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 →

Arthur’s Pass Tour with Jet-Boat Ride 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

4.5 (2)

Arthur’s Pass Tour with Jet-Boat Ride 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

4.5 (2)

from
$212

Kaikōura Day Tour From Christchurch (Small Group, Carbon Neutral)

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

4.7 (3)

Kaikōura Day Tour From Christchurch (Small Group, Carbon Neutral)

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

4.7 (3)

from
$128

New Zealand: Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

You absolutely will not find another tour out there as packed with activities and attractions as this one, provided by CharlieTheTraveler. You will also not …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (5)

New Zealand: Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

You absolutely will not find another tour out there as packed with activities and attractions as this one, provided by CharlieTheTraveler. You will also not...

9 days

5.0 (5)

from
$6,638

Private Wine Gourmet and Scenic Delights Tour from Picton

Enjoy stunning scenic views of the Marlborough wine region and taste the sensational wines and seriously delicious gourmet treats and cuisine with your experienced local …More

Blenheim, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Private Wine Gourmet and Scenic Delights Tour from Picton

Enjoy stunning scenic views of the Marlborough wine region and taste the sensational wines and seriously delicious gourmet treats and cuisine with your experienced local...

6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$564

Christchurch to Mt Cook via Tekapo (1 way) (Small Group)

At 3724 metres, Aoraki Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak. As a sacred ancestor for local Ngā Tahu iwi, Aoraki is more than just …More

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

4.3 (8)

Christchurch to Mt Cook via Tekapo (1 way) (Small Group)

At 3724 metres, Aoraki Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak. As a sacred ancestor for local Ngā Tahu iwi, Aoraki is more than just...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.3 (8)

from
$128

Quickie Tours 1 Hour City Sights Tour Cruise Ship days Only

Dunedins most popular 1 hour tour which departs from the cruise ship shuttle area on cruise days. We take you for a locals view of …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.8 (8)

Quickie Tours 1 Hour City Sights Tour Cruise Ship days Only

Dunedins most popular 1 hour tour which departs from the cruise ship shuttle area on cruise days. We take you for a locals view of...

1 hour Free Cancellation

4.8 (8)

from
$23

A stunning guided ride along the banks of one of NZ’s most beautiful and powerful rivers. Varied riding, beautiful vistas and plenty of photo opportunities …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

4.9 (7)

Riverside Electric Bike Tour

A stunning guided ride along the banks of one of NZ’s most beautiful and powerful rivers. Varied riding, beautiful vistas and plenty of photo opportunities...

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (7)

from
$184

Private 8h Scenic Drive & Hike Christchurch Lunch Guide Transport

Godley Head is an exciting and beautiful headland at the far end of the Port Hills. From Godley Head, you will be treated to uninterrupted …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Private 8h Scenic Drive & Hike Christchurch Lunch Guide Transport

Godley Head is an exciting and beautiful headland at the far end of the Port Hills. From Godley Head, you will be treated to uninterrupted...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$145

Guided Hike & Scenic Drive: Christchurch. 8hr. Lunch & Transport

Godley Head is an exciting and beautiful place at the far end of the Port Hills. From Godley Head, you will be treated to uninterrupted …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Guided Hike & Scenic Drive: Christchurch. 8hr. Lunch & Transport

Godley Head is an exciting and beautiful place at the far end of the Port Hills. From Godley Head, you will be treated to uninterrupted...

3 to 7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$187

Locally owned and operated business, comfortable step-through bikes designed for our amazing city cycle network, explore our amazing peninsular powered by our electric! Collect bikes …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

5.0 (6)

Electric Bike Rental

Locally owned and operated business, comfortable step-through bikes designed for our amazing city cycle network, explore our amazing peninsular powered by our electric! Collect bikes...

1 day

5.0 (6)

from
$56

Private 8hr Akaroa Tour: Lunch, Transport, Guide. Optional Cruise

This private tour, starting and finishing in Christchurch, is a genuinely scenic experience. Visit some of the small settlements around Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbours. …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Private 8hr Akaroa Tour: Lunch, Transport, Guide. Optional Cruise

This private tour, starting and finishing in Christchurch, is a genuinely scenic experience. Visit some of the small settlements around Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbours....

7 to 8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$248

Full-Day Freedom Kayak Rental in New Zealand

Explore the 12 golden beaches of the Astrolabe area. Experience a day kayaking unguided in the Abel Tasman National Park. You can kayak out and …More

Marahau, New Zealand

4.3 (3)

Full-Day Freedom Kayak Rental in New Zealand

Explore the 12 golden beaches of the Astrolabe area. Experience a day kayaking unguided in the Abel Tasman National Park. You can kayak out and...

1 day Free Cancellation

4.3 (3)

from
$71

Private Couples Photo Shoot in Queenstown

* Tailored to your story - Whether it’s a surprise proposal, an anniversary or just because, the itinerary and shooting style are customized to suit …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (9)

Private Couples Photo Shoot in Queenstown

* Tailored to your story - Whether it’s a surprise proposal, an anniversary or just because, the itinerary and shooting style are customized to suit...

3 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (9)

from
$679

Explore the Best of Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay in One Day! Your friendly guide will pick you up from your accommodation for …More

Nelson, New Zealand

5.0 (8)

Cruise Abel Tasman to Golden Bay

Explore the Best of Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay in One Day! Your friendly guide will pick you up from your accommodation for...

9 hours 45 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (8)

from
$316

Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations

Embark on a Legendary Lord of the Rings Journey from Queenstown, this exclusive LOTR tour takes you deep into the Southland region, home to some …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

Private Full Day Mavora Lakes Lord of the Rings Film Locations

Embark on a Legendary Lord of the Rings Journey from Queenstown, this exclusive LOTR tour takes you deep into the Southland region, home to some...

7 to 10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$1,323

Wanaka to Franz Josef Small-Group Tour (One Way) Includes Lunch

Experience the ultimate 1 way adventure from Wanaka to Franz Josef. Our small group, fully-guided tour takes you through the picturesque landscapes of Wānaka and …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Wanaka to Franz Josef Small-Group Tour (One Way) Includes Lunch

Experience the ultimate 1 way adventure from Wanaka to Franz Josef. Our small group, fully-guided tour takes you through the picturesque landscapes of Wānaka and...

8 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$165

Totally Local Wildscene Private Shore Excursion With 8 travelers

If you want easy access to Dunedin's most popular attractions or some various unknown locals only attractions. I own this business and take great pleasure …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

5.0 (8)

Totally Local Wildscene Private Shore Excursion With 8 travelers

If you want easy access to Dunedin's most popular attractions or some various unknown locals only attractions. I own this business and take great pleasure...

4 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (8)

from
$99

Private Christchurch & Lyttelton Scenic Day Tour

This is a private small group tour for up to 11 people. The route around Christchurch and Lyttelton takes you over the old volcanoes of …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (5)

Private Christchurch & Lyttelton Scenic Day Tour

This is a private small group tour for up to 11 people. The route around Christchurch and Lyttelton takes you over the old volcanoes of...

6 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (5)

from
$900

40-minute Mt Fyffe Summit Heli Tour in Kaikoura

Experience the true beauty of Kaikoura and mountain top experience without the 4 hour hike. On a clear day the view stretches from the North …More

Kaikoura, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

40-minute Mt Fyffe Summit Heli Tour in Kaikoura

Experience the true beauty of Kaikoura and mountain top experience without the 4 hour hike. On a clear day the view stretches from the North...

40 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$238

Kaikoura Helicopters Grand Alpine Helicopter Tour

Departing from our centrally located beachfront pads, skirting the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula, before climbing over 8000 feet into the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges where you get …More

Kaikoura, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Kaikoura Helicopters Grand Alpine Helicopter Tour

Departing from our centrally located beachfront pads, skirting the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula, before climbing over 8000 feet into the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges where you get...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$482

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?