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: 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 →

Enjoy an afternoon among the vines on this half-day wine tour from Picton. You will be collected and taken on a tour through the Marlborough …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.9 (156)

Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton

Enjoy an afternoon among the vines on this half-day wine tour from Picton. You will be collected and taken on a tour through the Marlborough...

3 to 4 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (156)

from
$114

Our most popular quad bike tour - Explore over 14 km of beautiful native forest trails. Ride high to the hilltops, to spectacular coastal scenery, …More

Nelson, New Zealand

4.9 (61)

Quad Biking Adventure - Bayview Circuit

Our most popular quad bike tour - Explore over 14 km of beautiful native forest trails. Ride high to the hilltops, to spectacular coastal scenery,...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (61)

from
$112

Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center

Combine the International Antarctic Centre with its little Blue Penguins, Antarctic Storm in the Ice and Snow room, 4-D Movie and Hagglund ride over a …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.8 (213)

Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center

Combine the International Antarctic Centre with its little Blue Penguins, Antarctic Storm in the Ice and Snow room, 4-D Movie and Hagglund ride over a...

6 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (213)

from
$112

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
$112

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

Larnach Castle Tour & Wildlife Cruise (Dunedin Shore Excursion)

Join our guide for a personalised tour of Larnach Castle and learn about Dunedin's early history along the way. Enjoy stunning views of the Otago …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.9 (30)

Larnach Castle Tour & Wildlife Cruise (Dunedin Shore Excursion)

Join our guide for a personalised tour of Larnach Castle and learn about Dunedin's early history along the way. Enjoy stunning views of the Otago...

6 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (30)

from
$111

Travel in a comfortable van, watch the beautiful countryside go by as we drive from location to location. Sample 4 different local wines at either …More

Blenheim, New Zealand

5.0 (41)

Marlborough Classic Wine Tasting Tour.

Travel in a comfortable van, watch the beautiful countryside go by as we drive from location to location. Sample 4 different local wines at either...

5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (41)

from
$109

Albatross, seals, and sea birds-Wildlife Cruise

Small group tours, by Otago Harbour's most experienced skipper/guide! You wont find a wildlife guide with more experience on Otago harbour then owner/operator Rachel McGregor. …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.9 (203)

Albatross, seals, and sea birds-Wildlife Cruise

Small group tours, by Otago Harbour's most experienced skipper/guide! You wont find a wildlife guide with more experience on Otago harbour then owner/operator Rachel McGregor....

90 to 120 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (203)

from
$108

Christchurch City Top Spots Half Day Tour(Small Group Tour)

A Half-Day Tour that satisfies all visitors to Christchurch. Recommended for travellers short on time and those eager to see the city’s top attractions. Discover …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

3.8 (4)

Christchurch City Top Spots Half Day Tour(Small Group Tour)

A Half-Day Tour that satisfies all visitors to Christchurch. Recommended for travellers short on time and those eager to see the city’s top attractions. Discover...

3 to 4 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

3.8 (4)

from
$106

Christchurch City Top Sights Half Day Tour(Small Group Tour)

A half-day tour for first-time visitors to Christchurch. Perfect for travelers short on time or those who want to see the city’s top attractions without …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

3.4 (11)

Christchurch City Top Sights Half Day Tour(Small Group Tour)

A half-day tour for first-time visitors to Christchurch. Perfect for travelers short on time or those who want to see the city’s top attractions without...

3 to 4 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

3.4 (11)

from
$106

Lava Loop- Guided electric mountain bike tour in Akaroa

Have you ever wanted to ride a bike up an extinct volcano towering over the crystal blue waters of the pacific ocean? Well now is …More

Akaroa, New Zealand

4.9 (34)

Lava Loop- Guided electric mountain bike tour in Akaroa

Have you ever wanted to ride a bike up an extinct volcano towering over the crystal blue waters of the pacific ocean? Well now is...

3 hours

4.9 (34)

from
$101

Totally Local Wildscene Private Shore Excursion With 8 travelers

If you want easy access to Dunedin's most popular attractions or some various unknown locals only attractions. I own this business and take great pleasure …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

5.0 (8)

Totally Local Wildscene Private Shore Excursion With 8 travelers

If you want easy access to Dunedin's most popular attractions or some various unknown locals only attractions. I own this business and take great pleasure...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (8)

from
$99

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
$98

Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour

Explore Dunedin highlights on a half-day, small-group tour that goes from the city's historic landmarks to the beaches of the Otago Peninsula. You'll see the …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.8 (96)

Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour

Explore Dunedin highlights on a half-day, small-group tour that goes from the city's historic landmarks to the beaches of the Otago Peninsula. You'll see the...

3 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.8 (96)

from
$97

Christchurch Private Luxury Full Day Tour

This private Full Day Tour explores complete Christchurch city from one edge to another with your private Driver/Guide. Christchurch, known for its English heritage, is …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.5 (2)

Christchurch Private Luxury Full Day Tour

This private Full Day Tour explores complete Christchurch city from one edge to another with your private Driver/Guide. Christchurch, known for its English heritage, is...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.5 (2)

from
$93

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
$91

Catlins Cruiser Private Tour from Dunedin Cruise Port

Take off on your scenic cruise down the Southern New Zealand coast to explore all the Catlins Forest Park has to offer. Starting at the …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

3.3 (4)

Catlins Cruiser Private Tour from Dunedin Cruise Port

Take off on your scenic cruise down the Southern New Zealand coast to explore all the Catlins Forest Park has to offer. Starting at the...

6 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

3.3 (4)

from
$87

Scenic Spooners Tunnel Adventure in Nelson Tasman

Begin with a shuttle ride into the picturesque Tasman hills, where the journey kicks off at the entrance to the iconic Spooner's Tunnel. Cycle along …More

Nelson, New Zealand

4.0 (1)

Scenic Spooners Tunnel Adventure in Nelson Tasman

Begin with a shuttle ride into the picturesque Tasman hills, where the journey kicks off at the entrance to the iconic Spooner's Tunnel. Cycle along...

7 hours Free Cancellation

4.0 (1)

from
$86

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sights Tour

While your ship is in port in Akaroa Harbour, take a shore excursion to tour the scenic Banks Peninsula and visit the city of Christchurch. …More

Akaroa, New Zealand

4.0 (207)

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City Sights Tour

While your ship is in port in Akaroa Harbour, take a shore excursion to tour the scenic Banks Peninsula and visit the city of Christchurch....

6 hours

4.0 (207)

from
$83

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
$80

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?