Top South Island Layover Tours

Catering exclusively for cruise ship passengers, this half-day all-inclusive coach tour of Christchurch fits in more than most visitors can see or do in a weekend on their own. Combine a visit to the renowned International Antarctic Centre with a narrated, air-conditioned excursion around several of the Garden City’s most historic and picturesque sites, plus learn about the devastating 2010 and 2011 earthquakes as you travel. Food and drinks are not included.

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 New Zealand’s only castle—Larnach Castle—on this half-day small-group tour around Dunedin. Hop aboard an air-conditioned minivan and discover some of the city’s most popular sights, from the steepest street in the world to New Zealand’s most photographed building, before enjoying coastal views of the Pacific Ocean from the scenic Highcliff Road.

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Christchurch to Kaikōura, renowned as New Zealand's premier marine wildlife haven. This tour offers a unique blend of breathtaking coastal scenery, abundant marine life, and rich cultural experiences. Travelers can expect to witness majestic whales, playful dolphins, and colonies of fur seals in their natural habitat. The journey along the Pacific coastline provides stunning views of rugged cliffs and the expansive ocean. In Kaikōura, indulge in the freshest seafood, including the town's famous crayfish. Optional activities such as scenic flights or cultural tours with local Māori guides add depth to this enriching experience. This tour uniquely combines natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and cultural insights, making it a must-do for any traveler seeking an authentic New Zealand adventure.

Discover one of New Zealand’s most dramatic alpine landscapes on this unforgettable full-day adventure to Arthur’s Pass National Park. Journey from the Canterbury plains into rugged mountain country, explore ancient limestone formations, hike to a spectacular waterfall, and meet our famous alpine parrots — the playful Kea! This is the perfect day escape for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers wanting to experience the raw beauty of the Southern Alps.

On your cruise ship stopover in Picton, make sure not to miss any of the top spots in the Marlborough wine region by booking this hop-on hop-off bus tour. Eliminate the hassle of navigating between top attractions around Blenheim, including numerous wineries, beer gardens, the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, and more. See what you want and skip the rest, and spend as much time at each location as you’d like.