Top South Island Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises - page 38

Journey from Franz Josef to Christchurch on one of New Zealand’s most iconic scenic routes. Travel along the rugged West Coast, known for its wild beauty, hidden gems, and ever-changing landscapes, before boarding the world-famous TranzAlpine train for a breathtaking rail journey across the Southern Alps. With curated stops, expert local guides, and unforgettable views, this small group adventure captures the essence of the South Island’s natural wonder and charm.

This two day small group adventure showcases the dramatic contrasts of the South Island, from the rugged rainforests and glaciers of the West Coast to the vast open spaces of the Canterbury Plains. Travelling from Queenstown to Christchurch with plenty of scenic stops, stories and memorable experiences, this journey captures the true spirit of Aotearoa. With friendly guides, comfortable transport and time to explore at your own pace, it is the perfect way to discover the heart of the South Island in one unforgettable trip.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes with Cheeky Kiwi Travel. This two-day tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via Franz Josef offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes and hidden gems. You’ll enjoy personalized service, small group sizes, and expert local guides who will ensure your journey is as informative as it is exhilarating. Book your adventure today and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Experience the ultimate 1 way adventure from Wanaka to Franz Josef. Our small group, fully-guided tour takes you through the picturesque landscapes of Wānaka and Hāwea lakes, over the stunning Haast Pass, and along the beautiful West Coast beaches to Franz Josef. Get ready for a one-of-a-kind authentic Kiwi experience with our famously passionate guides, renowned for their engaging stories and rich local knowledge. Travel in modern, comfortable minibuses, fully equipped with amenities to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the trip.

Experience the ultimate 1 way adventure from Franz Josef to Wanaka. Our small group, fully-guided tour takes you from Franz Josef along the beautiful West Coast beaches, over the stunning Haast Pass, and through the picturesque landscapes of Wānaka and Hāwea lakes. Get ready for a one-of-a-kind authentic Kiwi experience with our famously passionate guides, renowned for their engaging stories and rich local knowledge. Travel in modern, comfortable minibuses, fully equipped with amenities to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the trip.

Venture into New Zealand's stunning southern coast on a full-day tour from Dunedin to Te Anau, where the rugged beauty of the Catlins awaits. Explore natural wonders like the iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse, marvel at the picturesque Purakaunui Falls, and enjoy a creative lunch stop at the Lost Gypsy Caravan. Walk across the ancient petrified forest at Curio Bay and keep an eye out for rare wildlife such as yellow-eyed penguins. This small-group tour with expert local guides ensures a personalized experience filled with storytelling and comfort. - Scenic journey through the untouched Catlins region - Visit Nugget Point Lighthouse and Purakaunui Falls - Lunch at Papatowai with a quirky art experience - Small group size (max 15 guests) for an intimate experience

Journey through the heart of Central Otago on this one-way small-group tour from Middlemarch to Queenstown. Experience the charm of Middlemarch, visit the ghost town of St Bathans, and enjoy morning tea at Dunstan House in Clyde. Capture stunning views at the historic Ophir Bridge and explore the vibrant town of Cromwell. As you travel through the breathtaking Kawarau Gorge, listen to tales of the gold rush before concluding your adventure in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. - Small group experience with a maximum of 15 guests for a personalized journey - Travel in comfort in a comfortable Mercedes-Benz vehicle - Includes water, snacks, and an afternoon tea stop at Dunstan House (afternoon tea purchased separately) - Expert local guides share stories and insights about the region throughout the tour

Discover New Zealand’s wild southern coast on a full-day tour from Invercargill to Dunedin. Traverse the stunning Catlins region, where ancient forests meet dramatic coastlines. Marvel at Curio Bay's fossilized forest, catch glimpses of rare wildlife, and visit the whimsical Lost Gypsy Caravan. Enjoy a leisurely walk to the picturesque Purakaunui Falls and take in ocean views from the iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse. With expert guides and small-group travel, this tour promises a relaxed and immersive experience in one of the South Island’s hidden gems. - Full-day one-way tour from Invercargill to Dunedin (approx. 9 hours) - Small group experience with a maximum of 15 guests for personalized attention - Expert local guides and luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicle included - Scenic stops include Curio Bay, Nugget Point Lighthouse, and Purakaunui Falls

Explore New Zealand’s wild southern coast on a scenic one-way tour from Dunedin to Invercargill, traversing the breathtaking Catlins. This full-day adventure features stunning landscapes, including the Nugget Point Lighthouse, Purakaunui Falls, and the ancient petrified forest at Curio Bay. Enjoy a delightful lunch stop in the quirky village of Papatowai, and keep an eye out for native wildlife like seals and penguins. With a maximum of 15 guests, travel in comfort with an expert local guide, ensuring a personal and enriching experience throughout the journey. - Scenic 9-hour tour from Dunedin to Invercargill through the Catlins - Visit iconic sites including Nugget Point and Purakaunui Falls - Enjoy lunch at Papatowai and explore the Lost Gypsy Caravan - Small group experience in a comfortable Mercedes-Benz vehicle

Explore the stunning scenery of New Zealand on this small group tour from Tekapo to Queenstown via Mt Cook. Journey through the breathtaking Aoraki National Park, and enjoy free time for optional hikes or scenic flights. With expert guides sharing fascinating stories and insights, this tour promises an enriching experience. Relax in modern minibuses while taking in the majestic views of the Southern Alps and charming towns like Omarama and Cromwell along the way. - Duration: Approximately 9 hours - Small group tour for a more personalized experience - Free time to hike or engage in optional activities - Snacks and refreshments provided throughout the journey

Explore the stunning landscapes of Fiordland National Park on this premium small group tour from Te Anau to Queenstown, featuring a boutique cruise on Milford Sound. Begin your journey with a morning pickup in a comfortable Mercedes-Benz van and enjoy breathtaking sights like Mirror Lakes and the impressive Darran Mountains. At Milford Sound, experience an intimate cruise showcasing iconic Mitre Peak and local wildlife. Afterward, savor a picnic lunch amidst the scenery before a scenic drive back to Queenstown, with plenty of photo opportunities included along the way. Duration: Approximately 10 hours, fully guided Small group sizes for an intimate experience Picnic lunch and refreshments included Visit major highlights like Milford Sound, Eglinton Valley, and more

Travel from Queenstown to Wānaka and experience the stunning Cardrona Valley. This one-way tour, led by passionate guides with deep local knowledge, features iconic stops including breathtaking views from the Crowne Range and a visit to the historic Cardrona Hotel. Enjoy comfortable transportation in modern minibuses with hotel pickup and drop-off included. With a focus on small groups, expect unique surprises and engaging stories along your journey. - One-way small group tour from Queenstown to Wānaka - Includes stops at Crowne Range viewpoints and Cardrona Hotel - Comfortable minibuses - Discover unique local insights from expert guides

Journey from Wanaka to Queenstown, soaking in the stunning views of the Southern Alps and Cardrona Valley. This small group tour is fully guided and designed for comfort, making stops at iconic sites like the historic Cardrona Hotel and the breathtaking Crowne Range lookout. Your passionate guide will share insightful stories along the way, creating a memorable experience. Travel in a modern, comfortable minibus with a small group. Visit the historic Cardrona Hotel and enjoy the scenic Crowne Range Lookout.

Travel from Christchurch to the stunning Lake Tekapo on a fully-guided small group tour. This 3-hour journey showcases the picturesque Canterbury plains, where your passionate guides will share insider stories along the way. Stop at the charming town of Fairlie to pick up a delicious picnic lunch before arriving at the breathtaking Lake Tekapo, famous for its vibrant blue waters and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. Enjoy a comfortable ride in modern minibuses with plenty of extra amenities for your convenience. - Small group tour ensuring a personalized experience - Guided commentary from knowledgeable tour leaders - Picnic lunch included for your journey

Travel from Lake Tekapo to Christchurch in a comfortable, small group setting. This one-way transfer offers a unique opportunity to soak in stunning views and highlights along the way. With passionate guides who share stories and insights, the journey is enriched with local knowledge and pleasant surprises. After a picturesque drive, you'll be dropped off at your chosen accommodation in Christchurch, ready to enjoy the evening in the Garden City. - Small group tour ensuring a personal experience - Scenic drive with commentary from knowledgeable guides - Complimentary Wi-Fi and USB charging available on board - Includes drop-off at central accommodation in Christchurch

This special couples pass offers an unforgettable experience featuring gold panning, warm drinks, and a complimentary Shantytown Souvenir Guide. Share in the excitement of searching for gold while enjoying each other's company. Perfect for a unique date idea, this pass lets you create lasting memories together in a fun, interactive setting. Enhance your adventure with the included souvenir guide that brings Shantytown to life.

Enjoy a comfortable cruise on our 28 seat super taxi Moutimu and a knowledgeable Kiwi skipper to answer your questions along the way. Cruise through outstanding mountain scenery to the remote Mou Waho Island nature reserve. We are contracted to the Department of Conservation and every guest contributes to funding the conservation work on Mou Waho Island ensuring that it is a predator-free conservation area for our unique native birds and other fauna. Here you can see first-hand results of conservation efforts including the rare flightless Buff Weka (extinct on the mainland since 1920), the Mountain Stone Weta and many other native birds. A two hour self-guided nature walk is included and this will take you up to the natural glacial lake right on top of the island and magnificent mountain and lake scenery in every direction. This is rated as one of the top activities by visitors to Wanaka and rated among the best Wanaka walks and hikes.

Take a leisurely 45 minute cruise out to Stevensons Arm, home to Mount Burke high country sheep station. Enjoy some of Wanaka's world famous scenery including Mount Gold which rises majestically into the Northern skyline. The commentary will inform you about Lake Wanaka and the surrounding scenery. Relax in comfort as you cruise to Stevensons Island where Dual Image will make a beach landing. Stevensons Island is an inspiration for photographers - shaped by glaciation and eons of winds that funnel down the arm, rock and twisted trunks meld into a patina of nature's finest backdrops. Enjoy 30 minutes at the island beach or relax on board the vessel. Your scenic cruise is complete with tea, coffee and cookies or enjoy a $7 drink from the bar as you cruise back to Wanaka. This luxury boat cruise is the most relaxing way to experience the scenery of Lake Wanaka and frequently rates in the top ten things to do in Wanaka!

Experience the enchanting Otago Peninsula on this 4.5-hour evening tour, where the highlight is witnessing the return of the Little Blue Penguins after a day at sea. Departing from the Octagon, you'll travel along the picturesque Highcliff Road and Hooper's Inlet, with opportunities to spot local wading birds and albatrosses. Enjoy some leisure time before the penguin viewing, perhaps grabbing a hot drink or browsing the souvenir shop. As the sun sets, prepare for a unique wildlife experience as the smallest penguins make their way back to shore.

Those wishing to experience Wanaka’s natural beauty will love this scenic bike tour. This easy grade, guided bike ride takes visitors along one of Wanaka’s beautiful rivers where they can take in the crystal blue waters and endless mountain vistas. This is a great opportunity to take in the sites of Wanaka while enjoying some gentle exercise.

A stunning guided ride along the banks of one of NZ’s most beautiful and powerful rivers. Varied riding, beautiful vistas and plenty of photo opportunities make this a must do trip for those who appreciate exercise and scenery.  Participants need to be able to ride a bike on loose sand and gravel, and up and down (moderate) hills. A medium level of fitness is required. The length of the ride is 12kms.

Fly to the vines with Altitude Tours on a Helicopter Wine Tour. Begin your day being picked up from your Queenstown accommodation before taking a scenic helicopter flight over Queenstown, soaring above stunning vineyards and mountain ranges before landing on a peak to enjoy a glass of local sparkling wine to kick start your bucket list wine tour. Touch down at your first cellar door where your guide will host you across four tasting experiences, including New Zealand’s largest wine cave. Along the way you’ll taste award winning wines, hear fascinating stories of the region and have the option to enjoy a winery lunch (additional cost). This experience takes wine touring to new heights, pairing fine wine with unforgettable views and people. Taste some of New Zealand’s best wines, on the World's Best Wine Tour (voted 2021). Venues typically include Gibbston Valley, Ayrburn, Kinross and Mt Rosa, though they may vary if a venue is unavailable.

Embark on a self-guided hike along the Queen Charlotte Track, starting with a scenic Cougar Line trip to Punga Cove. The 11km return trail leads through lush native bush and offers breathtaking views of the Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds. The final ascent to Eatwells Lookout presents a moderately challenging climb, culminating in 360-degree panoramic vistas. This adventure is perfect for those with a good fitness level, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a rewarding experience in New Zealand's stunning landscapes. - 11 km return hike featuring lush bush and stunning coastal views - Approximately 4-5 hours of walking, plus 1.5 hours by water taxi each way - Moderate to challenging trail suitable for fit hikers - Track Pass required for access, available for purchase at reception

A thrilling jet boat ride and a scenic helicopter tour are both must-do activities in New Zealand. Save yourself time and hassle by combining them in one easy trip. Departing from Christchurch, you’ll fly over the scenic Canterbury countryside, admiring the pristine braided rivers as you go. Soon you’ll be zipping over them in a jet boat navigated by an expert driver who will keep you safe while you’re having fun.