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. Every room is custom build to amaze and be interacted with. Plus will leave you with amazing dynamic videos and photos.

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.

Taste your way through the Gibbston Valley wines on a wine tour from Queenstown that includes wine tastings. Sampling a variety of Gibbston Valley wines ensures you a great overview of local flavors, and round-trip transport from central Queenstown means you can enjoy each tasting without worrying about driving at the end of the day.

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).

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.

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.

Designed for cruise ship travelers docked in Lyttelton, this tour takes you to some of the North Canterbury region’s best vineyards. Depart the port and head to Waipara Valley, famous for its dry climate and rick soils. Then visit 3 different wineries, sampling a variety of wines including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and more. A delicious lunch is also included at Waipara Springs Winery.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.