Top South Island Culture

Experience one of the South Island’s finest natural attractions on a Milford Sound cruise, boarding straight from the sound. A more intimate experience is guaranteed because the boat is only filled to half its capacity. Get up-close views of New Zealand fur seals, dolphins, and Fiordland-crested penguins while enjoying complimentary coffee, tea, and biscuits as you listen to the skipper’s narration.

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.

See the Franz Josef Glacier from the air on a helicopter flight above ice falls, snowfields, and crevasses. Touch down on a snowfield to see the icy landscape up close, and take in sweeping views across the maritime glacier. This helicopter tour departs from a helipad in Franz Josef township.

Take to the skies above Queenstown and land on a remote glacier blanketed in snow for a true alpine adventure. Experience the stunning vistas of Skippers Canyon, with its rich gold rush history, before touching down on an ancient glacier. Step onto the pristine ice to witness the mesmerising blue crevasses up close, providing a rare opportunity for spectacular photographs. The journey back offers awe-inspiring views over valleys and ridgelines, making this a must-do adventure for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike. - Unique glacier experience near Queenstown - Breathtaking aerial views of Skippers Canyon and Southern Alps - Opportunity for stunning photographs of ancient glacial ice - Guided by experienced local pilots familiar with the region

See some of Dunedin’s main attractions on this short city tour. Designed for those arriving into Port Chalmers on cruise ships, this tour is open to everyone and only operates on cruise ship days. Take in the views of the city from Signal Hill, visit the Botanic Gardens and see Baldwin Street - the steepest residential street in the world. See impressive architecture including the iconic Octagon and the Railway Station.

Guarantee your entry to New Zealand’s only castle with admission to Larnach Castle and Gardens, where you find beautiful antiques, dramatic architecture, and gorgeous views across the Otago Peninsula. Learn the story of the castle’s founding family and pause to explore a collection of native New Zealand plants. Pre-booking your tickets ensures a smooth visit, with the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

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.

Take a scenic round-trip or one-way journey through the wilds of New Zealand’s South Island on the Taieri Gorge railway from Dunedin. Departing from downtown Dunedin’s attractive railway station, you'll gaze out over ever-changing corners of the New Zealand countryside inaccessible by road. With informative and entertaining live commentary on board, gain insight into the railway’s construction and the challenges faced by engineers—in addition to the epic views.

UNESCO World Heritage-listed Milford Sound is an icon of New Zealand’s South Island—a dramatic fjord ringed by jagged cliffs and cascading waterfalls. This cruise checks off all the highlights, affording spectacular views of Bowen Falls, Sinbad Gully, and Mt. Pembroke, passing mighty Mitre Peak, and gliding out along the Tasman Sea coast. It starts and ends at Milford Sound itself so the rest of your day is free.

Fans of the Lord of the Rings movies won’t want to miss this fun half-day tour to various filming locations in the Southern Alps. You’ll enjoy exclusive access to private Arcadia Station and will also visit the beautiful Mt. Aspiring National Park. Be amazed by the natural beauty while reliving your favorite movie scenes. Don an LOTR costume and sword too, if you like.

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.

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.

Like most New Zealand cities, Dunedin has a colonial history filled with exchanges between the Māori people and Western settlers. Discover dark tales of murder and shipwrecks, as well as stories of the influential people who shaped the city’s culture on this half-day small-group tour of several of Dunedin’s most popular tourist spots, including Larnach Castle and gardens.

Located several hours from Queenstown by car and unreachable by public transport, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (part of Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area) can be tricky for travelers to reach. Cover the journey there and back on this small-group tour, stopping off at several scenic spots along the route, before free time to explore the national park at your leisure. Take a hike along one of its trails, unwind with a hot chocolate (own expense), or take in the dramatic scenery.

Explore Dunedin’s top attractions without hours of itinerary planning on this full-day shore excursion. Take in panoramic views at Signal Hill, walk down 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.

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.

Enjoy mountain and lake views from a different angle when you cruise from Queenstown aboard the vintage “TSS Earnslaw” steamship or the modern “Spirit of Queenstown” catamaran across Lake Wakatipu to the Walter Peak High Country Farm. Refuel with a gourmet barbecue lunch featuring Central Otago specialties, salads, desserts, and local cheeses at the Colonel’s Homestead. Learn about local rural life during sheep-shearing and sheepdog demonstrations at the farm.

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.

There’s more to brewing beer than meets the eye, and more to brewery tours than tastings. Learn about beer-brewing history at one of Dunedin’s most iconic breweries—Speight’s Brewery—while a guide takes you through on an interactive tour. As you tour with a small group, there are plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Beer lovers and anyone interested in local culture and history will enjoy this tour.

Explore Fiordland National Park's Doubtful Sound on this full-day cruise from Manapouri. Enjoy a scenic cruise across Lake Manapouri, then a short coach journey over Wilmot Pass, with stunning views. Cruise the 25-mile (40-kilometer) stretch of Doubtful Sound, looking out for fur seals, bottlenose dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins while listening to your naturalist guide’s commentary. A highlight is when the engines are cut so you can appreciate the silence.

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.

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.

Travel along the spectacular Milford Road on a full-day Milford Sound tour from Te Anau. See native wildlife such as the endangered kea (an alpine parrot), seals, dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins. Enjoy short walks to beautiful sights including the Chasm and Marian Cascade, and take a sightseeing cruise on Milford Sound. Includes entrance fees, boat cruise, morning tea, and hotel transfers.