New Zealand South Island Luxury Tours & Trips
In New Zealand, the journey often stretches between coast, mountains, and small towns. Auckland’s waterfront and central districts set the tone, while Rotorua is known for its Māori culture and food. Farther south, the TranzAlpine train crosses the mountains, and Milford Sound cuts deep into the cliffs. It’s a country where the scenery keeps changing, and it’s something that will stay with you forever.
6 best luxury New Zealand South Island tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaNew Zealand South Island travel expert at TourRadar
Cruise overnight aboard the Milford Mariner through UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park, with kayaking excursions and a three-course buffet dinner included. Stay at Lake Ohau Lodge in the Mackenzie High Country wilderness, where panoramic lake views and family-style dinners await. Check out Highlands Motorsport Park Museum in Cromwell to see rare and expensive vehicles, then head to a lakeside home in Lake Tekapo for private afternoon tea with pavlova demonstrations.
No departure dates availableDuration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Ohau, Ohau, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Cromwell, Arrowtown, Milford Sound, Te Anau, Fiordland National ParkSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator AAT Kings 
This 13-day small group trip through New Zealand's South Island starts in Christchurch with its innovative Cardboard Cathedral and wraps up in cultural Wellington. Cruise the waters of Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, where tall cliffs meet cascading waterfalls. The tour includes a guided visit with dinner at Transport World in Invercargill. Stay at an exclusive coastal Eco retreat in Punakaiki right beside the Pancake Rocks. In Queenstown, try gourmet burgers at cult eatery Fergburger. The trip includes travel aboard the scenic TranzAlpine train through Arthur's Pass.
Duration 13 days Destinations Christchurch, Geraldine, Omarama, Clyde, Invercargill, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Arrowtown, QueenstownSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $521 Operator AAT Kings From
- US$6,773
Cruise through UNESCO-listed Milford Sound/Piopiotahi with a naturalist guide to spot fur seals and cascading waterfalls in Fiordland National Park. Stay 9 nights in premium accommodations including an eco-resort on Punakaiki's beachfront, and have a gourmet BBQ Highlight Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm after crossing Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship.
No departure dates availableDuration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Twizel, Oamaru, Dunedin, Fiordland National Park, Manapouri, Te Anau, Milford Sound, QueenstownSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator AAT Kings 
No departure dates availableDuration 15 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Omarama, Oamaru, Dunedin, Invercargill, Stewart Island, Ulva Island, Queenstown, Milford SoundSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator AAT Kings 
See Franz Josef Glacier from panoramic viewpoints before crossing the Haast Pass to the Southern Lakes including Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea, and Lake Dunstan. Stay in Queenstown with views of The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu, then cruise Milford Sound/Piopiotahi through Fiordland National Park's beech forests and alluvial flats. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd at turquoise Lake Tekapo followed by an Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy viewing hosted by passionate local specialists.
No departure dates availableDuration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Lake Hawea, Arrowtown, Queenstown, Walter Peak, Milford Sound, Fiordland National ParkSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator AAT Kings Discover New Zealand
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A brilliant mix of sight seeing, culture and adrenaline rush!”
Diane, traveled in March
Stay at Heartland Hotel Queenstown and Scenic Hotel Cotswold Christchurch, then cruise overnight on the Milford Mariner through the fiords. Heli-hike on Fox Glacier, jetboat through Matukituki Valley in Mount Aspiring National Park, and sail Abel Tasman's golden beaches. Try a traditional Māori hangi feast at a marae in Rotorua.
Duration 18 days Destinations Auckland, Rangitoto Island, Rotorua, Tongariro National Park, Wellington, Picton, Nelson, Motueka, Marahau, Abel Tasman National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $606 Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $11,100
2% Off- US$10,900You save $200
