Top South Island Bus Tours - page 9

Exploring Marlborough’s wine scene on your own means designating a driver and juggling reservations. This full-day tour from Picton removes the hassle, taking you to a curated selection of local wineries for guided tastings and insight into what makes this region one of New Zealand’s most celebrated wine destinations. Along the way, learn about Marlborough’s winemaking style as you sample its wines, and enjoy free time to purchase lunch at a winery restaurant.

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.

Explore Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula on this small-group tour, featuring highlights including Larnach Castle’s gardens, the Dunedin Railway Station, and the University of Otago. Visit The OPERA to learn about conservation efforts for yellow-eyed penguins and enjoy a guided nature walk to spot local wildlife. With engaging commentary and personalized attention, this tour offers a comprehensive and memorable experience of the region.

Go exactly where you want, at your own pace and without having to compromise with a group, when you join a private guided tour of the Marlborough wine region. Relax and indulge in fine wine and good food in New Zealand’s largest wine-growing region without the risk of self-driving. Select your stops or let the experienced team choose the venues best suited to your needs and interests.

Take a full-day wine tour from Blenheim to discover the wines of the Marlborough region, which are famous throughout the world. You’ll visit six or seven wineries for tastings and a winery lunch (own expense). Relax on this comprehensive tour that includes pickup and drop-off from your accommodation, so there’s no need to risk drinking and driving or to designate a sober driver.

See many of the most impressive and interesting sights around Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula in just one day on this tour, specifically designed for cruise ship travelers. Meet your guide at the port and then head out to see New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle, the authentic Chinese Gardens, the fascinating Settlers Museum, the world’s steepest street and much more.

Queenstown to Mt Cook Tour 1 way, this small group, fully-guided transfer allows you to travel to Mt Cook in style and see all the key highlights on the way. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety. ***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.***

Travel from Greymouth to Christchurch on a scenic journey showcasing the stunning landscapes of New Zealand's South Island. This small-group tour offers premium comfort as you traverse through Arthur’s Pass, absorbing tales from knowledgeable guides about its rich history and natural beauty. Stop at breathtaking locations like the Otira Viaduct Lookout and the iconic Devils Punchbowl Waterfall, where you can capture unforgettable moments. Conclude your adventure in Christchurch, filled with new friends and incredible memories. - Small-group experience ensures personalized attention - Fully guided by passionate local experts - Includes complimentary bottled water and snacks

Experience the enchanting Otago Peninsula on this 4.5-hour evening tour, where the highlight is witnessing the return of the Little Blue Penguins after a day at sea. Departing from the Octagon, you'll travel along the picturesque Highcliff Road and Hooper's Inlet, with opportunities to spot local wading birds and albatrosses. Enjoy some leisure time before the penguin viewing, perhaps grabbing a hot drink or browsing the souvenir shop. As the sun sets, prepare for a unique wildlife experience as the smallest penguins make their way back to shore.

Explore Kaikoura’s rugged scenery, wildlife and local food. Enjoy traveling in a carbon-neutral vehicle that doesn’t skimp on modern comforts while checking out hidden gems and views. Optional activities include whale watching, kayaking and nature walks. Satisfy your appetite with snacks, lunch and a wine or beer tasting before cruising back to Christchurch.

While lots of tours help you discover Queenstown’s rich winemaking heritage, not many pair the experience with the chance to sample local beer and gin, too. On this half-day small-group tour, head to a range of popular spots across the region, including a Central Otago winery, a gin distillery in Arrowtown, a brewery near the Shotover River, and much more.

This Akaroa shore excursion takes you on a scenic journey into Christchurch via the Banks Peninsula with a visit to the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Your tour of the ‘Garden City’ includes a stroll through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and a look at earthquake recovery efforts in the city center. You’ll find exotic critters such as wallabies, gibbons and lemurs at the wildlife reserve, and meet the elusive but iconic kiwi, New Zealand’s national bird.

This Akaroa shore excursion takes you sightseeing in Christchurch via a scenic drive through the Banks Peninsula. See the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Cathedral Square, and other city highlights before visiting the International Antarctic Centre, where you can learn more about the frozen continent. See penguins, feel the chill of Antarctic winds, and finish with a thrilling ride on an amphibious Hagglund vehicle.

When your cruise ship docks in Akaroa, take a shore excursion to Christchurch for a sightseeing tour, followed by an adrenaline-charged jet-boat ride on the braided Waimakariri River. Escorted by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll combine a drive through the Banks Peninsula with the city landmarks of Christchurch and an exhilarating jet-boat ride. Round-trip port transport is included.

Staring dickside, discover Dunedin’s roots when your ship is in port on a shore excursion that takes in the city's central sights and historic Larnach Castle. In the am you will visit Larnach Castle, where admission and a guided tour of the castle has been arranged for your enjoyment. Returning to the central city you will have some free time to explore, get some lunch and maybe doing some shopping. In the pm see Dunedin’s highlights -- including Otago University, botanical gardens, Baldwin Street, the steepest street in the world and many historic buildings on a two-hour sightseeing tour prior to being returned to your cruise ship.

*Skippers Bridge closure does not affect our activity* Journey back to the 1860s on The Goldrush Tour as you traverse the stunning Skippers Canyon from Queenstown. Experience GPS-activated storytelling that brings the gold rush history to life (narrated by talented voice actors and available in Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish), as you navigate through breathtaking landscapes. The tour lasts between 3 and 4 hours, featuring multiple photo stops and a visit to Gantley’s Tavern for a complimentary hot drink or beer/wine. Perfect for families, the tour offers dedicated storytelling tracks for kids, ensuring an engaging experience for all ages. - Stories available in Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish - Immerse yourself in Queenstown's rich gold rush history - Small group size for a personalized experience (max 11 people) - Enjoy scenic views and photo opportunities along the journey - Complimentary drinks at Gantley’s Tavern included in the tour price

On this full-day small-group shore excursion, tour Larnach Castle and look out for local birds and wildlife on a cruise. After a pickup from your cruise ship in Port Chalmers, admire the views on the drive around to the Otago Peninsula. Warm jackets and binoculars are available for your use while spotting royal albatross and New Zealand fur seals on the cruise. Learn more from your guide’s live commentary.

For an adventure-packed trip that will take you to some of the most beautiful places in New Zealand, look no further than this all-inclusive 9-day South Island tour. From stunning glaciers and turquoise lakes, to picturesque towns and dramatic mountain peaks, there's something for everyone on this comprehensive road trip. Plus, with all accommodation and some activities included, you can enjoy the ride rather than making travel plans on the fly.

Explore the stunning West Coast on this one-way small group tour from Greymouth to Franz Josef. Franz Josef sits in the heart of New Zealand’s wild West Coast Glacier Country, one of only two places on earth where ancient ice meets lush native forest. Steeped in Māori legend and surrounded by dramatic scenery, it is a destination that feels both powerful and poetic. This one way small group tour from Greymouth showcases the very best of the coast, from black sand beaches to turquoise gorges and serene glacier carved lakes. Led by our fun and knowledgeable guides and travelling in comfort, this journey is designed to be as unforgettable as the landscapes themselves.

Tucked between the peaks and lakes of Central Otago, Arrowtown and Wānaka offer outdoor adventure and history. Visit both destinations in one day on this private tour from Queenstown and avoid the stress of self-driving on mountain roads. Tour the Gibbston Valley with your guide and stroll through the 19th-century gold-mining settlement of Arrowtown. Admire spectacular views from the Crown Range Road and enjoy free time in Wānaka.

Don’t worry about what to do once you arrive at Lyttelton Harbour. On this small-group tour of the Canterbury countryside surrounding Christchurch, you’ll be transported to Sumner Beach to take in ocean views over coffee before tackling the Godley Head Loop, one of the area’s most popular hikes. Enjoy coastal views and historic World War II landmarks before a picnic lunch at Boulder Bay, surrounded by striking vistas of the Southern Alps.

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.

Experience the best of the lower South Island without having to drive yourself through the distractingly beautiful landscapes on a 6-day coach tour from Christchurch. Stop at Aoraki Mt. Cook, take a Milford Sound cruise, and spend a free day in Queenstown, then journey to Dunedin. Enjoy a guided tour of neo-gothic Dunedin and the wildlife-filled Otago Peninsula, with a guided tour of Larnach Castle and a wildlife cruise.

This isn’t just a journey, it’s a story unfolding across gold rush trails, highland outposts, and cinematic landscapes. Travelling from Dunedin to Queenstown with Cheeky Kiwi means you’ll experience the very best of Central Otago in a way that’s personal, luxurious, and unforgettable. Most tours are about getting from A to B. Ours is about everything in between. From the moment you board the historic Taieri Gorge Train in Dunedin, you’re immersed in a world of breathtaking scenery, rich history, and thoughtful stops that showcase Central Otago’s hidden gems.