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: Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Twin Harbour Tour (Lyttelton & Akaroa) Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch & Lyttelton Christchurch International Airport :Airport to City Centre Wine and Gourmet Picnic Experience of Marlborough Otago Peninsula Tour and Larnach Castle City Sights (min 4 )

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: Dunedin Harbour Ferry-Port To Port Akaroa Day Tour from Christchurch Return Garden and City tour Dunedin Nature & City Tour – Full Day Cruise Excursion Christchurch Land Sailing Adventure Velocity Karts View all kid-friendly Tours →

Q: Which South Island Shore Excursions have Instant Confirmation?

South Island Shore Excursions with Instant Confirmation include: Akaroa Day Tour from Christchurch Return Garden and City tour Christchurch International Airport :Airport to City Centre Dunedin Nature & City Tour – Full Day Cruise Excursion Christchurch Land Sailing Adventure Velocity Karts 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: Akaroa Day Tour from Christchurch Return Christchurch International Airport :Airport to City Centre Christchurch Land Sailing Adventure Velocity Karts Methven Ōpuke Hot Pool & Scenic Canterbury Tour from Christchurch Great Taste Beer Tour; Self-guided E-bike tour & tastings 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 Waipara Valley Wine Tasting Tour with optional Gourmet Lunch

A 40-minute scenic drive from Christchurch in your private and exclusive chauffeur-driven vehicle will take you to Waipara Valley in North Canterbury, the coolest little …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Private Waipara Valley Wine Tasting Tour with optional Gourmet Lunch

A 40-minute scenic drive from Christchurch in your private and exclusive chauffeur-driven vehicle will take you to Waipara Valley in North Canterbury, the coolest little...

5 to 6 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$373

Private Cruise Ship Passengers Tour, Sightseeing in Christchurch

Join us for a unique and thrilling experience on a V8 Chevrolet trike as we explore beautiful Christchurch. Designed and built in Canterbury, our awesome …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Private Cruise Ship Passengers Tour, Sightseeing in Christchurch

Join us for a unique and thrilling experience on a V8 Chevrolet trike as we explore beautiful Christchurch. Designed and built in Canterbury, our awesome...

6 to 8 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$426

Mount Cook Lake Tekapo & Tasman Glacier Private Tour

Enjoy a private day tour to Aoraki/Mount Cook - the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Visit the picturesque town of Lake Tekapo, admire stunning alpine …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (13)

Mount Cook Lake Tekapo & Tasman Glacier Private Tour

Enjoy a private day tour to Aoraki/Mount Cook - the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Visit the picturesque town of Lake Tekapo, admire stunning alpine...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (13)

from
$430

Kaikoura Helicopters Top n Tail Whale Watch flight

Helicopters depart from our centrally located beach front helipads, lifting off on your scenic helicopter tour to view the Kaikoura Coast. View Sperm Whales from …More

Kaikoura, New Zealand

5.0 (8)

Kaikoura Helicopters Top n Tail Whale Watch flight

Helicopters depart from our centrally located beach front helipads, lifting off on your scenic helicopter tour to view the Kaikoura Coast. View Sperm Whales from...

1 hour Free Cancellation

5.0 (8)

from
$430

Let our winemaker tailor a Marlborough wine tour especially for you or your group’s needs… or let us surprise you with something special! You decide …More

Blenheim, New Zealand

5.0 (17)

Private Marlborough Winery Tour

Let our winemaker tailor a Marlborough wine tour especially for you or your group’s needs… or let us surprise you with something special! You decide...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (17)

from
$487

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
$511

Combines helicopter flight and jet boat safari in one experience Scenic flight over the Southern Alps and the braided Waimakariri River High-speed jet boat ride …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour – Canterbury

Combines helicopter flight and jet boat safari in one experience Scenic flight over the Southern Alps and the braided Waimakariri River High-speed jet boat ride...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$515

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
$517

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

Experience our Private Excursion tailored exclusively for you! Embark on a serene journey through the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand as you make your way …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

Private Tour Tekapo from Christchurch

Experience our Private Excursion tailored exclusively for you! Embark on a serene journey through the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand as you make your way...

11 hours Hotel pickup offered

from
$735

Private Dunedin and Otago Peninsula Tours up to 6 people

We offer a small group tour of the highest quality, exclusive experience where your itinerary is fully customized to your interests. Our private tour ,unlike …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.5 (2)

Private Dunedin and Otago Peninsula Tours up to 6 people

We offer a small group tour of the highest quality, exclusive experience where your itinerary is fully customized to your interests. Our private tour ,unlike...

7 hours Free Cancellation

4.5 (2)

from
$772

Kaikōura Whale Watching and Scenic Landing - 1hr Premier Tour

Experience Kaikōura’s longest and most immersive helicopter whale watching tour. This one-hour adventure begins with an unforgettable aerial journey over the Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary and …More

Canterbury, New Zealand

5.0 (27)

Kaikōura Whale Watching and Scenic Landing - 1hr Premier Tour

Experience Kaikōura’s longest and most immersive helicopter whale watching tour. This one-hour adventure begins with an unforgettable aerial journey over the Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary and...

1 hour Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (27)

from
$774

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

Christchurch Highlights Tour (Private Lyttelton shore excursion)

Experience the charm, culture, and beauty of Christchurch on a guided day tour through New Zealand's Garden City. Enjoy panoramic views stretching from the coastline …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (10)

Christchurch Highlights Tour (Private Lyttelton shore excursion)

Experience the charm, culture, and beauty of Christchurch on a guided day tour through New Zealand's Garden City. Enjoy panoramic views stretching from the coastline...

6 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (10)

from
$802

Private Christchurch & Lyttelton Scenic Day Tour

This is a private small group tour for up to 11 people. The route around Christchurch and Lyttelton takes you over the old volcanoes of …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (5)

Private Christchurch & Lyttelton Scenic Day Tour

This is a private small group tour for up to 11 people. The route around Christchurch and Lyttelton takes you over the old volcanoes of...

6 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (5)

from
$900

Picton Wine & Scenic Adventure: VIP Cruise Excursion

The only Marlborough wine tour organized by a local winemaker we will tailor make this wine tour to perfection. Make the most of your short …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.8 (6)

Picton Wine & Scenic Adventure: VIP Cruise Excursion

The only Marlborough wine tour organized by a local winemaker we will tailor make this wine tour to perfection. Make the most of your short...

4 to 5 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (6)

from
$908

Private Guided Marlborough Wine Tour From Picton NZ

Join one of our experienced wine tour guides for a day out in the Marlborough region. You can choose to visit all wineries or you …More

Picton, New Zealand

5.0 (8)

Private Guided Marlborough Wine Tour From Picton NZ

Join one of our experienced wine tour guides for a day out in the Marlborough region. You can choose to visit all wineries or you...

5 to 6 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (8)

from
$975

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

Dunedin Private Tour: City Sights & Otago Peninsula

We are Dunedin specialists in high end tour guiding private tours with years in the industry. We pride ourselves on immaculate vehicles, great guides and …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Dunedin Private Tour: City Sights & Otago Peninsula

We are Dunedin specialists in high end tour guiding private tours with years in the industry. We pride ourselves on immaculate vehicles, great guides and...

3 to 6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$1,021

Private Guided Tour of Dunedin City Heritage and Unique Wildlife and Scenery

Enjoy Dunedin on a private tour, tailored exclusively for your group of up to six passengers. A knowledgeable driver-guide will show you the city’s best …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

5.0 (38)

Private Guided Tour of Dunedin City Heritage and Unique Wildlife and Scenery

Enjoy Dunedin on a private tour, tailored exclusively for your group of up to six passengers. A knowledgeable driver-guide will show you the city’s best...

5 to 7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (38)

from
$1,035

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?