Top South Island Private Sightseeing Tours

Q: Which South Island Private Sightseeing Tours have Instant Confirmation?

South Island Private Sightseeing Tours with Instant Confirmation include: Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience Franz Josef Glacier and snow landing (allow 20 minutes - departs Franz Josef) Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region. Afternoon Boutique Wine Tour Queenstown: Full-Day Private Photography & Sightseeing Tour View all Tours with Instant Confirmation →

Q: I need a ride! Which South Island Private Sightseeing Tours have Hotel Pickup?

No problem. These South Island Private Sightseeing Tours include Hotel Pickup: Guided Private Milford Sound Day Tour from Te Anau(Cruise Included) Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region. Afternoon Boutique Wine Tour Private 5.5 hour Wine Tour Queenstown : 4 Winery Visits & Lunch Queenstown: Full-Day Private Photography & Sightseeing Tour 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 Driving Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region

Our Private Driving Wine Tour of the Marlborough wine region is private touring at its best. You will be picked up from your Blenheim or Renwick …More

Blenheim, New Zealand

4.9 (7)

Private Driving Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region

Our Private Driving Wine Tour of the Marlborough wine region is private touring at its best. You will be picked up from your Blenheim or Renwick...

6 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (7)

from
$341

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
$267

Te Anau Jetboat Experience, Kepler Guided Hike, Transport & Lunch

The most scenic jet boat ride ever: see actual “Lord of the Rings” film locations on the way down to the beautiful Lake Manapouri. On …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Te Anau Jetboat Experience, Kepler Guided Hike, Transport & Lunch

The most scenic jet boat ride ever: see actual “Lord of the Rings” film locations on the way down to the beautiful Lake Manapouri. On...

6 to 7 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$255

Mt. Cook Full Day Private Tour via Tekapo from Christchurch

The journey from Christchurch to Mount Cook offers stunning scenery and unique experiences. You can take the scenic route through the Canterbury Plains, passing by …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (28)

Mt. Cook Full Day Private Tour via Tekapo from Christchurch

The journey from Christchurch to Mount Cook offers stunning scenery and unique experiences. You can take the scenic route through the Canterbury Plains, passing by...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (28)

from
$184

Skippers Canyon - Half Day PRIVATE Photography Tour Queenstown NZ

Private Skippers Canyon tour with the most experienced 4 wheel drive guide in Queenstown, having over 30 years commercial Skippers Canyon driving experience. • Private …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (5)

Skippers Canyon - Half Day PRIVATE Photography Tour Queenstown NZ

Private Skippers Canyon tour with the most experienced 4 wheel drive guide in Queenstown, having over 30 years commercial Skippers Canyon driving experience. • Private...

4 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (5)

from
$227

Mt. Cook Private Day Trip From Christchurch Via Lake Tekapo

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Let’s explore New Zealand's Tallest Peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook’s Māori Significance, Tasman Glacier – New Zealand's Largest Glacier, Unique Flora and Fauna, …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (21)

Mt. Cook Private Day Trip From Christchurch Via Lake Tekapo

13 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (21)

from
$198

Kaikoura Private Whale Watching Day Trip from Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Embark on an unforgettable journey to Kaikoura, renowned for its world-class whale-watching tours, particularly the unique opportunity to observe sperm whales. …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (20)

Kaikoura Private Whale Watching Day Trip from Christchurch

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (20)

from
$173

Arthurs Pass Private Day Trip from Christchurch with Castle Hill

Totally Personalized Private Experience! A day trip to Arthur's National Park offers a variety of green fields to rugged mountain ranges, lush forest, and ice-fed …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.8 (30)

Arthurs Pass Private Day Trip from Christchurch with Castle Hill

Totally Personalized Private Experience! A day trip to Arthur's National Park offers a variety of green fields to rugged mountain ranges, lush forest, and ice-fed...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.8 (30)

from
$184

Arthur’s Pass and Castle hills Private Day Trip From Christchurch

"Explore Arthur’s Pass & Castle Hill like a local. We skip the crowds, hit secret spots like Lake Lyndon, and let you choose the pace—wild …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (16)

Arthur’s Pass and Castle hills Private Day Trip From Christchurch

"Explore Arthur’s Pass & Castle Hill like a local. We skip the crowds, hit secret spots like Lake Lyndon, and let you choose the pace—wild...

10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (16)

from
$153

Christchurch City and Beaches Private Tesla Tour

Presenting the highlights of Christchurch City and surrounding suburbs, and also featuring some of the lesser known but equally appealing sights. Our smaller group size …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (12)

Christchurch City and Beaches Private Tesla Tour

Presenting the highlights of Christchurch City and surrounding suburbs, and also featuring some of the lesser known but equally appealing sights. Our smaller group size...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered

4.9 (12)

from
$518

Private Flight: 4 Glaciers with 2 Snow Landings - 60mins

Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Private Flight: 4 Glaciers with 2 Snow Landings - 60mins

Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife...

2 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$1,960

Private Flight - 2 Glaciers - Snow Landing - Franz Josef - 35mins

On this private Pilots Choice flight you'll see two of the three "big" glaciers. You'll fly over the Franz Josef Glacier then over either the …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

5.0 (7)

Private Flight - 2 Glaciers - Snow Landing - Franz Josef - 35mins

On this private Pilots Choice flight you'll see two of the three "big" glaciers. You'll fly over the Franz Josef Glacier then over either the...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (7)

from
$1,163

Kaikōura Whale Watching - Whales and Cray Tails

PRIVATE TOUR – Price is for up to 5 passengers, not per person. This exclusive helicopter experience is the only one of its kind in …More

Canterbury, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Kaikōura Whale Watching - Whales and Cray Tails

PRIVATE TOUR – Price is for up to 5 passengers, not per person. This exclusive helicopter experience is the only one of its kind in...

2 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$4,516

Private Full Day Photo Tour of Queenstown | Skippers | Glenorchy | Wanaka |Otago

• This private photography tour provides a flexible itinerary. • Your guide holds the public liability insurance, first aid certification and Passenger Service license, which …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (14)

Private Full Day Photo Tour of Queenstown | Skippers | Glenorchy | Wanaka |Otago

• This private photography tour provides a flexible itinerary. • Your guide holds the public liability insurance, first aid certification and Passenger Service license, which...

7 to 8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (14)

from
$152

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
$29

Methven Ōpuke Hot Pool & Scenic Canterbury Tour from Christchurch

Experience the award winning Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa, located in the heart of Mid-Canterbury. Start in Christchurch, where you’ll begin your bespoke tour filled …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (13)

Methven Ōpuke Hot Pool & Scenic Canterbury Tour from Christchurch

Experience the award winning Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa, located in the heart of Mid-Canterbury. Start in Christchurch, where you’ll begin your bespoke tour filled...

6 to 8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (13)

from
$68

Akaroa Full Day Private Tour From Christchurch

Book an unforgettable day trip to Akaroa! Departing from Lyttelton Port, you'll enjoy stunning coastal views, including a stop at Sumner Beach before arriving in …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (16)

Akaroa Full Day Private Tour From Christchurch

Book an unforgettable day trip to Akaroa! Departing from Lyttelton Port, you'll enjoy stunning coastal views, including a stop at Sumner Beach before arriving in...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (16)

from
$155

Mt. Cook Private Day Trip From Queenstown with Lake Tekapo

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (10)

Mt. Cook Private Day Trip From Queenstown with Lake Tekapo

12 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (10)

from
$336

Waipara Wine Trail Private Group Tour From Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Waipara Springs, founding winery and restaurant of the Waipara Region, was established in 1989 and remains an entirely owned and operated …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (11)

Waipara Wine Trail Private Group Tour From Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Waipara Springs, founding winery and restaurant of the Waipara Region, was established in 1989 and remains an entirely owned and operated...

1 to 6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (11)

from
$135

Private Dunedin & Otago Peninsula Tours Up to 4 people

We are local Dunedin Tour operators with 10 years of business experience focus on the customized Private Tours around Dunedin area and beyond. We offer …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.9 (13)

Private Dunedin & Otago Peninsula Tours Up to 4 people

We are local Dunedin Tour operators with 10 years of business experience focus on the customized Private Tours around Dunedin area and beyond. We offer...

7 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (13)

from
$518

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 Private Sightseeing Tours?

According to verified reviews on Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor, the best South Island Private Sightseeing Tours are:

What are the best kid-friendly options for South Island Private Sightseeing Tours Tours?

According to verified reviews on Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor, the best kid-friendly South Island Private Sightseeing Tours are:

View all kid-friendly Tours →

Which South Island Private Sightseeing Tours have Instant Confirmation?

Which South Island Private Sightseeing Tours have Free Cancellation?

South Island Private Sightseeing 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 Private Sightseeing Tours have Hotel Pickup?

Got any more South Island trip ideas?

What are the most popular styles of Tours and Activities in South Island?