Top South Island Tours & Sightseeing

Q: What are the best options for South Island Tours & Sightseeing?

According to verified reviews on Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor, the best South Island Tours & Sightseeing are: Queenstown to Lake Tekapo via Mt. Cook 1-Way Small-Group Tour Jimmy’s Classic Marlborough Wine tours Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch via Castle Hill 55 minute Grand Circle Ski Plane Nelson to Mapua: Full-Day Self-Guided Cycling Adventure

Q: What are the best kid-friendly options for South Island Tours & Sightseeing Tours?

According to verified reviews on Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor, the best kid-friendly South Island Tours & Sightseeing are: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour Premium Milford Sound Tour, Cruise & Lunch from Te Anau Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram View all kid-friendly Tours →

Q: Which South Island Tours & Sightseeing have Instant Confirmation?

South Island Tours & Sightseeing with Instant Confirmation include: Dart River Jet Boat and Wilderness Experience Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour Premium Milford Sound Tour, Cruise & Lunch from Te Anau Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise from Manapouri View all Tours with Instant Confirmation →

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 →

Queenstown to Lake Tekapo via Mt. Cook 1-Way Small-Group Tour

Explore the beautiful and famous Mt. Cook National Park while traveling to Tekapo on a fully guided small group tour from Queenstown. This is a …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.7 (26)

Queenstown to Lake Tekapo via Mt. Cook 1-Way Small-Group Tour

Explore the beautiful and famous Mt. Cook National Park while traveling to Tekapo on a fully guided small group tour from Queenstown. This is a...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.7 (26)

from
$204

Marlborough’s wines are treasures that have only come to light in a relatively short space of time. Jimmy has worked in the Marlborough wine industry …More

Blenheim, New Zealand

5.0 (57)

Jimmy’s Classic Marlborough Wine tours

Marlborough’s wines are treasures that have only come to light in a relatively short space of time. Jimmy has worked in the Marlborough wine industry...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (57)

from
$224

Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch via Castle Hill

Nestled at the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana), Arthur’s Pass is steeped in history. Connecting the east and west …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.8 (43)

Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch via Castle Hill

Nestled at the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana), Arthur’s Pass is steeped in history. Connecting the east and west...

10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.8 (43)

from
$128

Join this 55-minute Ski Plane scenic experience through the Mt Cook and Westland National Parks for a unique air tour like no other. Flight path …More

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu), New Zealand

5.0 (16)

55 minute Grand Circle Ski Plane

Join this 55-minute Ski Plane scenic experience through the Mt Cook and Westland National Parks for a unique air tour like no other. Flight path...

1 hour 5 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (16)

from
$453

Nelson to Mapua: Full-Day Self-Guided Cycling Adventure

This full day self-guided cycle adventure takes in some of the most stunning scenery on Tasman’s Great Taste Trail with approximately 3 -4 hours of …More

Nelson, New Zealand

4.8 (71)

Nelson to Mapua: Full-Day Self-Guided Cycling Adventure

This full day self-guided cycle adventure takes in some of the most stunning scenery on Tasman’s Great Taste Trail with approximately 3 -4 hours of...

4 to 7 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (71)

from
$80

Half-Day Godley Head Coastal Hike from Christchurch

Enjoy a half-day guided walk on Banks Peninsula, a spectacular extinct volcano only 30 minutes from Christchurch. Experience world-class views and see some of New …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (52)

Half-Day Godley Head Coastal Hike from Christchurch

Enjoy a half-day guided walk on Banks Peninsula, a spectacular extinct volcano only 30 minutes from Christchurch. Experience world-class views and see some of New...

4 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (52)

from
$162

Join our friendly kayak guides as they share their enthusiasm for this stunning stretch of coast. From Marahau head south on a relaxing exploration of …More

Marahau, New Zealand

4.9 (245)

The Family Cruiser

Join our friendly kayak guides as they share their enthusiasm for this stunning stretch of coast. From Marahau head south on a relaxing exploration of...

3 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (245)

from
$68

Marlborough Ultimate Day Out including Cruise, Wine Tour & Lunch

Marlborough Ultimate Day Out puts the Marlborough Sounds and Marlborough wine into one full day with The Original Marlborough Wine Tours. The morning is a …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.7 (24)

Marlborough Ultimate Day Out including Cruise, Wine Tour & Lunch

Marlborough Ultimate Day Out puts the Marlborough Sounds and Marlborough wine into one full day with The Original Marlborough Wine Tours. The morning is a...

8 hours Free Cancellation

4.7 (24)

from
$234

Queenstown Afternoon Wine Tour: Gibbston Valley | NZ Local Guide

Three Distinctive Winery Experiences in One Afternoon Escape Queenstown and step into Gibbston Valley wine country — known as the “Valley of the Vines” — …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (97)

Queenstown Afternoon Wine Tour: Gibbston Valley | NZ Local Guide

Three Distinctive Winery Experiences in One Afternoon Escape Queenstown and step into Gibbston Valley wine country — known as the “Valley of the Vines” —...

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (97)

from
$130

Milford Sound Premium Coach and Cruise from Te Anau

Discover the stress-free way to see Milford Sound from Te Anau. Our premium coaches offer unobstructed views of the spectacular Milford Road so you can …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

4.8 (46)

Milford Sound Premium Coach and Cruise from Te Anau

Discover the stress-free way to see Milford Sound from Te Anau. Our premium coaches offer unobstructed views of the spectacular Milford Road so you can...

7 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (46)

from
$118

Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour to Blumine Island

This Wildlife and Dolphin tour offers an amazing, fully-guided experience to complete your visit to Marlborough! You will have the opportunity to see rare seas …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.9 (53)

Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour to Blumine Island

This Wildlife and Dolphin tour offers an amazing, fully-guided experience to complete your visit to Marlborough! You will have the opportunity to see rare seas...

3 to 4 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (53)

from
$127

Milford Sound Scenic Flight with Landing from Queenstown

Don’t miss out on a spectacular scenic flight with Air Milford to Milford Sound and back. This tour is perfect for those who have already …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (27)

Milford Sound Scenic Flight with Landing from Queenstown

Don’t miss out on a spectacular scenic flight with Air Milford to Milford Sound and back. This tour is perfect for those who have already...

5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (27)

from
$436

Queenstown Lake Cruise to Walter Peak Farm with BBQ Buffet

Cruise across Lake Whakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Board the Spirit of Queenstown, a modern catamaran with a licensed bar where you can …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.6 (26)

Queenstown Lake Cruise to Walter Peak Farm with BBQ Buffet

Cruise across Lake Whakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Board the Spirit of Queenstown, a modern catamaran with a licensed bar where you can...

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.6 (26)

from
$96

Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise

Travel the Milford Road in our luxurious & comfortable vehicles specially designed for small groups tours to Milford Sound from Queenstown. Modern comforts such as …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (188)

Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise

Travel the Milford Road in our luxurious & comfortable vehicles specially designed for small groups tours to Milford Sound from Queenstown. Modern comforts such as...

12 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (188)

from
$225

Lake Tekapo Ultimate Stargazing Experience

Enjoy a 2-hour stargazing experience with an experienced guide. We keep the tour to a maximum of 10pax adults for best experience. Learn about the …More

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

5.0 (16)

Lake Tekapo Ultimate Stargazing Experience

Enjoy a 2-hour stargazing experience with an experienced guide. We keep the tour to a maximum of 10pax adults for best experience. Learn about the...

2 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (16)

from
$124

Queenstown Helicopter Tour: Glacier Landing and Scenic Views

Take to the skies above Queenstown and land on a remote glacier blanketed in snow for a true alpine adventure. Experience the stunning vistas of …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (18)

Queenstown Helicopter Tour: Glacier Landing and Scenic Views

Take to the skies above Queenstown and land on a remote glacier blanketed in snow for a true alpine adventure. Experience the stunning vistas of...

50 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (18)

from
$508

Milford Sound Cruise with Live Nature Guide and Hot Drinks

Join your longest and most immersive Milford Sound cruise, giving you over two hours to experience everything that makes this destination famous around the world. …More

Fiordland & Milford Sound, New Zealand

4.9 (21)

Milford Sound Cruise with Live Nature Guide and Hot Drinks

Join your longest and most immersive Milford Sound cruise, giving you over two hours to experience everything that makes this destination famous around the world....

2 hours 15 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (21)

from
$113

Shore Excursion: Dunedin City, Otago Peninsula, Castle Gardens & Olveston Tour

With this tour, you will experience the pure beauty of Dunedin through a journey rich in heritage, spectacular scenery, and memorable highlights. You’ll explore the …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.9 (88)

Shore Excursion: Dunedin City, Otago Peninsula, Castle Gardens & Olveston Tour

With this tour, you will experience the pure beauty of Dunedin through a journey rich in heritage, spectacular scenery, and memorable highlights. You’ll explore the...

6 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (88)

from
$176

Explore Tekapo's backcountry wilderness on a Scenic 4WD Tour, offering private access into some of The Mackenzie's most beautiful High Country Stations. Discover the best …More

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

4.9 (77)

Scenic 4WD Tour Lake Tekapo Backcountry

Explore Tekapo's backcountry wilderness on a Scenic 4WD Tour, offering private access into some of The Mackenzie's most beautiful High Country Stations. Discover the best...

3 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (77)

from
$241

Routeburn Guided Nature Trail - Half Day

Experience the natural beauty of the Glenorchy region on a relaxed half-day journey from Queenstown to the Routeburn Nature Loop. Travel alongside Lake Whakatipu through …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.6 (16)

Routeburn Guided Nature Trail - Half Day

Experience the natural beauty of the Glenorchy region on a relaxed half-day journey from Queenstown to the Routeburn Nature Loop. Travel alongside Lake Whakatipu through...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.6 (16)

from
$160

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 Tours & Sightseeing?

What are the best kid-friendly options for South Island Tours & Sightseeing Tours?

Which South Island Tours & Sightseeing have Instant Confirmation?

Which South Island Tours & Sightseeing have Free Cancellation?

South Island Tours & Sightseeing 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 Tours & Sightseeing have Hotel Pickup?

No problem. These South Island Tours & Sightseeing include Hotel Pickup:

View all Tours with Hotel Pickup →

Got any more South Island trip ideas?

What are the most popular styles of Tours and Activities in South Island?