Top South Island Self-guided Tours

Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest wine region, and with more than 30 wineries along the designated cycle trail through the vineyards, it’s an idyllic place for a cycling tour. Enjoy wine tasting along the Marlborough wine trail at your own pace with a self-guided tour, which includes bike rental, maps, recommendations on where to visit.

Fans of the Lord of the Rings movies won’t want to miss this fun half-day tour to various filming locations in the Southern Alps. You’ll enjoy exclusive access to private Arcadia Station and will also visit the beautiful Mt. Aspiring National Park. Be amazed by the natural beauty while reliving your favorite movie scenes. Don an LOTR costume and sword too, if you like.

Enjoy riding the impressive trails around Queenstown without feeling exhausted at the end of the day with this electric mountain bike (e-bike) hire service. Upon pick up, receive a comprehensive briefing to help you get the most out of your bike. A helmet and map of local trails around Queenstown are included.

Explore Arrowtown and the surrounding region at your own pace while covering a lot of ground when you rent an e-bike. You can rent the bikes for between one and eight hours. Whether you just want to make a quick trip around town or explore some of the longer-distance trails nearby, this service has options for you.

Looking for something different to do in Christchurch? Southern Escape Tours offers a self-guided, outdoor puzzle tour that takes you around Christchurch's city centre. Solve cryptic puzzles and riddles, see iconic buildings, and stroll along the river. At your own pace, but make sure to score enough points to end up on the leaderboard. Combines walking tour, scavenger hunt, and escape room in one. No guides or groups — just you, your team, and the adventure. Score points and get on the leaderboard. Family-friendly, perfect for couples, friends, or team building. Easy to start — just book, receive instructions, and play anytime. Wheelchair, service animal, and pet friendly.

While the Southern Alps are a sight to behold from the ground, they're even more spectacular from above. Take to the skies on this helicopter tour from Queenstown and enjoy dramatic mountain views from a unique vantage point. Journey above Skippers Canyon and the Wakatipu Basin for unparalleled photo ops, and take a break during an alpine landing (weather dependent). Listen to the pilot’s commentary through personal headsets.

Self-guided kayak trip with one-way transport—explore Lake Wānaka's shoreline on your own with gear, tips, and a custom route provided. Know what you’re doing and just need the gear? Explore Lake Wanaka on this self-guided kayaking activity! We’ll get you and the gear out to where you start and your Mission is to paddle it all back! Head off with your buddy, partner or group of friends and enjoy a morning of paddling on Lake Wanaka. We’ll arm you with a kayak, safety equipment and a map, get you out on the lake and your mission is to paddle back to Wanaka Township. Paddle the shoreline, explore islands, jump off jetties, or stop for a picnic - it’s your adventure, your way.

Get to know Queenstown better while having fun with your family or friends on an outdoor adventure that combines scavenger hunt, escape room, and augmented reality elements. Choose from three different experiences of differing lengths that are suitable for a range of ages, including kids as young as five. Problem-solve as a team and race against the clock to complete your tasks.

Step into the world of Sherlock Holmes and solve a mysterious case during the Sherlock Holmes City Game – a self-guided adventure full of puzzles, plot twists, and hidden clues. Set in the heart of Queenstown, this City Game is all about story-driven gameplay and immersive mystery solving. It pulls you into a captivating story that you solve together, making it a unique way to connect, play, and create memories with your group. Perfect for friends, families, colleagues, or solo players who enjoy a challenge and love detective games. Whether you play solo or in teams, it’s a flexible and fun experience that transforms Queenstown into your crime-solving playground. After booking, check your email for clear instructions, download the Loquiz app, and dive straight into your detective mission.

Experience some of the best Central Otago landscapes with this e-bike hire and transport service for the Lake Dunstan Trail. Start out in Clyde where you will receive a full briefing on your e-bike. Then get transported to the start of the trail, from where you can wind your way back to the starting point. Along the way, take in wonderful views of vineyards, gorges, historic buildings and much more.

Our latest model hardtail Mountain Bikes have been specifically chosen for exploring the 130 km of the beautiful Queenstown Trail network. As the Queenstown Trail's most experienced bike hire operator, our team have spent years exploring these trails. Our fleet of bikes are maintained to a high standard by our in-house mechanics, ensuring your ride will be "sweet as". We cater bike hire for the whole family. For the kids, we have 16", 20", and 24" bikes; for infants we have trailers and half-bikes/tag-alongs available. Get out there and see more of the Queenstown area with us!

With soaring peaks, rugged trails, and spectacular countryside scenery, Queenstown is the undisputed home of outdoor adventure on New Zealand’s South Island. Tackling this terrain can be difficult with children, but this ATV experience keeps kids in mind with smaller, age-appropriate ATVs while parents and teens 14 and over ride full-size vehicles alongside. Your guide adjusts pace and terrain to suit the youngest riders, so every child gets the right balance of challenge and confidence.

A Segway tour of Queenstown covers a lot of ground, providing you with an overview of the town even if you're short on time. Choose from a 1- or 2-hour tour depending on your needs, and pass by sights including Lake Wakatipu. Stop at several scenic lookouts along the way. Unlike car tours, you won't be stuck in traffic, and you see more than you would on foot.

Discover some of New Zealand's finest wines on a full-day tour of the Central Otago wine region from Queenstown. Visit multiple wineries, sip wine in Australasia's largest wine cave, enjoy a gourmet lunch with wine pairings, and sample local cheeses. Visit the Cromwell Heritage Precinct and learn about the Otago Gold Rush, too. Numbers are limited on this small-group tour that includes wine tastings, lunch, transportation, and hotel transfers.

Explore the stunning Queenstown Trails with this convenient e-bike rental and shuttle service. Perfect for families and adventure seekers, ride approximately 38km from Kinross Winery to Arthurs Point, enjoying scenic views along the Gibbston and Arrow Rivers. The rental includes a safety briefing, helmet, and bike accessories, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Set your own pace and discover local gems along the way. - 4-hour bike rental with approximately 2.5 hours of riding time, plus an additional 30mins of shuttle time - Includes e-bike hire, helmet, lock, and a one-way shuttle - Family-friendly e-bike options available for children aged 8 and up - Start and finish at the scenic Kinross Winery

The Kawarau Gorge Trail is New Zealand’s newest and most spectacular cycling experiences, a true backcountry adventure linking Central Otago wine country with the dramatic landscapes of the Kawarau Gorge. Ride alongside the powerful Kawarau River, cross suspension bridges, and experience remote terrain that was previously inaccessible to riders until now. What sets this experience apart is the seamless support from the Central Cycle Trail Co. team. From personalised bike fittings and scenic shuttle transfers to premium e-bikes and local insider tips, everything is designed to make the day smooth, relaxed, and unforgettable. Unlike many rides, this journey finishes in the heart of Gibbston Valley at the iconic Church Cellar Door, where you can unwind with a glass of wine after an epic day on the trail. It’s the perfect combination of adventure, scenery, history, and Central Otago hospitality.

Start your day at your Westport depot with a 9:00 am shuttle to Charleston, where you can grab a coffee or lunch for a picnic before beginning your 40 km ride back. This Grade 1–2 trail offers a mix of gentle sections and a few areas requiring care, winding through a stunning variety of landscapes. Cycle between the mountains and the coastline, taking in views of the majestic Paparoa Range, and explore the ever-changing scenery of kahikatea wetlands, pākihi, podocarp forest, and nīkau palms. With plenty of opportunities to pause and enjoy the surroundings, this ride combines scenic beauty, gentle challenge, and a true sense of the West Coast’s natural charm.

From Marahau to Totaranui and return – it’s an adventure! Spend three days in the stunning Abel Tasman. The first two days see you kayaking from Marahau through to Onetahuti and then the third walking from Onetahuti to Totaranui before returning back to Marahau on a water taxi.

Experience the thrill of Nelson’s renowned trails with a Half-Day Electric Mountain Bike Rental. Ideal for both beginners and advanced riders, this rental features premium full-suspension Santa Cruz Vala Alloy eMTBs, equipped with full-power Bosch Performance Line CX motor 120Nm max torque, 750W Max power, 600% Max support factor and 600Wh batteries, allowing you to navigate diverse terrains comfortably. Enjoy 4 hours of riding at your own pace, exploring trails like Codgers or the Coppermine Trail while benefiting from custom bike fittings tailored to your preferences. - Choose between morning or afternoon sessions to fit your schedule - Includes a complimentary helmet, digital trail map, and personalized setup (including pedal choice and brake-side) - Suitable for individuals and groups, with expert trail advice available - Explore over 400 km of trails designed for all skill levels - Upgrade your experience by adding a qualified and experienced mountain bike Coach or Guide

Enjoy the freedom of paddling at your own pace along the coast with this kayak rental service from Marahau. A minimum of two people can rent kayaks for up to seven hours. Follow the coast of the Abel Tasman National Park, stopping at inviting golden-sand beaches for a picnic and a swim. Look out for seals on off-shore islands and listen to the native birdsong along the way.

This adventure takes you from the base of Coronet Peak to the Gibbston Valley, connecting two beautifully restored churches via one of NZ's most scenic and culturally rich cycle routes. Unlike typical bike hires, this is a fully curated experience—ride the Wharehuanui Trail beneath the ranges, pass through farmland and luxury golf resorts, explore Arrowtown’s gold rush history and the Chinese Miners’ Village, and glide across dramatic swing bridges into wine country. What makes it truly unique is the combination of local heritage, food and wine tasting, and premium e-bikes. Perfect for couples, and groups looking for a half-day escape with historic charm and vineyard indulgence, this tour gives you the freedom to ride at your own pace. Plan your winery visits in advance as there are so many to choose from! Finish your journey at The Church, a stunning final destination for more hospitality, before we transfer you back. This is not just a ride; it’s an unforgettable day on two wheels.

Sample Central Otago wines without the stress of choosing a sober driver. Enjoy included hotel pickup from Queenstown on a leisurely drive around celebrated wineries in the Gibbston Valley. Have lunch at a winery restaurant (own cost). Go behind the scenes at the country’s oldest wine cave and sample a range of varietals, from pinot noirs to various whites. Canine lovers will also enjoy being accompanied by Bella the dog.

Rent a kayak for two days so you can explore the Abel Tasman National Park’s coastline at your own pace. Collect your kayak from Mārahau and get a briefing and on-water assessment before setting off independently. Bring your own camping gear and set up camp at a site in the park overnight. Admire the views, spot seals and birds, and stop to swim over two full days.