Top South Island Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises - page 7

Travelers short on time in the South Island won’t miss out on exploring the Southern Alps with this easy day tour from Christchurch. Take the train there and a car on the way back. Hop aboard the TranzAlpine train in Christchurch for the ride through the Canterbury Plains, Waimakariri Gorge, and up to Arthur’s Pass National Park. Explore the village, take bush walks, and see the limestone rock formations of Castle Hill.

-IMPORTANT UPDATE- *Operating year-round with no minimum passenger requirement and a capacity of up to 60 passengers, our shuttle lets you enjoy this self-guided walk at your own pace and share this unforgettable experience with fellow travellers. Experience the freedom of exploring Mount Cook National Park on a day trip with us! - Highly recommended for the following people - Hikers and Adventurers: For those seeking outdoor adventures and hiking opportunities, our one-day trip is the perfect choice. You have enough time to complete the Hooker Valley Track at your own pace. Photography Enthusiasts: If capturing picturesque landscapes is your passion, the scenic views along the way and at Mount Cook will provide you with ample opportunities for remarkable photographs. Family and Friends: The tour caters to all age groups, making it a great choice for families and friends to create lasting memories together.

Immerse yourself in the natural landscape of the Otago Peninsula on this small-group tour. Don't worry about navigating your way on unfamiliar roads, with your guide driving you there. Enjoy taking in the local wildlife and the chance to see native blue penguins. Ideal for nature-lovers and those looking to take a break from the city.

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, and more.

Make the most of the pristine night skies over the Mackenzie Basin with this observatory experience tailored for first-time stargazers. Watch the night sky through one of Cowan’s Observatory’s telescopes, finding stars, constellations and other hidden secrets with the help of one of the observatory’s knowledgeable astronomy guides. With discounted tickets for visitors aged 17 and under, this is a great way to introduce children to the wonders of the Milky Way.

Explore the unspoiled bays of Rakiura Stewart Island on a minibus tour with a local guide. Starting from Oban village, your narrated tour covers Lee Bay, Halfmoon Bay, and Horseshoe Bay. Stop for photos of Paterson Inlet from Observation Rock, and hop off the vehicle for short walks along the hour-long route. As you can’t bring your car to the island, this is a great way to see a lot.

Take in a slice of rustic Marlborough living on this mail boat cruise of Tōtaranui / Queen Charlotte Sound. Life in the sounds is remote, and this tour offers the chance to share in the excitement of mail day. Enjoy a free morning in Picton before spending your afternoon cruising past isolated bays, with a unique route on offer each day. Ask your skipper about the history of the Queen Charlotte Sound, and benefit from their help spotting the wildlife that frequent these waterways.

Join this 45-minute Helicopter scenic experience through Aoraki Mt Cook National Park for a helicopter tour like no other! Sit back, relax, and soak in the breathtaking views from the moment you’re airborne. Experience everything Mt Cook National Park has to offer. Glacier landing (10-15 minutes) on the Tasman Glacier, fly to the top of the Tasman Glacier Check in closes 45 minutes to the flight time

Be introduced to one of New Zealand’s Great Walks without having to do the whole thing on a morning or afternoon guided hike on a portion of the Routeburn Track. After a pickup from central Queenstown, head into the mountains of Mt. Aspiring National Park. Follow your guide at a relaxed pace through lush forests and experience the tranquility of the Routeburn River and its waterfalls along the way.

Discover Milford Sound on the original small-group glass-roof tour from Queenstown with Altitude Tours. Travel in a custom-built Mercedes Sprinter featuring an expansive glass roof, panoramic windows, leather seats, Wi-Fi and USB charging. With a maximum of just 15 guests, enjoy a relaxed, personalised experience away from the crowds. Your knowledgeable local guide will share fascinating commentary, local history and hidden gems as you journey through Fiordland National Park, stopping at iconic viewpoints and scenic locations along the spectacular Milford Road. A freshly prepared packed picnic lunch is included to enjoy during the day. In Milford Sound, board a small-group nature cruise and experience towering peaks, cascading waterfalls and native wildlife, including seals, dolphins and, if you're lucky, the rare Fiordland crested penguin. This is Milford Sound at its most personal and unforgettable.

Skip the minivans, the strangers, and the set list of cellar doors on this self-guided tour around the Marlborough wine region. Spend the day cycling around the vineyards and countryside outside Blenheim with your group, dropping in at the wineries and restaurants that you want to visit. If you’re having trouble building an itinerary of your own, get customized recommendations based on your tastes and interests.

Witness the majesty of the Southern Alps from both the ground and the air on this full-day, small-group combination bus, helicopter, and ski plane tour. Most travelers miss the opportunity to see the area from so many different vantage points. Heading out from Queenstown, see the azure waters of Lake Dunstan and Lake Pukaki before spotting Mount Cook’s (Aoraki’s) snow-capped peaks cresting the horizon. Then, hop aboard your aircraft for a flight through the mountains, including a landing at Tasman Glacier.

Explore the serene waters of Lake Mapourika on this kayak adventure from Franz Josef town. Paddle with your guide out onto Lake Mapourika, avoiding the risk of getting lost and learning about the landscape and geology as you go. Enjoy uninterrupted views and marvel at the reflective views of the Southern Alps. Head into a kiwi sanctuary in a protected estuary and explore some of the country’s oldest untouched rainforest.t.

Get a comprehensive tour of Milford Sound with this combination coach tour and boat cruise from Te Anau. Avoid the hassle of self-driving along the mountainous Milford Road by going with a guide and group in a low-emission vehicle. Stop for photo ops and short walks en route. Then, transfer to a boat for a scenic cruise on Milford Sound. Enjoy lunch and unlimited coffee and tea on the water.

Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest wine region, and also famous for the scenic waterways of the Marlborough Sounds. Discover both on this full-day small-group tour without the risk of self-driving. After a pickup from Picton or Blenheim, visit several wineries for expert-led wine tastings. Tuck into a light lunch before setting sail on a Marlborough Sounds cruise, admiring the views as you sample delicious local salmon and greenshell mussels.

After a catamaran cruise across Lake Wanaka to Mou Waho Island—which sits in the middle of the lake—spot rare native birds that are extinct on mainland New Zealand. Thanks to successful conservation efforts, the island is a rare haven for birdlife. Enjoy a guided hike with an expert guide to a lake at the top of the island, an experience that’s rated one of the best must-do activities in Wanaka.

Make the most of your limited time on land with a handy shore excursion from Akaroa Harbour through the Banks Peninsula and to Christchurch. Drive past city landmarks, including the Christ Church Cathedral that is being rebuilt after devastating earthquakes, and stroll through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens with a guide to tell you about the city’s history and culture. This is an easy way to discover Christchurch’s highlights without self-driving.

Watch the spectacular stars above the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve on a tour that starts with a guided constellation tour, and ends in the warm waters of Tekapo Springs. Using a floating hammock in the hot pools is ideal for an evening of stargazing that won’t leave you with a sore neck, and access to an indoor star projector means you’re guaranteed to see stars in any weather.

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.

Fans of “The Lord of the Rings” won’t want to miss this fun half-day tour to several filming locations around Queenstown. Admire views of Skippers Canyon, Arrowtown, Lake Hayes, and elsewhere as you listen to your guide’s stories and see where scenes were filmed. Also get the chance to dress up in authentic costumes and hold movie props while posing for photos—an experience you wouldn’t get going alone.

The cliffs, fjords, and waterfalls of Milford Sound are among the most impressive natural wonders of New Zealand’s South Island. This tour is ideal for those short on time, including round-trip flights from Queenstown and up to two hours of free time at Milford Sound. Enjoy spectacular aerial views over the Fiordland National Park, Mount Aspiring National Park, and Lake Wakatipu; then touchdown to hike around the Sound with views of Mitre Peak and Lady Bowen Falls.

Embark on a cruise of Fiordland’s Doubtful Sound, starting from an easy-to-find location in Te Anau village. Travel by coach to Manapouri Lake for a short boat ride, followed by a bus trip over Wilmot Pass. En route, stop for alpine views of Fiordland National Park, park of a UNESCO-listed landscape, before taking in the dramatic landscapes, soaring peaks, and wildlife of Doubtful Sound on a cruise.

Visit New Zealand's largest wine cave and taste 3 local wines. Known as “Valley of the Vines”, Gibbston boasts vineyards sandwiched between rugged mountains and the Kawarau River gorge. It is well-known for its pinot noir. See the region's first vines, originally planted in 1983, and hear their backstory as you sip.

On your cruise ship stopover in Picton, make sure not to miss any of the top spots in the Marlborough wine region by booking this hop-on hop-off bus tour. Eliminate the hassle of navigating between top attractions around Blenheim, including numerous wineries, beer gardens, the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, and more. See what you want and skip the rest, and spend as much time at each location as you’d like.