Top South Island Half-day Tours - page 14

Godley Head is an exciting and picturesque headland at the far end of the Port Hills. From Godley Head, you will be treated to uninterrupted and spectacular views of Lyttelton Harbour, Christchurch and the east coast of the South Island. Rich in history and scattered with remnants of New Zealand’s WWII defences, this is a must-do location for anyone visiting Christchurch. Join us and explore this unique and unforgettable area with one of our friendly local guides. This tour requires no minimum numbers to run. It suits individuals, couples, and small groups looking for a relaxing and exclusive tour. - Track grade: Very easy, 2.5 hrs of walking time - Walking distance: 3-5 km (flexible depending on group ability) - Total elevation gain: ~180 m

Get to know the real untouched New Zealand as you take off over the Canterbury Plains towards the well-known braided Waimakariri River. Notice the Craigieburn Basin come into view, a distinguished blockbuster film set, followed by the curious rockscape of Castle Hill. See the glisten of Lake Pearson as you fly by the Southern Alps' main divide, climbing up & over the ridgeline, to debut at the mighty Rakaia River. Without another aircraft in sight come to two of Canterbury's best kept secrets, the rarely visited Lyell & Ramsay Glaciers due to their inaccessibility. Touch down to overwhelming 360 degree views, filled with staggeringly sharp mountaintops & turquoise waters of the the glacier lakes. Enjoy lunch in the amphitheatre of the outdoors without a single disruption. Rise over the depths of Lake Coleridge and return over the Canterbury Plains, inbound for Christchurch. Please note we are unable to guarantee snow at any time particularly during Summer months (November – February)

A private Gibbston Valley wine tour crafted just for you—visit handpicked cellar doors, enjoy tailored tastings, and take in breathtaking scenery. Experience Central Otago’s best wines with exclusive access and the flexibility to follow your own pace. This boutique journey combines world-class Pinot Noir, intimate cellar doors, and stunning alpine views, offering a tour made just for you.

Discover Christchurch on a private walking tour you design. Meet your guide and handpick stops from four key sights, shaping the route to your interests. Trace earthquake stories, admire modern architecture, stroll lush gardens, and reflect at poignant memorials. Choose between cathedral ruins, the Cardboard Cathedral, museum or Botanic Gardens, and the earthquake memorials. Your private guide tailors every story. Duration and order are flexible. The itinerary below shows your options; pick what fascinates you most and build a perfectly paced walk. Note: stops may vary based on preferences. · Pick your stops: cathedral ruins, Cardboard Cathedral, museum/gardens, memorials. · Choose duration: 2-hr highlights, 3-hr balanced, or 4-hr deep exploration. · Focus on history, gardens, or personal memorial stories. · Private guide adapts to your interests.

Discover authentic Kiwi country life on this immersive Private Shore Tour from Lyttelton/Christchurch Cruise Port. This experience offers an up-close encounter with New Zealand’s farming traditions, complete with sheep feeding, shearing demonstrations, a countryside picnic, and wine tasting in the scenic Waipara Valley. With comfortable transport and a knowledgeable local guide, the tour blends nature, culture, and rural charm—perfect for guests seeking a genuine New Zealand experience during their cruise stop.

Take off from Christchurch & fly over the Canterbury Plains towards the spectacular Rangitata Gorge, side by side with the Southern Alps. Sidle up to Forest Creek through to the expansive Mackenzie Basin & down to the aquamarine glow of Lake Tekapo to touch down & soak in the spectacular vista. Feast your eyes on the unforgettable azure of Lake Pukaki & head up to the famous Aoraki, Mount Cook as the Tasman Glacier comes into full view. Fly towards the Murchison Glacier to the head of the Rangitata River Valley. Sour along Mount Arrowsmith & touch down at the top of the interweaving braids of Rakaia River. Settle in for a picnic served with unobstructed views, overlooking two of Canterbury's glaciers only accessible by helicopter. After lunch, follow the wandering braids of the stony river, past Lake Coleridge & into the blockbuster scenery of the Craigieburn Basin. Please note we are unable to guarantee snow at any time particularly during Summer months (November – February)

Take to the skies for a spectacular scenic flight over the dramatic Southern Alps and Gibbston wine region, gaining a unique perspective of New Zealand’s southernmost vineyards. Enjoy an alpine landing on The Remarkables with time for photos and breathtaking views. On landing, meet your expert guide and begin a luxury wine tour through Central Otago. Indulge in premium tastings at carefully selected vineyards and savour a delicious à la carte lunch featuring regional cuisine in Bannockburn or Cromwell. With hotel pick-up and drop-off included, plus flexible timing and the option to customise your itinerary, this experience blends adventure, luxury, and world-class wine for an unforgettable day.

Christchurch has been voted as one of the best city’s to visit in the world. Since the earthquakes, the city has a real buzz and is very popular. On the tour, I’ll show you all the best parts of our city, port hills and anything you’d love to see! I was born in Christchurch, and have grown up in the city and in the surrounding area. I have been tour guiding around New Zealand since 2012 and even had a stint as a TV Presenter for a farming show on our local network, CTV. On a Scotty B Tour you can rest easy knowing you're going to get great service, I put my name on it! I've travelled to more than 40 countries and I know that meeting & travelling with a local guide can make for a great experience. Our city has been reborn and I want to make sure you have the best experience in our beautiful city and see as much as you can. Both New, old and get you exploring our nature! Get in touch for you want to customise this experience Scotty

Explore the enchanting Mavora Lakes and other iconic Middle Earth filming locations on this exclusive half-day tour from Te Anau. Guided by passionate experts on all things Lord of the Rings, discover the haunting beauty of the Dead Marshes, the Anduin River, and Fangorn Forest. Along the way, engage with authentic LOTR props and learn fascinating behind-the-scenes stories that bring the cinematic magic to life. Perfect for fans and adventurers alike, this tour offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of hobbits and elves while supporting local conservation efforts. - Duration: 5.5 hours with a maximum of 8 passengers per group - Visit stunning locations like Fangorn, Nen Hithoel and the Dead Marshes - Includes authentic LOTR props for memorable photo opportunities - Lunch is available for purchase at the Alpine Centre

Step ashore at Port Lyttelton and experience the best of Christchurch with a private shore excursion tailored to cruise passengers. From coastal charm to cultural highlights, your day is crafted for comfort, discovery, and local flavour. Stroll through the lively Riverside Market, sample local delicacies, and explore Christchurch’s innovative city centre. Enjoy the ocean breeze at Sumner Beach, a laid-back seaside suburb perfect for a scenic walk or coffee by the sea. You can also opt for unforgettable experiences like the International Antarctic Centre, where interactive exhibits bring polar exploration to life, or take a scenic drive to Akaroa to cruise alongside rare Hector’s dolphins. Your itinerary is fully customizable and timed to suit your ship’s schedule, led by local guides who make every moment count.

As a country recognised for its hiking opportunities and stunning scenery, take your pick of an untouched landscape to explore. If you would rather leave the planning up to us, we recommend lifting off from Christchurch and enjoying an incredible scenic flight of braided rivers, towering mountain ranges and high-country lakes inbound for the famous Aoraki National Park. Land at Glentanner airfield to meet your guide and get briefed before flying up onto New Zealand’s largest Glacier, the mighty Tasman. Explore the gently undulating terrain, as your crampons bite into ancient 2-million-year-old ice. The highest peaks of the Southern Alps, Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman will tower above you. When your legs become tired and your heart becomes full, fly back down to Glentanner airport to drop off your guide and equipment before heading North via some incredible Canterbury landscapes inbound for Christchurch. We have plenty to share with you and can’t wait for you to experience it.

Discover Dunedin Your Way — A Private Shore Excursion with a Trusted Local Operator. Step Ashore, Leave the Crowds Behind -Private, Personal. Pure Dunedin. Dunedin, Exclusively Yours — A Private, Fully Customisable Shore Excursion Tailored to Your Interests, Pace and Priorities.