New Zealand South Island Tours & Trips
It's time to take a boat through the famous Waitomo glowworm caves, where thousands of tiny lights make a living starry sky. Remember to visit the real Hobbiton film set, where Middle-earth comes to life. See New Zealand's amazing volcanic landscapes and roaring waterfalls, get a taste of real Maori culture in a traditional village, and sail across beautiful Lake Taupo. New Zealand is calling you.
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I didn't realise the days would be so much sitting in coaches. Maybe instead of free days we could move closer to a destination, have half free and a shorter travel next day.
NEW ZEALAND – 10 Days Highlights of North and South IslandsThe itinerary was more complete thorough than any other tour of New Zealand. It exceeded my expectations. We did countless hikes and excursions over both the North and South Island. Everyone in our group of 8 was a savvy world traveler. Our tour guide was exceptional. The insights she provided into Maori culture were fascinating. Her passion for New Zealand was contagious; and shared with our group. I highly recommend this tour whether it is a first trip to New Zealand; or you have done prior tours. You will be very satisfied with this Explore tour
New Zealand Explorer5-star trip! The itinerary is excellent and very well planned with different activities for everyone. The guide has extensive knowledge of New Zealand, including places to eat or drink in the different towns, and also knows the history of the places. I highly recommend it.
Southern Voyager
Traveler Photos & Videos from New Zealand South Island tours
- Big South
- Southern Spotlight (2025/2026)
- Discover New Zealand
- 14 Days Best of New Zealand, Auckland, Christchurch & Queenstown
- New Zealand South Island Express (10 destinations)
- New Zealand Explorer
- NZ: South Island (Westbound)
- New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
- NZ Adventure
- Southern Voyager
- NZ Intro 17 Day
- NZ Adventure 17 Day
- Southern Loop
Table of contents
- The best New Zealand South Island tour packages
- Travel New Zealand South Island your way
- Best tour companies for New Zealand South Island tours
- Popular New Zealand South Island Cruise Ships
- Discover New Zealand South Island tours for every budget
- New Zealand South Island tours for every type of group
- Top New Zealand South Island travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit New Zealand South Island
- Contact our New Zealand South Island travel experts
The best New Zealand South Island tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaNew Zealand South Island travel expert at TourRadar
NEW ZEALAND – 10 Days Highlights of North and South Islands
“I didn't realise the days would be so much sitting in coaches. Maybe instead of free days we could move closer to a destination.”
Margaret, traveled in February
South Island unfolds from Queenstown's Lake Wakatipu to Franz Josef Glacier. The route includes Milford Sound cruise, Mount Cook National Park visit, and TranzAlpine train through Southern Alps. Highlights include guided walks, wildlife spotting, and alpine landscapes.
Duration 10 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef, Christchurch Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Bucket List Group Travel LLC From
- US$3,990
New Zealand Explorer
“There were many opportunities for me to learn more about nature in NZ.”
Annette, traveled in December
Duration 19 days Destinations Auckland, Matamata, Murupara, Taupo, Napier, Wellington, Picton, Nelson, Kaiteriteri, Abel Tasman National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! From
- US$9,310
Southern Voyager
“Awesome trip, great guide and plenty of activities to do.”
Sunday/anyieth, traveled in January
Seven days of South Island wonders stretch from Lake Tekapo's starlit skies to Milford Sound's dramatic fiords. Queenstown's adventure hub, Franz Josef's glaciers, and Mount Cook's alpine terrain await, with centrally located hostels rated 4+ out of 5.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator Wild Kiwi From $1,045
5% Off- US$993+$167 upfront costs
NZ: South Island (Westbound)
“The sights were amazing and the tour manager was very friendly and knowledgeable.”
Siobhan, traveled in January
Heli-rides soar over Franz Josef Glacier while Queenstown pulses with adventure sports and Milford Sound welcomes cruisers. Lake Ōhau Lodge offers Mt. Cook views, historic Arrowtown charms visitors, and Hokitika's greenstone workshops showcase Māori culture.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Haast, Wanaka, Queenstown, Cardrona, Milford Sound, Te Anau, ManapouriSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $1,825
26% Off- US$1,346
9-Day Alpine Adventure: The South Island Rail & Alpine Expedition (Christchurch Start)
“The whole trip had such a good balance of included activities and optional extras, so you could make the experience your own.”
Lauren, traveled in November
Arthur's Pass launches this journey through South Island's highlights. Hooker Valley treks, Milford Sound cruises, and Franz Josef Glacier walks await. Hokitika Beachfront Hotel and Mercure Queenstown host guests, with TranzAlpine train journey included.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Stray Travel From $2,405
20% Off- US$1,924
New Zealand South Island Express (10 destinations)
“The trip was amazing. Everything about the whole experience from Day 1 to the end is perfect.”
Elizabeth, traveled in January
Iconic landscapes unfold across 9 days, rated 4.3/5 by travelers. Social hostels provide bases for Lake Tekapo's dark skies, Queenstown's adventures, and Franz Josef's glaciers. Local guide, transport, and 7 breakfasts included.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Kawarau Gorge, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Arrowtown, Wanaka, Franz Josef Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
20% Off- US$1,965
Southern Crossing - Small Group Tour
“I really enjoyed a taste of New Zealand's South Island.”
Edward, traveled in June
South Island's varied terrain stretches from Christchurch's urban art to Franz Josef's glaciers. Accommodations include Rainforest Retreat, Hawea Hotel, and Nomads Queenstown while taking in Arthur's Pass gorges, Milford Sound fjords, and Lake Tekapo's lupins.
Duration 8 days Destinations Christchurch, Arthur's Pass National Park, Castle Hill Peak, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Lake Tekapo Age Range Ages 18-49 Operator Kiwi Experience From $1,129
10% Off- US$1,016
Travel New Zealand South Island your way
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for New Zealand South Island tours
Popular New Zealand South Island Cruise Ships
Discover New Zealand South Island tours for every budget
New Zealand South Island tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top New Zealand South Island travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
Solo Travelers124 tours- Couples80 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)33 tours
- Seniors (50+)63 tours
Best time to visit New Zealand South Island
- Fall / Autumn 2026
South Island autumn tours reach their peak during March through May, with outstanding photo spots along Otago's cycling paths and adaptable scheduling around weather conditions. Our travelers find that 2-3 weeks gives them the perfect window to explore in this quieter season, when fall colors paint the landscapes in rich hues. The multi-day tours blend cycling adventures through old railway tunnels and across wooden trestle bridges, plus cultural activities like crafting pounamu pendants in Franz Josef. With longer itineraries, you can take your time at key locations - capturing morning reflections at Lake Wanaka and driving through Haast Pass when autumn colors peak. Our customers typically choose tours mixing active components with cultural elements, combining glacier walks with greenstone workshop visits and staying in distinctive places like converted jailhouses, historic buildings and lakeside lodges. As temperatures cool the hiking trails in autumn, our small groups of up to 16 people can adjust their pace, finding the best light for photos and lingering at scenic spots like Lake Matheson.
- 39 tours
- 86 tours
- popular 99 tours
- Winter 2026 / 2027
The South Island really comes into its own during winter, with photography opportunities around every corner. Our ski and snowboard tours run from June through October in the Southern Alps, and they're actually quite flexible - you can still do all the usual activities too. When you're in Queenstown with our small groups, you'll get proper time to enjoy The Remarkables or Coronet Peak slopes before heading to Gibbston Valley for wine tasting. What works really well is how some tours mix winter sports with local culture; many travelers spend their mornings on the Franz Josef glacier and then learn pounamu carving techniques in the afternoon. The TranzAlpine train journey across Arthur's Pass is particularly good in winter - TourRadar customers often tell us how much they love sitting in the warm viewing carriage while snow-covered peaks roll by.
- 95 tours
- 105 tours
- popular 107 tours
- Spring 2027
Spring tours between September and November hit that sweet spot where outdoor activities and wildlife watching come together nicely. Starting from Christchurch when the botanical gardens are in full bloom, the routes head up to Kaikoura where albatross, petrels and also shearwaters return for breeding season. Milford Sound cruises are actually at their best in spring - the waterfalls get really powerful from all that melting snow. Over in Abel Tasman, the coastal tracks dry out nicely, and our travelers regularly spot new seal pups along the shoreline. The Mt Cook National Park multi-day trips work particularly well in spring; you can walk the Hooker Valley without bumping into summer crowds, plus there's still enough snow on the peaks to make those photos look extra special.
- popular 106 tours
- 88 tours
- 58 tours
- Summer 2027
The South Island's summer tours hit their sweet spot with perfectly orchestrated activities and experiences. Comprehensive 17-21 day circuits from Christchurch blend cultural moments with outdoor activities, giving you the chance to learn pounamu carving in Franz Josef when workshops buzz with energy, and glide across Lake Wanaka's mirror-like waters with mountain backdrops. Multi-day hiking tours through Fiordland National Park pair cycling to Queens Reach with Milford Track walks, where you're likely to spot bottlenose dolphins and fur seals during boat passages. TourRadar customers tell us how summer's extended daylight hours let them fit more into each day naturally. The 10-day routes offer a nice mix of guided activities and solo exploration, from morning walks around Lake Wanaka to capturing the famous lake tree and also driving through Haast Pass during alpine flower season. Photographers find perfect conditions at Lake Matheson for Mount Cook reflections, with opportunities to meet native greenstone artisans along the West Coast as well.
- popular 47 tours
- 46 tours
- 44 tours
Contact our New Zealand South Island travel experts
Joseph
Expert in New Zealand South Island at TourRadar
Joseph is one of our seasoned New Zealand South Island Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about New Zealand South Island tours answered!
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