Top South Island Private Sightseeing Tours - page 14

Discover Central Otago on a private luxury wine journey crafted for couples and small groups wanting more than a standard shared wine tour. Hosted by your own knowledgeable New Zealand local wine guide, this exclusive full-day experience blends premium tastings, breathtaking alpine scenery, and boutique hospitality across Gibbston Valley and Bannockburn. Begin at Kinross with an elevated tasting featuring rare library vintages and premium releases from celebrated producers including Valli, Hawkshead, Wild Irishman, and High Garden — designed for genuine wine enthusiasts. Travel through the dramatic Kawarau Gorge to Bannockburn for premium hosted tastings at Te Kano Estate and either Carrick Winery or Mt Difficulty, with time for a relaxed winery lunch (own expense). Finish at Amisfield overlooking Lake Hayes, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated cellar doors and ranked among the World’s Top 100 Restaurants (2024). Rare wines. Iconic wineries. Fully private. Tailored to your group.

Escape the ordinary and experience the breathtaking beauty of the Southern Alps on this full-day private tour from Dunedin to Aoraki/Mount Cook—New Zealand’s tallest mountain. Travel in comfort through the changing landscapes of Otago and the Mackenzie Basin, with plenty of scenic stops, insider commentary, and personal flexibility along the way. Marvel at the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki, where glacial melt meets mountain majesty. Then, continue your journey to the awe-inspiring Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, a world-class destination for nature lovers, photographers, and adventurers alike. Enjoy time to walk the stunning Hooker Valley Track (optional), visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, or simply soak up the alpine atmosphere at your own pace.

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.

Experience our Private Excursion tailored exclusively for you! Embark on a serene journey through the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand as you make your way to the heart of the city. Upon your arrival, meet your seasoned tour guide, ready to lead you on an enchanting tour of Tekapo from Christchurch. Discover the awe-inspiring allure of Geraldine, marvel at the grandeur of Fairlie and capture iconic moments at landmarks like Lake Tekapo, Mt. Cook Village, Lake Pukaki and many more. Our excursions are meticulously designed schedule. We'll greet you directly at the hotel and ensure you return with ample time to relax and relish your day. Leave the details to us as we escort you on an extraordinary adventure, crafting memories that will stand the test of time!

We welcome you to discover the extraordinary Shackleton Glacier and the fascinating story of its namesake's Sir Ernest Shackleton and his legendary Antarctic expedition. This 50-minute flight includes flying over the Franz Josef and Tasman Glaciers. Fly past Mount Cook & Mount Tasman and then through the Southern Alps where the ""Lighting of The Beacons"" was filmed for Lord of the Rings. You'll have an included 15minute snow landing on the Shackleton Glacier where a complimentary sample of Shackleton Whiskey available to those who want to sample. We are a local, family owned and operated company based in Franz Josef and please note that whilst this is a private flight, you may share the check in and van travel with other passengers on other flights. Total weight of passenger load must be within the helicopter's weight and balance requirements.

The name Maniototo, derived from Māori, is said to mean `plains of blood’ and refers to the `flowing’ red tussocks that cover the land. This region inspires Graeme Sydney, painter of some of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes. Home to tiny towns and locations that once swarmed with settlers, toiling to win riches from this sparse, rugged and graphic landscape. Imposing mountain ranges edge the wide splendour of the Maniototo Plain. Candid skies of brilliant blue dance across the land. A tantalising magenta sunset slides behind flinty, tussock-clad ranges when evening falls. Humble farming settlements are dotted thinly across the plain, huddled on long, straight roads that never end. Isolated they may be, but these are involved, connected communities where people look out for each other. Steeped in nature’s rhythms, locals share an enduring bond with this place. The sweeping silent spaces, the contrasting hues of seasonal changes & the expansive beauty of starry black nights.

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)

Journey through the stunning landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island on the Christchurch to Queenstown Scenic Tour. Marvel at turquoise alpine lakes, snow-capped mountains, and charming small towns while making multiple photo stops at iconic spots like the Church of the Good Shepherd and Lake Pukaki. This tour is perfect for couples, families, photographers, and international travelers seeking a scenic experience rather than just a transfer. Enjoy friendly local hospitality in a modern, comfortable vehicle, and immerse yourself in unforgettable winter scenery along the way. Scenic tour from Christchurch to Queenstown with multiple photo stops Visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd and Lake Pukakio Ideal for couples, families, photographers, and international travelers Travel in comfort with friendly local hospitality and stunning views

Interested in joining us on our awesome 11-day New Zealand journey from Picton to Christchurch? Explore the best of what the South Island has to offer, named after the Weka, our bold and inquisitive native bird, known for its 'coo-et' call. Kick off in Picton amid the Marlborough Sounds, then water taxi into Abel Tasman's golden coves for picnics, canyoning and secluded swims. Then marvel at Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks blowholes and trek Franz Josef's glacier face through misty bush. Prepare yourself for epic adventures in Queenstown, the adrenaline capital of the country, you’ll be treated to stunning hikes, iconic Fergburgers, and nightlife buzz. Cruise Milford Sound's waterfalls with seals, penguins, and dolphins. Stargaze Tekapo's Dark Skies by the Church of the Good Shepherd, then punt Christchurch's Avon and enjoy the street art. All with an expert guide and like-minded adventurers. Which stop’s got you pumped?

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.

An intensive itinerary . Highlights of a diverse landscape and scenery with multi stops and photo opportunities . This itinerary can be done in the reverse or tailored to your preferences.