Top South Island Bus Tours - page 6

Found deep in the Southern Alps, Arthur’s Pass is a national park that’s home to mirrored lakes, striking snow-capped mountains, crashing waterfalls, and mysterious craggy caves. Explore this stunning range of natural vistas on this full-day excursion from Christchurch that also highlights locations used in movie production and the several notable feats of engineering in the area.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes with Cheeky Kiwi Travel. This two-day tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via Franz Josef offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes and hidden gems. You’ll enjoy personalized service, small group sizes, and expert local guides who will ensure your journey is as informative as it is exhilarating. Book your adventure today and create memories that will last a lifetime.

The area surrounding Christchurch has so much to see that it can be tough to know how best to take it all in on your own. Instead, on this full-day guided tour, explore a curated selection of activities and attractions, including wandering through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, an ocean-view picnic at Louise’s Lookout, and even a visit to a working sheep farm.

Milford Business Class offers a truly unique, luxurious experience that sets it apart from other Milford Sound tours. With a small group size of just 15 guests per van, it ensures high service standards, a personalised journey, and added amenities for your comfort. You’ll travel in custom-built Mercedes vehicles designed with business-class comfort, featuring a glass roof, panoramic windows, seat charging ports, and Wi-Fi. Upon arrival at Milford Sound, you’ll board the exclusive Sinbad Cruise, a luxury vessel offering spacious seating and exceptional service. Guests enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and a locally sourced, gourmet menu with Māori cultural influences, while a nature guide shares fascinating insights. Scenic stops along the journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound allow you to connect with Fiordland’s natural beauty, away from the crowds. An optional upgrade to return via plane or helicopter is available for an added touch of luxury.

Escape the ordinary with a fully private, customizable 6-hour day trip from Queenstown to Glenorchy. Experience some of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes — from tranquil lakes and hidden bays to iconic viewpoints and peaceful alpine trails. Whether you want to capture perfect photos, enjoy short walks, relax at cozy cafés, or simply soak in nature, this trip is tailored entirely to you. - A 6 hour private tour tailored to your interests and schedule - Explore local gems like Moke Lake, Bennetts Bluff & Glenorchy’s red shed - Optional walks at Bob’s Cove or Glenorchy Lagoon - Comfortable travel in modern, clean vehicles - Hosted by friendly local guides who know the area inside out - Flexibility to add or skip stops — your trip, your way - Perfect for couples, friends, families, and photographers Unforgettable views, total freedom, and personal touches — this is how Glenorchy is meant to be explored.

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.***

Experience the diverse geographical landscapes of the Milford Sound fjord by both land and water on this full-day, private tour from Te Anau. Start your journey by hopping aboard a cruise vessel and exploring the deep-blue waters around the fjord before joining your driver-guide to explore Fiordland National Park (Te Wahipounamu). A great way to explore without having to navigate yourself.

Godley Head is an exciting and beautiful place at the far end of the Port Hills. From Godley Head, you will be treated to uninterrupted and spectacular views of Lyttelton Harbour, Christchurch and the South Island's east coast. Rich in history and scattered with remnants of New Zealand’s WWII defences, this is a must-do location for anyone visiting Christchurch. Join us and explore this unique and unforgettable area with one of our friendly local guides. 1/2-Day Walking Tour: - Track grade: Very easy, 2.5 hrs of walking time - Walking distance: 3-5 km (flexible depending on group ability) - Total elevation gain: ~180 m Full-Day Walking Tour: - Track grade: Easy – Moderate fitness required, 3-4 hrs of walking time. - Walking distance: 6-9 km (flexible depending on group ability) - Total elevation gain: 380-440 m

Tour one of New Zealand’s up-and-coming wine regions the easy way from Christchurch on this hassle-free day trip. Leaving the city behind, you’ll be driven to the scenic Waipara Valley region, which is dotted with vineyards. Visit several of the best and sample a range of red and white wines. Don’t worry about who is going to drive as transfers are taken care of.

When your cruise ship docks in Picton, take the opportunity to go wine tasting on a tour that visits some of Marlborough’s award-winning wineries. Visit up to five wineries in Blenheim for tastings and vineyard tours, discovering both internationally famous wines and lesser-known New Zealand gems. Also stop for lunch (own expense) and sample locally made chocolates before heading back to Picton in time to board your ship.

Explore New Zealand’s only castle—Larnach Castle—on this half-day small-group tour around Dunedin. Hop aboard an air-conditioned minivan and discover some of the city’s most popular sights, from the steepest street in the world to New Zealand’s most photographed building, before enjoying coastal views of the Pacific Ocean from the scenic Highcliff Road.

Master the art of taking dramatic landscape photographs on this half-day photography tour. Starting your tour in Queenstown, head to the charming settlement of Glenorchy, famous for its beautiful views. Here you will be able to photograph a range of natural scenery, including snow-capped mountains, ancient forests and pristine lakes and rivers.

This Doubtful Sound overnight cruise takes you over Manapouri Lake to this South Island gem in the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park. Board the ‘Wanderer,’ a 3-mast motorized boat designed on a traditional scow, and cruise past soaring granite peaks in New Zealand’s second-largest fiord. Learn from an onboard nature guide about wildlife such as fur seals, penguins, and bottlenose dolphins. Then spend the night in a comfortable cabin, including a 3-course dinner and breakfast.

Designed for cruise ship travelers docked at Lyttelton, depart the port and head out to see a working sheep farm and the charming Christchurch City. Watch sheep dogs muster the sheep, learn about wool production and try some home baking. Then take in the highlights of Christchurch’s city center, seeing the rebuild underway since the earthquakes in 2010 and 2011.

So why not join us as we travel to this region and beyond, experiencing the best of what the South Island has to offer. Escaping the hustle and bustle of Tāhuna Queenstown, this 1 way trip adventures via the Lindis, Lake Pukaki, Aoraki Mt Cook Village, and Lake Tekapo, before arriving in Ōtautahi Christchurch. You will be driven in comfort by our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, this journey is one you will never forget! *Please note that all QUEENSTOWN TO CHRISTCHURCH bookings from the 1st of November onwards no longer stop at Kawarau Gorge. This will instead be replaced by a stop at Wānaka.

Travel the Milford Road in our luxurious & comfortable vehicles specially designed for small groups tours to Milford Sound from Queenstown. Modern comforts such as bucket leather seats, extended leg room, high performance air conditioning, small bag storage space & USB charging. Guided by our local expert commentary, we take you to all the main photo & experience stops but also add in a couple of extra special ones not listed here. Upon arriving in Milford Sound, your two-hour nature cruise awaits you aboard our cruise partners boat - the Milford Haven. Boasting a restaurant and bar, you can dine in comfortable seating enjoying a hot or cold add on lunch while the mountains, waterfalls and wildlife go by. We reserve seats & tables on the cruise so you have your own guaranteed space within the boat.

Explore the highlights of historic Dunedin, second-largest city on the South Island, on a varied 5.5-hour tour. Check out the record-holding steepest street in the world, the University of Otago, and Dunedin Railway station, before heading to the windswept Otago Peninsula. Then, visit Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle, with garden access and optional guided castle tour.

Enjoy the best of Golden Bay without having to drive yourself over the mountains from Nelson when you join a small-group guided tour. Admire the beautiful views from the top of the Takaka Hill, and the unique rock formations. Glimpse two lovely national parks–Abel Tasman and Kahurangi–and feast on a tasty picnic lunch. Stop at orchards, vineyards, and market gardens en route.

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.

Explore Dunedin’s top attractions on this full-day guided tour, starting with photo stops at Dunedin Railways, the University of Otago, and Signal Hill for panoramic views. Walk or snap photos at Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest street, and enjoy free time for lunch and shopping at The Octagon. Conclude with a guided tour of the historic Larnach Castle and its award-winning gardens, with time to explore on your own or relax at the Ballroom Cafe.

Explore some of Marlborough’s top wineries on an afternoon wine tour from Blenheim with tastings at three or four or carefully selected wineries. Round-trip transport from your hotel is provided so you can avoid the risk of drinking and driving, or the annoyance of designating a sober driver. Learn about the history and terroir of local wines and admire the beautiful vineyard landscape around Blenheim.

Enjoy a 2-hour stargazing experience with an experienced guide. We keep the tour to a maximum of 10pax adults for best experience. Learn about the night sky, see constellations, and use a 16" telescope to see planets and stars. Snack on a platter of nibbles and sip on a hot drink while you stargaze. Get picked up from your accommodation in Lake Tekapo and be driven to a private stargazing site out in the farm with zero light pollution. Sit back in a comfortable moon chair and wrap yourself in a warm blanket. Use a modern 16” telescope to see the night sky for deep sky objects. Take a photo of you and your friends & family under the stars! *Please note: we can only cater snack platters provided we are given 48 hours notice before the tour. We can cater non-allergen, vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free and gluten-free platters. **Pickups are only offered to accommodation locations within Lake Tekapo township

Travel from Akaroa Harbour on this shore excursion through the Banks Peninsula to Christchurch, whose city center was devastated by the 2011 earthquake. Drive past city landmarks in the old CBD and stroll the Christchurch Botanic Gardens with a knowledgeable guide. En route, take in the scenic splendor of the Southern Alps and the Canterbury Region.

Travel by TranzAlpine train to Arthur's Pass National Park, riding across the Canterbury Plains, then winding through the Waimakariri Gorge and into the heart of the Southern Alps on a day trip from Christchurch. Disembark at Arthur’s Pass Village, where you’ll explore the rainforests and mountains on short walks. This small-group tour limits the group size, ensuring a more personalized experience.