Top South Island Sightseeing Tours - page 20

Embark on an unforgettable overnight journey from Christchurch to the serenity of Hurunui Hut along the Harpers Pass Track. This exclusive expedition promises a perfect fusion of adventure, relaxation, and immersion in the untamed wilderness. Depart from Christchurch and embark on a picturesque drive to the start point of Harpers Pass Track. Along the way, soak in the breathtaking vistas that set the stage for the adventure ahead. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes with a trek through the wilderness, or embrace the thrill of an exhilarating fat biking experience. Spend the night at the welcoming embrace of Hurunui Hut, nestled amidst the rugged beauty of the wilderness. After settling into the cozy hut, indulge in a rejuvenating escape to nearby natural hot springs. Let their therapeutic waters melt away the stresses of everyday life. As night falls, bask in the peaceful ambiance of Hurunui Hut, sharing stories and laughter with fellow adventurers under the stars.

We are the only Marlborough Sounds Guided Walk company with our own boats. Your day starts with the Ultimate Wildlife Cruise through the calm sheltered waters of the Queen Charlotte Sound. You get on board binoculars for viewing wildlife and species ID cards with a WCA Qualified Guide. Dolphins 95% of the time :-) Spend 1 hour on Motuara Island with its stunning views and range of Endangered Species where you can get close-up encounters with Rare Birds. The lookout has an amazing panoramic view. We pay DOC your access fee. E-ko started Guided Walks on this island 25 years ago. After you visit Motuara - Sanctuary Island, then head to the famous Ship Cove. There you can Walk the BEST of Queen Charlotte Track in a Loop. Trees up to 1500 years old only with us, Hidden in the bush. Self Guided with a Map showing you where the hidden gems are :-) Re-live History and embrace nature. Walk the BEST 5km, relax at Ship Cove with a complimentary glass of Pinot Gris, and enjoy the return cruise.

Wildlife and nature enthusiasts will love this Kaikoura full-day trip from Christchurch. Look for impressive sperm whales along with migrating humpbacks, southern right whales, orcas, and dolphins on a cruise with live commentary. Visit a fur seal colony on land, glimpse the snowy peaks of the Kaikoura Ranges during your free time, and top off the day with wine tasting (time permitting).

Discover Dunedin at your own pace with our self-guided audio tour. Explore Dunedin's culturally significant sights, including the fascinating Octagon and the iconic Old Railway Station. Our audio guide allows you to uncover the city's rich history and vibrant culture at your leisure. Download the Citywalksz APP, put on your headphones, and start your journey. Learn about Dunedin’s Scottish heritage, its transformation into a bustling city, and its unique local landmarks. The tour takes about two hours, but you can pause anytime to shop or take breaks. Perfect for tourists looking to experience Dunedin on foot, this tour offers flexibility and deep insights into the city's past. Things to note before booking: 1. No admission fees or physical guide included. 2. Available only in English. 3. Tour downloading instructions are in the "Before You Go" section of your ticket.

Kaikōura, whose name translates to ‘eat crayfish’ in English, is a small coastal town often overlooked by tourists. Caught between the Kaikōura Ranges - which in the winter are snowcapped and a sight to behold - and the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean (Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa), this area is truly breathtaking. Known for the wildlife who love to inhabit this part of Aotearoa’s east coast, the town experienced significant damage and seabed uplift following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in 2016. Almost 10 years on, Kaikōura has come a long way; even being named one of the most beautiful small towns in the world by luxury travel bible, Conde Nast Traveler, in 2023. You will be driven in comfort by our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, and including a Wildlife Kayak Experience (approximately 3 hours) this journey is one you will never forget.

Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s unique West Coast Glacier Country, Franz Josef is only one of two places in the entire world where you can view glaciers surrounded by native alpine forest. As a popular midpoint for those travelling between Christchurch and Queenstown, this 1 way tour showcases the very best of what the Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana) and rugged West Coast have to offer. So why not join as we travel the Great Alpine Highway from New Zealand’s east to west coast. You will be driven in comfort by our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides and including transfer from Christchurch to Greymouth aboard the world famous TranzAlpine, this journey is one you will never forget!

Embark on a 6-hour private shore tour from Dunedin Cruise Port and immerse yourself in the rich history, stunning landscapes, and unique wildlife of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula. This exclusive tour is designed to give you a comprehensive experience of one of New Zealand’s most scenic regions, all while enjoying the comfort of a small group and the expertise of a local guide. From the world-famous Baldwin Street to the majestic Otago Peninsula, this tour includes iconic landmarks, breathtaking views, and fascinating historical insights. Whether you’re an art and culture enthusiast or a nature lover, this private tour offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, making it an unforgettable experience for any traveler.

Experience a 35-minute scenic helicopter flight above the magnificent alpine landscape of Aoraki Mt. Cook and its surrounding peaks, and make a snow landing (weather dependent). You’ll soar above steep ridges and rise over a mountain pass that affords aerial views of the Ben Ohau Range. Step out and play in the snow before enjoying more expansive views down the Tasman Valley. Pilot narration on the sights is included.

Experience the thrill of a helicopter flight and alpine landing on a 20-minute scenic helicopter tour, departing from Aoraki/Mt. Cook Village. You’ll get sweeping views over the Ben Ohau Range before touching down on a landing site in the mountains (snow is seasonal). Enjoy this South Island alpine setting as your professional pilot narrates the vista from above.

Go one step further taking our Milford Sound / Piopiotahi return scenic Helicopter flights and a wonderous 2 hour Milford Sound Cruise with our partners at Mitre Peak Cruises, to experience the Fiordland National Park from the sky, land and water. A remote alpine landing tops off this up close exploration of a UNESCO World Heritage wilderness. Spot wildlife such as seals, dolphins and the Fiordland Crested penguins roaming around Milford Sound. This is an experience you will never forget in the unofficial 8th wonder of the world.

An indulgent and diverse full-day wine touring adventure. Experience an indulgent and diverse full-day exclusive tour showcasing the very best of the local sights, enjoying fresh and unique cuisine and tasting a selection of fine wines from the region. Be greeted by your specialist Wine Guide and venture into the heart of Central Otago to visit three premium vineyards over three contrasting wine sub-regions; Gibbston, Cromwell and the Bannockburn basin. Take a guided tour through New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave. Stop at a unique lunch venue, experiencing a gourmet lunch consisting of five dishes cooked in retired oak barrels and matching with wines – just divine! You will also have an opportunity to retrace history with visits to the historical settlements of Arrowtown and Old Cromwell (when time permits). Learn about the early pioneering history and how the wine region was formed through an array of fun facts and interesting stories from your knowledgeable Wine Guide.

Spend an afternoon being chauffeured by your specialist wine guide exploring the pioneering Central Otago wine region of Gibbston, also aptly named, the “Valley of Vines”. Taste outstanding and elegant Pinot Noir, delicate refined Riesling, rich Pinot Gris and stylish Chardonnay at three of the best cellar doors in the area including a guided tour through New Zealand’s largest wine cave. Take time to enjoy a shared platter lunch accompanied by glass of wine at a vineyard restaurant. Enjoy the enthusiasm and passion from your guide; soak up all the information including the evolving history of Gibbston from just a couple of vines into a full valley producing world-renowned Pinot Noir.

Take to the skies for a spectacular scenic flight over the dramatic Southern Alps and Gibbston wine region, gaining a unique perspective of New Zealand’s southernmost vineyards. Enjoy an alpine landing on The Remarkables with time for photos and breathtaking views. On landing, meet your expert guide and begin a luxury wine tour through Central Otago. Indulge in premium tastings at carefully selected vineyards and savour a delicious à la carte lunch featuring regional cuisine in Bannockburn or Cromwell. With hotel pick-up and drop-off included, plus flexible timing and the option to customise your itinerary, this experience blends adventure, luxury, and world-class wine for an unforgettable day.

It's all about the experience! Exhilarating! Sightseeing has never been so much fun. Standard tour or made-to-measure, you are sure to enjoy your ride on our V8 trike. We can easily customize something just for you.

Soar above the clouds and majestic mountain peaks of Mt. Aspiring and Fiordland national parks for a truly bird’s-eye perspective of New Zealand’s celebrated alpine scenery. On this compact scenic flight from Queenstown, enjoy views of at least five major glaciers, each lesser-known than the heavily visited Fox and Franz Josef glaciers further north. This flight also showcases the deep, densely forested fiords of Milford Sound.

Get to know Arrowtown's highlights, history, culture, and scenery without the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads on your own on this half-day small-group tour from Queenstown. Set off from the central meeting point in Queenstown and spend about 90 minutes in Arrowtown, learning about the history and culture of this former gold-mining town. Stop at other scenic spots along the way, such as Lake Hayes, the Kawarau River, and a honey farm.

You choose the trail you wish to Bike, and we pick you, and your group up for a Private Tour which we aim to be a highlight of your holiday. We ride every day during the year (except Christmas Day and Anzac Day). Whether it is Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter/Ski Season your family will enjoy a brilliant experience. Our Guest Experience Manager will host your day, share a little history with you on the way, brief you on the trail/bikes, make sure that you are comfortable before you ride off with your seats at the right height. Your actual ride is 'Self-Guided'. You will have a direct company mobile number to your Guest Experience Manager for any support required and on many trails you will see them along the way. If any of the group get tired, we can arrange additional pickups and take them to meet you at the next location if possible. Our company is a Qualmark Gold accredited tourism operator, and we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional experiences

Milford Sound lies in a remote corner of New Zealand’s South Island and, although remarkably scenic, the route from Queenstown is long. On this tour, reach Milford Sound by premium low-emission coach and spot native wildlife and gushing waterfalls during a nature cruise with specialist commentary. When it’s time to return home, take to the skies and return effortlessly to Queenstown—with unrivaled views over the wilderness landscapes from the air.

Join your longest and most immersive Milford Sound cruise, giving you over two hours to experience everything that makes this destination famous around the world. An expert Nature Guide travels with you throughout the journey, sharing fascinating insights about the landscape and helping you spot wildlife like seals, dolphins, and rare penguins. Your spacious vessel, with both indoor cabins and covered outdoor viewing decks, gives you plenty of room to move around and find the perfect photo spot in any weather. Get close to thundering waterfalls, learn the stories behind the scenery, and take your time soaking in the views. With multiple language options via app and free tea and coffee onboard, this cruise is designed for those who want the most complete Milford Sound experience.

Start your adventure by making your way to Milford Sound (self-drive) for a two-hour Nature Cruise. Get close to cascading waterfalls, spot seals basking on rocks, and watch for dolphins in the pristine waters while your skipper shares fascinating commentary about the fiord. The spacious vessel offers warm and comfortable indoor cabins as well as spectacular outdoor decks—both are ideal for photography and wildlife watching. The next day back in Te Anau (10:45am), enjoy an adventure at a family-owned farm, where you’ll be welcomed to explore real farming life. During your hour-long farm experience, watch an entertaining display of working dogs rounding up sheep across the paddocks. See a traditional sheep shearing demonstration, meet friendly farm animals, and enjoy morning tea while your hosts share stories about New Zealand farm life. Experience two of Fiordland's best attractions over two days.

Discover Dunedin at your own pace with this immersive self-guided walking tour that blends history, art, and adventure. Wander from the iconic Dunedin Railway Station and Gothic cathedrals to hidden laneways bursting with vibrant street art. Step inside stories of gold rush glory, architectural marvels, and cultural fusion at landmarks like Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, the Chinese Garden, and the University of Otago. Feel the city’s creative pulse in its theatres, murals, and music — even tracing the humble beginnings of the famous band Six60. Stroll through the peaceful Botanic Garden, admire heritage churches, and end your journey with a challenge — conquering Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest! Whether you’re a history lover, explorer, or curious wanderer, Dunedin will surprise you at every turn.

On your scenic drive to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park you will pass the famous cool aid looking Lake Pukaki and enjoy the view on New Zealands most beautiful road. Then the fun begins, trekking along the Hooker Valley Track at the base of Mount Cook, surrounded by mountains, glaciers, swing bridges and the flowing Hooker River. Hopefully you spot the native Kea bird too! Relax and enjoy the sights on your way back to Timaru, stopping at Lake Tekapo for the last look at the Southern Alps. Finish your day with a legendary Fairlie Bakehouse pie, fueling you up for a day in the mountains.

Discover the newly launched Kawarau Gorge Trail, a spectacular self-guided eBiking experience that connects the magnificent wine regions of Gibbston to those in Bannockburn. The 32km route takes you alongside the stunning Kawarau River, showcasing beautiful rocky outcrops and historic gold mining settlements. With premium eBike rental and shuttle transfers included, you can explore this intermediate trail at your leisure, traversing across two suspension bridges and venturing through previously inaccessible terrain. - Self-guided eBiking adventure along the scenic Kawarau River - All-inclusive package with premium eBike and essential gear - Shuttle transfers provided to connect with the trail - Explore gold mining history at the Goldfields Mining Centre (entry not included)

Experience the South Island’s mountain-filled vistas from both the ground and the sky on this half-day small-group tour. Board a helicopter and soar over the Southern Alps, taking in the dramatic mountainous scenery before heading for a hike through the Glentanner High Country, learning about the ancient glaciers that carved the region’s landscapes.