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 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 (13)

Private 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 (13)

from
$261

From Wanaka Bike the Lake Dunstan Trail with Shuttle Return

A fully hosted day where your Guest Experience Manager (who you will have a direct phone number for) will ensure you are set up to …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (10)

From Wanaka Bike the Lake Dunstan Trail with Shuttle Return

A fully hosted day where your Guest Experience Manager (who you will have a direct phone number for) will ensure you are set up to...

8 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (10)

from
$113

Full-Day Wine Gourmet and Scenic Delight Tour of Marlborough from Picton

You will experience sensational wines, stunning landscapes and delicious gourmet treats on this relaxing tour departing Picton, offering a full-day experience of the Marlborough wine …More

Blenheim, New Zealand

4.8 (8)

Full-Day Wine Gourmet and Scenic Delight Tour of Marlborough from Picton

You will experience sensational wines, stunning landscapes and delicious gourmet treats on this relaxing tour departing Picton, offering a full-day experience of the Marlborough wine...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.8 (8)

from
$184

Kinross Winery: Valli Wine Tasting Experience

Embark on an extraordinary wine journey guided by our talented Wine Advisor. They will lead you through a tasting experience with the exquisitely crafted, award-winning …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Kinross Winery: Valli Wine Tasting Experience

Embark on an extraordinary wine journey guided by our talented Wine Advisor. They will lead you through a tasting experience with the exquisitely crafted, award-winning...

45 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$26

8 Day Southern Crossing Small Group Tour

Spectacular scenery and lots of opportunity for adventure, this 8 day South Island adventure starts and finishes in the diverse city of Christchurch. Turquoise lakes, …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

8 Day Southern Crossing Small Group Tour

Spectacular scenery and lots of opportunity for adventure, this 8 day South Island adventure starts and finishes in the diverse city of Christchurch. Turquoise lakes,...

8 days

5.0 (3)

from
$1,078

It's all about the experience! Exhilarating! Sightseeing has never been so much fun. Standard tour or made-to-measure, you are sure to enjoy your ride on …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (9)

V8 Trike Private Tour of Christchurch

It's all about the experience! Exhilarating! Sightseeing has never been so much fun. Standard tour or made-to-measure, you are sure to enjoy your ride on...

30 to 45 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (9)

from
$131

Private Luxury Glenorchy/ Mt Aspiring Park Portrait 4WD Tour

We photograph your tour professionally, so you can sit back and relax. From posed photographs through to candid ones, we'll be helping you feel relaxed …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Private Luxury Glenorchy/ Mt Aspiring Park Portrait 4WD Tour

We photograph your tour professionally, so you can sit back and relax. From posed photographs through to candid ones, we'll be helping you feel relaxed...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$1,418

Private Full Day Photography Tour in Queenstown - Follow the Gold

This full-day private photography tour takes us further afield than our other tours to the wild and rugged hills and mountains east of Queenstown. First …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Private Full Day Photography Tour in Queenstown - Follow the Gold

This full-day private photography tour takes us further afield than our other tours to the wild and rugged hills and mountains east of Queenstown. First...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$264

Golden Bay is truly a hiden gem providing lots of incredible surprises. Departing your accommodation and the city we drive over the Waimea Plains in Tasman Bay …More

Nelson, New Zealand

5.0 (26)

Golden Bay in a Day

Golden Bay is truly a hiden gem providing lots of incredible surprises. Departing your accommodation and the city we drive over the Waimea Plains in Tasman Bay...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (26)

from
$258

Akaroa 8hr Tour: Lunch, Transport, Guide. Optional Dolphin Cruise

On this incredibly scenic small group tour, visit Akaroa and explore the Banks Peninsula with one of our friendly and knowledgeable local guides. Visit some …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (5)

Akaroa 8hr Tour: Lunch, Transport, Guide. Optional Dolphin Cruise

On this incredibly scenic small group tour, visit Akaroa and explore the Banks Peninsula with one of our friendly and knowledgeable local guides. Visit some...

7 to 8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (5)

from
$329

Our Merino Farm Experience allows you to enjoy a slice of kiwi (New Zealand) rural life. Be guided by the family owners and operators on …More

Canterbury, New Zealand

5.0 (9)

Merino Farm Experience

Our Merino Farm Experience allows you to enjoy a slice of kiwi (New Zealand) rural life. Be guided by the family owners and operators on...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (9)

from
$54

Dunedin to Queenstown 1-Way Day Tour with Taieri Gorge Railway

This isn’t just a journey, it’s a story unfolding across gold rush trails, highland outposts, and cinematic landscapes. Travelling from Dunedin to Queenstown with Cheeky …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.6 (16)

Dunedin to Queenstown 1-Way Day Tour with Taieri Gorge Railway

This isn’t just a journey, it’s a story unfolding across gold rush trails, highland outposts, and cinematic landscapes. Travelling from Dunedin to Queenstown with Cheeky...

9 hours Free Cancellation

4.6 (16)

from
$170

Visit a working sheep farms set in a tranquil and picturesque location in the heart of Canterbury's sheep farm land on this tour. On your …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.1 (9)

Christchurch Sheep Farm Visit

Visit a working sheep farms set in a tranquil and picturesque location in the heart of Canterbury's sheep farm land on this tour. On your...

3 hours Hotel pickup offered

4.1 (9)

from
$108

Wines and Views Private Wine Tour of Otago from Queenstown

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. Embark on a 5.5-hour private wine tour through the breathtaking landscapes of Central Otago. Begin …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Wines and Views Private Wine Tour of Otago from Queenstown

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. Embark on a 5.5-hour private wine tour through the breathtaking landscapes of Central Otago. Begin...

5 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (4)

from
$1,111

Dunedin is a great wee city and is best explored on foot. Once New Zealand's largest city, and now a university town, Dunedin boasts picturesque …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

5.0 (16)

Heritage Highlights Walk

Dunedin is a great wee city and is best explored on foot. Once New Zealand's largest city, and now a university town, Dunedin boasts picturesque...

1 hour Free Cancellation

5.0 (16)

from
$28

Embark on Wine Exposed Nelson, a journey where every sip tells a story! Discover Nelson's vibrant wine culture across its three distinct sub-regions. Guided by …More

Nelson, New Zealand

5.0 (18)

Wine Exposed Nelson Winery Tour

Embark on Wine Exposed Nelson, a journey where every sip tells a story! Discover Nelson's vibrant wine culture across its three distinct sub-regions. Guided by...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (18)

from
$247

Discover Christchurch's true spirit with The Nature's Trail! Our immersive city tour offers more than just sightseeing. Knowledgeable local guides share deep insights into Ōtautahi's …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (13)

Christchurch City Full Day Tour

Discover Christchurch's true spirit with The Nature's Trail! Our immersive city tour offers more than just sightseeing. Knowledgeable local guides share deep insights into Ōtautahi's...

7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (13)

from
$112

3 Day Abel Tasman Guided Kayak & Walk - Nelson

Walk, kayak and relax on this 3 Day/2 Night journey into Abel Tasman National Park. No need to give up modern comforts. Stay at our …More

Motueka, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

3 Day Abel Tasman Guided Kayak & Walk - Nelson

Walk, kayak and relax on this 3 Day/2 Night journey into Abel Tasman National Park. No need to give up modern comforts. Stay at our...

3 days Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (2)

from
$1,129

You Choose the Itinerary Dunedin Full Day 6hrs

Private Transport option with a flexible itinerary to suit your interests - SEE THE BEST SPOTS OF YOUR CHOOSING! …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

You Choose the Itinerary Dunedin Full Day 6hrs

Private Transport option with a flexible itinerary to suit your interests - SEE THE BEST SPOTS OF YOUR CHOOSING!...

5 to 7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$1,192

Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton

Cruise from Picton Harbour to Motuara Island and beyond to see rare native birds and other wildlife on this 4.5-hour boat excursion. Spend time exploring …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.2 (36)

Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton

Cruise from Picton Harbour to Motuara Island and beyond to see rare native birds and other wildlife on this 4.5-hour boat excursion. Spend time exploring...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.2 (36)

from
$69

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?