Top South Island Private Sightseeing Tours

Q: 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: Christchurch Private Luxury Full Day Tour Castle Hill and Arthur's pass Day tour from Christchurch Full Day Sightseeing Tour To Discover Queenstown's Scenic Wonder Trial Flight Middle Earth Marvels Half Day Journey into the Lord of the Rings

Q: 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: Oasis Cottage Gardens and Floristry Studio in Oxford, NZ Private Christchurch Walking Tour Heritage Highlights Walk Akaroa Day Tour from Christchurch Return Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region. View all kid-friendly Tours →

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

South Island Private Sightseeing Tours with Instant Confirmation include: Oasis Cottage Gardens and Floristry Studio in Oxford, NZ Private Christchurch Walking Tour Heritage Highlights Walk Akaroa Day Tour from Christchurch Return Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region. 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: Akaroa Day Tour from Christchurch Return Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region. Methven Ōpuke Hot Pool & Scenic Canterbury Tour from Christchurch Catlins Cruiser Private Tour from Dunedin Cruise Port Christchurch Private Luxury Full Day 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 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
$1,171

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
$1,199

Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps All day Discovery Tour

Immerse yourself in luxury and embark on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps with our exclusive tour. What …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps All day Discovery Tour

Immerse yourself in luxury and embark on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps with our exclusive tour. What...

10 to 12 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

from
$1,263

Waipara Valley Wine Region and Hanmer Springs All Day Tour

Embark on a luxurious escapade through the enchanting landscapes of the Waipara Valley Wine Region and the serene haven of Hanmer Springs with our exclusive …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

Waipara Valley Wine Region and Hanmer Springs All Day Tour

Embark on a luxurious escapade through the enchanting landscapes of the Waipara Valley Wine Region and the serene haven of Hanmer Springs with our exclusive...

11 to 13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

from
$1,280

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
$1,319

Full-Day Private Tour Mt.Cook from Christchurch

If you want to see the most beautiful nature in a day, this tour is the right choice. This tour is a day tour as …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.3 (4)

Full-Day Private Tour Mt.Cook from Christchurch

If you want to see the most beautiful nature in a day, this tour is the right choice. This tour is a day tour as...

11 to 12 hours Hotel pickup offered

4.3 (4)

from
$1,322

2 Days Queenstown Wanaka Private Tours from Dunedin

We offer you the best and most affordable private, customized holiday tours in south island for family or small group up to five people. You …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

2 Days Queenstown Wanaka Private Tours from Dunedin

We offer you the best and most affordable private, customized holiday tours in south island for family or small group up to five people. You...

2 days Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

from
$1,362

Included in this adventure: • Approximately 25 minutes flight time • Two-way communication between you and your pilot • 1 x mountain landing SIGHTS: • …More

Nelson, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Heli-Scenic Nelson Mountain Adventure

Included in this adventure: • Approximately 25 minutes flight time • Two-way communication between you and your pilot • 1 x mountain landing SIGHTS: •...

1 hour Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$1,364

Private Luxury Central Otago Wine Tour for 2–4 Guests

Discover Central Otago on a fully private wine journey created for just 2–4 guests. Go beyond the cellar door at Peregrine Wines with a privately …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

Private Luxury Central Otago Wine Tour for 2–4 Guests

Discover Central Otago on a fully private wine journey created for just 2–4 guests. Go beyond the cellar door at Peregrine Wines with a privately...

7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

from
$1,378

Private Mt Cook Day Tour From Christchurch via Lake Tekapo

Wanting to explore Aoraki National Park and Lake Tekapo, but want a more personalised and tailored experience? Look no further than our private Mt Cook …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.6 (5)

Private Mt Cook Day Tour From Christchurch via Lake Tekapo

Wanting to explore Aoraki National Park and Lake Tekapo, but want a more personalised and tailored experience? Look no further than our private Mt Cook...

10 to 13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.6 (5)

from
$1,389

5 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Dunedin

This immersive 5 day tour from Dunedin offers you a perfect mixture of travel each day, visiting the majority of the top attractions in New …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

5 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Dunedin

This immersive 5 day tour from Dunedin offers you a perfect mixture of travel each day, visiting the majority of the top attractions in New...

5 days Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (2)

from
$1,385

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
$1,427

Mount Cook Tour: Finish at Queenstown, Christchurch or Dunedin

Discover Aoraki Mount Cook on a scenic private journey for up to 3–4 people. Your day begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Mount Cook Tour: Finish at Queenstown, Christchurch or Dunedin

Discover Aoraki Mount Cook on a scenic private journey for up to 3–4 people. Your day begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in...

720 to 750 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$1,437

5 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Queenstown

This immersive 5 day tour from Queenstown offers you a perfect mixture of travel each day, visiting the majority of the top attractions in New …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (11)

5 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Queenstown

This immersive 5 day tour from Queenstown offers you a perfect mixture of travel each day, visiting the majority of the top attractions in New...

5 days Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (11)

from
$1,442

Private Flight: 3 Glaciers with Snow Landing - 45mins

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

4.7 (16)

Private Flight: 3 Glaciers with Snow Landing - 45mins

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...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.7 (16)

from
$1,485

Step ashore at Port Lyttelton and experience the best of Christchurch with a private shore excursion tailored to cruise passengers. From coastal charm to cultural …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

Customizable Private Tour in Christchurch New Zealand

Step ashore at Port Lyttelton and experience the best of Christchurch with a private shore excursion tailored to cruise passengers. From coastal charm to cultural...

4 to 6 hours Free Cancellation

from
$1,500

5 Day South Island Tour from Queenstown including Stewart Island

This curated 5 day tour from Queenstown offers you a perfect mixture of travel each day, visiting many of the top attractions in New Zealand's …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (9)

5 Day South Island Tour from Queenstown including Stewart Island

This curated 5 day tour from Queenstown offers you a perfect mixture of travel each day, visiting many of the top attractions in New Zealand's...

5 days Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (9)

from
$1,539

3 Day Private Photography Tour West Coast NZ Departs Queenstown

Join us for a photography expedition to the untamed Wild West Coast of Te Wai Pounamu, New Zealand’s South Island. This remote region, framed by …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

3 Day Private Photography Tour West Coast NZ Departs Queenstown

Join us for a photography expedition to the untamed Wild West Coast of Te Wai Pounamu, New Zealand’s South Island. This remote region, framed by...

3 days Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (2)

from
$1,609

3 Day Private Photography Tour from Queenstown - The Maniototo

The name Maniototo, derived from Māori, is said to mean `plains of blood’ and refers to the `flowing’ red tussocks that cover the land. This …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

3 Day Private Photography Tour from Queenstown - The Maniototo

The name Maniototo, derived from Māori, is said to mean `plains of blood’ and refers to the `flowing’ red tussocks that cover the land. This...

3 days Hotel pickup offered

from
$1,599

6 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Christchurch

This signature 6-day tour offers a perfect blend of travel per day covering the majority of top attractions in New Zealand's South Island, optional handpicked …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (15)

6 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Christchurch

This signature 6-day tour offers a perfect blend of travel per day covering the majority of top attractions in New Zealand's South Island, optional handpicked...

6 days Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (15)

from
$1,652

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?

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