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: Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day Tour Christchurch to Queenstown via Mount Cook & Tekapo (Private Tour) Private Cruise Ship Passengers Tour, Sightseeing in Christchurch Waipara Wine Trail Tour From Christchurch Private Central Otago Wine tasting Tour with Gourmet Lunch.

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 →

Enjoy your private day tour to picturesque town of Lake Tekapo that lies in the heart of Mackenzie country. It is one of the most …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Day Tour

Enjoy your private day tour to picturesque town of Lake Tekapo that lies in the heart of Mackenzie country. It is one of the most...

10 to 12 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$284

Christchurch to Queenstown via Mount Cook & Tekapo (Private Tour)

This action-packed private tour is the perfect way to discover the outdoor beauty between Christchurch and Queenstown.Travel in a luxurious Mercedes Benz minivan with your …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Christchurch to Queenstown via Mount Cook & Tekapo (Private Tour)

This action-packed private tour is the perfect way to discover the outdoor beauty between Christchurch and Queenstown.Travel in a luxurious Mercedes Benz minivan with your...

12 to 13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$5,673

Private Cruise Ship Passengers Tour, Sightseeing in Christchurch

Join us for a unique and thrilling experience on a V8 Chevrolet trike as we explore beautiful Christchurch. Designed and built in Canterbury, our awesome …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Private Cruise Ship Passengers Tour, Sightseeing in Christchurch

Join us for a unique and thrilling experience on a V8 Chevrolet trike as we explore beautiful Christchurch. Designed and built in Canterbury, our awesome...

6 to 8 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$426

Waipara Wine Trail Tour From Christchurch

Waipara Springs is a unique and iconic family owned and operated award winning boutique winery and cafe. With 29 years' experience in hospitality, we have …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.7 (13)

Waipara Wine Trail Tour From Christchurch

Waipara Springs is a unique and iconic family owned and operated award winning boutique winery and cafe. With 29 years' experience in hospitality, we have...

1 to 6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.7 (13)

from
$127

Private Central Otago Wine tasting Tour with Gourmet Lunch.

Our Taste Of Central Tour presents a chance for a remarkable tasting adventure. This tour is designed to discover three subregions of Central Otago, providing …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (5)

Private Central Otago Wine tasting Tour with Gourmet Lunch.

Our Taste Of Central Tour presents a chance for a remarkable tasting adventure. This tour is designed to discover three subregions of Central Otago, providing...

7 to 8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (5)

from
$429

Private Wine Gourmet and Scenic Delights Tour from Blenheim

An experienced local chauffeur/guide will take you on an exciting wine and gourmet experience on this private, full-day tour from Blenheim. You will enjoy stunning scenic …More

Blenheim, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Private Wine Gourmet and Scenic Delights Tour from Blenheim

An experienced local chauffeur/guide will take you on an exciting wine and gourmet experience on this private, full-day tour from Blenheim. You will enjoy stunning scenic...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$564

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 Shore Excursion: Explore Marlborough from Picton

Relax with the flexibility of your exclusive tour of the Marlborough wine region. Taste sensational wines and partake of some of the most delicious gourmet treats. …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.8 (4)

Private Shore Excursion: Explore Marlborough from Picton

Relax with the flexibility of your exclusive tour of the Marlborough wine region. Taste sensational wines and partake of some of the most delicious gourmet treats. ...

4 to 6 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (4)

from
$184

Mt Cook Day Tour From Tekapo (Small Group, Carbon Neutral)

At 3724 metres, Aoraki Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak. Located in the heart of the ruggedly beautiful Mackenzie District, it was first summited …More

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

4.6 (9)

Mt Cook Day Tour From Tekapo (Small Group, Carbon Neutral)

At 3724 metres, Aoraki Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak. Located in the heart of the ruggedly beautiful Mackenzie District, it was first summited...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.6 (9)

from
$128

Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook - Two Day Private Tour

This 2 day journey will take you across the wide expanse of the Canterbury plains, through the high country and past Lake Tekapo arriving at …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (6)

Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook - Two Day Private Tour

This 2 day journey will take you across the wide expanse of the Canterbury plains, through the high country and past Lake Tekapo arriving at...

2 days Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (6)

from
$736

The Great Lake Dunstan Trail E-Bike Adventure

For the Lake Dunstan Self-Guided Experience, we will meet you at our Clyde Depot in its historic heart. We will fully brief you on your …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.5 (8)

The Great Lake Dunstan Trail E-Bike Adventure

For the Lake Dunstan Self-Guided Experience, we will meet you at our Clyde Depot in its historic heart. We will fully brief you on your...

3 to 6 hours Free Cancellation

4.5 (8)

from
$96

If you are looking to include New Zealand Māori culture and a Welcome to Wānaka/Queenstown and to your special day this Māori welcome is a …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (8)

Wedding Māori Welcome

If you are looking to include New Zealand Māori culture and a Welcome to Wānaka/Queenstown and to your special day this Māori welcome is a...

30 minutes

5.0 (8)

from
$147

Central Otago Clutha River Loop Trail on E-Bike

This is the perfect introduction to Central Otago’s landscapes, history, and hospitality — all within a few relaxed hours. The Clyde River Trail Loop blends …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Central Otago Clutha River Loop Trail on E-Bike

This is the perfect introduction to Central Otago’s landscapes, history, and hospitality — all within a few relaxed hours. The Clyde River Trail Loop blends...

3 to 6 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$77

Private 8hr Caving Tour from Christchurch. Lunch guide transport.

Morning - Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti is an amazing labyrinth of giant limestone boulders. The area is rich with cultural and recreational significance …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Private 8hr Caving Tour from Christchurch. Lunch guide transport.

Morning - Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti is an amazing labyrinth of giant limestone boulders. The area is rich with cultural and recreational significance...

1 day Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$248

Caving, Castle Hill Rocks 8hr Shore Ex. from Lyttelton. Lunch inc

Morning - Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti is an amazing labyrinth of giant limestone boulders. The area is rich with cultural and recreational significance …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Caving, Castle Hill Rocks 8hr Shore Ex. from Lyttelton. Lunch inc

Morning - Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti is an amazing labyrinth of giant limestone boulders. The area is rich with cultural and recreational significance...

7 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$328

Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Twin Harbour Tour (Lyttelton & Akaroa)

A shore excursion highlighting the magnificent scenery of the Banks Peninsula and its twin harbours of Lyttelton & Akaroa. From Lyttelton travel through the harbours …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.3 (4)

Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Twin Harbour Tour (Lyttelton & Akaroa)

A shore excursion highlighting the magnificent scenery of the Banks Peninsula and its twin harbours of Lyttelton & Akaroa. From Lyttelton travel through the harbours...

8 hours Free Cancellation

4.3 (4)

from
$165

Ride Queenstown’s Stunning Trails on a Mountain Bike

Our latest model hardtail Mountain Bikes have been specifically chosen for exploring the 130 km of the beautiful Queenstown Trail network. As the Queenstown Trail's …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (6)

Ride Queenstown’s Stunning Trails on a Mountain Bike

Our latest model hardtail Mountain Bikes have been specifically chosen for exploring the 130 km of the beautiful Queenstown Trail network. As the Queenstown Trail's...

4 to 8 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (6)

from
$26

Private Full Day Queenstown Lord of the Rings Film Locations

Combine our Half Day in Middle Earth with a second Half Day Adventure into another part of Middle Earth with our partner company. We have a 1-1.5 hour …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (6)

Private Full Day Queenstown Lord of the Rings Film Locations

Combine our Half Day in Middle Earth with a second Half Day Adventure into another part of Middle Earth with our partner company. We have a 1-1.5 hour...

10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (6)

from
$1,150

Private Arrowtown and Gibbston Lord of the Rings Film Locations

Epic Adventures to the Real Middle Earth and Back Again! Join our Lord of the Rings “Nerds” aka tour guides who have superior knowledge on …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.3 (6)

Private Arrowtown and Gibbston Lord of the Rings Film Locations

Epic Adventures to the Real Middle Earth and Back Again! Join our Lord of the Rings “Nerds” aka tour guides who have superior knowledge on...

4 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.3 (6)

from
$690

Kaikōura Day Tour From Christchurch With Dolphin Encounter

Kaikōura, whose name translates to ‘eat crayfish’ in English, is a small coastal town often overlooked by tourists. Caught between the Kaikōura Ranges - which …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Kaikōura Day Tour From Christchurch With Dolphin Encounter

Kaikōura, whose name translates to ‘eat crayfish’ in English, is a small coastal town often overlooked by tourists. Caught between the Kaikōura Ranges - which...

8 to 10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$221

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?