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: City Highlights, Larnach Castle Gardens Tour Castle, Coast & City Tour - 8 pax max - Castle Entrance Included Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Te Anau Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown: Panoramic Views

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 →

City Highlights, Larnach Castle Gardens Tour

Enjoy a guided tour of Dunedin city, take in the highlights and enjoy a café lunch in a lovely garden setting. This 5 hour tour explores …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.9 (87)

City Highlights, Larnach Castle Gardens Tour

Enjoy a guided tour of Dunedin city, take in the highlights and enjoy a café lunch in a lovely garden setting. This 5 hour tour explores...

5 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (87)

from
$142

Castle, Coast & City Tour - 8 pax max - Castle Entrance Included

A relaxed and friendly small group tour (max. 8 pax) showing you Dunedin's most impressive, unique and charming sights, including a tour of the only …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.9 (120)

Castle, Coast & City Tour - 8 pax max - Castle Entrance Included

A relaxed and friendly small group tour (max. 8 pax) showing you Dunedin's most impressive, unique and charming sights, including a tour of the only...

5 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (120)

from
$150

Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour

Explore Dunedin highlights on a half-day, small-group tour that goes from the city's historic landmarks to the beaches of the Otago Peninsula. You'll see the …More

Port Chalmers, New Zealand

4.8 (96)

Dunedin City and Coastal Views 3-Hour Small-Group Guided Tour

Explore Dunedin highlights on a half-day, small-group tour that goes from the city's historic landmarks to the beaches of the Otago Peninsula. You'll see the...

3 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.8 (96)

from
$97

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Te Anau

Your Doubtful Sound adventure begins as you cruise the crystal clear waters of Lake Manapouri. Then it's over Wilmot Pass, stopping along the way to …More

Te Anau, New Zealand

4.8 (329)

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Te Anau

Your Doubtful Sound adventure begins as you cruise the crystal clear waters of Lake Manapouri. Then it's over Wilmot Pass, stopping along the way to...

9 hours Free Cancellation

4.8 (329)

from
$217

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown: Panoramic Views

A seamless journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound, where stunning views are made even better by fascinating stories from your driver. Enjoy a premium coach …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.8 (446)

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown: Panoramic Views

A seamless journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound, where stunning views are made even better by fascinating stories from your driver. Enjoy a premium coach...

12 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (446)

from
$140

Full-Day Guided Sea Kayak Trip from Picton

Sea kayak from the picturesque Picton foreshore, across the harbour and into the Grove Arm of the Queen Charlotte Sound. Stop on a sandy beach …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.9 (93)

Full-Day Guided Sea Kayak Trip from Picton

Sea kayak from the picturesque Picton foreshore, across the harbour and into the Grove Arm of the Queen Charlotte Sound. Stop on a sandy beach...

7 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (93)

from
$97

Queenstown Quad Bike Adventure Tour - Half Day

Leave Queenstown behind and head into spectacular Queenstown Hill Station for an unforgettable off-road quad biking adventure. After a comprehensive safety briefing and training session, …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.9 (261)

Queenstown Quad Bike Adventure Tour - Half Day

Leave Queenstown behind and head into spectacular Queenstown Hill Station for an unforgettable off-road quad biking adventure. After a comprehensive safety briefing and training session,...

4 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (261)

from
$204

Silver River Stargazing Experience in Lake Tekapo

Guided tour to the stars and night sky, enhancing your experience with abundant opportunities for questions and answers. Immerse yourself in naked-eye observations and telescope …More

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

4.8 (136)

Silver River Stargazing Experience in Lake Tekapo

Guided tour to the stars and night sky, enhancing your experience with abundant opportunities for questions and answers. Immerse yourself in naked-eye observations and telescope...

1 hour 15 minutes Free Cancellation

4.8 (136)

from
$68

Shore Excursion Marlborough Wine Region Tour from Picton

This tour is for Cruise Ship passengers arriving in Picton, New Zealand Explore New Zealand's premier wine region on this 5-6 hr tour from Picton. Visit four …More

Picton, New Zealand

4.9 (80)

Shore Excursion Marlborough Wine Region Tour from Picton

This tour is for Cruise Ship passengers arriving in Picton, New Zealand Explore New Zealand's premier wine region on this 5-6 hr tour from Picton. Visit four...

5 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (80)

from
$150

Gourmet Food & Wine Tour Queenstown: 4 wineries & 5 dish lunch

Experience an indulgent and diverse full day tour showcasing the very best sights and tastes from the Central Otago region. Let your experienced wine guide …More

4.9 (388)

Gourmet Food & Wine Tour Queenstown: 4 wineries & 5 dish lunch

Experience an indulgent and diverse full day tour showcasing the very best sights and tastes from the Central Otago region. Let your experienced wine guide...

6 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation

4.9 (388)

from
$192

Queenstown 4 hour Wine Tour: 3 Wineries, Cave Tour & Antipasto

Classic Wine Tour - Running Daily 1:30pm - 5:30pm Get a real taste for Central Otago wines with an interactive afternoon tour through Queenstown’s neighbouring …More

4.9 (240)

Queenstown 4 hour Wine Tour: 3 Wineries, Cave Tour & Antipasto

Classic Wine Tour - Running Daily 1:30pm - 5:30pm Get a real taste for Central Otago wines with an interactive afternoon tour through Queenstown’s neighbouring...

4 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (240)

from
$141

Wanaka 4x4 Explorer The Ultimate Lake and Mountain Adventure

The Ultimate Lake and Mountain Adventure Wanaka’s boat and 4×4 tour brings you the best of both worlds with views from the lake and land …More

Wanaka, New Zealand

5.0 (101)

Wanaka 4x4 Explorer The Ultimate Lake and Mountain Adventure

The Ultimate Lake and Mountain Adventure Wanaka’s boat and 4×4 tour brings you the best of both worlds with views from the lake and land...

4 hours Free Cancellation

5.0 (101)

from
$187

Enjoy a full-day tour experiencing lovely Dunedin City and the Otago Peninsula. You will see all the city highlights before journeying along the Otago Peninsula, …More

Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

4.9 (73)

Mainland Peninsula Tour

Enjoy a full-day tour experiencing lovely Dunedin City and the Otago Peninsula. You will see all the city highlights before journeying along the Otago Peninsula,...

6 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (73)

from
$167

Queenstown to Christchurch One-Way Tour via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo

Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook, this small group, fully-guided tour combines two of the most stunning locations in the South Island with the time …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

4.7 (172)

Queenstown to Christchurch One-Way Tour via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo

Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook, this small group, fully-guided tour combines two of the most stunning locations in the South Island with the time...

14 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.7 (172)

from
$215

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park Small-Group Tour from Queenstown

Experience Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park in a small group with a knowledgeable local guide, combining spectacular alpine scenery with the flexibility to explore …More

Aoraki Mount Cook (Mount Cook Village), New Zealand

4.9 (345)

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park Small-Group Tour from Queenstown

Experience Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park in a small group with a knowledgeable local guide, combining spectacular alpine scenery with the flexibility to explore...

12 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (345)

from
$158

TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

Experience the South Island's remarkable natural landscapes by taking a journey on the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass, which is considered one of …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.9 (486)

TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

Experience the South Island's remarkable natural landscapes by taking a journey on the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass, which is considered one of...

10 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.9 (486)

from
$216

Christchurch to Queenstown One-Way Tour via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo

This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with the famous Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook National Park and …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.8 (121)

Christchurch to Queenstown One-Way Tour via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo

This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with the famous Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook National Park and...

14 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.8 (121)

from
$227

Our Pilots will take you up to 9500 ft above the patchwork Canterbury Plains with spectacular Panoramic views west to the Mountains and east to …More

Canterbury, New Zealand

4.9 (90)

Hot Air Balloon Flights from Methven

Our Pilots will take you up to 9500 ft above the patchwork Canterbury Plains with spectacular Panoramic views west to the Mountains and east to...

3 to 4 hours Free Cancellation

4.9 (90)

from
$216

Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown

The one-hour fixed-wing flight from Queenstown to the Tasman Glacier in Aoraki Mount Cook is certainly spectacular, but the highlight of this trip is the …More

Queenstown, New Zealand

5.0 (82)

Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown

The one-hour fixed-wing flight from Queenstown to the Tasman Glacier in Aoraki Mount Cook is certainly spectacular, but the highlight of this trip is the...

7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

5.0 (82)

from
$1,219

Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch

Immerse yourself in the magic of the Lord of the Rings trilogy on this 9-hour adventure to Edoras (Mount Sunday) from Christchurch. Explore with your …More

Christchurch, New Zealand

4.8 (378)

Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch

Immerse yourself in the magic of the Lord of the Rings trilogy on this 9-hour adventure to Edoras (Mount Sunday) from Christchurch. Explore with your...

9 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation

4.8 (378)

from
$190

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?