Top South Island Bus Tours - page 4

Located on the eastern shores of New Zealand’s South Island, Kaikoura is famous for the spectacular array of marine wildlife living off its shores—but to see the best of it, you have to take to the waves. On this tour, cruise into Kaikoura’s deep waters by speedy catamaran with running commentary throughout from your guide, and spot dolphins, seals, and sperm whales in their natural habitat.

Roam through the stunning scenery on offer in Queenstown with this guided tour. Admire panoramic views overlooking the Shotover River en route to the township of Arrowtown, known for it's gold. Here, explore the historic Chinese Settlement and try gold panning in the Arrow river. Afterwards, indulge in local wines and cheeses at a vineyard before enjoying a boat cruise along Lake Whakatipu that finishes in Queenstown's City Center.

Experience the best of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula without trailing around after a large group when you take an easy small-group shore excursion from Port Chalmers. See city highlights—such as the University of Otago, the Dunedin Railway Station, and Olveston House on a guided tour featuring all original furnishings—as well as Larnach Castle gardens on the peninsula. Note that entrance to the castle interior is not included.

Milford Sound is an unmissable destination in the South Island, and you can experience it at its best on this easy small-group tour from Queenstown. Traveling there in a premium van with panoramic scenic windows, you can focus on the views rather than have to drive. Whatever the weather, Milford Sound is always beautiful. Return to Queenstown by air, saving time and maximizing the scenic views.

Soar through the forest on the world’s steepest tree-to-tree zipline, 1,500 feet (450 meters) above Queenstown. Choose from three different courses, one with a thrilling 68-foot (21-meter) drop. Or, tone down the adrenaline a notch on a longer course, perfect for families with kids. Expert guides supervise your launch so all you have to do is take in the panoramic mountain and lake views.

Take a scenic lunch cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a unique perspective of New Zealand high country. Travel round-trip by either vintage steamship or a more modern catamaran and dig into a gourmet barbecue lunch at the Colonel’s Homestead. Enjoy chef-prepared Central Otago specialties accompanied by salads, desserts, and local cheeses. Don’t miss the sheep shearing demonstration or showmanship by the farm’s sheepdogs.

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.

Ideal for thrill seekers, this experience lets you take a jet boat ride on the Shotover River. Experience adrenaline-fueled fun as the jet boat skims the water’s surface at high speed and fishtails into 360-degree spins. Hold on tight as the captain maneuvers the jet boat over rapids and through narrow canyons during one heart-pounding adventure you won’t soon forget.

Be surprised by the rugged natural landscape that’s part of the Dunedin city boundaries on this tour of the Otago Peninsula. Start with a guided tour of New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle, and learn all about Dunedin’s early settler history from your guide. Continue further along the peninsula, hopping aboard a wildlife cruise of the Otago Harbour. Spot fur seals, albatross, and maybe even dolphins and penguins while admiring the views.

Take a break and escape into nature on this tour of Milford Sound in the World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Relax as you visit one of New Zealand’s notable Fjords, taking in the waterfalls at Mirror Lake and the fresh glacier water at Monkey Walk. Then, take to the water itself with a boat cruise on Milford Sound. Perfect for travelers wanting to immerse themselves in the South Island’s landscape.

The deep waters, soaring cliffs, and thundering waterfalls of Milford Sound are spectacular from all angles, and this half-day tour by air and boat takes in all the highlights. Enjoy thrilling aerial views of the Fiordland National Park on a round-trip flight from Queenstown, and marvel at Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, and Mount Pembroke on a scenic Milford Sound cruise. Hotel pickup and drop-off, and lunch are included for a truly seamless experience.

Located in the heart of Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound forms part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site. Explore the stunning fiord in a way few tourists will—by air and water during a half-day excursion. The exhilarating, round-trip helicopter flight from Queenstown includes a glacier or alpine landing. Perhaps spot dolphins, seals, and penguins during an unforgettable cruise.

Take in the vast scale of Milford Sound from the air and water with a half-day trip that includes round-trip flights and a catamaran cruise. You’ll board a small plane that accommodates up to 13 passengers, lift off above the ridges and lakes of Fiordland National Park, then cruise Milford Sound all the way to the Tasman Sea. Watch for fur seals and penguins, and pass through the mists of Stirling Falls before meeting the pilot for the return trip to Queenstown.

Admire the natural wonder that is Milford Sound on a nature cruise that lets you soak up the scenery from the water. Glide past granite walls, glacier-fed waterfalls, and stunning Mitre Peak on a spacious catamaran to avoid the crowds. Enjoy great photo ops of this famous South Island attraction situated within Fiordland National Park, and be on the lookout for Fiordland crested penguins and bottlenose dolphins.

Take a window seat for a scenic round-trip flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound, and see the splendor of Fiordland National Park from the air and sea on this small-group excursion. Board a cruise and pass dramatic waterfalls and Mitre Peak as you travel to the Tasman Sea. Then soar over the Southern Alps on your return.

Shoot the rapids on the Shotover River on this half-day tour from Queenstown, a great choice for thrill seekers. Under guide supervision, you'll brave six wild rapids including Aftershock, Squeeze, Toilet, and Pinball, raft through the Oxenbridge Tunnel, and drop into Cascade Rapid. Instruction and all necessary equipment (wetsuit, life jacket, spray jacket, booties, helmet) are included. This trip requires confident swimming, moderate fitness, and participants must weigh between 40 and 120 kg due to safety restrictions.

The best way to see Milford Sound is by helicopter and this aerial adventure from Queenstown takes you into the heart of Fiordland National Park. Soaring high above the cruise boats, fly the length of the stunning fiord all the way to the Tasman Sea, see the famed Mitre Peak, and then make a landing on a wild beach.

Take a trip to the picturesque village of Glenorchy without having to drive yourself on this easy group tour from Queenstown. Focus on the beautiful mountain and lake views on the way, rather than the road. Your guide will keep you entertained and informed on the drive to Glenorchy, and you’ll have about two hours to explore the village independently. Take a short walk along the lake or enjoy a relaxed coffee or beer.

Take a shuttle from Queenstown to Arrowtown for a self-guided bike tour on the Queenstown Trail. The bike rental staff provides tips for your ride and directions for the basic route, which covers about 22 miles (36 kilometers) of varied terrain and hills. Mountain bike (or e-bike), helmet, and detailed trail map are provided, along with options for additional stops. Suitable for active people who enjoy a challenging bike ride.

Make the most of a short time in Christchurch on a full-day shore excursion after your cruise ship docks in Lyttelton. Head into the city and learn about its rebuild post-earthquake. Travel into the Port Hills to get a view over the Canterbury Plains, then speed up the weaving waterways of the braided Waimakariri River on a jet boat. This tour is designed especially to work with cruise ship timings.

Discover some of Central Otago’s top wineries on this small-group wine tour from Queenstown. Enjoy guided tastings at three wineries, such as Gibbston Valley Winery, Mt. Rosa, Waitiri Creek Winery, or Chard Farm Winery. Sample some of the delicious wines and cheese produced in the region, and gain insight into the delicate balances of scent and flavor at play in your glass.

Discover Central Otago’s wine country by bike on this full-day tour from Queenstown. Ride down the Arrow and Kawarau Rivers and across the iconic Kawarau suspension bridge. Go at your own pace as you follow the wine map to many wineries along the easy biking trail. Take in the magnificent scenery and stop to taste delicious wine as you go. A wine purchase pickup service is available for your convenience.

Sample Central Otago wines without the stress of choosing a sober driver. Enjoy included hotel pickup from Queenstown on a leisurely drive around celebrated wineries in the Gibbston Valley. Have lunch at a winery restaurant (own cost). Go behind the scenes at the country’s oldest wine cave and sample a range of varietals, from pinot noirs to various whites. Canine lovers will also enjoy being accompanied by Bella the dog.

Get ready for an adventure or a relaxing day in the mountains! Explore Mt Cook on a fully guided, small-group tour from Queenstown, with free time to hike, fly, or simply unwind. Highlights: • Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park • Lake Pukaki • Kawarau Gorge, Lindis Pass, the Southern Alps • High Country Salmon (time dependent) • Free time for activities & walks Enjoy approximately three hours of free time at Mt Cook to make your day as adventurous or relaxed as you choose: hike alpine trails, soar above glaciers on a scenic flight, or unwind at the Hermitage Hotel with a hot chocolate, soaking in the views. Make memories that last a lifetime. ***PLEASE NOTE: The Hooker Valley Track is currently closed beyond Müller Lookout (located between the first and second swing bridges) while the Department of Conservation replaces one of the bridges. This scenic section still offers stunning views and a rewarding hiking experience. The full track is expected to reopen in Autumn 2026.***