Top South Island Tours & Sightseeing

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 →

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
$794

Christchurch to Queenstown 2-Day Transfer Via Franz Josef

Embark on an unforgettable journey through some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes with Cheeky Kiwi Travel. This two-day tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (14)

Christchurch to Queenstown 2-Day Transfer Via Franz Josef

Embark on an unforgettable journey through some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes with Cheeky Kiwi Travel. This two-day tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via...

2 days Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (14)

from
$329

Private Full Day Photography Tour in Queenstown - Follow the Gold

This full-day private photography tour takes us further afield than our other tours to the wild and rugged hills and mountains east of Queenstown. First …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Private Full Day Photography Tour in Queenstown - Follow the Gold

This full-day private photography tour takes us further afield than our other tours to the wild and rugged hills and mountains east of Queenstown. First...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$264

Queenstown to Christchurch via West Coast 2-Day Small-Group Tour

This two day small group adventure showcases the dramatic contrasts of the South Island, from the rugged rainforests and glaciers of the West Coast to …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (11)

Queenstown to Christchurch via West Coast 2-Day Small-Group Tour

This two day small group adventure showcases the dramatic contrasts of the South Island, from the rugged rainforests and glaciers of the West Coast to...

2 days Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (11)

from
$329

Lyttelton 8hr Shore Ex: Akaroa. Guide, Lunch, Transport, Sml Grp

Join our exclusive small-group tour for up to 8 people, designed specifically for cruise ship passengers arriving at Lyttelton Port in Christchurch. Visit Akaroa and …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Lyttelton 8hr Shore Ex: Akaroa. Guide, Lunch, Transport, Sml Grp

Join our exclusive small-group tour for up to 8 people, designed specifically for cruise ship passengers arriving at Lyttelton Port in Christchurch. Visit Akaroa and...

6 to 7 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$328

Private Castle Hill & Inland Canterbury Shore Excursion

Private guided tour includes lunch, transport, and a local guide to Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti. This tour doesn't require minimum numbers. It is suitable for individuals, …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Private Castle Hill & Inland Canterbury Shore Excursion

Private guided tour includes lunch, transport, and a local guide to Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti. This tour doesn't require minimum numbers. It is suitable for individuals,...

7 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$248

Kaikoura Helicopters Helijet – The Ultimate Helicopter & Jet Boat Shore Excursion Depart from our beachfront helipads for a scenic helicopter tour of the stunning …More

Kaikoura, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Kaikoura Helicopters Helijet

Kaikoura Helicopters Helijet – The Ultimate Helicopter & Jet Boat Shore Excursion Depart from our beachfront helipads for a scenic helicopter tour of the stunning...

2 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$352

Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour

Fly from Christchurch to view the highest mountain in New Zealand, Aoraki Mount Cook—the training ground of Sir Edmund Hillary. Viewing the Canterbury plains, lakes, …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour

Fly from Christchurch to view the highest mountain in New Zealand, Aoraki Mount Cook—the training ground of Sir Edmund Hillary. Viewing the Canterbury plains, lakes,...

3 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$1,781

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Akaroa Harbour and Sheep Farm Local Tour

A 2.5 hour shore excursion which combines a guided local tour of Akaroa township and harbours with a tour of a working sheep farm. After …More

Akaroa, New Zealand

4.6 (11)

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Akaroa Harbour and Sheep Farm Local Tour

A 2.5 hour shore excursion which combines a guided local tour of Akaroa township and harbours with a tour of a working sheep farm. After...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.6 (11)

from
$65

Twizel Stargazing Experience with a Guide (Carbon Positive)

Immerse yourself in the wonder of the night sky with a guided stargazing tour in Twizel. Use powerful telescopes to explore the Milky Way, distant …More

Aoraki Mount Cook (Mount Cook Village), New Zealand

4.4 (7)

Twizel Stargazing Experience with a Guide (Carbon Positive)

Immerse yourself in the wonder of the night sky with a guided stargazing tour in Twizel. Use powerful telescopes to explore the Milky Way, distant...

1 hour 15 minutes Free Cancellation

4.4 (7)

from
$68

Skippers Canyon - Half Day PRIVATE 4WD Tour, Queenstown NZ

All tours are Private. Only your party and driver / guide. Join Del - New Zealand's most experienced commercial 4WD guide on a tour exploring …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (10)

Skippers Canyon - Half Day PRIVATE 4WD Tour, Queenstown NZ

All tours are Private. Only your party and driver / guide. Join Del - New Zealand's most experienced commercial 4WD guide on a tour exploring...

4 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (10)

from
$230

This is an educational tour where we dive into the human history of New Zealand. Discussing how Polynesians (Māori) navigated to New Zealand with pin-point …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

5.0 (13)

Dunedin City - Settlers & Voyages Tour

This is an educational tour where we dive into the human history of New Zealand. Discussing how Polynesians (Māori) navigated to New Zealand with pin-point...

3 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (13)

from
$79

Private 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 (13)

Private 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 (13)

from
$261

Progressive Wine and Gourmet Trail of Marlborough

Marlborough's Wine and Gourmet experience is something you should not miss....Progressive Wine and Gourmet Trail with your menu tailor-made for your tastes with a matching …More

Blenheim, New Zealand

5.0 (12)

Progressive Wine and Gourmet Trail of Marlborough

Marlborough's Wine and Gourmet experience is something you should not miss....Progressive Wine and Gourmet Trail with your menu tailor-made for your tastes with a matching...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (12)

from
$508

Cromwell Wine Tasting Tour using Classic Car

Qualmark Accredited Cromwell Classic Car Wine Tours is unique among Central Otago wine-tasting tours. This is no whirlwind mini bus tour crammed with strangers but …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (24)

Cromwell Wine Tasting Tour using Classic Car

Qualmark Accredited Cromwell Classic Car Wine Tours is unique among Central Otago wine-tasting tours. This is no whirlwind mini bus tour crammed with strangers but...

4 to 5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (24)

from
$221

Lyttelton Cruise Excursions: Christchurch Sightseeing with Sheep Farm

Visit a working sheep farm with dog mustering, sheep shearing and afternoon tea combined with a city tour of Christchurch taking in not only the …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

3.9 (18)

Lyttelton Cruise Excursions: Christchurch Sightseeing with Sheep Farm

Visit a working sheep farm with dog mustering, sheep shearing and afternoon tea combined with a city tour of Christchurch taking in not only the...

6 hours Free Cancellation

3.9 (18)

from
$113

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City Tour and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

See the sights of Christchurch when your ship is in Akaroa port, and explore the city on a comprehensive tour. Your Akaroa shore excursion also …More

Akaroa, New Zealand

3.7 (24)

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City Tour and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

See the sights of Christchurch when your ship is in Akaroa port, and explore the city on a comprehensive tour. Your Akaroa shore excursion also...

6 hours

3.7 (24)

from
$119

Private Champagne Picnic on a Peak with Helicopter Ride

The Picnic on the Peak is one of our most popular excursions. Queenstown has some of the most breathtaking scenery in New Zealand and what …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (21)

Private Champagne Picnic on a Peak with Helicopter Ride

The Picnic on the Peak is one of our most popular excursions. Queenstown has some of the most breathtaking scenery in New Zealand and what...

60 to 210 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (21)

from
$2,033

8 Day Southern Crossing Small Group Tour

Spectacular scenery and lots of opportunity for adventure, this 8 day South Island adventure starts and finishes in the diverse city of Christchurch. Turquoise lakes, …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

8 Day Southern Crossing Small Group Tour

Spectacular scenery and lots of opportunity for adventure, this 8 day South Island adventure starts and finishes in the diverse city of Christchurch. Turquoise lakes,...

8 days

5.0 (3)

from
$1,079

Caving Adventure with Optional Castle Hill Rocks Tour

This adventure lets you experience one of New Zealand’s most accessible underground rivers as well as the dramatic limestone landscape of Castle Hill—available in several …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (8)

Caving Adventure with Optional Castle Hill Rocks Tour

This adventure lets you experience one of New Zealand’s most accessible underground rivers as well as the dramatic limestone landscape of Castle Hill—available in several...

1 day Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (8)

from
$187

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?

According to verified reviews on Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor, the best South Island Tours & Sightseeing are:

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?