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: Mt Cook to Queenstown Small Group Tour (One-Way) Franz Josef to Christchurch Small-Group Tour via Hokitika (1-way) Christchurch to Mt Cook via Lake Tekapo One Way Small Group Tour Half-Day Wine Tour from Blenheim Wine trail and Christchurch City - Luxury, Small Group Tour

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 →

Mt Cook to Queenstown Small Group Tour (One-Way)

Mt Cook to Queenstown Small Group Tour, this fully-guided 1-way transfer allows you to travel in style while learning about all the highlights along the …More

Aoraki Mount Cook (Mount Cook Village), New Zealand

4.7 (30)

Mt Cook to Queenstown Small Group Tour (One-Way)

Mt Cook to Queenstown Small Group Tour, this fully-guided 1-way transfer allows you to travel in style while learning about all the highlights along the...

4 to 5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.7 (30)

from
$113

Franz Josef to Christchurch Small-Group Tour via Hokitika (1-way)

Travel from the wild beauty of the West Coast to the Garden City of Christchurch on this unforgettable small group, fully guided day trip. Journey …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

4.9 (34)

Franz Josef to Christchurch Small-Group Tour via Hokitika (1-way)

Travel from the wild beauty of the West Coast to the Garden City of Christchurch on this unforgettable small group, fully guided day trip. Journey...

12 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (34)

from
$165

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
$128

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

Blenheim, New Zealand

4.7 (43)

Half-Day Wine Tour from Blenheim

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

3 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.7 (43)

from
$114

Wine trail and Christchurch City - Luxury, Small Group Tour

Discover Christchurch & Wine Country Explore Christchurch's vibrant city centre and renowned wine region on this intimate small-group tour. Admire the city's innovative architecture, street …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (17)

Wine trail and Christchurch City - Luxury, Small Group Tour

Discover Christchurch & Wine Country Explore Christchurch's vibrant city centre and renowned wine region on this intimate small-group tour. Admire the city's innovative architecture, street...

5 to 7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (17)

from
$372

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
$113

Mt. Cook Fly Explore Fly ex Queenstown by Glenorchy Air

Fly up the spine of the South Island, enjoying panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea on one side and Lake Pukaki, arguably New …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (55)

Mt. Cook Fly Explore Fly ex Queenstown by Glenorchy Air

Fly up the spine of the South Island, enjoying panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea on one side and Lake Pukaki, arguably New...

8 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (55)

from
$499

Arrowtown and Wanaka Highlights Tour from Queenstown

Discover Wānaka, Arrowtown and the spectacular Crown Range on a relaxed small-group day tour from Queenstown. Travel with a knowledgeable local driver-guide through dramatic mountain …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (296)

Arrowtown and Wanaka Highlights Tour from Queenstown

Discover Wānaka, Arrowtown and the spectacular Crown Range on a relaxed small-group day tour from Queenstown. Travel with a knowledgeable local driver-guide through dramatic mountain...

6 hours

4.9 (296)

from
$119

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

Hologate VR - Multiplayer Virtual Reality

State of the art technology and the latest gear Huge range of gaming scenarios to choose from Suitable for all ages …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (38)

Hologate VR - Multiplayer Virtual Reality

State of the art technology and the latest gear Huge range of gaming scenarios to choose from Suitable for all ages...

30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (38)

from
$33

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
$82

Gourmet Gold Wine Tour: Indulge in Cloudy Bay's finest wines

Discover the essence of Marlborough with a premier experience designed for discerning wine lovers. This exclusive tour offers a deep dive into Cloudy Bay’s prestigious …More

Blenheim, New Zealand

5.0 (25)

Gourmet Gold Wine Tour: Indulge in Cloudy Bay's finest wines

Discover the essence of Marlborough with a premier experience designed for discerning wine lovers. This exclusive tour offers a deep dive into Cloudy Bay’s prestigious...

6 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (25)

from
$349

A 2 hour Small Group Dunedin City Highlights Tour

Join a small-group tour to discover the highlights of Dunedin, the oldest city in New Zealand. Our City Tour is the perfect choice for those …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.9 (31)

A 2 hour Small Group Dunedin City Highlights Tour

Join a small-group tour to discover the highlights of Dunedin, the oldest city in New Zealand. Our City Tour is the perfect choice for those...

2 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (31)

from
$78

Dunedin City to Sea Wildlife Cruise + Peninsula Bus Tour

Bus across the beautiful Otago Peninsula and enjoy the sights whilst your local guide gives an informative commentary about the area. Then hop aboard our …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.8 (43)

Dunedin City to Sea Wildlife Cruise + Peninsula Bus Tour

Bus across the beautiful Otago Peninsula and enjoy the sights whilst your local guide gives an informative commentary about the area. Then hop aboard our...

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (43)

from
$69

Soar over the Southern Alps, take in breathtaking views during an 8 minute scenic helicopter flight and walk a trail of High Country history on …More

Aoraki Mount Cook (Mount Cook Village), New Zealand

5.0 (54)

Glentanner High Country Heli Hike

Soar over the Southern Alps, take in breathtaking views during an 8 minute scenic helicopter flight and walk a trail of High Country history on...

4 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (54)

from
$281

Kiwi Horizons Travel' Christchurch city tour stands out due to its focus on providing a comprehensive and immersive experience of the city. Key aspects that …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (20)

Christchurch City Full Day Private Tour

Kiwi Horizons Travel' Christchurch city tour stands out due to its focus on providing a comprehensive and immersive experience of the city. Key aspects that...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (20)

from
$106

A five-day INDEPENDANT travel package departing Christchurch daily, see all the highlights of New Zealand's scenic South Island. Travel by coach from Christchurch to Queenstown …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.3 (73)

5Day/4Nights Great Southern Circle

A five-day INDEPENDANT travel package departing Christchurch daily, see all the highlights of New Zealand's scenic South Island. Travel by coach from Christchurch to Queenstown...

5 days

4.3 (73)

from
$1,200

The Green Kiwi Tours 'Private Christchurch Walking Tour' is an informative and entertaining way to get the express history of Christchurch! From Māori and European …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (31)

Private Christchurch Walking Tour

The Green Kiwi Tours 'Private Christchurch Walking Tour' is an informative and entertaining way to get the express history of Christchurch! From Māori and European...

2 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (31)

from
$24

Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown

Explore Milford Sounds stunning fiord from the air and on the water. Join an unforgettable cruise, past sheer cliffs, gushing waterfalls and perhaps even spot …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (199)

Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown

Explore Milford Sounds stunning fiord from the air and on the water. Join an unforgettable cruise, past sheer cliffs, gushing waterfalls and perhaps even spot...

4 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (199)

from
$984

Full Day Tour of the Sights and Tastes of the West Coast

This tour gives you the chance to relax and enjoy the sights and tastes along our route through the Grey and Buller districts, although a …More

Greymouth, New Zealand

5.0 (25)

Full Day Tour of the Sights and Tastes of the West Coast

This tour gives you the chance to relax and enjoy the sights and tastes along our route through the Grey and Buller districts, although a...

9 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (25)

from
$196

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?