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 →

Mt. Cook Private Day Trip From Christchurch Via Lake Tekapo

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Let’s explore New Zealand's Tallest Peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook’s Māori Significance, Tasman Glacier – New Zealand's Largest Glacier, Unique Flora and Fauna, …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (21)

Mt. Cook Private Day Trip From Christchurch Via Lake Tekapo

13 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (21)

from
$198

Kaikoura Private Whale Watching Day Trip from Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Embark on an unforgettable journey to Kaikoura, renowned for its world-class whale-watching tours, particularly the unique opportunity to observe sperm whales. …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (20)

Kaikoura Private Whale Watching Day Trip from Christchurch

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (20)

from
$173

Arthurs Pass Private Day Trip from Christchurch with Castle Hill

Totally Personalized Private Experience! A day trip to Arthur's National Park offers a variety of green fields to rugged mountain ranges, lush forest, and ice-fed …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.8 (30)

Arthurs Pass Private Day Trip from Christchurch with Castle Hill

Totally Personalized Private Experience! A day trip to Arthur's National Park offers a variety of green fields to rugged mountain ranges, lush forest, and ice-fed...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.8 (30)

from
$184

Arthur’s Pass and Castle hills Private Day Trip From Christchurch

"Explore Arthur’s Pass & Castle Hill like a local. We skip the crowds, hit secret spots like Lake Lyndon, and let you choose the pace—wild …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (16)

Arthur’s Pass and Castle hills Private Day Trip From Christchurch

"Explore Arthur’s Pass & Castle Hill like a local. We skip the crowds, hit secret spots like Lake Lyndon, and let you choose the pace—wild...

10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (16)

from
$153

Dunedin to Te Anau via the Catlins One Way Small Group Tour

Venture into New Zealand's stunning southern coast on a full-day tour from Dunedin to Te Anau, where the rugged beauty of the Catlins awaits. Explore …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

5.0 (13)

Dunedin to Te Anau via the Catlins One Way Small Group Tour

Venture into New Zealand's stunning southern coast on a full-day tour from Dunedin to Te Anau, where the rugged beauty of the Catlins awaits. Explore...

11 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (13)

from
$165

Our Merino Farm Experience allows you to enjoy a slice of kiwi (New Zealand) rural life. Be guided by the family owners and operators on …More

Canterbury, New Zealand

5.0 (9)

Merino Farm Experience

Our Merino Farm Experience allows you to enjoy a slice of kiwi (New Zealand) rural life. Be guided by the family owners and operators on...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (9)

from
$54

Dunedin to Queenstown 1-Way Day Tour with Taieri Gorge Railway

This isn’t just a journey, it’s a story unfolding across gold rush trails, highland outposts, and cinematic landscapes. Travelling from Dunedin to Queenstown with Cheeky …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.6 (16)

Dunedin to Queenstown 1-Way Day Tour with Taieri Gorge Railway

This isn’t just a journey, it’s a story unfolding across gold rush trails, highland outposts, and cinematic landscapes. Travelling from Dunedin to Queenstown with Cheeky...

9 hours Free Cancellation

4.6 (16)

from
$172

Te Anau to Queenstown via Milford Sound Tour with Cruise & Lunch

Explore the stunning landscapes of Fiordland National Park on this premium small group tour from Te Anau to Queenstown, featuring a boutique cruise on Milford …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Te Anau to Queenstown via Milford Sound Tour with Cruise & Lunch

Explore the stunning landscapes of Fiordland National Park on this premium small group tour from Te Anau to Queenstown, featuring a boutique cruise on Milford...

10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$209

Iconic Wildlife Tour with Yellow Eyed Penguins & Royal Albatross

Visit the habitat of the world's rarest penguin. Walk through a private nature reserve on this guided tour for a chance to see the endangered …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.7 (35)

Iconic Wildlife Tour with Yellow Eyed Penguins & Royal Albatross

Visit the habitat of the world's rarest penguin. Walk through a private nature reserve on this guided tour for a chance to see the endangered...

7 hours

4.7 (35)

from
$227

Kaikoura Albatross Encounter Tour from Christchurch

Kaikoura is famous for whales and dolphins and arguably one of the world's most exciting arenas for ocean going birds. This full day tour accompanies …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.5 (2)

Kaikoura Albatross Encounter Tour from Christchurch

Kaikoura is famous for whales and dolphins and arguably one of the world's most exciting arenas for ocean going birds. This full day tour accompanies...

11 hours Hotel pickup offered

4.5 (2)

from
$227

Visit a working sheep farms set in a tranquil and picturesque location in the heart of Canterbury's sheep farm land on this tour. On your …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.1 (9)

Christchurch Sheep Farm Visit

Visit a working sheep farms set in a tranquil and picturesque location in the heart of Canterbury's sheep farm land on this tour. On your...

3 hours Hotel pickup offered

4.1 (9)

from
$108

Franz Josef to Christchurch 1-Way Transfer Via TranzAlpine Train

Journey from Franz Josef to Christchurch on one of New Zealand’s most iconic scenic routes. Travel along the rugged West Coast, known for its wild …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

4.7 (3)

Franz Josef to Christchurch 1-Way Transfer Via TranzAlpine Train

Journey from Franz Josef to Christchurch on one of New Zealand’s most iconic scenic routes. Travel along the rugged West Coast, known for its wild...

12 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.7 (3)

from
$321

Mt Cook to Lake Tekapo Small Group Tour (one-way)

Mt Cook to Tekapo Small Group Tour Via Lake Pukaki (one way). This small group, fully-guided transfer means you can travel in style while seeing …More

Aoraki Mount Cook (Mount Cook Village), New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Mt Cook to Lake Tekapo Small Group Tour (one-way)

Mt Cook to Tekapo Small Group Tour Via Lake Pukaki (one way). This small group, fully-guided transfer means you can travel in style while seeing...

1 hour 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$79

Scenic Helicopter Flight, Mountain Landing & Wine Tour Queenstown

Fly to the vines with Altitude Tours on a Helicopter Wine Tour. Begin your day being picked up from your Queenstown accommodation before taking a …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Scenic Helicopter Flight, Mountain Landing & Wine Tour Queenstown

Fly to the vines with Altitude Tours on a Helicopter Wine Tour. Begin your day being picked up from your Queenstown accommodation before taking a...

7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$544

Milford Sound Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown

Allow 4 hours 2 landings: Milford Sound & Alpine landing Over The Top Helicopters are pleased to offer a personal scenic helicopter flight to Milford …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (19)

Milford Sound Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown

Allow 4 hours 2 landings: Milford Sound & Alpine landing Over The Top Helicopters are pleased to offer a personal scenic helicopter flight to Milford...

4 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (19)

from
$1,234

Full-Day Wine Gourmet and Scenic Delight Tour of Marlborough from Picton

You will experience sensational wines, stunning landscapes and delicious gourmet treats on this relaxing tour departing Picton, offering a full-day experience of the Marlborough wine …More

Blenheim, New Zealand

4.8 (8)

Full-Day Wine Gourmet and Scenic Delight Tour of Marlborough from Picton

You will experience sensational wines, stunning landscapes and delicious gourmet treats on this relaxing tour departing Picton, offering a full-day experience of the Marlborough wine...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.8 (8)

from
$184

Christchurch City and Beaches Private Tesla Tour

Presenting the highlights of Christchurch City and surrounding suburbs, and also featuring some of the lesser known but equally appealing sights. Our smaller group size …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (12)

Christchurch City and Beaches Private Tesla Tour

Presenting the highlights of Christchurch City and surrounding suburbs, and also featuring some of the lesser known but equally appealing sights. Our smaller group size...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered

4.9 (12)

from
$518

Private Flight: 4 Glaciers with 2 Snow Landings - 60mins

Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Private Flight: 4 Glaciers with 2 Snow Landings - 60mins

Glacier Country Helicopters is a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef, on the West Coast of New Zealand. Husband and wife...

2 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$1,957

Private Flight - 2 Glaciers - Snow Landing - Franz Josef - 35mins

On this private Pilots Choice flight you'll see two of the three "big" glaciers. You'll fly over the Franz Josef Glacier then over either the …More

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand

5.0 (7)

Private Flight - 2 Glaciers - Snow Landing - Franz Josef - 35mins

On this private Pilots Choice flight you'll see two of the three "big" glaciers. You'll fly over the Franz Josef Glacier then over either the...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (7)

from
$1,163

Hanmer Springs Private Day Tour Including Hot Pool & Wine Tasting

Discover Hanmer Springs on a private day tour from Christchurch including a visit to the Thermal Pools and wine tasting. Upgrade to include a thrilling jet …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Hanmer Springs Private Day Tour Including Hot Pool & Wine Tasting

Discover Hanmer Springs on a private day tour from Christchurch including a visit to the Thermal Pools and wine tasting. Upgrade to include a thrilling jet...

10 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$340

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?