Top South Island Full-day Tours - page 9

Travel from Christchurch to Queenstown via majestic Aoraki/Mt. Cook on a fully narrated sightseeing tour that makes the most of a travel day. As well as views of New Zealand’s highest mountain, highlights include the fertile farmland of the Canterbury Plains, glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, and the grandeur of the Southern Alps. Tour departs from central Christchurch and ends in central Queenstown, to align with your South Island travel plans.

Embark on an exclusive private tour, accommodating a maximum of five participants. This intimate setting ensures a personalized experience akin to a private tour, allowing for flexibility and customization. Our meticulously curated itinerary covers all the city’s highlights, providing a comprehensive exploration of Dunedin. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of lifestyle, history, and culture, tracing back to New Zealand’s early periods.

There’s no need to stick to a rigid guided experience on this full-day small-group tour. Journey from Christchurch through the Southern Alps, stopping at the village of Arthur’s Pass. Choose whether to explore the area at your own pace or join a guided walk to the Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall. Or, instead of taking a minivan to Arthur’s Pass, upgrade your tour with a ride on the TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch.

On this incredibly scenic small group tour, visit Akaroa and explore the Banks Peninsula with one of our friendly and knowledgeable local guides. Visit some of the small settlements around Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbour. Learn about fascinating local history, how an enormous extinct volcano shaped this rugged landscape and how the landscape continues to shape the people who live here. In Akaroa, you’ll either visit the whimsical Giant’s House—filled with vibrant mosaic sculptures—or enjoy a harbour cruise, where you may spot Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, and seabirds. (Please note: The harbour cruise option is subject to availability and replaces the visit to the Giant’s House.) In town, there are opportunities to try the local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, or admire the local artworks. For those who are more active, a few bush and coastal walks are available along the way. A day trip that can be either busy and active or laid-back and relaxing.

This scenic small-group tour includes lunch, transport, and a local guide to Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti. Visit country towns, mountain passes, alpine lakes, and the amazing boulder fields at Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti—a day trip from Christchurch City into the mountains and back again. Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti is an amazing labyrinth of giant limestone boulders. The area is rich with cultural and recreational significance and has been granted Tōpuni status, “a symbolic cloak of protection.” Your guide will show you around. If you like, you can try bouldering and test your climbing skills or use your time to explore the endless maze of boulders.

Experience the best of Wanaka’s beautiful nature in a single day trip via four-wheel drive, lake cruise, and island walk. Gain exclusive access to private roads on the 4WD safari, and spot rare bird life on Mou Wahou Island, in the middle of Lake Wanaka, with the help of your expert guide. This is two action-packed tours in one, for maximum fun.

Experience the ultimate adventure on a 1-day all-inclusive Queenstown motorcycle tour! Epic rides, stunning landscapes, and everything taken care of for a hassle-free thrill

Combine your journey from Aoraki Mount Cook to Christchurch with a sightseeing trip on this one-way half-way small-group city transfer tour. After hopping aboard the minibus in Aoraki Mount Cook, relax as you’re delivered to Christchurch while listening to facts and stories about local landmarks, stopping at Lake Tekapo to take in views of the turquoise waters.

Take off on your scenic cruise down the Southern New Zealand coast to explore all the Catlins Forest Park has to offer. Starting at the Tunnel Beach, you will discover dramatic cliffs and a hand carved tunnel inviting you to the sandy shores. Next, go for a guided walk on the Awakiki Bush Track, a 2.7 km loop that showcases the diverse flora and fauna of Otago, with chances to spot native wildlife. Stop at Kaka Point for a kiwi classic of takeaways at the beach while keeping your eyes peeled for seals along the beach and dolphins in the water. Cap off your journey with a visit to the Nugget Point Lighthouse, where you can take in stunning panoramic views of the coastline and famous rock formations before enjoying the scenic drive back to Dunedin.

Wanting to explore Akaroa, but want a more personalised and tailored experience? Look no further than our private Akaroa day tour from Christchurch. Nestled on Canterbury’s Banks Peninsula, the charming French influenced village of Akaroa is a popular day trip with Cantabrians and tourists alike. It hosts the beauty of being equal parts bustling, tranquil, and picturesque. So join us as we explore the waterfront and some of the gorgeous heritage buildings of Akaroa. Including a stop at Barry’s Bay Cheese, 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, with the option to add on extra highlights (sold separately), such as a dolphin swim or nature cruise, this journey is fully customisable and is one you will never forget.

This is a private small group tour for up to 11 people. The route around Christchurch and Lyttelton takes you over the old volcanoes of Banks Peninsula with varied scenery onto some of the smaller, less traveled roads to some uniquely scenic places. With approximately 6 hours 30 min from start to finish we will spend about 5 hours 30 min exploring points of interest etc. and an hour driving from point to point on the itinerary. We are happy to customise your tour to include attractions such as the International Antarctic Centre or Willowbank Wildlife Park (cost extra) , etc. We are locals and give an in-depth commentary covering the volcanoes, NZ and local history, earthquakes etc. and have been proudly sharing our back yard with visitors for over 25 years.

Experience the ultimate 1 way adventure from Franz Josef to Wanaka. Our small group, fully-guided tour takes you from Franz Josef along the beautiful West Coast beaches, over the stunning Haast Pass, and through the picturesque landscapes of Wānaka and Hāwea lakes. Get ready for a one-of-a-kind authentic Kiwi experience with our famously passionate guides, renowned for their engaging stories and rich local knowledge. Travel in modern, comfortable minibuses, fully equipped with amenities to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the trip.

Experience a Milford Sound cruise and Milford Track hike in one incredible day with return coach transfers from Te Anau included. Cruise the fiord getting close to thundering waterfalls while spotting seals and dolphins, and our expert crew share stories about this geological wonder. After your cruise, transfer to the water taxi for a 10-minute boat ride to the Milford Track. Explore the track at your own pace (approx. 11km return), listening for native birds and walking in ancient beech forest before arriving at Giant Gates Falls. Our multi-lingual app provides information as you walk. All transfers are coordinated so you can experience two of New Zealand's most famous attractions in one day, plus enjoy the spectacle of the Milford road without having to drive yourself.

Ready for a full-day adventure? Begin with a scenic shuttle from Queenstown to Arrowtown, where you’ll be fitted with a premium electric bike, helmet, & given a map and full safety briefing. Enjoy a self-guided cycle along the stunning Arrow & Kawarau River Trails toward Gibbston, crossing the Edgar Swing Bridge & the famous Kawarau Suspension Bridge — the world’s first bungy site. Enjoy winding trails past historic gold-mining cottages with breathtaking scenic views. At Gibbston Valley Winery, you swap your bike for the Wine Hopper Shuttle then relax as our friendly Qualified Wine Guide takes you to boutique wineries, cellar doors, & even a charming church or tavern. Enjoy wine tastings, divine platters or lunch options, & soak in the spectacular vineyard scenery. After a day of adventure, you'll return to Queenstown CBD around 6PM, relaxed, happy, & full of great memories! Pickup: Queenstown, Frankton, or Arrowtown Dropoff: Arrowtown, Ayrburn, Frankton, or Queenstown

If you don’t have your own car when traveling around the South Island, you might miss out on some of the best attractions as long-distance buses don’t stop everywhere. Make the most of a travel day—and explore a place you might not access otherwise—with this fully guided small-group transfer from Queenstown to Lake Tekapo. Stop for a few hours en route to explore Aoraki Mt. Cook before continuing your journey.

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Queenstown to Te Anau, discovering the majestic Milford Sound in comfort and style. Designed for travelers who value more than just the destination, this fully guided small group tour blends luxury travel, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic Kiwi hospitality. From the moment you’re collected at your Queenstown accommodation in a premium Mercedes-Benz van, your adventure begins. Led by our famously passionate guides, known for their storytelling and local insights, you’ll travel through some of New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring scenery, with plenty of photo stops, short walks, and hidden gems along the way. After your day exploring Fiordland National Park, you’ll finish with a hotel drop-off in Te Anau.

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.

Skip the rush of buses and shuttles and enjoy a fully private, scenic transfer from Queenstown to Lake Tekapo, designed to turn your travel day into part of the adventure. With alpine lakes, heritage towns, and flexible photo stops along the way, you’ll experience the South Island at a relaxed, personal pace — not just pass through it. - Private one-way journey with no strangers or shared transport - Scenic stops at Lake Pukaki, Lindis Pass, and Cromwell’s historic precinct - Flexible timing for photos, short walks, and comfort breaks - Travel in modern, clean, and comfortable vehicles - Friendly local driver-guides sharing stories and regional insights - A stress-free alternative to long direct transfers or taxis - Door-to-door drop-off in Lake Tekapo Beautiful landscapes, fresh alpine air, and total comfort — this is the most enjoyable way to travel between Queenstown and Lake Tekapo.

Travel in comfort with a knowledgeable local guide who shares stories, legends, and hidden gems along the way—at your pace, on your schedule. Unlike large group tours, we offer flexibility, exclusive photo stops, and time to truly connect with the stunning landscapes of Fiordland. With door-to-door service, luxury transport, and a premium small-boat cruise with Milford’s top-rated operator, this is an immersive, seamless experience designed for comfort, depth, and unforgettable scenery.

Explore from Marahau to Anchorage in a day - walk, kayak and water taxi.On this trip covering the Astrolabe coastline you have a professional guide with you for around 4 hours sharing their knowledge and passion of the Abel Tasman.

This full-day albatross-watching tour in Kaikoura takes you on a narrated boat ride from the rugged coastline. Kaikoura may be famous for its whale and dolphin sightings, but it’s also one of the world's most abundant regions for oceangoing birds, including various species of albatross. Also look out for petrels, shearwaters, terns, shags, and gulls, as well as a fur seal colony.

Make the most of a day on land with this nature-focused shore excursion around the Banks Peninsula harbors at Lyttelton and Akaroa. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the two-hour nature cruise in Akaroa Harbour, where you may see rare Hector’s Dolphins. Admire views of the twin harbors, the Canterbury Plains, and Lakes Ellesmere and Forsyth, and stop at a cheese factory to learn more about local artisan produce.

Travel from Christchurch to the stunning Lake Tekapo on a fully-guided small group tour. This 3-hour journey showcases the picturesque Canterbury plains, where your passionate guides will share insider stories along the way. Stop at the charming town of Fairlie to pick up a delicious picnic lunch before arriving at the breathtaking Lake Tekapo, famous for its vibrant blue waters and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. Enjoy a comfortable ride in modern minibuses with plenty of extra amenities for your convenience. - Small group tour ensuring a personalized experience - Guided commentary from knowledgeable tour leaders - Picnic lunch included for your journey

Our Christchurch city tour is designed to give visitors more than just sightseeing—we offer a personal, immersive experience that truly connects you with the heart and culture of the city. Unlike standard tours, we focus on authentic local insights, flexible pacing, and thoughtful storytelling that brings Christchurch’s history, regeneration, and natural beauty to life. Guests enjoy carefully chosen viewpoints, hidden gems, and meaningful stops that many tours overlook. With small groups, friendly commentary, and plenty of opportunities for photos and exploration, our tour feels less like a bus ride and more like discovering the city with a knowledgeable local friend.