotel pickup, you will arrive and meet your helicopter pilot. …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (45)

Lord of the Rings and Glacier Helicopter Tour

See the land where The Lord of the Rings trilogy were filmed. After a complimentary hotel pickup, you will arrive and meet your helicopter pilot....

1 hour 10 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (45)

from
$730

Twizel Stargazing Experience with a Guide (Carbon Positive)

Immerse yourself in the wonder of the night sky with a guided stargazing tour in Twizel. Use powerful telescopes to explore the Milky Way, distant …More

Aoraki Mount Cook (Mount Cook Village), New Zealand

4.4 (7)

Twizel Stargazing Experience with a Guide (Carbon Positive)

Immerse yourself in the wonder of the night sky with a guided stargazing tour in Twizel. Use powerful telescopes to explore the Milky Way, distant...

1 hour 15 minutes Free Cancellation

4.4 (7)

from
$68

This is an educational tour where we dive into the human history of New Zealand. Discussing how Polynesians (Māori) navigated to New Zealand with pin-point …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

5.0 (13)

Dunedin City - Settlers & Voyages Tour

This is an educational tour where we dive into the human history of New Zealand. Discussing how Polynesians (Māori) navigated to New Zealand with pin-point...

3 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (13)

from
$79

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?