Top Things to do in South Island
Countries
10 Cultural Tours in South Island That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in South Island, New Zealand including Wine Gourmet and Scenic Mini Group Tour for 8-9 seats, Culture in Context Tour on the Otago Peninsula with lunch, Dunedin Onshore Cruise Group Tour, Peninsula Wildlife Tour with Lunch, Nelson City Walking Tour - Guided, Queenstown Half Day Sighteeing 4WD Private Charter , Explore Shantytown Heritage Park & Gold Panning , Ultimate South - Hiking New Zealand - 15 days, Gibbston Valley Cave Guided Tour from Queenstown, Iconic Dunedin City Highlights Tour.
Restaurants in South Island
1. Wine Gourmet and Scenic Mini Group Tour for 8-9 seats
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Marlborough wines and Marlborough gourmet treats are the highlight of this tour. When you want a small group and a comfy small mini van style for you and your friends this is the tour for you! No more than 9 seats gives you a relaxed and personal experience tasting delicious wines and hearing about our great wine and food region that sets the amazing passion and memories for your visit. The scenic journey along the way will knock your socks off (astound you!) and you have the option of enjoying the beautiful water ways of the Marlborough Sounds and tasting our local seafood sensations with wine of course. If you are staying in Blenheim or Picton you are picked up from your accommodation and returned at the conclusion of your tour.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Food tasting, Wine tasting, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch
Reviewed By 676nataliew
This tour was fantastic! Our guide was so informative, guide was approachable and taught us lots about wine! She has a fantastic connection with the wineries and with this we received special treatment and we went to the best locations. Such an enjoyable day and have great memories!
2. Culture in Context Tour on the Otago Peninsula with lunch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Discover the beauty and rich history of Muaupoko, the Otago Peninsula, through a unique cultural lens.Take a journey with us to uncover how the early Māori and European settlers to this land lived and thrived. Māori, are of Polynesian decent, a sea faring people who travelled to Aotearoa, New Zealand, many centuries ago. Take a half day journey with Horizon Tours and let our guides tell you stories of those voyages, and how these resourceful settlers thrived in new lands surrounded by unfamiliar flora and fauna.Explore the Otago Peninsula and discover some of the iconic sights of interest as we drive along scenic coastal roads. Learn how early Māori lived, their customs and traditions. Hear how they interacted with European settlers, and how the two cultures created the landscape you see today.
Inclusions: Tea and Coffee, Water, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Antipasto lunch included (catered to dietary requirements)
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Tina3337
This was a great tour, Lyndon is an awesome guide, super knowledgeable, friendly and really looked after us. We saw sea lions, fur seal and so many little blue penguins! Highly recommend this tour :)
3. Dunedin Onshore Cruise Group Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Dunedin Onshore Cruise Tours for your small group of up to six or 11 by advance booking subject to availability. Heritage and Wildlife abounds and enjoy a personal and fun tour with you local chauffeur/guide. Dunedin welcomes you to the delightful Port Chalmers and the many unique aspects on your special day tour. Whatever your interests surround yourself with the Scottish feel of this region. Your Chauffeur will take you on a historical journey of beautiful landscapes, stunning Port Chalmers high top views and many options to choose from, including Larnach Castle, the only registered castle in New Zealand. Otago Peninsula with sightings of the Albatross soaring above the cliffs and protecting their nesting ground. History of the lighthouse and the inhabitants of long ago. Travel the inland route for scenic options of the Pacific Ocean views and the countryside. Returning along the Coastal seaside route as you return from the Peninsula.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Professional guide, Port pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food and drinks, Lunch
Reviewed By 676nataliew
This tour was fantastic! Our guide was so informative, guide was approachable and taught us lots about wine! She has a fantastic connection with the wineries and with this we received special treatment and we went to the best locations. Such an enjoyable day and have great memories!
4. Peninsula Wildlife Tour with Lunch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
See spectacular marine wildlife, learn from a conservation expert, discover intriguing Māori history, and explore the geological and biological diversity of our Otago Peninsula. Join us to discover some of the iconic Otago Peninsula's wildlife residents; albatross, penguins, seals and sea lions, all call this place home. This tour is also an excellent introduction to sites of significance to Maori, a fascinating culture that is often overshadowed by Dunedin’s more recent European history. Tour highlights include a boat cruise around Pukekura/Taiaroa Head and other wildlife viewing sites. Forest walk and delicious lunch.
Inclusions: Water, Tea or Coffee, Antipasto lunch included (catered to dietary requirements), Air-conditioned vehicle, Accommodation pick up/drop off is available
Exclusions: While we endeavour to show you many animals along the way, they might have different ideas! We cannot guarantee seeing all species.
Reviewed By Tina3337
This was a great tour, Lyndon is an awesome guide, super knowledgeable, friendly and really looked after us. We saw sea lions, fur seal and so many little blue penguins! Highly recommend this tour :)
5. Nelson City Walking Tour - Guided
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Nelson is a stunning, unique city in New Zealand, so whether it’s your first time in Nelson or you’re a seasoned visitor (or local!), our 1.5-2 hour ‘Nelson in a Nutshell’ walking tour will bring this beautiful and diverse city to life. Your tour guide, Dianne, is a ‘born and bred’ Nelsonian, who knows all the hidden gems, and with a unique insight gives you a true flavour of the real Nelson. Discover Trafalgar Street, Christ Church Cathedral, Lord of the Rings Jeweller – Jens Hansen, Queen’s Gardens, Suter Art Gallery, the Centre of New Zealand and so much more in between. Prepare to be impressed!
Inclusions: Water bottles are available and there are refilling stations along the walk, Sun Screen available if required, Tour Guide, Tour commentary, Sanitiser, Disposable Face Mask if required
Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities
6. Queenstown Half Day Sighteeing 4WD Private Charter
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
• Lord of the Rings tour locations (White Mountains; Minas Tirith; Pillars of the Kings; Gladden Fields; Ford of Bruinen; Warg attack; Exodus of Edoras) • Willow, Vertical Limits and The Water Horse locations • Remarkables Mountains viewpoint • Arrowtown village; • Multiple river crossings on the Arrow River • And a short journey down Skippers Canyon. • Refreshments and on-site multimedia presentations included. • Gold panning option available upon request
Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Snacks, Private transportation
Exclusions:
Reviewed By k8ienzl
One of the best tours we have ever done. Our tour driver, Scott, had a wealth of knowledge of the area, the history and the environment. We were delighted to see endangered kārearea (NZ falcon) and the vistas are stunning. Scott took the time to explain the history of the gold mining and had stories about the characters who lived and worked the goldfields as well as the origins of Queenstown. We can highly recommend this family owned tour company.
7. Explore Shantytown Heritage Park & Gold Panning
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Try your luck at Gold Panning, enjoy a Steam Train Ride and listen to the stories told from the old time gold miners at the Holographic Theatre.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions:
Reviewed By GreeceHelena
The Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes are unique. An easy walk in along a well maintained pathway. Try and time your visit to coincide with a high tide in order to view the Blowholes performing at their best.
8. Ultimate South - Hiking New Zealand - 15 days
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Four multi-day hikes » Golden sands of Abel Tasman Coastal Track » Crystal clear rivers and limestone canyons of the West Coast » Cycling the West Coast Wilderness Trail » Cruising the magnificent Milford Sound
Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Air-conditioned vehicle, Use of bicycle, Waka experience and boat cruise
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Discover820406
I completed a four-day hike in Arthurs Pass with Hiking NZ. Not having a lot of hiking experience I was apprehensive about what to expect. However, the trip exceeded expectations, the scenery was stunning, the days although long were rewarding and our guide let us take our time. Couldn't recommend more
9. Gibbston Valley Cave Guided Tour from Queenstown
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Experience wine tasting in New Zealand's largest wine cave. We offer daily wine cave and tasting tours where you can visit Home Block, the region's oldest vineyard, do a tasting in our wine cave and catch a glimpse of our winemakers in action.
Inclusions: Return transport from Queenstown, Cave Tour & tasting
Exclusions:
Reviewed By chrisandton
We were lucky to visit just as they were harvesting the Pinot Noir grapes close to the winery so got to taste them! Delicious! The tour was interesting and informative. The complex also houses a delicatessen shop showcasing specialities of the area including Whitestone cheese.
10. Iconic Dunedin City Highlights Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Discover top attractions and iconic sites around the city of Dunedin on this half-day city tour. Explore Dunedin with a guide and take in key sites of interest such as the World famous Baldwin Street, University of Otago, Olveston Homestead gardens and Dunedin's Grand Railway Station. Awesome lookouts over Otago Harbour and from Signal Hill. Visit the Octagon (city centre) for some shopping and a bite to eat. All transport to and from the cruise ship wharf is included. Enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to 20 people. Daily departures are available for cruise passengers and city-based passengers.
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Light refreshments, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Professional guide, Bottled water
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By Truejaffa
We would thoroughly recommend using Iconic Tours. And here’s why. Last week we visited the Catlins with Kim from Iconic Tours. The Catlins had been on our bucket list for some time but we had never managed to get there until now. We had heard accommodation and cafes were in short supply down there and we wanted to ensure we didn't miss any highlights so we opted for a tour instead of self drive. Kim collected us from the airport in a comfortable air conditioned sedan and drove us into the city, pointing out places of interest as we went. He did a brief tour around the city centre, took us up to our accommodation in Roslyn and waited while we dropped our bags off, then dropped us back at the i- site. We spent the next 3 days exploring Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula which we really enjoyed. But the best was yet to come! Kim is a great driver and guide and he packed a lot into our 2 day Catlins tour, while never rushing or hurrying us. He is knowledgeable and articulate with a keen interest in the history of places and the local flora and fauna. As he was doing the driving we were able to sit back and relax and enjoy the scenery, and no need to worry if we had missed a turn off or if the road or a café were closed – he had all the local knowledge to adapt if necessary. But here’s a tip- allow 3 days , there is so much to see and do. He drove us down unsealed roads that we wouldn't have ventured on and the sights at the end were remarkable. We had walked the length of Cannibal Bay, admiring the sea lions basking on the sand and were about to head back to the car when Kim spotted a dark shape in the water . It was a huge sea lion swimming into the shallows, then walking up the beach and flipping onto the sand. Awesome. That was a highlight for us as was standing on the beach at Curio Bay in the dusk watching a lone Hoiho penguin make his way up the beach towards his nest. Our breakfast at the Tumu Toka Curio Bay cafe and our dinner at the Niagara Falls restaurant were culinary standouts. Superb service and delicious food. When we arrived at our beach front unit Kim brought in a platter of cheese and crackers and a bottle of bubbly to share with us as we reviewed the day. We then had a short rest, dinner then another visit to the beach to wait for the arrival of the little Hoiho, the rarest penguin in the world. Covered in the price of our tour was our accommodation at Curio Bay (which was a comfortable studio unit right on the beach) plus morning teas, lunches and a cooked breakfast and museum entries etc, plus of course a driver/guide. Kim managed to pack in a tremendous amount of things each day from walks through native bush to see amazing waterfalls, seeing the petrified forest and visits to museums to watching fur seals on the rocks. Kim also does Stewart Island tours and we've got that in mind for the future as we couldn't imagine a better tour guide. And the Catlins? Pristine, uncrowded, an awesome experience.’
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