Top South Island Tours by Duration - page 12

Designed for cruise ship travelers docked at Lyttelton, depart the port and head out to see a working sheep farm and the charming Christchurch City. Watch sheep dogs muster the sheep, learn about wool production and try some home baking. Then take in the highlights of Christchurch’s city center, seeing the rebuild underway since the earthquakes in 2010 and 2011.

Hike around Lake Matheson while learning more about the area’s ecology on a private nature walk. With a guide in the lead, you can focus on the scenery and on learning about the area's flora, fauna, and unique ecosystem. Admire the reflections of Mt. Tasman and Mt. Cook in the glassy surface of the lake. Evening departures give the best chance of calm conditions for the best reflections.

Sheep farming is an important activity in New Zealand but it can be hard for tourists to experience this first-hand. Visit a working sheep farm in rural Canterbury on a day trip from Christchurch to learn more. Enjoy morning or afternoon tea and watch a sheep-shearing demonstration. Upgrade to include wine tasting at a local vineyard, where you can sip various vintages. Includes hotel transfers from centrally located hotels.

See many of the most impressive and interesting sights around Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula in just one day on this tour, specifically designed for cruise ship travelers. Meet your guide at the port and then head out to see New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle, the authentic Chinese Gardens, the fascinating Settlers Museum, the world’s steepest street and much more.

Benefit from clear views of the southern sky at night on a star-gazing tour on the Otago Peninsula. Depart from Dunedin in the evening—timing is dependent on the season as the sky needs to be completely dark. Your guide shares Māori stories about the celestial bodies, and serves up a light supper. This area is ideal for viewing the southern lights (aurora australis) under certain conditions.

Perfect for photography lovers, enjoy a full-day private photography tour in Queenstown and the surrounding area. Start your day in charming Queenstown and then head further afield. The exact itinerary is up to you, but possible destinations include Arrowtown, Glenorchy, Wanaka, Skippers Canyon and more. Your guide is a local photographer, so will be able to give you lots of advice on how to get the best shots.

Active travelers will love this kayaking tour along the coast of the Abel Tasman National Park from Marahau. Avoid the risk of getting lost or straying into risky water by going with a guide and a small group (max. 8). Check out colonies of fur seals at Shag Harbour and Tonga Island. Paddle to idyllic Anchorage Beach before getting a water taxi back to Marahau.

Learn to take beautiful landscape photos in magical surroundings with this half-day photography tour. Start your tour in charming Queenstown, getting out and taking a range of shots before making your way to the dramatic Skippers Canyon. Here you will be able to take some sunset photos before returning to your Queenstown accommodation.

After complimentary accommodation pick-up, we will set off for the heart of Gibbston on a small private tour to visit four cellar doors and journey into the ‘valley of the vines’ to discover these vineyards nestled amongst the spectacular mountain ranges and dramatic river gorges. In one of the wineries, you will enjoy a gourmet lunch in a stunning setting, soaking up the views and the relaxed atmosphere. We will visit boutique wineries that are off the beaten path. There is no set routine, so every day is an adventure. The choice of the wineries visited will vary each day based on your individual group's dynamics. The overall focus is on high-quality wines as well as friendly and informative staff. Please contact us in advance to inform us of any dietary restrictions or special requests for your tour.

New Zealand’s fantasy landscapes have long enchanted photographers and filmmakers, and now’s your chance to capture your very own postcard-worthy shots. Accompanied by a professional photographer, this private full-day tour from Queenstown offers spectacular views of natural wonders like Skippers Canyon, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables Range, as well as "The Lord of the Rings" filming locations, historic gold mines, and heritage sites.

Experience the Waipara wine valley and the city of Christchurch during this full-day, guided, small-group tour with transportation in a luxury mini-van. See the city sights as your guide provides commentary and recommendations of what to do in New Zealand’s largest city. Look out at Lyttelton Port and the Canterbury farmlands from atop Port Hills and head north to the region’s wine country to visit boutique vineyards.

The Goldrush Tour was created with one goal: to be Queenstown's most detailed historical experience Travelling through Skippers Canyon with up to 11 guests, professionally produced documentary-style stories bring the history to life through a premium onboard audio system. Available in 8 languages, these stories deliver a level of historical detail impossible to achieve through traditional live commentary with multiple audio channels available, including music and dedicated children's storytelling At the many photo stops, your local host shares fascinating historical photographs, answers questions, and provides additional insight into the landscape and its remarkable past. The tour concludes at a historic pub dating back more than 160 years, where you can enjoy a complimentary drink before returning to Queenstown Lasting up to 4 hours, The Goldrush Tour offers an immersive way to discover the stories, scenery, and heritage that shaped one of New Zealand's most remarkable landscapes

Situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Whakatipu, Walter Peak High Country Farm is the perfect place to spend a relaxing few hours. Immerse yourself in nature and learn about conservation throughout New Zealand. Begin your trip with a 45 minute cruise aboard the Vintage TSS Earnslaw, an integral part of Queenstown’s pioneering history and to this day a Queenstown icon. You will be greeted by our rural host, who will give you a tour of the stunning Restaurant Garden and showcase the beautiful native plants. Sample fresh produce straight from the veggie beds and orchard! Next savour a delicious garden platters made with with ingredients just harvested during your visit. This is the perfect adventure for those who want to give back to the environment while immersing themselves in New Zealand’s native scenery. You will then have the opportunity to have a hands on role in Walter Peaks land restoration project by planting a native tree or shrub from our nursery.

• This private photography tour provides a flexible itinerary & starting times. • You can choose an astrophotography tour option between February & November. • Your guide/photographer carries public liability insurance, holds a first aid certificate and has a Passenger Service license. All of this provides confidence and peace of mind to the clients that this local business offers only the high quality, safe and enjoyable experiences.

New Zealand's highest peak deserves more than a drive-past. This full-day small-group tour from Queenstown travels north via Kawarau Gorge, before heading through the Mackenzie District to Lake Pukaki and Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Your guide leads the day with local knowledge, te reo Māori place names, and stories of the land. At 3724 metres, Aoraki is New Zealand's highest peak and a sacred ancestor to Ngā Tahu iwi. You have two to two and a half hours at the national park: walk the Tasman Glacier Viewpoint Track through the moraines of Haupapa, New Zealand's longest glacier or Hooker Valley, or explore Mt Cook Village. Scenic flights available on the day. Heading home: the Ōmārama Clay Cliffs, the Cardrona Hotel (1863), and a Crown Range lookout over Queenstown from the highest main road in Aotearoa. Lunch, water and snacks included. WiFi and USB charging on board. Group capped at 16. Carbon neutral within the national park.

Take to the sky with this scenic hot air balloon ride that departs from the foothills around Mt. Hutt. Your expert pilots will elevate you to 9500 feet (2896 meters) above the Canterbury Plains, offering panoramic views stretching west to the mountains and east to the Pacific Ocean. Prepare for an exciting journey as you glide above treetops and admire the landscape below. To the west, marvel at the majestic snow-capped Southern Alps.

While lots of tours help you discover Queenstown’s rich winemaking heritage, not many pair the experience with the chance to sample local beer and craft gin, too. On this half-day small-group tour, head to a range of popular spots across the region, including a Central Otago winery, a gin distillery, and a brewery for distinctly different tasting experiences of New Zealand's libations.

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

In other parts of the world, it may take several days to trek to places as beautiful as the Rob Roy Glacier, but we offer this experience in a World Heritage Area, in just one day! Our experienced local guides are with you from pick-up to drop-off, offering their knowledge of the area, it's history, flaura & fauna. The day begins with a scenic drive around Lake Wanaka into the Matukituki Valley. After driving through several fords, we arrive at Raspberry Hut. From here, this guided hike begins along the banks of the Matukituki River. We enter Mt Aspiring National Park via a swing bridge, crossing the river. The walk steadily climbs through New Zealand Beech Rainforest with a wide variety of flaura & fauna. After walking for 2.5 hours, the forest drops away and we enter open ground. Here the beauty of Rob Roy Glacier unfolds. Take time to relax and enjoy one of the best views Mother Nature offers, whilst enjoying a gourmet packed lunch!

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.

Embark on Wine Exposed Nelson, a journey where every sip tells a story! Discover Nelson's vibrant wine culture across its three distinct sub-regions. Guided by an expert, explore lush vineyards and boutique cellar doors of family-owned wineries. Savour the crisp chardonnays of Moutere, aromatic pinot gris of Waimea, and bold reds of Coastal Tasman. After a morning of tastings, enjoy a gourmet vineyard lunch, where local flavours pair perfectly with the region's finest wines. Immerse yourself in Nelson's natural beauty, history, and craftsmanship for an unforgettable wine adventure!

See Abel Tasman National Park by both land and sea on this combination sailing and walking day tour. After boarding a water taxi at Kaiteriteri Beach, enjoy scenes of Split Apple Rock and the Fisherman and Adele Islands. Land at Anchorage Bay and take a scenic walk around the Pitt Head loop, perhaps stopping for a swim at a secluded beach. Look out for local wildlife, including dolphins and seals.

Benefit from marine biologists' wildlife-spotting skills on this half-day morning or afternoon eco-tour from Picton. Cruise to Blumine Island in outer Queen Charlotte Sound, a predator-free bird sanctuary known for its rare orange-fronted kakariki and king shags, and search sheltered waters for wild dolphins. See rare seabirds, marine mammals, and endangered land birds protected in their natural environment. Light refreshments are provided to keep you energized.

This Akaroa shore excursion takes you sightseeing in Christchurch via a scenic drive through the Banks Peninsula. See the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Cathedral Square, and other city highlights before visiting the International Antarctic Centre, where you can learn more about the frozen continent. See penguins, feel the chill of Antarctic winds, and finish with a thrilling ride on an amphibious Hagglund vehicle.