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 Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City and Giants House Tour Waipara Wine Trail Private Group Tour From Christchurch Private Dunedin & Otago Peninsula Tours Up to 4 people Akaroa Private Day Trip From Christchurch Akaroa Private Group Day Trip from Christchurch

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 Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City and Giants House Tour

A unique shore excursion from Akaroa which combines a tour of the Banks Peninsula and Christchurch with a guided tour of the famous Giant's House. …More

Akaroa, New Zealand

3.7 (13)

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City and Giants House Tour

A unique shore excursion from Akaroa which combines a tour of the Banks Peninsula and Christchurch with a guided tour of the famous Giant's House....

6 hours Free Cancellation

3.7 (13)

from
$116

Waipara Wine Trail Private Group Tour From Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Waipara Springs, founding winery and restaurant of the Waipara Region, was established in 1989 and remains an entirely owned and operated …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (11)

Waipara Wine Trail Private Group Tour From Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Waipara Springs, founding winery and restaurant of the Waipara Region, was established in 1989 and remains an entirely owned and operated...

1 to 6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (11)

from
$135

Private Dunedin & Otago Peninsula Tours Up to 4 people

We are local Dunedin Tour operators with 10 years of business experience focus on the customized Private Tours around Dunedin area and beyond. We offer …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.9 (13)

Private Dunedin & Otago Peninsula Tours Up to 4 people

We are local Dunedin Tour operators with 10 years of business experience focus on the customized Private Tours around Dunedin area and beyond. We offer...

7 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (13)

from
$518

Akaroa Private Day Trip From Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Embark on a memorable 6-hour Akaroa day trip from Christchurch, where you’ll have the opportunity to discover New Zealand’s stunning volcanic …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (15)

Akaroa Private Day Trip From Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Embark on a memorable 6-hour Akaroa day trip from Christchurch, where you’ll have the opportunity to discover New Zealand’s stunning volcanic...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (15)

from
$687

Akaroa Private Group Day Trip from Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the region, with a guide providing expert insights into the area's rich history and …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (13)

Akaroa Private Group Day Trip from Christchurch

Totally Personalized Private Experience! This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the region, with a guide providing expert insights into the area's rich history and...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (13)

from
$178

Christchurch to Queenstown One Way Tour Via Lake Tekapo & Mt Cook

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Enjoying the scenic views between Christchurch and Queenstown with a fully guided, adventure-filled journey through the breathtaking Southern Alps. Embark on …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (14)

Christchurch to Queenstown One Way Tour Via Lake Tekapo & Mt Cook

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (14)

from
$342

Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo Day Trip from Christchurch

Experience the breathtaking landscapes of the South Island on a private day tour from Christchurch to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and Lake Tekapo. …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (18)

Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo Day Trip from Christchurch

Experience the breathtaking landscapes of the South Island on a private day tour from Christchurch to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and Lake Tekapo....

10 to 13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (18)

from
$193

Milford Sound Small Group Tour and Cruise from Queenstown Max 8

Experience Milford Sound in a more comfortable and personal way on this premium small-group day tour from Queenstown. This is not a standard Milford Sound …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (5)

Milford Sound Small Group Tour and Cruise from Queenstown Max 8

Experience Milford Sound in a more comfortable and personal way on this premium small-group day tour from Queenstown. This is not a standard Milford Sound...

12 hours 45 minutes Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (5)

from
$469

3 Day Abel Tasman Guided Kayak & Walk - Nelson

Walk, kayak and relax on this 3 Day/2 Night journey into Abel Tasman National Park. No need to give up modern comforts. Stay at our …More

Motueka, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

3 Day Abel Tasman Guided Kayak & Walk - Nelson

Walk, kayak and relax on this 3 Day/2 Night journey into Abel Tasman National Park. No need to give up modern comforts. Stay at our...

3 days Hotel pickup offered

5.0 (2)

from
$1,129

Walk, cruise and relax on this 3 Day/2 Night journey into Abel Tasman National Park. No need to give up modern comforts. Stay at our …More

Motueka, New Zealand

4.7 (9)

3 Day Abel Tasman Guided Walk

Walk, cruise and relax on this 3 Day/2 Night journey into Abel Tasman National Park. No need to give up modern comforts. Stay at our...

3 days

4.7 (9)

from
$987

Queenstown - Private Family Group Bike Tour, Up to 11 E-bikes

You choose the trail to be biked and nzbiketrails picks you up, and your group (up to 11 riders), for a Private Tour which we …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Queenstown - Private Family Group Bike Tour, Up to 11 E-bikes

You choose the trail to be biked and nzbiketrails picks you up, and your group (up to 11 riders), for a Private Tour which we...

6 to 8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$1,135

Christchurch To Kaikoura Whale Watch Tour (Including Ticket)

Explore the breathtaking coastal beauty of Kaikoura on this full-day adventure. Witness majestic sperm whales and playful dolphins in their natural habitats while enjoying spectacular …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (14)

Christchurch To Kaikoura Whale Watch Tour (Including Ticket)

Explore the breathtaking coastal beauty of Kaikoura on this full-day adventure. Witness majestic sperm whales and playful dolphins in their natural habitats while enjoying spectacular...

8 to 10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (14)

from
$143

You Choose the Itinerary Dunedin Full Day 6hrs

Private Transport option with a flexible itinerary to suit your interests - SEE THE BEST SPOTS OF YOUR CHOOSING! …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

You Choose the Itinerary Dunedin Full Day 6hrs

Private Transport option with a flexible itinerary to suit your interests - SEE THE BEST SPOTS OF YOUR CHOOSING!...

5 to 7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$1,191

Queenstown Trails E-Bike Rental with Shuttle Service

Explore the stunning Queenstown Trails with this convenient e-bike rental and shuttle service. Perfect for families and adventure seekers, ride approximately 38km from Kinross Winery …More

5.0 (4)

Queenstown Trails E-Bike Rental with Shuttle Service

Explore the stunning Queenstown Trails with this convenient e-bike rental and shuttle service. Perfect for families and adventure seekers, ride approximately 38km from Kinross Winery...

5 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$102

Invercargill to Dunedin via the Catlins Small Group 1 Way Tour

Discover New Zealand’s wild southern coast on a full-day tour from Invercargill to Dunedin. Traverse the stunning Catlins region, where ancient forests meet dramatic coastlines. …More

Invercargill, New Zealand

4.7 (11)

Invercargill to Dunedin via the Catlins Small Group 1 Way Tour

Discover New Zealand’s wild southern coast on a full-day tour from Invercargill to Dunedin. Traverse the stunning Catlins region, where ancient forests meet dramatic coastlines....

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.7 (11)

from
$142

Queenstown to Christchurch One Way Tour Via Lake Tekapo & Mt Cook

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Enjoying the scenic views between Queenstown and Christchurch and with a fully guided, adventure-filled journey through the breathtaking Southern Alps. Embark …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (11)

Queenstown to Christchurch One Way Tour Via Lake Tekapo & Mt Cook

13 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (11)

from
$400

Dunedin to Invercargill via the Catlins 1 Way Small Group Tour

Explore New Zealand’s wild southern coast on a scenic one-way tour from Dunedin to Invercargill, traversing the breathtaking Catlins. This full-day adventure features stunning landscapes, …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

5.0 (5)

Dunedin to Invercargill via the Catlins 1 Way Small Group Tour

Explore New Zealand’s wild southern coast on a scenic one-way tour from Dunedin to Invercargill, traversing the breathtaking Catlins. This full-day adventure features stunning landscapes,...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (5)

from
$142

Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton

Cruise from Picton Harbour to Motuara Island and beyond to see rare native birds and other wildlife on this 4.5-hour boat excursion. Spend time exploring …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.2 (36)

Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton

Cruise from Picton Harbour to Motuara Island and beyond to see rare native birds and other wildlife on this 4.5-hour boat excursion. Spend time exploring...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.2 (36)

from
$69

Akaroa Day Tour from Christchurch Return

Christchurch to Akaroa: A Scenic Escape Journey from Christchurch to Akaroa through breathtaking landscapes, rolling hills, and stunning coastal views. Explore Akaroa’s French charm, vibrant …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (13)

Akaroa Day Tour from Christchurch Return

Christchurch to Akaroa: A Scenic Escape Journey from Christchurch to Akaroa through breathtaking landscapes, rolling hills, and stunning coastal views. Explore Akaroa’s French charm, vibrant...

7 to 8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (13)

from
$31

Akaroa Full Day Tour Including Harbor Nature Cruise from Christchurch

Discover the coastal town of Akaroa on a day tour from Christchurch. Enjoy a 2-hour Harbour Nature Cruise. Encounter panoramic views, boutique shops, waterfront cafes, …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Akaroa Full Day Tour Including Harbor Nature Cruise from Christchurch

Discover the coastal town of Akaroa on a day tour from Christchurch. Enjoy a 2-hour Harbour Nature Cruise. Encounter panoramic views, boutique shops, waterfront cafes,...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$369

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?