Tours & Sightseeing in South Island

This guided tour from Christchurch includes a Hagglund snowmobile ride at the International Antarctic Centre and a dinner buffet at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Start with the Snow and Ice Experience and watch the antics of playful arctic birds at the Penguin Encounter, then observe both native and exotic animals "” including the endangered kiwi bird "” at the wildlife reserve after your five-course meal. Round-trip hotel transport is included.

Discover one of the jewels in the crown of New Zealand's spectacular South Island on this full day Milford Sound hiking tour with cruise. Travel along the Milford Road from Te Anau and enjoy panoramic views over the beautiful countryside. Enjoy a 2.5-hour boat cruise through the fiord and out to the Tasman Sea, and gaze over soaring clifftops and plummeting waterfalls. Afterward, choose from a series of guided walks in the area or a 2.5-hour unguided hike of the Routeburn Great Walk to Key Summit.

Explore the city of Dunedin with a knowledgeable local guide who takes you to points of interest where you can stop and have a look around. See the Olveston House, Cadbury World and the University of Otago. Enjoy views of Otago Harbour from the lookout point on Signal Hill, and drive down steep Baldwin Street. Pickup and drop-off is available from hotels, the cruise port or the Dunedin Railway Station. Numbers are limited to 15 people for a small-group experience, with personalized attention from your guide.

View the highlights of Christchurch on a 3-hour city sightseeing tour that introduces you to the architecture, gardens and waterways of 'The Garden City.' You'll drive past significant landmarks in the city center; meander around ponds and perennial gardens at Mona Vale Gardens; visit the seaside enclave of Sumner; and marvel at the vista over the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps from the 'Sign of the Takahe.' Choose a morning or afternoon departure, and upgrade to include the International Antarctic Center with an optional Hagglund vehicle ride.

Travel with a small group to explore the city of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula. You'll get personalized attention from your guide and enjoy an intimate atmosphere with your fellow travelers as you hit all the highlights, such as Larnach Castle, Penguin Place, the Octagon, the Dunedin Rail Station, the University of Otago, and more. Along the way, listen to engaging commentary from your guide and enjoy the opportunity to ask questions.

Add some more adrenaline to your Queenstown experience thanks to this 3-hour, self-guided, mountain biking adventure. Zoom down some of New Zealand's top single-track trails made famous by the film 'Follow Me,' as you take on rides like 'Zoot Trail,' Gold Miners' Pack Trail, Rude Rock, and Skippers Canyon. A rental mountain bike, protective gear, and shuttle to the trailhead are all included.

Explore Dunedin highlights on a 3-hour, small-group tour that goes from the city's historic landmarks to the beaches of the Otago Peninsula. You'll see the University of Otago, the Dunedin Railway Station, and more, then continue to the beautiful Otago Peninsula, pausing for a walk on St. Clair beach and esplanade. Group size is limited to 13 people to ensure personalized service, and this tour includes pickup and drop-off at Port Chalmers, with departure times that are tailored to cruise ship arrivals.

See a different side of Queenstown with an expert astronomy guide. Through Celestron telescopes, witness a sight that can't be seen with the naked eye: the constellations, planets, and nebulas above. Even learn to navigate using the Southern Cross constellation as your guide. No telescope experience is necessary, so this tour is suited to anyone. Also experience a night ride of the gondola, a must-do Queenstown attraction.

Discover volcanic landscapes and breathtaking scenery on New Zealand's South Island on this 9.5-hour Akaroa day trip from Christchurch. Take in top attractions including Governor's Bay, Gebbies Pass, Lake Ellesmere and Lake Forsyth with your guide. Ascend the Banks Peninsula for beautiful views over Akaroa Harbour and the volcanic crater. Then, sample locally made cheeses and admire colonial architecture around Akaroa. Cruise by catamaran into the harbor where diverse marine and bird life thrives, including rare Hector's dolphins. Upgrade your tour to enjoy a delicious lunch in Akaroa Village.

Hike on two renowned trails near Queenstown during a full-day tour that showcases New Zealand's natural beauty. Head to Bob's Cove Track in the morning, and the Routeburn Track in the afternoon, and get views of Lake Wakatipu, Mt Aspiring National Park, the Remarkables, and 'Lord Of The Rings' filming locations. Your guide tailors the walks to your group's fitness level for a more personalized experience.

Use your mobile device to download an MP3 audio guide and map for a self-guided walking tour of Picton. Step off your cruise ship or ferry into the postcard-perfect seaside town and take a cultural journey into Picton's past. With informative narration you'll learn about the Māori people, whaling history, and more.

Explore the city of Dunedin at your own pace with a 2-hour self-guided audio tour. Learn about the history and heritage of the city as you take in landmarks such as the Octagon, Dunedin Railway Station, and St Paul's Cathedral. You can also find some of New Zealand's steepest streets and local establishments like Speight's Brewery. Simply download the audio file and maps, then begin whenever you like.

For those with more time and keen to explore a little further, the Southern Explorer is the perfect choice! This full day kayaking trip will have you paddling through some of the region's most iconic, remote and beautiful landscapes towards the "˜gem' of the lake ' Mou Waho island.12-14kms of easy paddlingOptional 30-60minute walk up to the Mou Waho island look outFully catered with our gourmet picnic morning tea and lunchNo experience required (reasonable fitness expected)Power boat assisted.

Spend your time in Christchurch with tickets and transport to four top attractions. Enjoy a punt ride down the Avon River, a shuttle tour of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, a Christchurch Gondola ride to the Port Hills, and an independent hop-on hop-off tour of the city center aboard the Christchurch Tram. Visit the affluent coastal suburbs of Sumner and Redcliffs, or hop off at any of the 17 stops that showcase the highlights of New Zealand's second-largest city. Hotel pickup is included.

Visit three must-see Christchurch attractions in one day: the International Antarctic Centre, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. Experience firsthand what life is like on the ice of Antarctica via an all-terrain Hagglund ride; observe native and exotic animals at the wildlife reserve; and discover military history with two dozen fully restored aircraft representing the four ages of flight. Round-trip hotel transport is included.

Travel a 50-minute circuit aboard the Christchurch Tramway, which departs daily every 15 minutes. Use your ticket to hop on and hop off at 17 stops and create your own sightseeing itinerary. Drivers provide live commentary on the landmarks of this South Island city. Bonus: children up to age 15 travel free.

See why Christchurch is coined the "˜Garden City' on a 3.5-hour guided tour of its stunning garden landscapes. You'll visit a combination of award-winning private and public gardens such as Mona Vale, the Sanitarium factory gardens and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Stroll past ponds, fountains, rose gardens and glass conservatories as you learn about herbs, roses, perennials and more. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included. 

Traverse the back roads of Skippers Canyon, accessed only by 4WD vehicle, on this private photography tour. Beginner or advanced photographers will find plenty of fantastic photo ops of this rustic landscape near Queenstown. Focus your lens on the glaciated waters of the Shotover River and learn about its former gold mining days. You'll make multiple stops en route, including afternoon tea.

This Segway tour of Queenstown covers a lot of ground in less time. Embark on a 1- or 2-hour tour aboard your personal transporter. Your guide leads you around the shores of Lake Wakatipu, passing natural landmarks along the way. Select from various departure times throughout the day. This small-group tour is limited to eight people to ensure personalized attention.

These Hop on Hop Off 'Soaring Kiwi Tours' are the very best way to experience the 'magic' of Christchurch!  With a mix of open and closed top double-decker buses, you will ride in comfort and style, enjoying spectacular views from the top deck. See first-hand the exciting rebuild that is taking place after the devastating 2011 earthquakes. Enjoy fantastic views from the top deck of our double decker-buses, while being entertained by the commentary from our local Kiwi guides. Chose from our 1 hour Central Tour Route or 2 hour Discover Route or for the complete tour take advantage of the savings with our Combo Tour Pass. 48 Hour Combo Passes also include free entry to Quake City!