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: Southern Alps Scenic Rowboat Rental in New Zealand for 30, 60 or 120 Minutes Jet Boat and Hot Pools Day Tour from Christchurch Alpaca Farm Tour 20 Minutes from Christchurch - Meet Cute Alpacas Castle Hill & Arthur Pass 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 →

Discover the picturesque Southern Alps, one of New Zealand's most iconic land features. Fly over the immense checkerboard of the Canterbury Plains, across the tresses …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.8 (8)

Southern Alps Scenic

Discover the picturesque Southern Alps, one of New Zealand's most iconic land features. Fly over the immense checkerboard of the Canterbury Plains, across the tresses...

1 hour 15 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (8)

from
$1,070

Rowboat Rental in New Zealand for 30, 60 or 120 Minutes

The boat shed has been operating for over 100 years on the Otokia creek, this is the only boat rental business in Brighton Dunedin and …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Rowboat Rental in New Zealand for 30, 60 or 120 Minutes

The boat shed has been operating for over 100 years on the Otokia creek, this is the only boat rental business in Brighton Dunedin and...

30 to 120 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$12

Jet Boat and Hot Pools Day Tour from Christchurch

Join Pete for a fully guided day out, travelling through beautiful Canterbury countryside to the magnificent Rakaia Gorge. Here, prepare for an exhilarating 45-minute Discovery …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Jet Boat and Hot Pools Day Tour from Christchurch

Join Pete for a fully guided day out, travelling through beautiful Canterbury countryside to the magnificent Rakaia Gorge. Here, prepare for an exhilarating 45-minute Discovery...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$226

Alpaca Farm Tour 20 Minutes from Christchurch - Meet Cute Alpacas

An interactive alpaca farm tour just 20 minutes north of Christchurch. Get hands-on as you feed, touch, and cuddle these friendly alpacas, including adorable babies …More

Canterbury, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Alpaca Farm Tour 20 Minutes from Christchurch - Meet Cute Alpacas

An interactive alpaca farm tour just 20 minutes north of Christchurch. Get hands-on as you feed, touch, and cuddle these friendly alpacas, including adorable babies...

1 hour Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$23

Castle Hill & Arthur Pass Day Trip From Christchurch

Discover one of New Zealand’s most dramatic alpine landscapes on this unforgettable full-day adventure to Arthur’s Pass National Park. Journey from the Canterbury plains into …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (7)

Castle Hill & Arthur Pass Day Trip From Christchurch

Discover one of New Zealand’s most dramatic alpine landscapes on this unforgettable full-day adventure to Arthur’s Pass National Park. Journey from the Canterbury plains into...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (7)

from
$173

Lyttleton Port Excursion Day Tour 3 options for Cruise travelers

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Tailored 3 Private Tours for Cruise Ship Passengers Arriving in Lyttleton, Christchurch. We offer these tour options, specially designed for only …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.8 (6)

Lyttleton Port Excursion Day Tour 3 options for Cruise travelers

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Tailored 3 Private Tours for Cruise Ship Passengers Arriving in Lyttleton, Christchurch. We offer these tour options, specially designed for only...

7 to 8 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (6)

from
$187

Christchurch Private Tour (Premium) Full day

Discover Christchurch in a Day – A Private Coastal & City Escape Experience the best of Christchurch in one unforgettable day. Begin your journey with …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (9)

Christchurch Private Tour (Premium) Full day

Discover Christchurch in a Day – A Private Coastal & City Escape Experience the best of Christchurch in one unforgettable day. Begin your journey with...

8 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (9)

from
$213

Milford Sound Private Day Trip from Queenstown via Te Anau

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Enjoy a tailored tour exclusively for private tour. Flexible itinerary that can adapt to your interests, pace, and preferences and Options …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (7)

Milford Sound Private Day Trip from Queenstown via Te Anau

Totally Personalized Private Experience! Enjoy a tailored tour exclusively for private tour. Flexible itinerary that can adapt to your interests, pace, and preferences and Options...

13 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (7)

from
$383

Akaroa & Banks Peninsula Private Day Tour from Christchurch

Discover the charm of Akaroa, a beautiful seaside town known for its French heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Enjoy dolphin watching experiences featuring the rare …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (7)

Akaroa & Banks Peninsula Private Day Tour from Christchurch

Discover the charm of Akaroa, a beautiful seaside town known for its French heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Enjoy dolphin watching experiences featuring the rare...

7 to 8 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (7)

from
$141

Queenstown to Wanaka Small-Group Tour (one-way)

Travel from Queenstown to Wānaka and experience the stunning Cardrona Valley. This one-way tour, led by passionate guides with deep local knowledge, features iconic stops …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Queenstown to Wanaka Small-Group Tour (one-way)

Travel from Queenstown to Wānaka and experience the stunning Cardrona Valley. This one-way tour, led by passionate guides with deep local knowledge, features iconic stops...

2 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$79

Wanaka to Queenstown Small-Group Tour (one-way)

Journey from Wanaka to Queenstown, soaking in the stunning views of the Southern Alps and Cardrona Valley. This small group tour is fully guided and …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Wanaka to Queenstown Small-Group Tour (one-way)

Journey from Wanaka to Queenstown, soaking in the stunning views of the Southern Alps and Cardrona Valley. This small group tour is fully guided and...

2 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$79

Lake Tekapo to Mt Cook One-Way Small Group Tour

Tekapo to Mt Cook, via Lake Pukaki (one way). This small group, fully-guided transport combines two of the most stunning locations in the South Island. …More

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

3.8 (5)

Lake Tekapo to Mt Cook One-Way Small Group Tour

Tekapo to Mt Cook, via Lake Pukaki (one way). This small group, fully-guided transport combines two of the most stunning locations in the South Island....

1 hour Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

3.8 (5)

from
$79

Private Excursion: Scenic and Seascape Delights 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

4.2 (5)

Private Excursion: Scenic and Seascape Delights 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. ...

6 hours Free Cancellation

4.2 (5)

from
$167

VIP Wine Experience from Queenstown Including Gourmet Lunch.

The VIP experience is designed to allow our guests to have a fully immersive experience. The experience allows you a once in a lifetime opportunity …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (2)

VIP Wine Experience from Queenstown Including Gourmet Lunch.

The VIP experience is designed to allow our guests to have a fully immersive experience. The experience allows you a once in a lifetime opportunity...

6 to 8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (2)

from
$460

(MT) Mount Cook Day Tour From Christchurch

Explore the heart of New Zealand’s alpine paradise with our Mount Cook Group Day Tour from Christchurch—a full-day escape into stunning mountain and lake landscapes. …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.4 (5)

(MT) Mount Cook Day Tour From Christchurch

Explore the heart of New Zealand’s alpine paradise with our Mount Cook Group Day Tour from Christchurch—a full-day escape into stunning mountain and lake landscapes....

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.4 (5)

from
$230

Private Half Day Photography Tour of Queenstown | Skippers | Glenorchy

• This private photography tour provides a flexible itinerary & starting times. • You can choose an astrophotography tour option between February & November. • …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Private Half Day Photography Tour of Queenstown | Skippers | Glenorchy

• This private photography tour provides a flexible itinerary & starting times. • You can choose an astrophotography tour option between February & November. •...

4 to 5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$108

Private Tour: Winter Wine and Scenic Delights Tour from Picton

A private winter wine and scenic tour departing Picton at 9:45am and returning at 4:00pm is the perfect option for discovering Marlborough which has the …More

Picton, New Zealand

5.0 (4)

Private Tour: Winter Wine and Scenic Delights Tour from Picton

A private winter wine and scenic tour departing Picton at 9:45am and returning at 4:00pm is the perfect option for discovering Marlborough which has the...

5 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

5.0 (4)

from
$975

Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch & Lyttelton

Enjoy the beautiful views and scenery on the way by passing through Governor’s Bay, Gebbies Pass, Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora), and Little River. Spend your …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch & Lyttelton

Enjoy the beautiful views and scenery on the way by passing through Governor’s Bay, Gebbies Pass, Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora), and Little River. Spend your...

8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$114

Wine and Gourmet Picnic Experience of Marlborough

Discover the award-winning wines of the Marlborough region on your wine and gourmet picnic from Picton or Blenheim for up to eight people. The itinerary …More

Blenheim, New Zealand

5.0 (1)

Wine and Gourmet Picnic Experience of Marlborough

Discover the award-winning wines of the Marlborough region on your wine and gourmet picnic from Picton or Blenheim for up to eight people. The itinerary...

5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (1)

from
$156

(MT) Mount Cook Return Day Tour Via Lake Tekapo from Christchurch

Carefully timed stops at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Pukaki, and NZ Alpine Lavender Farm offer world-class photo opportunities. Travel during lavender bloom …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

5.0 (3)

(MT) Mount Cook Return Day Tour Via Lake Tekapo from Christchurch

Carefully timed stops at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Pukaki, and NZ Alpine Lavender Farm offer world-class photo opportunities. Travel during lavender bloom...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (3)

from
$230

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?