Top South Island Shore Excursions

Q: 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: Private Dunedin & Otago Peninsula Tours Up to 4 people Mt. Cook Private Day Trip From Christchurch Via Lake Tekapo Kaikoura Private Whale Watching Day Trip from Christchurch Arthurs Pass Private Day Trip from Christchurch with Castle Hill You Choose the Itinerary Dunedin Full Day 6hrs

Q: 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: Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour Dunedin private tour 3D2N from Christchurch Kaikōura Whale Watching and Scenic Landing - 1hr Premier Tour Private Marlborough Winery Tour Mount Cook Lake Tekapo & Tasman Glacier Private Tour View all kid-friendly Tours →

Q: Which South Island Shore Excursions have Instant Confirmation?

South Island Shore Excursions with Instant Confirmation include: Private One Way Transfer Tour between Picton & Christchurch Christchurch to Franz Josef or Fox Glacier One-Way Transfer Private & Exclusive One-Way Transfer Christchurch to Queenstown Heli-Scenic Abel Tasman Experience Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour View all Tours with Instant Confirmation →

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

No problem. These South Island Shore Excursions include Hotel Pickup: Private One Way Transfer Tour between Picton & Christchurch Christchurch to Franz Josef or Fox Glacier One-Way Transfer Private & Exclusive One-Way Transfer Christchurch to Queenstown Beautiful South Island highlight Tour 4D3N 5 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from 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 →

Flight Experience our Water and Wilderness Scenic Tour

Tour participants see the full grandeur of the Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds in one experience that can only be done by air. And …More

Picton, New Zealand

5.0 (62)

Flight Experience our Water and Wilderness Scenic Tour

Tour participants see the full grandeur of the Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds in one experience that can only be done by air. And...

1 hour 15 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (62)

from
$172

Private Excursion: Scenic and Seascape Delights from Picton

Relax with the flexibility of your exclusive tour of the Marlborough wine region. Taste sensational wines and partake of some of the most delicious gourmet treats. …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.2 (5)

Private Excursion: Scenic and Seascape Delights from Picton

Relax with the flexibility of your exclusive tour of the Marlborough wine region. Taste sensational wines and partake of some of the most delicious gourmet treats. ...

6 hours Free Cancellation

4.2 (5)

from
$170

Enjoy a full-day tour experiencing lovely Dunedin City and the Otago Peninsula. You will see all the city highlights before journeying along the Otago Peninsula, …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.9 (73)

Mainland Peninsula Tour

Enjoy a full-day tour experiencing lovely Dunedin City and the Otago Peninsula. You will see all the city highlights before journeying along the Otago Peninsula,...

6 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (73)

from
$167

Hanmer Springs Hot Pool Private Return Trip From Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! A scenic and adventurous day tour to Hanmer Springs serves blend of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty that the area offers. …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Hanmer Springs Hot Pool Private Return Trip From Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! A scenic and adventurous day tour to Hanmer Springs serves blend of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty that the area offers....

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$167

Dunedin Shore Excursion: Taieri Gorge Railway & City Sightseeing

When your cruise ship docks in Dunedin, take a trip through the spectacular scenery surrounding the Taieri River on board the Taieri Gorge Railway. Travel …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.2 (303)

Dunedin Shore Excursion: Taieri Gorge Railway & City Sightseeing

When your cruise ship docks in Dunedin, take a trip through the spectacular scenery surrounding the Taieri River on board the Taieri Gorge Railway. Travel...

7 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.2 (303)

from
$167

Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Twin Harbour Tour (Lyttelton & Akaroa)

A shore excursion highlighting the magnificent scenery of the Banks Peninsula and its twin harbours of Lyttelton & Akaroa. From Lyttelton travel through the harbours …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.3 (4)

Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Twin Harbour Tour (Lyttelton & Akaroa)

A shore excursion highlighting the magnificent scenery of the Banks Peninsula and its twin harbours of Lyttelton & Akaroa. From Lyttelton travel through the harbours...

8 hours Free Cancellation

4.3 (4)

from
$167

Otago Peninsula Tour and Larnach Castle City Sights (min 4 )

We love showing you our city and will always give you a trip to remember - we cannot wait to show you our city. We …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.0 (5)

Otago Peninsula Tour and Larnach Castle City Sights (min 4 )

We love showing you our city and will always give you a trip to remember - we cannot wait to show you our city. We...

6 hours Free Cancellation

4.0 (5)

from
$167

Otago Peninsula & Larnach Castle Shore Excursion

We are a well known tour guiding company in Dunedin. We offer a small group tour of the highest quality, branded vehicles and great fun …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.5 (48)

Otago Peninsula & Larnach Castle Shore Excursion

We are a well known tour guiding company in Dunedin. We offer a small group tour of the highest quality, branded vehicles and great fun...

6 hours Free Cancellation

4.5 (48)

from
$166

Electric Mountain Bike & Sea Kayak Tour in Akaroa

This will be one of the best if not THE best experiences you will have during your NZ vacation! There is no better way to …More

Akaroa, New Zealand

4.7 (3)

Electric Mountain Bike & Sea Kayak Tour in Akaroa

This will be one of the best if not THE best experiences you will have during your NZ vacation! There is no better way to...

5 hours 30 minutes

4.7 (3)

from
$164

Mt Cook & Tekapo Small-Group Tour from Christchurch with lunch

Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo Tour. This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with the famous Lake …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.8 (251)

Mt Cook & Tekapo Small-Group Tour from Christchurch with lunch

Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo Tour. This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with the famous Lake...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.8 (251)

from
$158

Discover the full diversity of wine varieties this stunning Marlborough region has to offer and learn the secrets behind fine wine appreciation on this full-day …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.9 (42)

Full-Day Wine Tour from Picton

Discover the full diversity of wine varieties this stunning Marlborough region has to offer and learn the secrets behind fine wine appreciation on this full-day...

7 to 8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (42)

from
$158

Wine and Gourmet Picnic Experience of Marlborough

Discover the award-winning wines of the Marlborough region on your wine and gourmet picnic from Picton or Blenheim for up to eight people. The itinerary …More

Blenheim, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Wine and Gourmet Picnic Experience of Marlborough

Discover the award-winning wines of the Marlborough region on your wine and gourmet picnic from Picton or Blenheim for up to eight people. The itinerary...

5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$158

Private Wildlife and Penguin Tour in Dunedin with Ticket

Embark on a scenic tour exploring Dunedin highlights, including the iconic Railway Station, and historic Octagon with photo ops at Signal Hill Lookout and Baldwin …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.3 (3)

Private Wildlife and Penguin Tour in Dunedin with Ticket

Embark on a scenic tour exploring Dunedin highlights, including the iconic Railway Station, and historic Octagon with photo ops at Signal Hill Lookout and Baldwin...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.3 (3)

from
$157

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

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

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
$155

Discover volcanic landscapes and breathtaking scenery on New Zealand’s South Island on this 6 hour Akaroa day trip from Christchurch. Take in top attractions including …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (7)

Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch

Discover volcanic landscapes and breathtaking scenery on New Zealand’s South Island on this 6 hour Akaroa day trip from Christchurch. Take in top attractions including...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (7)

from
$149

Castle, Coast & City Tour - 8 pax max - Castle Entrance Included

A relaxed and friendly small group tour (max. 8 pax) showing you Dunedin's most impressive, unique and charming sights, including a tour of the only …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.9 (120)

Castle, Coast & City Tour - 8 pax max - Castle Entrance Included

A relaxed and friendly small group tour (max. 8 pax) showing you Dunedin's most impressive, unique and charming sights, including a tour of the only...

5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (120)

from
$149

Private 8h Scenic Drive & Hike Christchurch Lunch Guide Transport

Godley Head is an exciting and beautiful headland at the far end of the Port Hills. From Godley Head, you will be treated to uninterrupted …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Private 8h Scenic Drive & Hike Christchurch Lunch Guide Transport

Godley Head is an exciting and beautiful headland at the far end of the Port Hills. From Godley Head, you will be treated to uninterrupted...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$147

With a winemaker or local legend as your guide; your tour starts with an informative vineyard stroll. You can ask all those curly questions, and …More

Blenheim, New Zealand

5.0 (334)

Full Day Winemakers Tour in Marlborough

With a winemaker or local legend as your guide; your tour starts with an informative vineyard stroll. You can ask all those curly questions, and...

6 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (334)

from
$144

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?

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

Which South Island Shore Excursions have 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?