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: Christchurch to Queenstown One Way Tour Via Lake Tekapo & Mt Cook Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo Day Trip from Christchurch Akaroa Day Tour from Christchurch Return Private Waipara Valley Wine Tasting Tour with optional Gourmet Lunch Waipara Wine Trail Tour From Christchurch

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 →

Private 8hr Rock Climbing: Christchurch. Lunch, Guide & Transport

The 30 min drive up to the climbing area will take you through some of Christchurch’s most affluent suburbs, affording uninterrupted views from the Pacific …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Private 8hr Rock Climbing: Christchurch. Lunch, Guide & Transport

The 30 min drive up to the climbing area will take you through some of Christchurch’s most affluent suburbs, affording uninterrupted views from the Pacific...

1 day Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$144

Nelson Self-Guided E-Bike Wine Tour: Great Taste Trail & Seifried

Ride Tasman's Great Taste Trail from Cycle Nelson's Tāhunanui base on an e-bike, at your own pace. The trail is flat, well signed and mostly …More

Nelson, New Zealand

4.9 (31)

Nelson Self-Guided E-Bike Wine Tour: Great Taste Trail & Seifried

Ride Tasman's Great Taste Trail from Cycle Nelson's Tāhunanui base on an e-bike, at your own pace. The trail is flat, well signed and mostly...

6 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (31)

from
$143

Akaroa & Banks Peninsula Private Day Tour from Christchurch

Discover the charm of Akaroa, a beautiful seaside town known for its French heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Enjoy dolphin watching experiences featuring the rare …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (7)

Akaroa & Banks Peninsula Private Day Tour from Christchurch

Discover the charm of Akaroa, a beautiful seaside town known for its French heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Enjoy dolphin watching experiences featuring the rare...

7 to 8 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (7)

from
$141

City Highlights, Larnach Castle Gardens Tour

Enjoy a guided tour of Dunedin city, take in the highlights and enjoy a café lunch in a lovely garden setting. This 5 hour tour explores …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.9 (87)

City Highlights, Larnach Castle Gardens Tour

Enjoy a guided tour of Dunedin city, take in the highlights and enjoy a café lunch in a lovely garden setting. This 5 hour tour explores...

5 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (87)

from
$141

Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Jet Boating

Enjoy a city tour of Christchurch taking in not only the damage to the city by several earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 and the rebuild …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.8 (37)

Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Jet Boating

Enjoy a city tour of Christchurch taking in not only the damage to the city by several earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 and the rebuild...

6 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (37)

from
$141

Heritage City and Larnach Castle Van tour with Historian Guide

A tour with Gregor is like no other. Emerging business award finalist, Tales From Darkest Dunedin and Gregor Campbell, respected historian and expert story teller …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

5.0 (81)

Heritage City and Larnach Castle Van tour with Historian Guide

A tour with Gregor is like no other. Emerging business award finalist, Tales From Darkest Dunedin and Gregor Campbell, respected historian and expert story teller...

5 to 6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (81)

from
$138

Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Picton Marlborough Wine Tour 5-6 hrs

Discover why Discovery Wine Tours is a favourite for cruise ship guests visiting Picton, Port Marlborough. Since 2005, our locally owned family business has specialised …More

Picton, New Zealand

5.0 (37)

Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Picton Marlborough Wine Tour 5-6 hrs

Discover why Discovery Wine Tours is a favourite for cruise ship guests visiting Picton, Port Marlborough. Since 2005, our locally owned family business has specialised...

4 to 5 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (37)

from
$136

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

Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour

The Tour Start Time will be adjusted, where necessary to meet the cruise ships schedule. The start time displayed is a default time and not …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.7 (20)

Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour

The Tour Start Time will be adjusted, where necessary to meet the cruise ships schedule. The start time displayed is a default time and not...

7 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.7 (20)

from
$135

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City Tour and the International Antarctic Centre

Experience the grand architecture and beautiful gardens of Christchurch when your ship is in port in Akaroa. Your shore excursion from Akaroa port also includes …More

Akaroa, New Zealand

4.0 (124)

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City Tour and the International Antarctic Centre

Experience the grand architecture and beautiful gardens of Christchurch when your ship is in port in Akaroa. Your shore excursion from Akaroa port also includes...

6 hours

4.0 (124)

from
$132

Hanmer Springs Pool Day Tour From Christchurch

Embark on a scenic journey from Christchurch to Hanmer Springs, renowned for its therapeutic thermal pools nestled amidst picturesque alpine landscapes. This tour uniquely combines …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Hanmer Springs Pool Day Tour From Christchurch

Embark on a scenic journey from Christchurch to Hanmer Springs, renowned for its therapeutic thermal pools nestled amidst picturesque alpine landscapes. This tour uniquely combines...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$132

Guided Dunedin City and Otago Peninsula Small Group Tour

Why Choose Our Dunedin Small-Group Tour? 1. Small Group, More Personal Attention Travel with a maximum of 10 guests, avoiding the crowds and rushed atmosphere …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

5.0 (14)

Guided Dunedin City and Otago Peninsula Small Group Tour

Why Choose Our Dunedin Small-Group Tour? 1. Small Group, More Personal Attention Travel with a maximum of 10 guests, avoiding the crowds and rushed atmosphere...

7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (14)

from
$129

Waipara Wine Trail Tour From Christchurch

Waipara Springs is a unique and iconic family owned and operated award winning boutique winery and cafe. With 29 years' experience in hospitality, we have …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.7 (13)

Waipara Wine Trail Tour From Christchurch

Waipara Springs is a unique and iconic family owned and operated award winning boutique winery and cafe. With 29 years' experience in hospitality, we have...

1 to 6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.7 (13)

from
$126

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City Tour and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

See the sights of Christchurch when your ship is in Akaroa port, and explore the city on a comprehensive tour. Your Akaroa shore excursion also …More

Akaroa, New Zealand

3.7 (24)

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City Tour and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

See the sights of Christchurch when your ship is in Akaroa port, and explore the city on a comprehensive tour. Your Akaroa shore excursion also...

6 hours

3.7 (24)

from
$120

Larnach Castle & Dunedin City Highlights Tour (Shore Excursion)

We meet you at the Port Chalmers Cruise Ship Terminal for the 'Larnach Castle & Dunedin City Highlights Tour' Stops include: -Dunedin Railway Station (most …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.9 (88)

Larnach Castle & Dunedin City Highlights Tour (Shore Excursion)

We meet you at the Port Chalmers Cruise Ship Terminal for the 'Larnach Castle & Dunedin City Highlights Tour' Stops include: -Dunedin Railway Station (most...

6 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (88)

from
$120

Christchurch to Mt Cook via Lake Tekapo One Way Small Group Tour

Christchurch to Mt Cook via Lake Tekapo Small Group Tour (1 way). This small group, fully-guided day transfer allows you to travel in style to …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (21)

Christchurch to Mt Cook via Lake Tekapo One Way Small Group Tour

Christchurch to Mt Cook via Lake Tekapo Small Group Tour (1 way). This small group, fully-guided day transfer allows you to travel in style to...

5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (21)

from
$118

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
$118

Dunedin Shore Excursion - Sightseeing, Larnach Castle, Chinese Garden & Museum

A unique opportunity to experience the very best Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula has to offer. This shore excursion combines sightseeing of Dunedin City and …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.6 (9)

Dunedin Shore Excursion - Sightseeing, Larnach Castle, Chinese Garden & Museum

A unique opportunity to experience the very best Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula has to offer. This shore excursion combines sightseeing of Dunedin City and...

7 hours Free Cancellation

4.6 (9)

from
$115

Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch & Lyttelton

Enjoy the beautiful views and scenery on the way by passing through Governor’s Bay, Gebbies Pass, Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora), and Little River. Spend your …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch & Lyttelton

Enjoy the beautiful views and scenery on the way by passing through Governor’s Bay, Gebbies Pass, Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora), and Little River. Spend your...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$114

Lyttelton Cruise Excursions: Christchurch Sightseeing with Sheep Farm

Visit a working sheep farm with dog mustering, sheep shearing and afternoon tea combined with a city tour of Christchurch taking in not only the …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

3.9 (18)

Lyttelton Cruise Excursions: Christchurch Sightseeing with Sheep Farm

Visit a working sheep farm with dog mustering, sheep shearing and afternoon tea combined with a city tour of Christchurch taking in not only the...

6 hours Free Cancellation

3.9 (18)

from
$114

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?