Top South Island Shore Excursions

Swap the cruise port for the Otago countryside on a half-day shore excursion that covers Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula. Your sightseeing tour covers city-center highlights, such as the Dunedin Railway Station, then travels to the wildlife-filled peninsula, stopping en route at scenic lookouts and for a beachside view of basking sea lions. Enjoy personalized attention from your guide on this small-group shore excursion with port transfers.

Make the most of a short time in Christchurch on a full-day shore excursion after your cruise ship docks in Lyttelton. Head into the city and learn about its rebuild post-earthquake. Travel into the Port Hills to get a view over the Canterbury Plains, then speed up the weaving waterways of the braided Waimakariri River on a jet boat. This tour is designed especially to work with cruise ship timings.

Dunedin City is a wildlife wonderland, and this morning or afternoon cruise is a great way to see these native birds and marine animals close-up. Instead of wearing yourself out on a tramp across the peninsula, cruise through the Otago Harbour and past Taiaroa Head in a custom-built boat with a heated cabin and open deck for scenic photos. Look out for albatross, blue penguins, sea lions, dolphins, and more while listening to onboard commentary from your skipper/guide.

Wine enthusiasts will love this Marlborough wineries tour that’s especially designed for cruise ship passengers. You’ll be met in Picton and taken to around five of the best wineries in the Wairau Valley and wider Marlborough region, the South Island’s largest wine-making area. Learn more about the local specialties while enjoying the views. Wine tastings are included and you can buy your own lunch.

This is a tour by bus around some of the main attractions of Dunedin. It is aimed at cruise ship passengers and only runs on cruise ship days The tour stops at all locations mentioned with a chance to get off and have a walk around. Comfortable vehicles with Aircon and a commentary is provided. A full refund is offered if the ship cancels its port call for any reason or if at the conclusion of the tour the customer is dissatisfied with any part of the experience that is an error or omission within the operator's control so long as the issue is raised first with the operator before any other party. (Subject to tripadvisor complying with operator request) Operator reserves the right, without liability, to alter or amend the tour time and destinations to fit in with the time window available for the ship's visit.

Lift off from Kaikōura's beachfront helipad on a scenic helicopter tour over the deep-sea canyon and coastline. Look out for sperm whales, humpbacks, Hector's dolphins, and New Zealand fur seals in their natural habitat while enjoying panoramic views of the Seaward Kaikōura mountain range and Kaikōura Peninsula. Headsets with microphones provide live commentary and the chance to ask questions during this unforgettable aerial whale-watching experience.

Travel in a comfortable van, relax and watch the countryside out the window as we go from location to location. Guide lives locally and will tell you all about the region. Family friendly tour. Can take groups of up to 9 people. Tours can be altered to suit you.

Make the most of limited time on land in Dunedin on a small-group shore excursion. After a pickup from Port Chalmers, hop aboard a boat for a nature-filled adventure on the Otago Harbour. Visit a royal albatross breeding colony, watch as New Zealand fur seals swim and play on the rocks, and take in the region’s dramatic scenery. Make use of warm jackets and binoculars on the cruise.

When your cruise ship docks in Lyttelton, make the most of a day on land with a full-day tour combining a half-day Christchurch city tour with a visit to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Take in the city’s historical landmarks and rebuilding efforts since devastating earthquakes. Then head to the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for a guided tour that includes viewing of endangered kiwi birds and other New Zealand wildlife—ideal for families.

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.

When your cruise ship docks in Picton, take the opportunity to go wine tasting on a tour that visits some of Marlborough’s award-winning wineries. Visit up to five wineries in Blenheim for tastings and vineyard tours, discovering both internationally famous wines and lesser-known New Zealand gems. Also stop for lunch (own expense) and sample locally made chocolates before heading back to Picton in time to board your ship.

On this full-day small-group shore excursion, tour Larnach Castle and look out for local birds and wildlife on a cruise. After a pickup from your cruise ship in Port Chalmers, admire the views on the drive around to the Otago Peninsula. Warm jackets and binoculars are available for your use while spotting royal albatross and New Zealand fur seals on the cruise. Learn more from your guide’s live commentary.

Make the most of a short time on land on a shore excursion deep into the Southern Alps. You’ll be picked up from the port in Lyttelton and driven to Arthur’s Pass Village, a handy base for exploring the mountains of the central South Island. Enjoy lunch available for purchase with a view and time to explore the village and surrounding alpine scenery.

Travelers short on time in Dunedin who want a comprehensive overview of the city and Otago Peninsula will enjoy this half-day small-group tour. After stops at city highlights including Baldwin Street, the University of Otago, and the Octagon, head out to the Otago Peninsula along a scenic road. A guided walk at a wildlife sanctuary offers chances to see yellow-eyed penguins, little blue penguins, fur seals, and sea lions.

Journey through the breathtaking Southern Alps aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train, one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Departing from Christchurch, travel through dramatic river gorges and alpine passes before disembarking in Arthur’s Pass where you’ll meet your guide and continue by modern Mercedes Sprinter. Enjoy free time in Arthur’s Pass Village to explore, walk to the impressive Devils Punchbowl Waterfall, or relax with a coffee, before returning via scenic stops at the remarkable Otira Viaduct and the unique limestone formations of Castle Hill, renowned for their natural beauty and cinematic history. - Scenic 10-hour experience combining the TranzAlpine train and guided return journey - Free time in Arthur’s Pass Village for walking, exploring, or relaxing - Visit the iconic Otira Viaduct and Castle Hill’s unique limestone landscapes

This Akaroa shore excursion takes you sightseeing in Christchurch via a scenic drive through the Banks Peninsula. See the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Cathedral Square, and other city highlights before visiting the International Antarctic Centre, where you can learn more about the frozen continent. See penguins, feel the chill of Antarctic winds, and finish with a thrilling ride on an amphibious Hagglund vehicle.

The Tour Start Time will be adjusted, where necessary to meet the cruise ships schedule. The start time displayed is a default time and not necessarily relevant to your cruise ships itinerary. Enjoy, both a complete morning tour of Christchurch city with a lunch and tastings at 3 beautiful wineries in the Waipara region on shore excursion from Lyttelton. This tour includes all major city attractions such as Mona Vale Gardens, historic buildings, botanical gardens and spectacular view of the southern alps and canterbury plains from the Sign of the Takahe. At the conclusion of your city tour, enjoying wine tasting from 3 popular wineries in the Waipara region.

Discover Dunedin City and the Otago Peninsula on this small-group tour of the area's highlights. Walk up the world’s steepest street, explore the picturesque botanic gardens, and admire grand city architecture. Enjoy a scenic drive around the Otago Peninsula, followed by a guided tour at the Royal Albatross Centre, including a short documentary, talk, and a walk to the viewing platform to observe albatrosses up close.

Explore Dunedin’s top attractions on this full-day guided tour, starting with photo stops at Dunedin Railways, the University of Otago, and Signal Hill for panoramic views. Walk or snap photos at Baldwin Street, 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.

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.

Enjoy a thrilling adventure that’s just a short drive from Nelson: race through the native forest canopy and admire the mountain views during a fun flying fox experience. The Skywire is one of the longest flying foxes in New Zealand, and reaches speeds of around 60 miles (100 kilometers) per hour. Experience that speed first-hand as you rocket up and down the Cable Bay hillside and through the canopy.

Explore the stunning sights of Christchurch in a convenient 4-hour private tour. Discover picturesque locations such as the Cashmere Hills Lookout, Sumner Beach, the Sign of the Kiwi, and the serene Christchurch Botanic Gardens. A knowledgeable local guide shares captivating stories about the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. This tour includes hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off, making it an excellent choice for first-time visitors, families, or anyone looking to experience the essence of Christchurch in a short time. - Visit iconic scenic spots like Cashmere Hills Lookout and Sumner Beach - Enjoy engaging insights from a local guide about the city’s transformation - Comfortable transport with hotel pickup and drop-off included - Perfect for first-time visitors, families, and those with limited time

Travel deep into the Southern Alps on a small-group day trip from Christchurch. Admire views of Lake Tekapo, the Tasman Glacier, and Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park while traveling comfortably on a minibus without needing to drive. Enjoy an included lunch and hotel pickup for a seamless experience. Learn more from your guide than you would going alone, and receive personalized attention in a small group.