Top South Island Shore Excursions

Q: Which South Island Shore Excursions have Instant Confirmation?

South Island Shore Excursions with Instant Confirmation include: Full Day Winemakers Tour in Marlborough Garden and City tour Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center Skywire ziplining Adventure at Cable Bay, Nelson NZ Shore Excursion Guided Sea Kayaking through Akaroa Marine Reserve 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: Full Day Winemakers Tour in Marlborough Mt Cook & Tekapo Small-Group Tour from Christchurch with lunch Full-Day Godley Head Coastal Hike with Picnic Lunch Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton Discover Christchurch 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 8hr Akaroa Tour: Lunch, Transport, Guide. Optional Cruise

This private tour, starting and finishing in Christchurch, is a genuinely scenic experience. Visit some of the small settlements around Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbours. …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Private 8hr Akaroa Tour: Lunch, Transport, Guide. Optional Cruise

This private tour, starting and finishing in Christchurch, is a genuinely scenic experience. Visit some of the small settlements around Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbours....

7 to 8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$248

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
$156

Private Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch (Carbon Neutral)

Wanting to explore Akaroa, but want a more personalised and tailored experience? Look no further than our private Akaroa day tour from Christchurch. Nestled on …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Private Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch (Carbon Neutral)

Wanting to explore Akaroa, but want a more personalised and tailored experience? Look no further than our private Akaroa day tour from Christchurch. Nestled on...

8 to 9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$794

Arthurs Pass and Southern Alps Day Excursion from Port Lyttelton or Christchurch

This day excursion takes us across the Canterbury Plains around 50 miles to Porters Pass (just under 1000 m and higher than Arthurs Pass) and …More

Canterbury, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Arthurs Pass and Southern Alps Day Excursion from Port Lyttelton or Christchurch

This day excursion takes us across the Canterbury Plains around 50 miles to Porters Pass (just under 1000 m and higher than Arthurs Pass) and...

7 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$1,000

Beautiful South Island highlight Tour 4D3N

Our expert South Island Tour guide will guiding you for 4 days. This tour is to visit the most highlight landmarks in South Island. This …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Beautiful South Island highlight Tour 4D3N

Our expert South Island Tour guide will guiding you for 4 days. This tour is to visit the most highlight landmarks in South Island. This...

4 days Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (1)

from
$1,668

Included in this adventure • Approximately 50 minutes flight time cruising over the Abel Tasman National Park • Two-way communication between you and your pilot …More

Nelson, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Heli-Scenic Abel Tasman Experience

Included in this adventure • Approximately 50 minutes flight time cruising over the Abel Tasman National Park • Two-way communication between you and your pilot...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$2,274

Dunedin Shore Excursion: Small-Group Tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula

See the beautiful countryside surrounding Dunedin when your cruise ship is in port, on a small-group tour of the Otago Peninsula. This scenic tour takes …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.6 (283)

Dunedin Shore Excursion: Small-Group Tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula

See the beautiful countryside surrounding Dunedin when your cruise ship is in port, on a small-group tour of the Otago Peninsula. This scenic tour takes...

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.6 (283)

from
$90

Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Sights

Embark on a half-day sightseeing tour of Christchurch while your ship is at port in Lyttelton. This tour highlights both the damage to the city …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.6 (220)

Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Sights

Embark on a half-day sightseeing tour of Christchurch while your ship is at port in Lyttelton. This tour highlights both the damage to the city...

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.6 (220)

from
$64

Dunedin Nature & City Tour – Full Day Cruise Excursion

This is a tour by bus around some of the main attractions of Dunedin. It is aimed at cruise ship passengers and only runs on …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.7 (125)

Dunedin Nature & City Tour – Full Day Cruise Excursion

This is a tour by bus around some of the main attractions of Dunedin. It is aimed at cruise ship passengers and only runs on...

6 to 7 hours Free Cancellation

4.7 (125)

from
$55

CRUISE SHIP DAY Marlborough Hop On Hop Off Wine Tours

THIS IS A CRUISE SHIP ONLY TICKET. TRAVELERS WHO ARE NOT CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS, PLEASE RING US DIRECTLY FOR BOOKINGS! - Hop on and off …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.4 (96)

CRUISE SHIP DAY Marlborough Hop On Hop Off Wine Tours

THIS IS A CRUISE SHIP ONLY TICKET. TRAVELERS WHO ARE NOT CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS, PLEASE RING US DIRECTLY FOR BOOKINGS! - Hop on and off...

4 to 7 hours Free Cancellation

4.4 (96)

from
$73

Marlborough Wine Region Tour from the Port of Picton

Enjoy a 4-5 hour fun tour with a local chauffeur/guide departing from the Port of Picton with a scenic journey to the Marlborough Wine region. …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.6 (87)

Marlborough Wine Region Tour from the Port of Picton

Enjoy a 4-5 hour fun tour with a local chauffeur/guide departing from the Port of Picton with a scenic journey to the Marlborough Wine region....

4 to 6 hours Free Cancellation

4.6 (87)

from
$184

Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch & Willowbank Tour

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

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.7 (83)

Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch & Willowbank Tour

Combine a half day city tour of Christchurch taking in not only the damage to the city by several earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 and...

6 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.7 (83)

from
$97

Dunedin, Otago Peninsula Scenery and OPERA Conservation Tour

Enjoy a personal small-group tour of Dunedin and the spectacular Otago Peninsula. Travelling in a smaller vehicle means less waiting and allows us to follow …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.6 (75)

Dunedin, Otago Peninsula Scenery and OPERA Conservation Tour

Enjoy a personal small-group tour of Dunedin and the spectacular Otago Peninsula. Travelling in a smaller vehicle means less waiting and allows us to follow...

6 hours Free Cancellation

4.6 (75)

from
$187

Dunedin Shore Excursion City Sightseeing & Tour of Larnach Castle

Staring dickside, discover Dunedin’s roots when your ship is in port on a shore excursion that takes in the city's central sights and historic Larnach …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.3 (64)

Dunedin Shore Excursion City Sightseeing & Tour of Larnach Castle

Staring dickside, discover Dunedin’s roots when your ship is in port on a shore excursion that takes in the city's central sights and historic Larnach...

7 hours

4.3 (64)

from
$111

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 (47)

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 (47)

from
$167

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

Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Arthur's Pass National Park Day Tour

Explore the beautiful alpine setting of Arthur's Pass National Park on this shore excursion from Lyttelton Port via guided coach, including time for lunch (own …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.7 (22)

Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Arthur's Pass National Park Day Tour

Explore the beautiful alpine setting of Arthur's Pass National Park on this shore excursion from Lyttelton Port via guided coach, including time for lunch (own...

7 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.7 (22)

from
$190

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
$133

Otago Harbour Wildlife Cruise (Dunedin Shore Excursion)

Join us for an invigorating wildlife cruise experience. By the time you get back to your ship you’ll know why Dunedin is the Nature Capital …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.5 (17)

Otago Harbour Wildlife Cruise (Dunedin Shore Excursion)

Join us for an invigorating wildlife cruise experience. By the time you get back to your ship you’ll know why Dunedin is the Nature Capital...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.5 (17)

from
$81

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Akaroa Harbour and Giants House Local Tour

Enjoy a local 2.5 hour guided sightseeing shore excursion of Akaroa exploring the beautiful township, harbour, and this portion of the Banks Peninsula. After being …More

Akaroa, New Zealand

4.4 (17)

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Akaroa Harbour and Giants House Local Tour

Enjoy a local 2.5 hour guided sightseeing shore excursion of Akaroa exploring the beautiful township, harbour, and this portion of the Banks Peninsula. After being...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.4 (17)

from
$56

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?

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?

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?