Top South Island Cultural & Theme Tours

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 Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch Full-Day Godley Head Coastal Hike with Picnic Lunch Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton 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 →

Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

Awarded Cool Shore Excursions Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Top 10 of outdoor experiences Australasia and Top 1% of Experiences worldwide for 2026. Dress …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (1,526)

Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown

Awarded Cool Shore Excursions Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Top 10 of outdoor experiences Australasia and Top 1% of Experiences worldwide for 2026. Dress...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (1,526)

from
$124

Enjoy over 145 years of brewing history as the guides take you through the interactive brewery tour. Learn in a guided small group with a …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.9 (695)

Speight's Brewery Tour & Guided Tasting

Enjoy over 145 years of brewing history as the guides take you through the interactive brewery tour. Learn in a guided small group with a...

1 hour 15 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (695)

from
$26

Glenorchy & Paradise Half-Day Scenic Tour from Queenstown

Sitting on the northern shores of Lake Whakatipu is the small picturesque village of Glenorchy, the famous Paradise Valley, and world-famous Middle-earth magic. Join this …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (528)

Glenorchy & Paradise Half-Day Scenic Tour from Queenstown

Sitting on the northern shores of Lake Whakatipu is the small picturesque village of Glenorchy, the famous Paradise Valley, and world-famous Middle-earth magic. Join this...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (528)

from
$107

Beyond the Vines Full-Day Small-Group Marlborough Wine Tour

Beyond the Vines is a full-day Marlborough wine tour from Picton or Blenheim with The Original Marlborough Wine Tours. You visit five handpicked wineries over …More

Blenheim, New Zealand

5.0 (473)

Beyond the Vines Full-Day Small-Group Marlborough Wine Tour

Beyond the Vines is a full-day Marlborough wine tour from Picton or Blenheim with The Original Marlborough Wine Tours. You visit five handpicked wineries over...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (473)

from
$142

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown: Panoramic Views

A seamless journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound, where stunning views are made even better by fascinating stories from your driver. Enjoy a premium coach …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.8 (446)

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown: Panoramic Views

A seamless journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound, where stunning views are made even better by fascinating stories from your driver. Enjoy a premium coach...

12 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (446)

from
$140

Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch

Travel in a group tour from Christchurch, on a day trip to Aoraki Mount Cook – the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Visit the picturesque …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (383)

Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch

Travel in a group tour from Christchurch, on a day trip to Aoraki Mount Cook – the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Visit the picturesque...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (383)

from
$156

Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch

Immerse yourself in the magic of the Lord of the Rings trilogy on this 9-hour adventure to Edoras (Mount Sunday) from Christchurch. Explore with your …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.8 (378)

Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch

Immerse yourself in the magic of the Lord of the Rings trilogy on this 9-hour adventure to Edoras (Mount Sunday) from Christchurch. Explore with your...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.8 (378)

from
$190

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

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

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

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

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

Shore Excursion: V8 Trike, Peninsula and City Tour

Take in the sights, sounds, and smells of New Zealand's most beautiful city while experiencing the thrill and excitement of being on a V8 trike. …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.9 (234)

Shore Excursion: V8 Trike, Peninsula and City Tour

Take in the sights, sounds, and smells of New Zealand's most beautiful city while experiencing the thrill and excitement of being on a V8 trike....

1 hour Free Cancellation

4.9 (234)

from
$45

Admire the fine architecture, gardens and decor of the elegant Olveston Historic Home during a 1-hour guided tour of this must-see attraction in Dunedin. You …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.9 (225)

Olveston Historic Home Guided Tour

Admire the fine architecture, gardens and decor of the elegant Olveston Historic Home during a 1-hour guided tour of this must-see attraction in Dunedin. You...

1 hour Free Cancellation

4.9 (225)

from
$15

Skippers Canyon 4WD Adventure Tour - Half Day from Queenstown

Discover one of Queenstown's most spectacular backcountry landscapes on a guided 4WD adventure into Skippers Canyon, travelling the legendary road hand-cut into the cliffs during …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (214)

Skippers Canyon 4WD Adventure Tour - Half Day from Queenstown

Discover one of Queenstown's most spectacular backcountry landscapes on a guided 4WD adventure into Skippers Canyon, travelling the legendary road hand-cut into the cliffs during...

4 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (214)

from
$183

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

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

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

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: 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

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?

South Island Cultural & Theme Tours with Instant Confirmation include:

View all Tours with 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?