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 →

Christchurch to Queenstown via Mount Cook & Tekapo (Private Tour)

This action-packed private tour is the perfect way to discover the outdoor beauty between Christchurch and Queenstown.Travel in a luxurious Mercedes Benz minivan with your …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Christchurch to Queenstown via Mount Cook & Tekapo (Private Tour)

This action-packed private tour is the perfect way to discover the outdoor beauty between Christchurch and Queenstown.Travel in a luxurious Mercedes Benz minivan with your...

12 to 13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$5,674

Christchurch City Highlights Half Day Tour

You can see the best highlights of Christchurch in one day with great, exciting stories. We will take you to the “MUST SEE” attractions, landscapes, …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.4 (17)

Christchurch City Highlights Half Day Tour

You can see the best highlights of Christchurch in one day with great, exciting stories. We will take you to the “MUST SEE” attractions, landscapes,...

4 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.4 (17)

from
$105

If you are looking to include New Zealand Māori culture and a Welcome to Wānaka/Queenstown and to your special day this Māori welcome is a …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (8)

Wedding Māori Welcome

If you are looking to include New Zealand Māori culture and a Welcome to Wānaka/Queenstown and to your special day this Māori welcome is a...

30 minutes

5.0 (8)

from
$147

Private Full Day Queenstown 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 1-1.5 hour …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (6)

Private Full Day Queenstown 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 1-1.5 hour...

10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (6)

from
$1,150

Private 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

4.3 (6)

Private 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 Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.3 (6)

from
$681

Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations

Embark on a Legendary Lord of the Rings Journey from Queenstown, this exclusive LOTR tour takes you deep into the Southland region, home to some …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations

Embark on a Legendary Lord of the Rings Journey from Queenstown, this exclusive LOTR tour takes you deep into the Southland region, home to some...

7 to 10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$1,323

The Ultimate Lord of the Rings Combo Tour

Included in this adventure • Approximately 90 minutes flight time exploring the Kahurangi National Park • Two-way communication between you and your pilot • 2 …More

Nelson, New Zealand

5.0 (8)

The Ultimate Lord of the Rings Combo Tour

Included in this adventure • Approximately 90 minutes flight time exploring the Kahurangi National Park • Two-way communication between you and your pilot • 2...

2 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (8)

from
$3,964

Akaroa & Banks Peninsula Private Day Tour from Christchurch

Discover the charm of Akaroa, a beautiful seaside town known for its French heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Enjoy dolphin watching experiences featuring the rare …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (7)

Akaroa & Banks Peninsula Private Day Tour from Christchurch

Discover the charm of Akaroa, a beautiful seaside town known for its French heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Enjoy dolphin watching experiences featuring the rare...

7 to 8 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (7)

from
$141

Wanaka to Queenstown Small-Group Tour (one-way)

Journey from Wanaka to Queenstown, soaking in the stunning views of the Southern Alps and Cardrona Valley. This small group tour is fully guided and …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Wanaka to Queenstown Small-Group Tour (one-way)

Journey from Wanaka to Queenstown, soaking in the stunning views of the Southern Alps and Cardrona Valley. This small group tour is fully guided and...

2 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$79

Embark on an exclusive private tour, accommodating a maximum of five participants. This intimate setting ensures a personalized experience akin to a private tour, allowing …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Dunedin Private Fullday Tour

Embark on an exclusive private tour, accommodating a maximum of five participants. This intimate setting ensures a personalized experience akin to a private tour, allowing...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$316

Timaru Shore Excursions, Private Tour, Aoraki Adventure

On your scenic drive to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park you will pass the famous cool aid looking Lake Pukaki and enjoy the view on New …More

Canterbury, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Timaru Shore Excursions, Private Tour, Aoraki Adventure

On your scenic drive to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park you will pass the famous cool aid looking Lake Pukaki and enjoy the view on New...

7 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$156

Christchurch City Top Sights Half Day Tour(Small Group Tour)

A half-day tour for first-time visitors to Christchurch. Perfect for travelers short on time or those who want to see the city’s top attractions without …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

3.2 (10)

Christchurch City Top Sights Half Day Tour(Small Group Tour)

A half-day tour for first-time visitors to Christchurch. Perfect for travelers short on time or those who want to see the city’s top attractions without...

3 to 4 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

3.2 (10)

from
$105

Private Christchurch City Highlight Half Day Tour

This will be Private tour just for you and your group. There will be no disturb, no noise. You can enjoy the tour with your …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.4 (5)

Private Christchurch City Highlight Half Day Tour

This will be Private tour just for you and your group. There will be no disturb, no noise. You can enjoy the tour with your...

4 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.4 (5)

from
$162

Treat your kids to an action-packed day at the Kidz Club while you head off to enjoy Queenstown at your own pace. Whether you are …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Kidz Club Queenstown

Treat your kids to an action-packed day at the Kidz Club while you head off to enjoy Queenstown at your own pace. Whether you are...

1 to 10 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$48

Full Day Private Sightseeing Tour from Queenstown

Just as our stunning natural landscape changes day by day, we know our guests have unique needs and interests, ask us to tailor-make a bespoke …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Full Day Private Sightseeing Tour from Queenstown

Just as our stunning natural landscape changes day by day, we know our guests have unique needs and interests, ask us to tailor-make a bespoke...

7 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (4)

from
$978

The tour includes a historic city tour, allowing you to explore Dunedin's colonial landmarks and architecture. It also offers the chance for Otago Peninsula wildlife …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Dunedin 4 Hrs halfday Private Tour

The tour includes a historic city tour, allowing you to explore Dunedin's colonial landmarks and architecture. It also offers the chance for Otago Peninsula wildlife...

4 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$247

Queenstown Half a Day Tour (Arowtown, lake wakatipu)

Explore the best of Queenstown in a comprehensive 5-7-hour tour that blends adventure, history, and stunning scenery. Begin your day with a pick-up in Queenstown …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Queenstown Half a Day Tour (Arowtown, lake wakatipu)

Explore the best of Queenstown in a comprehensive 5-7-hour tour that blends adventure, history, and stunning scenery. Begin your day with a pick-up in Queenstown...

5 to 6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$114

Christchurch Private Luxury Full Day Tour

This private Full Day Tour explores complete Christchurch city from one edge to another with your private Driver/Guide. Christchurch, known for its English heritage, is …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.5 (2)

Christchurch Private Luxury Full Day Tour

This private Full Day Tour explores complete Christchurch city from one edge to another with your private Driver/Guide. Christchurch, known for its English heritage, is...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.5 (2)

from
$93

Middle Earth Marvels Half Day Journey into the Lord of the Rings

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. Step into the enchanting realm of Middle-earth on our ‘Middle-earth Marvels’ tour, a cinematic journey …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Middle Earth Marvels Half Day Journey into the Lord of the Rings

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. Step into the enchanting realm of Middle-earth on our ‘Middle-earth Marvels’ tour, a cinematic journey...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (1)

from
$4,495

Download a vibrantly-narrated mp3 audio guide combined with a map detailing the area of your tour. Enjoy a cultural self-guided audio tour of the serene …More

Picton, New Zealand

3.4 (7)

Discover Picton: Self-Guided Audio Tour

Download a vibrantly-narrated mp3 audio guide combined with a map detailing the area of your tour. Enjoy a cultural self-guided audio tour of the serene...

1 to 3 hours Free Cancellation

3.4 (7)

from
$15

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?