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: Akaroa Nature and History Private Tour - The 7th Generation Premium Queenstown Wine Tour Mount Cook Lake Tekapo & Tasman Glacier Private Tour Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch Full-Day Marlborough Scenic and Wine Tour from Blenheim

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 →

Akaroa Nature and History Private Tour - The 7th Generation

My true story | New Zealand’s History Do not miss out on this incredible New Zealand experience. Just look at the amazing 5 star reviews! …More

Akaroa, New Zealand

5.0 (15)

Akaroa Nature and History Private Tour - The 7th Generation

My true story | New Zealand’s History Do not miss out on this incredible New Zealand experience. Just look at the amazing 5 star reviews!...

3 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (15)

from
$345

Discover the diverse wines of Central Otago on this full-day wine tour from Queenstown. Travel through the Bannockburn, Cromwell, and at different times Wanaka wine …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (29)

Premium Queenstown Wine Tour

Discover the diverse wines of Central Otago on this full-day wine tour from Queenstown. Travel through the Bannockburn, Cromwell, and at different times Wanaka wine...

6 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (29)

from
$162

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
$425

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch

Discover the picturesque village of Hanmer Springs on this full-day trip from Christchurch. You will be picked up from your accommodation and transfered to the …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.5 (15)

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Jet Boat Day Trip from Christchurch

Discover the picturesque village of Hanmer Springs on this full-day trip from Christchurch. You will be picked up from your accommodation and transfered to the...

8 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered

4.5 (15)

from
$139

Full-Day Marlborough Scenic and Wine Tour from Blenheim

This full-day Marlborough experience from Blenheim takes you across the Wairau Plains into the picturesque sea port of Havelock, where you can stop to explore …More

Blenheim, New Zealand

4.5 (2)

Full-Day Marlborough Scenic and Wine Tour from Blenheim

This full-day Marlborough experience from Blenheim takes you across the Wairau Plains into the picturesque sea port of Havelock, where you can stop to explore...

7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.5 (2)

from
$210

Discover the full diversity of wine varieties this stunning Marlborough region has to offer and learn the secrets behind fine wine appreciation on this full-day …More

Blenheim, New Zealand

4.8 (4)

Full-Day Wine Tour from Blenheim

Discover the full diversity of wine varieties this stunning Marlborough region has to offer and learn the secrets behind fine wine appreciation on this full-day...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.8 (4)

from
$156

Kaikōura Whale Watch Tour from Christchurch - Small Group

Discover New Zealand's marine wildlife capital on this whale watching day tour from Christchurch to Kaikōura. Journey along a spectacular coastal route to witness giant …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.8 (11)

Kaikōura Whale Watch Tour from Christchurch - Small Group

Discover New Zealand's marine wildlife capital on this whale watching day tour from Christchurch to Kaikōura. Journey along a spectacular coastal route to witness giant...

8 to 10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.8 (11)

from
$216

Everything Queenstown 4 Hour Private Tour

Our knowledgeable guides are passionate locals who are dedicated to bringing the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of this stunning region to life. Join …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.8 (43)

Everything Queenstown 4 Hour Private Tour

Our knowledgeable guides are passionate locals who are dedicated to bringing the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of this stunning region to life. Join...

4 hours Hotel pickup offered

4.8 (43)

from
$489

Embark on the Ōkārito Nature Tour with Glacier Valley Eco Tours and explore New Zealand's South Westland. Just 20 minutes from Franz Josef Glacier, the …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

5.0 (7)

Okarito Nature Tour

Embark on the Ōkārito Nature Tour with Glacier Valley Eco Tours and explore New Zealand's South Westland. Just 20 minutes from Franz Josef Glacier, the...

3 to 4 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (7)

from
$69

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
$966

Private Family Cultural Journey Through Historic Dunedin

This private family tour reveals the cultural heritage, architectural character, and natural beauty of Dunedin, one of New Zealand’s most historic cities. Explore a destination …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Private Family Cultural Journey Through Historic Dunedin

This private family tour reveals the cultural heritage, architectural character, and natural beauty of Dunedin, one of New Zealand’s most historic cities. Explore a destination...

3 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$211

Queen Charlotte Track - Ultimate one Day Walk and Cruise

We are the only Marlborough Sounds Guided Walk company with our own boats. Your day starts with the Ultimate Wildlife Cruise through the calm sheltered …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.9 (11)

Queen Charlotte Track - Ultimate one Day Walk and Cruise

We are the only Marlborough Sounds Guided Walk company with our own boats. Your day starts with the Ultimate Wildlife Cruise through the calm sheltered...

9 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (11)

from
$209

7Day/6Nights Southern Coastal Splendor Tour

A seven-day INDEPENDANT travel package departing Christchurch daily. Travel by coach and train through the specular South Island of New Zealand. Your journey commences in …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

3.9 (7)

7Day/6Nights Southern Coastal Splendor Tour

A seven-day INDEPENDANT travel package departing Christchurch daily. Travel by coach and train through the specular South Island of New Zealand. Your journey commences in...

7 days

3.9 (7)

from
$1,636

Seal Sanctuary Tour - Guided Kayaking - New Zealand

Morning trip exploring Adele Island and the Seal Colony.Taking you further travel one way by kayak and one way by water taxi. This combination provides …More

Marahau, New Zealand

4.8 (10)

Seal Sanctuary Tour - Guided Kayaking - New Zealand

Morning trip exploring Adele Island and the Seal Colony.Taking you further travel one way by kayak and one way by water taxi. This combination provides...

5 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (10)

from
$167

Private Luxury Queenstown Portrait 4WD Gold Heritage Tour

Private pickup, luxury Land Rover, expert local guide, and professional photography — all included, no extras. Your group only, your pace, at locations chosen for …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (6)

Private Luxury Queenstown Portrait 4WD Gold Heritage Tour

Private pickup, luxury Land Rover, expert local guide, and professional photography — all included, no extras. Your group only, your pace, at locations chosen for...

3 hours Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (6)

from
$737

Arthurs Pass Jet Boating and TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch

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

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (10)

Arthurs Pass Jet Boating and TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch

Nestled at the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana), Arthur’s Pass is steeped in history. Home of the world’s only...

10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (10)

from
$338

Roxburgh Gorge Bike Hire with Jet Boat & Return Shuttle Included

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail Experience is a purpose built Official NZ Great Ride (Grade 1 to 3) that follows the Clutha River. Alongside the Lake …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (8)

Roxburgh Gorge Bike Hire with Jet Boat & Return Shuttle Included

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail Experience is a purpose built Official NZ Great Ride (Grade 1 to 3) that follows the Clutha River. Alongside the Lake...

6 hours 15 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (8)

from
$213

Lord of the Rings and Glacier Helicopter Tour

See the land where The Lord of the Rings trilogy were filmed. After a complimentary hotel pickup, you will arrive and meet your helicopter pilot. …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (45)

Lord of the Rings and Glacier Helicopter Tour

See the land where The Lord of the Rings trilogy were filmed. After a complimentary hotel pickup, you will arrive and meet your helicopter pilot....

1 hour 10 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (45)

from
$730

Private Self Drive Xtreme 30 and X Track Activity

Based in beautiful Kingston just 30mins from Queenstown Airport at the south end of Lake Wakatipu Xtreme Off Road match world-class vehicles with out of …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (51)

Private Self Drive Xtreme 30 and X Track Activity

Based in beautiful Kingston just 30mins from Queenstown Airport at the south end of Lake Wakatipu Xtreme Off Road match world-class vehicles with out of...

30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (51)

from
$126

Franz Josef Small Group Bespoke Heli Hike Adventure with lunch

This small group Franz Josef Heli Hike Adventure offers a unique glacier experience, including a scenic helicopter flight, lunch, and drinks. You'll fly from Franz …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Franz Josef Small Group Bespoke Heli Hike Adventure with lunch

This small group Franz Josef Heli Hike Adventure offers a unique glacier experience, including a scenic helicopter flight, lunch, and drinks. You'll fly from Franz...

7 to 8 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$901

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?