Top South Island Shore Excursions

Q: I need a ride! Which South Island Shore Excursions have Hotel Pickup?

No problem. These South Island Shore Excursions include Hotel Pickup: Mt Cook & Tekapo Small-Group Tour from Christchurch with lunch City Highlights, Larnach Castle Gardens Tour Castle, Coast & City Tour - 8 pax max - Castle Entrance Included Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour Mainland Peninsula 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 →

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

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

Iconic Wildlife Tour with Yellow Eyed Penguins & Royal Albatross

Visit the habitat of the world's rarest penguin. Walk through a private nature reserve on this guided tour for a chance to see the endangered …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.7 (35)

Iconic Wildlife Tour with Yellow Eyed Penguins & Royal Albatross

Visit the habitat of the world's rarest penguin. Walk through a private nature reserve on this guided tour for a chance to see the endangered...

7 hours

4.7 (35)

from
$227

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 8hr Arthur's Pass Tour from Christchurch. Lunch & Guide

This private guided tour to Arthur's Pass includes lunch, transport, and a local guide. Begin your scenic one-day tour from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass, taking …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Private 8hr Arthur's Pass Tour from Christchurch. Lunch & Guide

This private guided tour to Arthur's Pass includes lunch, transport, and a local guide. Begin your scenic one-day tour from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass, taking...

1 day Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$248

8hr Sea Kayak Tour Lyttelton/Christchurch Lunch, guide, transport

Embark on an unforgettable sea kayaking adventure in the stunning Lyttelton Harbour, where breathtaking coastal scenery and rich maritime history await you. Whether you’re a …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (7)

8hr Sea Kayak Tour Lyttelton/Christchurch Lunch, guide, transport

Embark on an unforgettable sea kayaking adventure in the stunning Lyttelton Harbour, where breathtaking coastal scenery and rich maritime history await you. Whether you’re a...

1 day Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (7)

from
$272

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

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City and Giants House Tour

A unique shore excursion from Akaroa which combines a tour of the Banks Peninsula and Christchurch with a guided tour of the famous Giant's House. …More

Akaroa, New Zealand

3.7 (13)

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City and Giants House Tour

A unique shore excursion from Akaroa which combines a tour of the Banks Peninsula and Christchurch with a guided tour of the famous Giant's House....

6 hours Free Cancellation

3.7 (13)

from
$116

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

Akaroa Private Day Trip From Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Embark on a memorable 6-hour Akaroa day trip from Christchurch, where you’ll have the opportunity to discover New Zealand’s stunning volcanic …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (15)

Akaroa Private Day Trip From Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Embark on a memorable 6-hour Akaroa day trip from Christchurch, where you’ll have the opportunity to discover New Zealand’s stunning volcanic...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (15)

from
$687

Akaroa Private Group Day Trip from Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the region, with a guide providing expert insights into the area's rich history and …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (13)

Akaroa Private Group Day Trip from Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the region, with a guide providing expert insights into the area's rich history and...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (13)

from
$178

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

Christchurch to Queenstown One Way Tour Via Lake Tekapo & Mt Cook

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Enjoying the scenic views between Christchurch and Queenstown with a fully guided, adventure-filled journey through the breathtaking Southern Alps. Embark on …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (14)

Christchurch to Queenstown One Way Tour Via Lake Tekapo & Mt Cook

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (14)

from
$342

Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo Day Trip from Christchurch

Experience the breathtaking landscapes of the South Island on a private day tour from Christchurch to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and Lake Tekapo. …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (18)

Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo Day Trip from Christchurch

Experience the breathtaking landscapes of the South Island on a private day tour from Christchurch to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and Lake Tekapo....

10 to 13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (18)

from
$193

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
$1,191

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 Shore Excursions?

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

What are the best kid-friendly options for South Island Shore Excursions Tours?

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

View all kid-friendly Tours →

Which South Island Shore Excursions have Instant Confirmation?

South Island Shore Excursions with Instant Confirmation include:

View all Tours with Instant Confirmation →

Which South Island Shore Excursions have Free Cancellation?

South Island Shore Excursions 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 Shore Excursions have Hotel Pickup?

Got any more South Island trip ideas?

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