Top 10 Cultural Tours in South Island

Destination: Wanaka.
Experience this one-of-a-kind wine tasting with a fascinating Māori culture spin! Learn about Māori history and their experiences of this region while sampling many wonderful wines. Of the wineries listed we will visit 2, if you have a preference please let me know.
Known For: Wanaka Cultural Tours, Wanaka Half-day Tours, Wanaka Bus Tours, Wanaka Small Group, Wanaka Wine Tours, Wanaka Wine Tastings, Wanaka Excellent Quality, Wanaka Spring Break, Wanaka Food & Drink.
Duration: Around 3 hours.

Destination: Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula.
Dunedin is a great wee city and is best explored on foot. Once New Zealand's largest city, and now a university town, Dunedin boasts picturesque streetscapes and some standout Victorian and Edwardian (and Art Deco!) buildings. This small-group tour is fun and interesting - and a great introduction to Dunedin. See our reviews!
Known For: Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula Cultural Tours, Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula Historical Tours, Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula Walking Tours, Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula Private and Luxury, Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula Private Sightseeing Tours.
Duration: Around 1 hour.

Destination: Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula.
This is an educational tour where we dive into the human history of New Zealand. Discussing how Polynesians (Māori) navigated to New Zealand with pin-point accuracy from Islands thousands of kilometers away. We explore all the key sights of Dunedin on a modern, comfortable mini bus on this small group tour. Starting at the Octagon, we pass several iconic buildings as we leave Central Dunedin including St Paul’s Cathedral, Otago Boys High School, First Church and the Dunedin Railway Station before arriving high up on the Otago Peninsula for scenic viewpoints. We venture to St Kilda and St Clair surf beaches where we break for a light lunch. Then it's past the botanic gardens to visit Baldwin Street, the World’s steepest street. Our final stop is the University of Otago, New Zealand’s oldest university, where we take a guided walk around a collection of beautiful old iconic buildings.
Known For: Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula Small Group, Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula New Product, Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula Cultural Tours, Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula Half-day Tours, Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula Historical Tours, Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula Bus Tours.
Duration: Around 3 hours.

Destination: Nelson.
Embark on Wine Exposed Nelson, a journey where every sip tells a story! Discover Nelson's vibrant wine culture across its three distinct sub-regions. Guided by an expert, explore lush vineyards and boutique cellar doors of family-owned wineries. Savour the crisp chardonnays of Moutere, aromatic pinot gris of Waimea, and bold reds of Coastal Tasman. After a morning of tastings, enjoy a gourmet vineyard lunch, where local flavours pair perfectly with the region's finest wines. Immerse yourself in Nelson's natural beauty, history, and craftsmanship for an unforgettable wine adventure!
Known For: Nelson Cultural Tours, Nelson New Product, Nelson Half-day Tours, Nelson Wine Tours, Nelson Wine Tastings, Nelson Bus Tours, Nelson Luxury Car Tours, Nelson Spring Break, Nelson Food & Drink, Nelson Day Trips, Nelson Small Group.
Duration: Around 6 hours.

Destination: Stewart Island / Rakiura.
Embark on a guided small-group walk to Oneke, 'The Neck,' on Rakiura Stewart Island. Check in at the ferry terminal in Oban, just a 5 minute walk from the main road. Start with a brief sea cruise to this secluded gem, where stunning coastal landscapes and diverse wildlife await. Your expert guide will lead you through lush forests and rugged beaches, sharing captivating stories of Oneke's Māori and European heritage. The return journey route includes a short cruise back to Oban where the experience began.
Known For: Stewart Island / Rakiura Walking Tours, Stewart Island / Rakiura Half-day Tours, Stewart Island / Rakiura Nature Walks, Stewart Island / Rakiura Nature and Wildlife Tours, Stewart Island / Rakiura Historical Tours, Stewart Island / Rakiura Water Tours, Stewart Island / Rakiura Seasonal, Stewart Island / Rakiura Cultural Tours, Stewart Island / Rakiura New Product.
Duration: Around 3 hours and a half.

Destination: Wanaka.
If you are looking to include New Zealand Māori culture and a Welcome to Wānaka/Queenstown and to your special day this Māori welcome is a unique and special memory to include in your wedding day. Because it is personalised we can discuss what best suits your needs, from experience it is ideally suited prior to the Bride, Groom and Wedding party entering the reception, or at a gathering with all guests and family prior to the wedding day itself. The Bridge and Groom get a bone carving and the guests and wedding party get an experience they will remember in your wedding forever.
Known For: Wanaka Private Sightseeing Tours, Wanaka Honeymoon Packages, Wanaka Zombie, Wanaka Zombie Slice, Wanaka Bus Tours, Wanaka Cultural Tours.
Duration: Around 30 minutes.

Destination: Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula.
Embark on an exclusive private tour, accommodating a maximum of five participants. This intimate setting ensures a personalized experience akin to a private tour, allowing for flexibility and customization. Our meticulously curated itinerary covers all the city’s highlights, providing a comprehensive exploration of Dunedin. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of lifestyle, history, and culture, tracing back to New Zealand’s early periods.
Known For: Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula Historical Tours, Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula Full-day Tours, Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula Bus Tours, Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula Ports of Call Tours, Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula Car Tours, Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula Shore Excursions, Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula Port Pickup, Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula Cultural Tours, Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula Private Sightseeing Tours, Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula New Product.
Duration: Around 8 hours.

Destination: Christchurch.
Spectacular scenery and lots of opportunity for adventure, this 8 day South Island adventure starts and finishes in the diverse city of Christchurch. Turquoise lakes, majestic glaciers, dramatic mountain peaks and the picture-perfect towns of Queenstown, Wanaka and Franz Josef are all a part of this epic road trip. With accommodation and some activities included (see below), our all-inclusive tours are hassle-free, authentic experiences for those short on time.
Known For: Christchurch Historical Tours, Christchurch Bus Tours, Christchurch Likely to Sell Out, Christchurch Likely To Sell Out, Christchurch Multi-day Tours, Christchurch Cultural Tours.
Duration: Around 8 days.

Destination: Queenstown.
Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. Embark on a 5.5-hour private wine tour through the breathtaking landscapes of Central Otago. Begin your journey in Gibbston, the “Valley of the Vines,” where you’ll explore picturesque vineyards and indulge in the region’s renowned cool-climate wines, including the celebrated Pinot Noir. Continue to Bannockburn, a wine sub-region with a unique terroir that contributes to the exceptional flavors of its wines, particularly the renowned Pinot Noir. Immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning landscapes at the Cromwell Heritage Precinct, followed by a visit to Cromwell itself, where orchards, vineyards, and lakeside views provide a scenic backdrop for culinary and vinicultural exploration. Relish a curated lunch at one of the region’s top vineyards, savoring local flavors paired with exceptional wines. Throughout the tour, you’ll experience the diverse and distinctive offerings of Central Otago’s wine country.
Known For: Queenstown Likely To Sell Out, Queenstown Private Sightseeing Tours, Queenstown Wine Tours, Queenstown Wine Tastings, Queenstown Likely to Sell Out, Queenstown Spring Break, Queenstown Food & Drink, Queenstown Bus Tours, Queenstown Cultural Tours, Queenstown Half-day Tours, Queenstown Car Tours.
Duration: Around 5 hours and a half.

Destination: Queenstown.
Just as our stunning natural landscape changes day by day, we know our guests have unique needs and interests, ask us to tailor-make a bespoke trip for you. We’ll recommend stops that make the most of your time, your interests and the needs of the group you’re travelling with.
Known For: Queenstown Historical Tours, Queenstown Full-day Tours, Queenstown Bus Tours, Queenstown Zombie, Queenstown Zombie Slice, Queenstown Cultural Tours, Queenstown Private Sightseeing Tours.
Duration: Around 7 hours and a half.