Top South Island Half-day Tours - page 6

Get ready for a mountain biking adventure. Climb to Grants Peak on your speedy e-bike. From the peak, enjoy 360 degree views of Queenstown’s natural landscape, including the Remarkables and Coronet Peak. You’ll learn all about High Country farming, and the Māori myths and legends that make up Queenstown’s heritage, before zipping back down to Frankton.

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.

This track walk takes visitors on one of the world’s most famous walks. This walk only 3-4 hours return, so ideal for visitors staying at Milford Sound Lounge or on a day trip in the Milford Sound. It takes visitors to the Giant Gate Falls, a highlight of the track.

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.

Marlborough is a giant in New Zealand wine-making. Sample some of the region’s iconic sauvignon blancs and a number of other wine varieties on this small-group half-day tour around some of the region’s cellar doors. Learn some local wine-making secrets from the vintners themselves and go behind the scenes at some of these wineries to witness the science of winemaking.

Explore New Zealand's premier wine region on this morning wineries tour from Blenheim. Visit four wineries, each internationally acclaimed for their red and white wines, particularly sauvignon blanc grapes that flourish in the sun-drenched alluvial soils of Marlborough. Stroll through the vines and contemplate the meaningful things in life. The practical things, like your round-trip transport and hotel pickup, are all taken care of for you.

Discover the Otago Peninsula by land and sea on a half-day tour that includes a scenic drive and wildlife-focused boat cruise. Hugging the coast on the cruise to Otago Harbour is a chance to get dramatic and unobstructed views of landmarks like Taiaroa Head lighthouse. Provided binoculars to search for Southern Ocean marine wildlife such as fur seals and southern royal albatross.

Don’t worry about what to do once you arrive at Lyttelton Harbour. On this small-group tour of the Canterbury countryside surrounding Christchurch, you’ll be transported to Sumner Beach to take in ocean views over coffee before tackling the Godley Head Loop, one of the area’s most popular hikes. Enjoy coastal views and historic World War II landmarks before a picnic lunch at Boulder Bay, surrounded by striking vistas of the Southern Alps.

Go exactly where you want, at your own pace and without having to compromise with a group, when you join a private guided tour of the Marlborough wine region. Relax and indulge in fine wine and good food in New Zealand’s largest wine-growing region without the risk of self-driving. Select your stops or let the experienced team choose the venues best suited to your needs and interests.

Designed for cruise ship travelers docked at Lyttelton, depart the port and head out to see a working sheep farm and the charming Christchurch City. Watch sheep dogs muster the sheep, learn about wool production and try some home baking. Then take in the highlights of Christchurch’s city center, seeing the rebuild underway since the earthquakes in 2010 and 2011.

Combine a serene cruise across Lake Whakatipu with a culinary adventure on this half-day tour. After gazing at the distant craggy mountains and dense forests as you sail across the lake, head to the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant for a buffet meal comprising a range of barbecue dishes, from salads to succulent meats to desserts. Finish with a farm demonstration before heading back to Queenstown.

Leave bustling Queenstown behind for the scenic beauty of Skippers Canyon on a small-group half-day 4WD tour of the gorge. An experienced guide traverses the rugged roads through the canyon, which you might feel nervous navigating alone. Stop for outstanding views over the Wakatipu Basin and Shotover River. Stop at Skippers School for morning or tea with homemade cheese and refreshments.

Combine sightseeing and wine tasting in Queenstown on this small-group half-day e-bike tour. Cruise from Arrowtown to Gibbston Valley on swift and snazzy e-bikes. With an easy trail and lots of iconic sights, this tour is suitable for a range of fitness levels, includes hotel pickup, and features wine tasting at a Gibbston Valley winery.

Photograph spectacular locations around Queenstown, the Southern Lakes, and Central Otago on a half-day private photography tour. Your guide is a passionate landscape photographer, who provides creative advice and shows you how to get the most from your camera. Customize the morning or afternoon’s schedule to suit your interests and the conditions on the day.

Learn to photograph a natural wonder at Skippers Canyon on this half-day private tour from Queenstown. Your guide is also a photographer and gives you expert techniques and tips to capture the stunning landscape as you explore the mountains, river, and rock formations. You’ll also learn about New Zealand history and culture from your local guide. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for convenience.

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.

Take in the highlights of the Marlborough wine region around Blenheim on this full-day small-group tour from Blenheim or Picton. See Sir Peter Jackson's collection of WWI and WWII aircraft on display at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, enjoy wine tasting at two Wairau Valley wineries and lunch at one (own expense), sample chocolates at a boutique chocolatier, and benefit from included hotel pickup and drop-off.

This small-group tour makes it easy to visit the Punakaiki Blowholes and Pancake Rocks from Greymouth. Avoid the hassle of self-driving and enjoy the views along the incredibly scenic coast road. Learn more about the geological processes that formed the impressive natural attraction, and enjoy a gentle walk around the well-maintained track and boardwalks.

• This private photography tour provides a flexible itinerary & starting times. • You can choose an astrophotography tour option between February & November. • Your guide/photographer carries public liability insurance, holds a first aid certificate and has a Passenger Service license. All of this provides confidence and peace of mind to the clients that this local business offers only the high quality, safe and enjoyable experiences.

Skippers Canyon is a dramatic slice of Otago high country, with steep cliffs and incredible views. Instead of joining a group of strangers, experience the canyon the way you want on this private tour in a luxury 4WD. Drive down the precarious Skippers Canyon Road and take your time exploring scenic highlights like Hell’s and Heaven’s Gates, Lighthouse Rock, and the Shotover River. Learn about the canyon’s rich gold rush history from your certified driver/guide.

Learn to take beautiful landscape photos in magical surroundings with this half-day photography tour. Start your tour in charming Queenstown, getting out and taking a range of shots before making your way to the dramatic Skippers Canyon. Here you will be able to take some sunset photos before returning to your Queenstown accommodation.

After complimentary accommodation pick-up, we will set off for the heart of Gibbston on a small private tour to visit four cellar doors and journey into the ‘valley of the vines’ to discover these vineyards nestled amongst the spectacular mountain ranges and dramatic river gorges. In one of the wineries, you will enjoy a gourmet lunch in a stunning setting, soaking up the views and the relaxed atmosphere. We will visit boutique wineries that are off the beaten path. There is no set routine, so every day is an adventure. The choice of the wineries visited will vary each day based on your individual group's dynamics. The overall focus is on high-quality wines as well as friendly and informative staff. Please contact us in advance to inform us of any dietary restrictions or special requests for your tour.

This tour is the perfect way to explore Marlborough's world-renowned wine region. Led by a guide with over 20 years of experience in the industry, you'll get an inside look at some of the area's most iconic wineries. From tastings and tours to behind-the-scenes access, this is a comprehensive way to discover all that Marlborough wine has to offer.

Experience Wānaka from another angle with a cruise across Lake Wānaka to remote Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve. Make an eco-friendly impact by planting a native tree before you leave. Opt to take a guided bush walk to reveal Mou Waho’s hidden secret: another lake, nestled atop the island, with panoramic views of Wānaka and the Southern Alps. Enjoy hot drinks and snacks surrounded by spectacular alpine scenery.