Top South Island Cultural Tours

While lots of tours help you experience Christchurch’s sights and sounds, not many include first-hand anecdotes from the 2011 earthquake that rocked the city. On this small-group walking tour, explore local landmarks and hidden gems that most travelers miss while listening to personal stories of the city’s rich culture and heritage.

Swap the cruise port for the Otago countryside on a half-day shore excursion that covers Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula. Your sightseeing tour covers city-center highlights, such as the Dunedin Railway Station, then travels to the wildlife-filled peninsula, stopping en route at scenic lookouts and for a beachside view of basking sea lions. Enjoy personalized attention from your guide on this small-group shore excursion with port transfers.

Take in the sights of Marlborough's wine-country scenery and taste some of the region's best offerings on this full-day tour from Blenheim or Picton. Make several stops at different wineries and taste Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Pinot Noir as well as some lesser-known varieties from the area. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for central locations, making your experience seamless and relaxing.

Explore Dunedin’s highlights in just half a day without running out of time on a small-group shore excursion city tour. Visit historic Olveston House, the University of Otago, and Baldwin Street, officially the world’s steepest street. Enjoy panoramic views from Signal Hill and free time in the Octagon. Transfers are available from the cruise port or Dunedin Railway Station. Group numbers are limited for a personalized experience.

Lake Tekapo is in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve but it can be hard to know what you’re looking at if you try stargazing alone. Learn more from a guided stargazing experience, using telescopes and the naked eye to spot constellations and planets. Low traveler-to-guide ratios mean you get personalized attention. Transfers to the stargazing location and warm jackets are provided, for your convenience.

Experience Queenstown the way locals know it. Join Queenstown Expeditions on a relaxed small-group journey through the region’s most iconic landscapes, hidden viewpoints, and historic treasures, led by passionate local driver-guides who share the stories that bring the region to life. Travel beyond the usual tourist trail as you discover spectacular scenery, learn about Queenstown’s pioneering history, and enjoy authentic local insights that only lifelong locals can provide. Explore the charming gold mining village of Arrowtown, where you’ll stroll the historic streets, browse boutique shops, relax in local cafés, and uncover the fascinating stories of the Otago Gold Rush. Along the way, stop at breathtaking viewpoints and lesser-known locations that many visitors miss, providing fantastic opportunities for photographs and a deeper appreciation of the region’s natural beauty.

Discover Christchurch’s vibrant arts and heritage scene on a curated walking tour. This immersive journey takes you behind the scenes of The Court Theatre, where the magic of live performances begins. Explore inside the iconic Christ Church Cathedral and learn about its historic significance and restoration efforts. Walk down Worcester Street Boulevard, connecting key cultural landmarks while observing stunning architecture and street art. Visit the Arts Centre Quad, featuring striking sculptures and the Great Hall, before concluding at the Ravenscar House Museum, showcasing exceptional art. Perfect for culture seekers and history enthusiasts, this tour offers exclusive insights and intimate storytelling. - Behind-the-scenes access to The Court Theatre and its creative spaces - Guided entry into Christ Church Cathedral with insights on its history and restoration - Stroll through Worcester Street Boulevard, - Explore Ravenscar House Museum, home to a remarkable private art collection

Experience the beauty of New Zealand’s Southern Alps on a full-day tour to Arthur's Pass from Christchurch. Travel into the mountains by car, then return in the afternoon on the TranzAlpine scenic train, which runs in reverse in winter. At Arthur’s Pass visit Castle Hill, Lake Pearson, and the Otira Viaduct, explore the national park, and walk to the Devils Punchbowl waterfall. Lunch, snacks, and Christchurch hotel transfers add convenience.

Pair the fine wines of Central Otago with a gourmet lunch platter on this small-group wine-tasting tour of Gibbston, Bannockburn, and Cromwell from Queenstown. Drive through valleys and vine-clad foothills rich in gold mining history, and stop at four boutique wineries for tastings along the way. Numbers are limited to ensure an intimate experience with other wine lovers and personalized attention from your guide.

This fun walking tour is an ideal way to explore the small city of Nelson without the risk of getting lost or the need to catch buses. Visit some of the major attractions—including Nelson Cathedral, the Queen’s Gardens, and the Suter Gallery—as well as learn about architectural styles and everyday life in the city. Your guide has lived in Nelson all her life so has local insights to share.

Discover the highlights of Christchurch on this small-group sightseeing tour designed for cruise ship guests visiting Lyttelton Port. Travel through the seaside suburb of Sumner for a coffee stop overlooking the Pacific Ocean and a visit to the iconic Cave Rock. Explore Christchurch with an experienced local guide as you learn about the city's history, resilience, and remarkable rebuild following the 2011 earthquakes. Visit architectural landmarks including the Transitional Cardboard Cathedral, colourful New Regent Street, and Cathedral Square. Stroll through the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens, home to giant trees, vibrant seasonal displays, and the historic Peacock Fountain. Enjoy free time at Riverside Market, where gourmet food stalls, artisan producers, and local boutiques create a lively atmosphere. Complete your day with a relaxing 30-minute punting experience on the Avon River before enjoying scenic views on your return journey to Lyttelton Port.

Our tours are about sharing our ancestors cultural stories, and the narrative of the diverse people which now call Ōtautahi Christchurch home. We do this this through meandering through our less known areas sharing gems hidden in plain sight. ​ It’s about getting out and about and walking to your destinations and discovering our Māori and settler heritage and connecting you with the exquisite hard to find local establishments with unique stories to share You will arrive as strangers and leave as friends.

Immerse yourself in the wonder of the night sky with a guided stargazing tour in Twizel. Use powerful telescopes to explore the Milky Way, distant galaxies, sparkling star clusters, and planets. This tour is wheelchair & stroller accessible, as you park your vehicle by the entrance, and the tour will be conducted on a flat, grass land.

Ideal for thrill seekers, this experience lets you take a jet boat ride on the Shotover River canyons. 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.

Our Merino Farm Experience allows you to enjoy a slice of kiwi (New Zealand) rural life. Be guided by the family owners and operators on the property since 1884. See the sheep and sometimes our cattle roaming the fields. Visit our woolshed and learn more about how we shear our sheep, Touch the super fine wool and see what the product gets made into. Travel to the top of the farm for panoramic views of the southern alps and rivers. Visit our house gardens, both Flowers and vegetables. Meet our working dogs and pet sheep. Feed our friendly sheep, touch their wool and grab a selfie! Private tours can be arranged by request.

Take a heritage-focused tour of Dunedin with a local historian and learn about the city’s fascinating colonial past. Visit the magnificent Dunedin Railway Station, learn about the amazing historic buildings in the ‘Octagon’, see historic Tennyson Street featuring Otago Girls High School, and much more. Your guide will tell fascinating stories about the city that will help you understand the lives of its citizens, past and present.

There are few places in New Zealand where you’re likely to spot kiwis in the wild, and Stewart Island is one. Improve your chances of spotting this nocturnal bird on a guided tour at dusk. Head out for a pre-sunset cruise, spotting albatross, penguins, and fur seals, before a venture into the bush toward a secluded beach where kiwi are often spotted. For a deeper understanding of New Zealand, upgrade to the culture "kiwi and culture encounter" to hear stories of Maori and European history.

Experience Queenstown and Wanaka like a local with our personalized, small-group tours led by passionate local guides. We go beyond the typical tourist spots, offering exclusive insights, scenic routes, and hidden gems that only locals know. Whether you’re chasing stunning photo opportunities, cultural stories, or nature-filled adventures, our flexible and friendly approach ensures an unforgettable experience tailored just for you

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.

Discover the charm of Akaroa, a beautiful seaside town known for its French heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Enjoy dolphin watching experiences featuring the rare Hector's Dolphins while soaking in breathtaking views of Lyttelton Harbour. Experience the local café culture in Little River and delight in culinary adventures tailored to all dietary preferences. This intimate tour provides you with comfortable private transport and expert guidance, ensuring a memorable journey through the scenic Canterbury region. - Dolphin watching experience featuring rare Hector's Dolphins - Explore Lyttelton Harbour and Little River's charming cafés - Private transport with a professional driver for a personalized experience - Tour duration: Full day, starting from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Fiordland is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful destinations, but self-driving through the landscape of snow-capped mountains, towering waterfalls, and emerald greenery can be challenging—and distracting. Eliminate the hassle when you travel with a small group by coach from Queenstown. Pass Lake Te Anau, the South Island’s largest lake, and enter the hand-carved Homer Tunnel on your way to Milford Sound, where you relax on a scenic nature cruise.

Queenstown isn’t just New Zealand’s adventure capital. It’s a place where every bold experience, from bungy jumping to jet boating, grew from practical solutions to harsh terrain. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll discover how a gold-rush camp transformed into a global destination, while still preserving the calm spaces that make intensity sustainable. The tour starts at the Bathhouse, a 1932 building that reflects Queenstown’s early ambitions as a health and wellness destination. You’ll walk along Queenstown Bay, where Māori travel routes and European gold-rush logistics shaped the same shoreline. You’ll make your way up to the hillside streets where Queenstown’s earliest residents lived, and find out how William Gilbert Rees drove thousands of sheep over mountains to establish this settlement. The tour ends at the Bathhouse Playground, where you began, having traced a full circle through Queenstown’s past and present.

Wānaka is a pristine alpine village where mountains blend into crystal-clear waters in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. On self-guided audio tour, you’ll discover Wānaka’s remarkable transformation from remote settlement to beloved lakeside destination. The tour begins at the Wānaka War Memorial, with its commanding view over the township and lake. From there, you’ll meander through the charming village center with its cafés and galleries, follow the spring-fed Bullock Creek, and stroll along the scenic lakefront boardwalk. Along the way, you’ll learn how the town evolved from a frontier outpost called Pembroke, and a hub for gold miners and high-country farmers, to the adventure hub it is today. The tour ends in the peaceful Wānaka Station Park, once part of a vast sheep station established in the 1860s, where you can relax amongst its collection of mature exotic trees planted by early settlers.