15 Brilliant New Zealand South Island Tours (No Car Needed)

If you’re looking for the best New Zealand South Island tours to book, you’re in the right place. 

A common question I see in social media groups about planning a NZ trip is how to see NZ without a car. A lot of responses insist the best way to see New Zealand is to hire a car or campervan.

I get where they’re coming from but it also doesn’t answer the question. Not everyone can drive in New Zealand, whether it’s by choice or any other reason.

I hear you.

When I first moved to New Zealand I had to learn to drive on the other side of the road in a manual car – with hills! I hadn’t even heard of a ‘hill start’ until I was sitting on a steep incline at a red light. Needless to say, it was a quick (and stressful) learning process. 

I’ve lived in New Zealand for over twenty years now, and while I’m a confident driver (and most cars are automatic), I still white-knuckle some of the narrow winding mountain passes when road tripping around the South Island. 

I want everyone to enjoy their time in New Zealand. To help you navigate this stunning island and see the best spots, these are my top South Island tours.

Navigating the South Island Without a Car

Tours are a great way to enjoy the South Island’s stunning scenery and top places without the hassle of driving long distances and navigating winding mountainous roads. Depending on your time and budget you have a few options for how to cover the South Island without a car.

• Fly or take the Inter-City Bus between the main centers and use day tours to explore the top sights beyond the cities.

• Book a one-way tour like this Queenstown to Christchurch Tour via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo which gets you between the main centres including stops at popular destinations along the way.

• Consider a private multi-day tour that covers the highlights and allows for flexibility.

I’ve included day tours as well as round trip and one-way multi-day tours from the main cities and towns of Christchurch, Queenstown and Dunedin below. So all you have to do is book and enjoy!

Best New Zealand South Island Tours From Christchurch

Christchurch is known as the “Garden City,” and home to the largest international airport in the South Island. If you plan ahead, you can generally find reasonable fares to Christchurch airport.

You can explore the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens, take a punt ride on the Avon River, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city’s cafes and markets. 

With its proximity to the stunning landscapes of the Canterbury region and the Southern Alps, Christchurch serves as an excellent base to explore places like Kaikoura, Arthur’s Pass, Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook.

1. TranzAlpine Train Tour to Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill

The TranzAlpine Train is often described as one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. We took my mom (mum) on this tour when she came to visit and it was the perfect way to take in the rugged landscapes of the Southern Alps, plus experience two incredible destinations. 

Arthur’s Pass is a stunning national park with dramatic alpine scenery, and diverse wildlife. You can explore the walking trails, such as the popular Devil’s Punchbowl Track, which leads to a spectacular waterfall, and the chance to spot the elusive kea, a native mountain parrot. 

Castle Hill has these unique limestone formations creating dramatic landscapes and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The large, weathered boulders create an otherworldly atmosphere and it’s a great place to explore the various walking trails.

2. Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour

Kaikōura is a small coastal town that lies along a peninsula on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s well-known for its wildlife encounters, fresh seafood and dramatic scenery.

Spend the day spotting dolphins and various species of whales, like sperm whales, migrating humpbacks, southern right whales and orcas on a cruise with live commentary. Kaikōura is also home to a local seal colony that you can visit on foot and there are caravans lining the road selling the most delicious crayfish rolls – our favorite is Nins Bins.

3. Akaroa Day Trip

Akaroa is a charming coastal town located on the Banks Peninsula, 1.5 hours from Christchurch. It has a stunning harbor, rich history, and unique French heritage. 

Explore the picturesque streets lined with historic buildings, enjoy delicious local cuisine, and experience the vibrant arts scene. Akaroa is also famous for its wildlife, particularly the rare Hector’s dolphin, which can often be spotted during boat tours in the harbor. 

We stopped here while on a cruise with my family and really enjoyed seeing the Giants House, cruising the harbor and the al fresco dining. A day tour is an ideal amount of time to experience Akaroa.

4. Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour

Mount Cook National Park and Lake Tekapo are two of the most scenic places in the South Island that combine history and adventure. Mount Cook is home to New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook and boasts some of the country’s best walking tracks, including views of the Tasman Glacier.

Lake Tekapo feels like you’ve stepped inside a postcard with the bluest lake you’ve ever seen backed by snow-capped mountains and the quaint stone Church of the Good Shepherd perched on its shores. I’ve been to Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo over half a dozen times and it never gets old. It’s one trip you don’t want to miss. 

5. 5-Day South Island Tour from Christchurch

Cover the South Island’s highlights like Mount Cook, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef and Fox glaciers plus a ride on the scenic TranzAlpine train through the Southern Alps with ease.

You’ll be covering a lot of ground with everything organized for you. Ideal if you are short on time and want to see the South Island’s top attractions. These are all places I recommend when helping visitors plan their New Zealand itineraries. 

6. 6-Day South Island Private Tour from Christchurch

If you have room in the budget, I highly recommend this private tour from Christchurch. It covers many South Island highlights like Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown and Milford Sound with the option to customize your tour and activities. 

You’ll have more time at locations to enjoy your chosen activities plus the same guide/driver and vehicle for the duration of the tour. You can opt for the fully organized tour which includes hand picked accommodation and activities or book your own.

Best South Island Tours From Queenstown

Queenstown is a popular resort town situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the stunning Southern Alps. It’s often referred to as the “Adventure Capital of the World”.

You can enjoy adrenaline-pumping activities like bungy jumping, skydiving and skiing, explore the beautiful hiking and walking trails, and soak in the lively atmosphere of the city’s restaurants and nightlife. 

The town also serves as a gateway to explore nearby places like Milford Sound, Glenorchy and the scenic landscapes of Fiordland National Park. 

7. Milford Sound Small Group Tour

One of the best Queenstown day trips is visiting Milford Sound. Often referred to as the (unofficial) 8th Wonder of the World, the natural fjord provides a unique experience, boasting some of the most scenic landscapes in New Zealand. 

Relax on a coach journey to Milford Sound, stopping at the best scenic spots like Mirror Lakes and Pops View along the way. Then cruise the full length of the fjord to see towering mountain peaks, stunning waterfalls and unique wildlife.

I didn’t want to do the long drive on my first visit to Milford Sound so we took this coach tour and are so glad we did. I got to sit back, relax and enjoy the amazing scenery through the huge glass windows.

8. Central Otago Wine Tour

Central Otago is a premier wine-producing region, particularly famous for its Pinot Noir. The area’s landscapes include rugged mountains, deep valleys, and picturesque vineyards. Explore the award-winning wineries and learn about the region’s deep heritage.

A tour is a great way to enjoy wine tasting without someone having to sacrifice being the sober driver. You’ll also get to visit the charming historic town of Arrowtown and, time permitting, take a stroll through the Cromwell Heritage Precinct.  

We loved this tour because it offered so much value. We enjoyed the variety of wineries it covered and got to sample local cheeses, plus lunch and stops at Arrowtown and Cromwell.

9. Glenorchy & Lord of Rings Tour

Queenstown and Glenorchy are home to multiple LOTR filming locations, along with several other Hollywood films like Xmen Origins Wolverine and Chronicles of Narnia.

Take a half day trip from Queenstown to Mount Aspiring National Park and experience exclusive access to these stunning filming locations. Enjoy free time at the Glenorchy Wharf and visit the iconic little red shed. 

Bonus, the drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is one of the most scenic roads in New Zealand!

10. Mount Cook Day Trip

Mount Cook National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, thanks to its dramatic alpine scenery and diverse landscapes boasting towering mountains, glaciers, and pristine lakes. It’s easily one of the best places to visit in New Zealand.

There are a range of activities to enjoy at Mt Cook including hiking the Hooker Valley Track, one of New Zealand’s best day walks. Your tour begins in Queenstown with plenty of scenic stops en route to Mount Cook and free time to enjoy activities in the national park. 

I particularly like this tour because of how many stops there are and how much free time you have in Mt Cook.

UPDATE: Unfortunately, the Hooker Valley Track is currently closed after the first bridge. Riverbank erosion has impacted the second bridge and is now deemed unsafe. A new bridge is scheduled to be completed by Autumn 2026. You can still walk to the Mueller Lake Lookout and enjoy these other walks in Mt Cook. Check the DOC website for up-to-date information.

11. Arrowtown & Wanaka Tour

Arrowtown is a charming historic town boasting well-preserved 19th-century architecture, vibrant autumn foliage, and rich heritage that reflects the region’s gold rush history. 

Wanaka is a picturesque lakeside town known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor activities like the famous Roys Peak hike, and proximity to the Southern Alps. 

Take a day trip from Queenstown and experience local history and stunning landscapes. Stroll along Arrowtown’s main street where boutique shops and cafes occupy the historic buildings left from the gold rush era. Visit the famous Wanaka Tree, take a walk along the lake and enjoy lunch at one of the many lakeside eateries. 

12. 5-Day South Island Private Tour from Queenstown

Cover the South Island’s top attractions like Milford Sound, Mt Cook, Lake Tekapo and a TranzAlpine train journey through Arthurs Pass. This tour starts in Queenstown and finishes in Christchurch. 

The tour can be customized to include hotels and hand-picked activities. Ideal if you are short on time and don’t want the hassle of organizing everything yourself. You’ll get to see many of the South Island Highlights in a relaxed way with plenty of extra photo stops along the way.

Bonus: Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour

This tour may not be for everyone, but I’m including it as a bonus for my fellow adventurers because it’s easily one of the best experiences we’ve ever had!

Walk on a glacier during this ultimate bucket-list adventure. Located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, the Tasman Glacier is the largest glacier in New Zealand.

Take a scenic flight on a fixed-wing plane from Queenstown to Mount Cook. Then hop on a helicopter to a landing point high on the glacier, and hike on the snow and ice. 

It’s not the cheapest tour but it’s 100% worth it. This tour has been one of the top experiences in all my travels.

Best Tours From Dunedin

Dunedin is a vibrant city known for its rich Scottish heritage, stunning Victorian and Edwardian architecture, and proximity to unique wildlife experiences, including the rare yellow-eyed penguin and albatross.

13. Dunedin City Highlights & Larnach Castle Tour

Explore Dunedin’s highlights, including the renowned University of Otago, the ultra steep Baldwin Street, and the stunning neo-gothic Dunedin Railway Station. 

Then, venture to the Otago Peninsula for a guided tour of Larnach Castle and its beautiful grounds, where you’ll enjoy a lovely lunch at the Ballroom Cafe.

This is a great way to cover the highlights and learn about Dunedin history. Perfect for cruise ships or if you only have a short time in Dunedin.

14. Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour

Take a ride to the Otago Peninsula and get close-up views of New Zealand’s wildlife. The peninsula spans over 20km and has two tidal inlets on the Pacific Coast, secluded beaches and headlands that are home to many species of wildlife.  

This tour gets you access to backcountry areas and remote locations where you can see fur seals, yellow-eyed penguins and northern royal albatross, the only colony of albatross to be seen from the mainland. 

15. 5-Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Dunedin

This tour starts in Dunedin and finishes in Christchurch, taking you to many of South Island’s best places along the way. See the glowworms in Te Anau, cruise Milford Sound, jet boat in Queenstown, walk the Hooker Valley Track or take a scenic flight in Mt Cook, stargaze in Lake Tekapo and take a TranzAlpine train journey through Arthurs Pass. 

The tour can be customized to include hotels and hand-picked activities or you can organize your own. Enjoy the flexibility of being on a private tour with lots of photo stops along the way.

Final Thoughts

New Zealand’s South Island is an excellent destination for adventure, wildlife and stunning landscapes. Queenstown, Christchurch and Dunedin are excellent bases from which to explore the South Island’s top attractions and these tours help you do it with ease. Whichever one you choose, you’re bound to have a memorable experience!

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