Top South Island Tours by Duration - page 7

The area surrounding Christchurch has so much to see that it can be tough to know how best to take it all in on your own. Instead, on this full-day guided tour, explore a curated selection of activities and attractions, including wandering through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, an ocean-view picnic at Louise’s Lookout, and even a visit to a working sheep farm.

On this full-day small-group shore excursion, tour Larnach Castle and look out for local birds and wildlife on a cruise. After a pickup from your cruise ship in Port Chalmers, admire the views on the drive around to the Otago Peninsula. Warm jackets and binoculars are available for your use while spotting royal albatross and New Zealand fur seals on the cruise. Learn more from your guide’s live commentary.

Discover Dunedin and the spectacular Otago Peninsula on a relaxed guided small-group tour (max 10 guests) away from crowded bus tours. Highlights include: • Dunedin Railway Station • Baldwin Street – the world’s steepest street • Explore Larnach Castle Gardens (castle interior entry not included) • Sandfly Bay coastal scenery, beaches, cliffs, sheep & cattle farmland • Look out for New Zealand sea lions along the coastline • Visit the Royal Albatross Centre area (observatory tour not included) • Scenic Otago Peninsula coastal drive • Friendly local guided commentary throughout the journey Designed for cruise passengers, nature lovers, and travelers seeking a more personal Dunedin experience.

See the sheer cliffs of Milford Sound from the air and water on this half-day tour from Queenstown by sightseeing plane and catamaran. Fly over Fiordland National Park, part of a UNESCO-listed landscape, then touch down at Milford Sound for a nature cruise. This tour is perfect for photography and wildlife watching, and hotel pickup and drop-off from centrally located Queenstown hotels is included.

Gain up-close access to the remote alpine landscapes of the South Island on a premier helicopter flight. This 40-minute aerial tour from Aoraki/Mt. Cook Village soars above the Southern Alps and makes a snow landing atop Tasman Glacier, where you’ll enjoy prime views of Aoraki/Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. Back in the air, fly through the Burnett Mountains and marvel at the expansive Mackenzie Basin below.

For a full day of adventure and nature, join this pack-rafting experience. Set on the mighty Matukituki River, just a short drive from Wānaka, you’ll start by walking to a waterfall and then gearing up for your paddle. Learn the basics of paddling before climbing aboard your lightweight, stable, two-person rafts and taking in the mountains and glaciers of the Mt. Aspiring National Park. All guests must be able to swim to participate.

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon on Lake Te Anau on a tour that combines a cruise and guided nature walk in Fiordland National Park. Board an historic motorized yacht at the wharf for a relaxed cruise with afternoon tea. After a bush walk with mountain views, set sail for the return. This cruise is limited to 16 passengers to ensure a comfortable, personal experience.

Pair superb views of the Marlborough Sounds with a bowl of freshly steamed greenshell mussels on this culinary and sightseeing afternoon cruise. Sail aboard a boat with both indoor and outdoor viewing areas. Try a glass or two of local Marlborough wine (own expense), great for pairing with your mussels. Soak up the scenery, learn about marine farming in the Marlborough Sounds, and pass a local mussel farm.

Enjoy a fully guided tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula on this shore excursion from Port Chalmers. See key Dunedin landmarks in the city, such as the historic University of Otago, seriously steep Baldwin Street, and the neo-gothic Dunedin Railway Station. Then head to the Otago Peninsula to explore Larnach Castle on a guided tour, with a table reserved in the Ballroom Cafe for lunch (own expense).

Enjoy getting out of Dunedin for half a day and traveling to the wildlife-filled Otago Peninsula without the stress of renting a car. Travel out to a conservation area and secluded beach on a headland, where you will look out for yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals, albatross, sea lions, and more. The small-group setting means you can ask questions and go at a gentle pace.

Explore Dunedin’s highlights in just half a day without running out of time on a small-group shore excursion city tour. Visit historic Olveston House, the University of Otago, and Baldwin Street, officially the world’s steepest street. Enjoy panoramic views from Signal Hill and free time in the Octagon. Transfers are available from the cruise port or Dunedin Railway Station. Group numbers are limited for a personalized experience.

Experience the most comprehensive Milford Sound day trip from Queenstown. An expert nature guide accompanies you throughout both the coach and cruise journeys. Travel in a premium glass-roof coach through Fiordland with scenic photo stops along the way, while your Nature Guide shares the region's rich stories of history, geology and wildlife. Arrive at Milford Sound ready for your extended cruise through this world-famous scenery aboard a spacious vessel. The boat features both indoor cabins and outdoor viewing decks, perfect for watching wildlife and feeling the spray of waterfalls. With multiple language options via our app and free refreshments onboard, this cruise is designed for those who want the most complete Milford Sound experience

The Tour Start Time will be adjusted, where necessary to meet the cruise ships schedule. The start time displayed is a default time and not necessarily relevant to your cruise ships itinerary. Enjoy, both a complete morning tour of Christchurch city with a lunch and tastings at 3 beautiful wineries in the Waipara region on shore excursion from Lyttelton. This tour includes all major city attractions such as Mona Vale Gardens, historic buildings, botanical gardens and spectacular view of the southern alps and canterbury plains from the Sign of the Takahe. At the conclusion of your city tour, enjoying wine tasting from 3 popular wineries in the Waipara region.

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.

Explore the magic of Milford Sound on our, unforgettable Milford Sound Day Tour! Discover New Zealand’s pristine beauty as you journey through Fiordland's rugged landscapes, awe-inspiring peaks, and glistening waters. Our carefully curated tour combines the thrill of adventure with moments of serene relaxation, showcasing the unparalleled wonders of this World Heritage site. You’ll be transported in comfort with breathtaking scenic stops along the way, guided by passionate locals who share insights into the area’s geology, history, and wildlife. Capture sweeping views of waterfalls cascading down towering cliffs and glistening fiords that define Milford Sound’s untamed allure. You also have a chance at encountering New Zealand’s iconic seals, playful dolphins, and diverse bird species. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and let the magic of Milford Sound create lasting memories on this extraordinary day tour. Perfect for nature lovers, families, and adventurers alike!

Explore some of Marlborough’s top wineries on an afternoon wine tour from Blenheim with tastings at three or four or carefully selected wineries. Round-trip transport from your hotel is provided so you can avoid the risk of drinking and driving, or the annoyance of designating a sober driver. Learn about the history and terroir of local wines and admire the beautiful vineyard landscape around Blenheim.

When your cruise ship arrives in Picton, take advantage of a half-day excursion that introduces you to four Marlborough wineries handpicked by a guide. On this small-group tour you’ll taste the region’s sauvignon blanc and pinot noir, stroll through Blenheim vineyards, and sample boutique chocolates. Round-trip minivan transport is provided from the nearby i-SITE.

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.

Explore the scenic waterways of the Marlborough Sounds on a small-group half-day cruise by mail boat from Havelock. The historic Pelorus Mail Boat delivers mail, groceries, and freight to residents along this remote inland waterway where the boat is the main link to the outside world. Hear commentary from the crew about the region, and perhaps have time to disembark at spots along the way (conditions permitting).

Visit several wineries in the Marlborough wine region on a half-day tour from Picton. Enjoy wine tasting at each location, and learn about New Zealand's prolific wine industry from your guide on this comprehensive wine tour. Includes transfers from central Picton or Picton accommodation, plus all wine-tasting fees. Eat before the tour to fully enjoy the wine-tasting experience.

Experience the best of New Zealand’s largest wine-producing region without the hassle of having to drive–or to designate a sober driver. This half-day tour of the Marlborough region visits 3-4 premier wineries, with a lunch stop with vineyard views at one. Time at a brewery and a chocolate shop can also be arranged. This is a fun tour for couples or groups of friends.

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.

During this half-day nature cruise in the Marlborough Sounds, enthusiastic marine biologists point out wildlife including New Zealand fur seals and several species of dolphins: Hector's, bottlenose, and dusky. Spot rare seabirds and learn about the history between Cook and the Māori people of Aotearoa while you’re treated to refreshments on board. Board in Picton and travel up Queen Charlotte Sound to difficult-to-reach Motuara Island and Ship Cove.

Immerse yourself in Maori culture, history, and wine with this small-group wine tasting and culture tour in Wanaka. Enjoy convenient pickup from your Wanaka hotel or accommodations and travel around in air-conditioned comfort. Visit two wineries to sample wines and learn about Maori culture and history in the region.