Top South Island Arts & Design

Observe more than 20 native bird species—including New Zealand’s famous kiwi—with admission to Kiwi Birdlife Park in central Queenstown. See wildlife shows, nature exhibits, and daily keeper presentations, and catch a rare sight of the flightless kiwi in a darkened enclosure that mimics a nocturnal environment. Your admission ticket is valid for the entire day so you can explore the park at your own pace.

The Dreamery is a must see experience, unique only to Queenstown. Discover nine immersive installations with seven rooms combining digital art, tactile play, and sensory wonder. Every room is custom build to amaze and be interacted with. Plus will leave you with amazing dynamic videos and photos.

Visit "The Lord of the Rings" filming locations in and around Glenorchy, traveling by 4WD from Queenstown with a guide. This half-day tour includes stunning landscapes chosen by director Peter Jackson. See where famous scenes were filmed, the landscapes representing the Fortress of Isengard, Lothlórien, Ithilien Camp, and Forest of Amon Hen.

Fans of the Lord of the Rings movies won’t want to miss this fun half-day tour to various filming locations in the Southern Alps. You’ll enjoy exclusive access to private Arcadia Station and will also visit the beautiful Mt. Aspiring National Park. Be amazed by the natural beauty while reliving your favorite movie scenes. Don an LOTR costume and sword too, if you like.

Discover Christchurch's true spirit with The Nature's Trail! Our immersive city tour offers more than just sightseeing. Knowledgeable local guides share deep insights into Ōtautahi's rich history, unique culture, and its inspiring journey of recovery and innovation following the 2011 earthquake. We take you to key sites: experience panoramic views from the Christchurch Gondola, explore the wonders of the International Antarctic Centre, delve into aviation history at the Air Force Museum, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere at the Avon River Food Market (Riverside Market). Witness firsthand the city's incredible transformation, its creative urban design, and its resilient heart. The Nature's Trail offers a unique and engaging journey through a city reborn, connecting you to its powerful story. Join us to explore the highlights and understand the soul of Christchurch. NOTE : Tickets For Any activites are not included .

One man’s passion started it all. Invercargill businessman Bill Richardson loved trucks: so much so, he made them both his life’s work and his hobby. Southern tourism hub Transport World began after Bill’s daughter, Joc O’Donnell, decided to open his private collection to the public in late 2015 as Bill Richardson Transport World. The largest private collection of its type in the world, Bill Richardson Transport World is home to more than 300 vehicles, a wearable arts collection, children’s play zones, The Grille cafe and themed bathrooms fast becoming as famous as our vehicles. There is something for everyone. Open 10am to 5pm daily (last entry 4pm, excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day).

Treat your senses to a fun challenge at the Odyssey Sensory Maze in Queenstown. Your admission ticket gives you access to the maze, which generally takes 20-30 minutes to complete, although you can spend as much time as you like. Find your way through dark spaces and physical obstacles created by lighting, sound, and room design. An ideal activity for older kids and adults of all ages.

Save time and skip the lines with this combo ticket to Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre’s cutting-edge “Knights of the Sky” and “Dangerous Skies” exhibits. Learn about New Zealand’s wartime pilots and see their stories brought to life in sets created by the award-winning WingNut Films and Weta Workshop. Enthusiasts should make a beeline to the Centre’s aviation relics: immaculately preserved bomber planes and fighter jets from both World Wars.

Enjoy an off-road adventure in the wild of New Zealand while visiting filming locations from the Lord of the Rings trilogy on this half-day excursion from Queenstown. Take in beautiful scenery while you see visit key spots used as the Misty Mountains, Minas Tirith, and the Pillars of the Kings, and stop to pan for gold on the Arrow River.

This special couples pass offers an unforgettable experience featuring gold panning, warm drinks, and a complimentary Shantytown Souvenir Guide. Share in the excitement of searching for gold while enjoying each other's company. Perfect for a unique date idea, this pass lets you create lasting memories together in a fun, interactive setting. Enhance your adventure with the included souvenir guide that brings Shantytown to life.

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre’s Dangerous Skies exhibition tells the incredible stories of World War II’s unsung aviation heroes. See impeccably-restored bombers and fighter planes from the era and immerse yourself in the museum’s Battle of Stalingrad Experience, a multimedia extravaganza that throws you right in the middle of the infamous siege. Skip the lines and book a special guided tour of the exhibit to learn more about these stories.

*Lord of the Rings* fans will feel like they're on Middle Earth during this air tour. Fly above beautiful Queenstown, and see the spots filmed for the fictional places of Isengard, Amon Hen, Lothlorien; then land on a glacier alongside the Misty Mountains and get a sense of what it might be like to cross The Redhorn Pass.

Go off-roading near Queenstown on a thrilling choose-your-own-adventure 4WD tour. Choose from four tour options to fit your interests: Whakatipu highlights for scenery and optional ‘The Lord of the Rings’ stops; Skippers Canyon to explore long-forgotten trails past former gold rush settlements; a Māori mythology and legends tour; or a scenic Glenorchy and Lake Whakatipu tour.

Discover the marine wonders of Kaikoura on a full-day whale watching adventure from Christchurch. This tour takes you through the stunning landscapes of North Canterbury to Kaikoura, renowned for its vibrant marine life including sperm whales, dolphins, and seals. Board a comfortable catamaran for an unforgettable cruise, with expert guides sharing insights on the local marine ecosystem and history. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, this private tour offers flexibility and personalized service. Enjoy a scenic 2.5–3 hour drive from Christchurch to Kaikoura Experience whale watching with opportunities to see dolphins and seals Professional guides provide in-depth knowledge about marine wildlife Private transport included, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience

Nestled on Canterbury’s Banks Peninsula (Te Pataka o Rakaihautū), the charming French influenced village of Akaroa is a popular day trip with Cantabrians and tourists alike. The surrounding bays and the peninsula's distinct shape were created by volcanic eruptions by two now extinct volcanoes, leaving behind a stunning waterfront with sweeping views and spectacular wildlife. It hosts the beauty of being equal parts bustling, tranquil, and picturesque. So why not join us as we explore the waterfront and some of the gorgeous heritage buildings of Akaroa. Including a stop at Barry’s Bay Cheese, you will be driven in comfort by your modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that bit easier. Led by your fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides and including a trip to the award winning Giant’s House, this journey is one you will never forget.

Classic Motorcycle Mecca is the southern hemisphere’s leading classic motorcycle collection, widely regarded to be a world-class display comprising of more than 300 motorcycles and motorcycle related artwork from around the world. Given Transport World's natural enthusiasm for wheels and the region’s celebrated obsession with motorcycles, it presented an opportunity of a lifetime when it became available, and was purchased by Transport World in 2016. It is situated in two restored Category 2 heritage buildings within central Invercargill where you will find brands such as AJS, Ariel, BMW, Brough Superior, Harley Davidson, Henderson, Indian and Matchless and  Rudge and  it also houses Kickstart Cafe.  Open 10am to 5pm daily (last entry 4pm, excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day).

This is a Private Tour. We can take up to 11 passengers and as locals have been proudly showing visitors Christchurch and the South Island for over 25 years (see "E S Tours" Trip Advisor Reviews). We like to think our tours are small, friendly, informative and we look for the interesting back roads to travel away from most tour destinations and itineraries.