Cultural & Theme Tours in South Island

Get to know Queenstown's highlights, history, culture, and scenery on this half-day tour. With a small group limited to just 11 people or fewer, travel in a minivan to locales such as Crown Terrace Viewpoint, the Shotover River, Lake Hayes, Arrowtown, and others. Pickup and drop-off in central Queenstown included.

The Seasider is a scenic railway route between Dunedin and Waitati, affording spectacular views along the Pacific coast. On this tour, enjoy a hassle-free experience with prepaid tickets and soak up the scenery on-board the 90-minute round-trip train ride. Along the way, admire views of the Otago Peninsula, including Otago Harbour, Port Chalmers, Careys Bay, and Blueskin Bay.

Explore New Zealand's Maori culture, and marvel at geysers and mud pools beneath Mt Maunganui on this full-day Rotorua tour. Travel from Tauranga Port by coach with your guide and discover some of the North Island's top attractions. Admire pristine beaches and million-dollar homes in Mt Maunganui. Visit the Kiwi 360 Visitor Centre to sample homegrown wine and fruit. Discover dense forests, shimmering lakes and rolling farmland, and immerse yourself in Maori culture in Rotorua. See bubbling mud pools and shooting geysers, and gain insight into traditional Maori crafts.

See one of New Zealand's finest private art collections at the Olveston Historic Home in Dunedin. Containing more than 240 local and international artworks acquired by the Theomin family between the late 1800s and the early 1960s, the Thoemin collection hangs on the walls of the 35-room mansion. Daily guided tours, provided with your entrance ticket, offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the artworks.

Join a small group for a full-day tour of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula. During the city tour, see landmarks such as the University of Otago, Baldwin Street, and Scottish heritage sites. Next explore the Otago Peninsula, including Otago Harbour, Sandfly Bay, Tunnel Beach, and historic Larnach Castle. Your tour includes pickup and drop-off in central Dunedin or the port.

Experience the South Island's only Māori Cultural Experience - an interactive, fun and educational journey through time of an ancient people. - Experience a traditinal Māori pōwhiri (welcome - Learn about the tools and skills of the Māori hunter - Enjoy an interactive and entertaining kapahaka performance

If you're traveling to New Zealand's South Island and skipping the North Island, there's no reason you should miss out on a combined Maori cultural show, hangi dinner, and kiwi bird sighting experience. This combined package includes them all, and is the only place in the South Island to do so. It's a fun and convenient way to experience New Zealand's unique culture, cuisine, and nature.

Learn more about New Zealand's Maori culture while enjoying a delicious hangi dinner located in a natural forest setting. This is the only place in the South Island where you can have such an experience. It's a fun activity for travelers with all sorts of interests, including those who want to get a glimpse into Maori cultural traditions, as well as families.

Treat yourself to a special evening at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch. Experience a traditional Maori cultural performance and view the kiwi bird in its natural habitat. Visit the Ko Tane marae, a living Maori village, where you're informed and entertained with Maori dance and song including the 'haka' (war dance). Then observe endangered North Island brown kiwis and South Island kiwis - flightless birds native to New Zealand.

Experience the South Island's only Māori Cultural Experience & guaranteed kiwi viewing all in one location. An 'up close, personal and interactive' experience including New Zealand's wildlife and culture. - General entry to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve - 45 minute guided kiwi tour - 1.5 hour interactive Māori Cultural experience

Enjoy a fully guided tour of Larnach Castle during a day of sightseeing in Dunedin with a small group. See key landmarks such as the Larnach family tomb in Dunedin's old Northern Cemetery. Visit the University of Otago, Dunedin Botanic Garden, Baldwin Street and the Dunedin Railway Station. Then head to the hills of the Otago Peninsula to explore the famous century-old castle. Pickup and drop-off is available from hotels or the cruise port.

Visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in New Zealand, and admire World War I aircraft and artifacts on this 'Knights of the Sky' Great War exhibition in Blenheim. Marvel at Sir Peter Jackson's own collection of planes and memorabilia, and gain insight into the technologies of the time. See the Great War brought back to life in awe-inspiring detail and gain insight into the aircrafts' capabilities in the context of battle. Upgrade your ticket to explore the site with a guide and learn more about the various exhibits on show.

Travel to Christchurch via the Banks Peninsula on a full-day Akaroa shore excursion by luxury coach that includes sightseeing stops at Little River and Sign of the Takahe. You'll get great views across the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps on the trip from Akaroa to Christchurch, then step off the coach in a central, walkable location by the Canterbury Museum. With free time to explore Christchurch on your own, you can take in the sights, do some shopping, or just enjoy the city's historic atmosphere and architecture.

Though not as adrenaline-packed as the Olympic sport, the Queenstown luge winds downhill with stunning 220-degree views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range beyond. Ride the Skyline Gondola up to the top of Bob's Peak where you'll experience the Skyline Luge Queenstown on five rides - sure to satisfy any thrill-seeker. Choose the scenic track or descend a steeper gradient on the advanced track, or switch between the two specially designed routes.