New Zealand South Island Small Group Tours
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10 best New Zealand South Island small group tours
Compiled by

MelissaNew Zealand South Island travel expert at TourRadar
- South Island Explorer: Nature & Adventure
- South Island Snow Safari
- Premium New Zealand South Island
- Premium New Zealand Encompassed (32 destinations)
- Auckland to Christchurch 12 Day Highlights
- Southern Loop
- Premium - South Island Escape
- South Island Snow Safari in reverse
- New Zealand South Island Adventure (12 destinations)
- West Coast Explorer (with TranzAlpine) - 3 Day Self Drive Tour
South Island Explorer: Nature & Adventure
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The South Island explorer trip was so good! Also really liked that Maori culture-related activities was included.”
Small groups create an intimate setting while visiting South Island's gems. The limited size allows spontaneous stops at hidden spots like Ships Creek Beach and Sheffield Pies, plus shared moments like carving pounamu in Franz Josef.
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Wanaka, Arrowtown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Lake Hawea, HaastSee all destinations Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Backyard Roadies From
- US$1,719
South Island Snow Safari
36 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great get to know NZ ski fields tour.”
Bojan, traveled in August
Sixteen snow enthusiasts share intimate moments across 6 diverse ski fields. Hidden powder spots at Ohau and Treble Cone become accessible, while expert guides customize experiences from beginner slopes to advanced terrain.
Duration 8 days Destinations Christchurch, Mount Hutt, Lake Tekapo, Lake Ohau, Lake Wanaka, Wanaka, Cardrona, Queenstown, The Remarkables Age Range 18 to 65 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Haka Tours From
- US$1,719
Auckland to Christchurch 12 Day Highlights
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellently curated, smooth checkins, lovely hotels, everything is in the app including reservation numbers.”
Cynthia, traveled in February
Groups of 8-12 travelers create unique moments at Mt Cook's Glacier Explorers and wildlife viewing in Kaikoura. The intimate size allows for flexible stops along the TranzAlpine route and personal wine tasting in Gibbston Valley.
Duration 12 days Destinations Auckland, Matamata, Rotorua, Wellington, Picton, Christchurch, Mount Cook, Queenstown, Wanaka, Fox GlacierSee all destinations Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 4 Group Type Group Operator Discover New Zealand From
- US$2,368
Southern Loop
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“This tour blew all my expectations and it was awesome to check out the Upper South Island.”
Anna, traveled in May
Groups of 12-15 adventurers travel South Island's highlights in a luxury vehicle with leather seats and WiFi. Intimate size enables quick stops at Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks, Cape Foulwind seal colonies, and focused attention during Marlborough wine tastings.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Punakaiki, Abel Tasman National Park, Blenheim, Kaikoura Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type Group Operator Wild Kiwi From
- US$995+$149 upfront costs
South Island Snow Safari in reverse
36 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Amazing Tour...it is such a great way to discover the Aotearoa snow without the hassle. Best way to do a snow holiday in New Zealand in my opinion.”
Marie, traveled in August
Groups of 16 skiers carve through South Island's premier ski fields from The Remarkables to Mt Hutt. Riders receive tailored guidance at each resort, from Treble Cone's advanced runs to Cardrona's beginner slopes, with guides revealing hidden powder spots across 6 mountains.
Duration 8 days Destinations Queenstown, The Remarkables, Cardrona, Wanaka, Ohau, Lake Tekapo, Christchurch Age Range 18 to 65 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Haka Tours From
- US$1,719
Dedicated attention highlights the Milford Sound cruise and Okarito Lagoon bird watching. Average age of 69 sets a relaxed pace for visiting Nugget Point lighthouse and McLean Falls. Shared accommodation in Te Anau and Stewart Island hostels builds community.
Duration 12 days Destinations Christchurch, Westport, Punakaiki, Hokitika, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Stewart Island Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From
- US$4,800
West Coast Explorer (with TranzAlpine) - 3 Day Self Drive Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Excellent tour and especially enjoyed the guided tour.”
Audrey, traveled in February
Tailored for 2-4 travelers, South Island adventures offer close encounters at Franz Josef Glacier Valley and the Blue Pools. Personal attention enriches guided glacier walks and flexible exploration of the TranzAlpine route through Arthur's Pass National Park.
Duration 3 days Destinations Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Greymouth, Christchurch Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Discover New Zealand From
- US$588
Reviews of Small Group tours to New Zealand South Island
- South Island Explorer: Nature & Adventure
I really enjoyed the trip! Thank you
- South Island Snow Safari
This was a really excellent tour. Great way to see the south Island and 6 different ski resorts. Haka Touts (NIc) did an excellent job with all the arrangements, including helping me with add ons at the end of the tour, and renting special skis for me. Hygi was great to work with, knowledgable, efficient, and a good driver too. I definitely recommedn this tour.
- Auckland to Christchurch 12 Day Highlights
This tour is a must. I planned to visit New Zealand without a car, and this tour made my life so much easier. I was able to see all popular attractions without planning. Highly reccomended!!!
What our customers ask about New Zealand South Island Small Group Tours
What makes small group tours in New Zealand's South Island special compared to larger tours?
These intimate tours let travelers explore remote areas that larger buses can't reach including hidden corners of Mount Cook National Park and less crowded viewpoints of Franz Josef Glacier. Groups can stay in charming local properties like the historic Dunstan House in Clyde or the converted Lauder School B&B. The smaller size means more stops for photos along scenic routes like the Lake Dunstan Trail. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Chris our guide was exceptional making the experience more personal and informative." The flexibility to adapt to weather conditions and group interests sets these tours apart from rigid large-group experiences.
What is the typical group size for small group tours in New Zealand's South Island?
Most tours maintain a small group size of 8-12 travelers. Tour operators like Adventure South add a second guide once groups reach 8 people which allows them to split activities based on different fitness levels and interests. This setup works particularly well at places like Franz Josef Glacier where one group might opt for a challenging hike while others take an easier scenic walk. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "Having two guides made the experience much more enjoyable and allowed us to split into smaller groups based on interests and abilities."
What is the best season for small group tours in New Zealand's South Island?
The prime touring season runs from October through April when weather conditions are most reliable for outdoor activities. Spring months of October and November bring wildflower displays to Mount Cook while autumn (March-April) offers golden colors in Central Otago's wine country. According to a TourRadar traveler: "We went in March and the weather was perfect for hiking the Otago Central Rail Trail and exploring Franz Josef Glacier plus the autumn colors around Wanaka were spectacular."
What is included in the meal plan for small group tours in New Zealand's South Island?
Tour packages generally cover daily breakfasts and select group dinners at local establishments. Adventure South tours provide all breakfasts 5-6 lunches and 3-4 dinners including meals at historic venues like Stanley's Hotel in Macraes. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The food choices were fantastic especially at local spots that we wouldn't have found on our own like the winery dinner in Clyde and our group meals at Lauder School B&B."
How much interaction is there with local communities on small group tours?
These tours create natural opportunities to connect with local residents through stays at family-run guesthouses and visits to regional artisans. Travelers meet jade carvers in Hokitika's workshops and wine producers in Central Otago's vineyards. One TourRadar traveler commented: "Staying at the Lauder School B&B gave us real insight into local life and our host's stories about the Otago Rail Trail's history were fascinating." The small group format allows time for genuine conversations with community members.
How long are typical small group tours in New Zealand's South Island?
Tours generally span 5-10 days with many travelers choosing 7-day itineraries like the Great West Coast Cycle or 5-day combinations of the Lake Dunstan and Otago Central Rail Trail. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The 7-day format was perfect - enough time to really experience places like Franz Josef Glacier and Mount Cook without feeling rushed." These timeframes balance comprehensive exploration with comfortable pacing.