Top South Island Cultural Tours

With Local Guides, you'll understand how devastating the 2011 earthquakes were but how the city has reorganised and regenerated since. This is a1.75-hour guided walking tour. Starting from the iconic Bridge of Remembrance, this tour offers a deep dive into Christchurch's rich history, from Māori tales to English settler stories and the impact of the 2010/11 earthquakes. Perfect for anyone looking to connect with authentic Christchurch people in learning why Christchurch has become NZ's fastest growing city with people moving into Christchurch from both overseas and from within New Zealand. - Duration: 1.75 hours of walking and exploration - Tours start daily at 10am and 1pm from the Bridge of Remembrance - Gain insights into the city’s transformation and future potential - Enjoy a relaxed pace with plenty of stops for discussion and questions

This fun walking tour is an ideal way to explore the small city of Nelson. You’ll visit some of the major attractions—including the 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 a lot of local insight to share.

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.

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.

Explore the city of Dunedin with a knowledgeable local guide who takes you to points of interest where you can stop and have a look around. See the Olveston Garden and the University of Otago. Enjoy views of Otago Harbour from the lookout point on Signal Hill, and visit Baldwin Street. Pickup and drop-off is available from hotels, the cruise port or the Dunedin Railway Station. Numbers are limited to 20 people for a group experience, with personalized attention from your guide.

Like many New Zealand cities, Christchurch has a dual history shared between Māori and European peoples. Explore the city on this small-group walking tour, taking in landmarks and hidden gems that reveal an often forgotten heritage. Along the way, enjoy local food, drinks, and lunch tastings, connecting you to the people and places you’ll see.

Explore Christchurch on foot and uncover a city reborn from the 2011 earthquakes into a vibrant mix of heritage and innovation. From the quirky Cardboard Cathedral to Gothic Revival gems, from buzzing New Regent Street to tranquil riverside terraces, every stop reveals resilience, creativity, and charm. Wander through playful spaces like the Margaret Mahy Playground, pause at moving memorials like the Bridge of Remembrance, and soak up art, culture, and flavors at Riverside Market. Along the way you’ll see stunning street art, heritage façades, modern marvels like Te Pae Convention Centre, and lush sanctuaries like the Botanic Gardens. This tour isn’t just about sights it’s a journey through history, recovery, and the unique spirit of Ōtautahi Christchurch.

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

Embark on a guided small-group walk to Oneke, 'The Neck,' on Rakiura Stewart Island. Check in at the ferry terminal in Oban, just a 5 minute walk from the main road. Start with a brief sea cruise to this secluded gem, where stunning coastal landscapes and diverse wildlife await. Your expert guide will lead you through lush forests and rugged beaches, sharing captivating stories of Oneke's Māori and European heritage. The return journey route includes a short cruise back to Oban where the experience began.

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. At Arthur’s Pass visit Castle Hill, Lake Pearson, and the Otira Viaduct, explore the national park, and walk to the Devil’s Punchbowl waterfall. Lunch, snacks, and Christchurch hotel transfers add convenience.

Immerse yourself in Maori culture, history, and wine with this small-group wine tasting and culture tour in Wanaka. Enjoy convenient pickup from your Wanaka hotel or accommodations and travel around in air-conditioned comfort. Visit two wineries to sample wines and learn about Maori culture and history in the region.

Visit several wineries in the Marlborough wine region on a half-day tour from Picton. Enjoy wine tasting at each location, and learn about New Zealand's prolific wine industry from your guide on this comprehensive wine tour. Includes transfers from central Picton or Picton accommodation, plus all wine-tasting fees. Eat before the tour to fully enjoy the wine-tasting experience.

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 New Zealand's largest wine cave and taste 3 local wines. Known as “Valley of the Vines”, Gibbston boasts vineyards sandwiched between rugged mountains and the Kawarau River gorge. It is well-known for its pinot noir. See the region's first vines, originally planted in 1983, and hear their backstory as you sip.

Make the most of a short time in Dunedin on this action-packed one-hour V8 trike tour of the city and Otago Peninsula. Starting in the central city, pass some of the most beautiful historic buildings and learn about Dunedin’s culture and heritage. Continue your drive out to the peninsula, where you can enjoy views of hills and beaches, and maybe even spot some birds and wildlife.

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.

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. Starting with a catamaran cruise, you’ll venture into the bush, with a flashlight, toward a beach where kiwi are often spotted. Learn more about the birds, and Stewart Island’s environment, from your naturalist guide.

Beyond Arrowtown’s idyllic setting along the Arrow River, there’s a complex story of hardship and transformation. On this walking tour, you’ll find out how a quiet pastoral valley became one of the richest goldfields in the world, where a diverse community took root. As you explore the historic main street, secluded pathways, and the remarkable Chinese Settlement, you’ll detect echoes of its dramatic past. You’ll also meet the characters that shaped this unique Central Otago town. The tour begins at the striking ’X Marks the Spot’ sculpture, where you’ll find out how it symbolically anchors Arrowtown’s gold-rush story. You’ll trace the early township layout, wandering streets lined with cottages from the 1800s, and stand where the first gold discoveries triggered a rush that reshaped the region almost overnight.

Otago’s deep-water port has shaped New Zealand’s history since the 1840s. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll explore Port Chalmers’ rich maritime heritage, from its origins as the Māori settlement of Kōpūtai to its role in the gold rush era, and its continued importance today. You’ll also discover how its historic architecture, artistic community, and working port atmosphere give this harbourside town its distinctive character. The tour starts at Port Chalmers Maritime Museum, built in 1877 on reclaimed land. You’ll weave through the historic town center, passing the grand Municipal Town Hall, before climbing to a spectacular lookout with panoramic views of Otago Harbour, Quarantine Island, and the Otago Peninsula. The tour ends near the commemorative garden marking the 150th anniversary of the Port Chalmers land purchase.

Discover Marlborough's rich farming heritage on this unique tour, showcasing a working sheep station that's been in the same family for five generations. Watch skilled sheepdogs in action and enjoy an up-close shearing demonstration while learning about the deep-rooted traditions of sheep farming. Savor a relaxing farmhouse morning tea before heading to a renowned winery restaurant for a delicious lunch paired with guided local wine tastings. The day wraps up with a delightful visit to Makana Chocolate Factory for something sweet. - Visit a family-owned sheep station with a rich history - Experience sheepdog demonstrations and shearing up close - Enjoy a leisurely lunch with local wine pairings at a winery restaurant - Conclude the day with a sweet treat at Makana Chocolate Factory

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.

The Green Kiwi Tours 'Private Christchurch Walking Tour' is an informative and entertaining way to get the express history of Christchurch! From Māori and European history to modern day locals. From geography, culture, architecture and the 2011 earthquake, we cover it. As we unravel the the story of Christchurch, be amazed at the hidden gems of the city! Join one of our passionate and knowledgeable local guides for the best express history of Christchurch City!

Get out of Christchurch for half a day on a North Canterbury boutique wineries tour with a platter lunch. After a short drive from Christchurch, stop at three wineries, where you taste a selection of quality wines in the up-and-coming Waipara wine region. Possible stops include Pegasus Bay, Waipara Hills, Torlesse Wines, and Waipara Springs. Learn about Waipara’s unique terroir as you sip a range of superior reds and whites.