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.
Excellent
- Choose from 200+ New Zealand South Island tours
- 1,900+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
- H
Hilda • traveled in March, 2025
The tour was excellent, a very good itinerary, our tour leader, Adam had a very good knowledge & his commentary on road while driving from one place to another was very good, he stopped at interesting spots for us to spend time, view & take pictures.
New Zealand South Island Express - E
Edith • traveled in April, 2025
Excellent service and very responsible
NEW ZEALAND – 10 Days Highlights of North and South Islands - A
Alison • traveled in June
Amazing your. Super professional and well organized. Packs a lot into 7 days but it was perfect for people trying to pack a lot in and see a lot in a short amount of time. Tegan was the best!!! Knew so much and spoke so passionately about New Zealand and Māori culture. Was so nice to learn. And she is just the best
Southern Voyager
Traveler Photos & Videos from New Zealand South Island tours
14 Days Best of New Zealand, Auckland, Christchurch & Queenstown
Nicola
New Zealand South Island ExpressElizabeth
NEW ZEALAND – 10 Days Highlights of North and South IslandsTracy
MSMolly
Southern Voyager
RDRebecca
New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
Discover New ZealandCharles
NZ Adventure 17 DayDanielle
YZYAJUAN
Premium - South Island Escape
SRShanaya
Big South
LKLauren
9 Day 'Kaka' South Island Select Tour
MGMONICA
Journeys: Discover New Zealand National Geographic Journeys
NZ Adventure SouthJoe
AAnna
Southern Loop
CECelyn
NZ Intro South
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
- What our customers ask about New Zealand South Island Tours & Trips
The best New Zealand South Island tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaNew Zealand South Island travel expert at TourRadar
New Zealand South Island Express
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Seen great sights!”
Janet, traveled in February
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, Queenstown, Kawarau Gorge, Milford Sound, Arrowtown, Wanaka, Lake Wanaka, Franz Josef, Lake HaweaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,880
10% Off- US$1,692You save $188
South Island's treasures unfold from Christchurch's Hagley Park to Queenstown's Lake Wakatipu. The TranzAlpine train winds through Southern Alps to Arthur's Pass National Park, followed by a Milford Sound cruise. Accommodations include Terra Vive Apartments and Ramada Suites by Wyndham.
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Arthur's Pass National Park, Queenstown, Milford Sound Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Travel Made Easy Pty Ltd From
10% Off- US$4,218
NEW ZEALAND – 10 Days Highlights of North and South Islands
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Highlights Tour put together by Bucket List Tours was exactly what I was hoping for and it exceeded my expectations.”
Richard, traveled in March
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
10% Off- US$3,990
Southern Voyager
109 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Packs a lot into 7 days but it was perfect for people trying to pack a lot in and see a lot in a short amount of time.”
Alison, traveled in June
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
10% Off- US$1,121+$168 upfront costs
Christchurch's Botanic Gardens mark the start of South Island adventures extending to Franz Josef's glacial terrain. Lake Tekapo's Church of Good Shepherd, Wanaka's #thatwanakatree, and Arrowtown's heritage streets captivate before the TranzAlpine train winds through Arthur's Pass's beech forests.
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Ohau, Queenstown, Arrowtown, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Greymouth Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $4,860
10% Off- US$4,374You save $486
New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound)
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Get more money for activities you will not regret.”
Jinyoung, 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, Queenstown, Haast, Wanaka, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, ManapouriSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $1,355
19% Off- US$1,094You save $261
NZ Adventure 17 Day
45 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary is very well thought through and the accommodations were perfect for our group.”
Danielle, traveled in October
The South Island reveals its beauty from Christchurch to Queenstown. Mount Cook's Hooker Valley track beckons hikers, while Lake Wanaka offers kayaking adventures and Milford Sound showcases majestic fjords. Jet boating thrills and Southern Alps views complement included accommodation and internal flights.
Duration 17 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Queenstown Age Range Ages 18-45 Operator INTRO Travel From
19% Off- US$2,999
Abel Tasman National Park cruise and optional Fox Glacier helicopter rides lead to Milford Sound exploration. Four-star hotels provide comfort while discovering Punakaiki's famous Pancake Rocks and Lake Matheson's reflective waters with Mount Cook views.
Duration 12 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Te Puia, Wellington, Nelson, Picton, Blenheim, Abel Tasman National Park, Kaiteriteri, PunakaikiSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator On The Go Tours From $6,545
5% Off- US$6,218You save $327
New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It's well organised and well paced.”
Cailin, traveled in October
The South Island unfolds from glaciers to fjords, featuring Franz Josef, Milford Sound cruising, and Queenstown's adventures. Unique accommodations include wilderness lodges and Christchurch's converted jail during this 16-day journey with most meals included.
Duration 16 days Destinations Wellington, Abel Tasman National Park, Westport, Paparoa National Park, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Te Anau, Christchurch, KaikouraSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $2,999
25% Off- US$2,249You save $750
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Blenheim, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Queenstown Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From $3,017
5% Off- US$2,866You save $151
Travel New Zealand South Island your way
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for New Zealand South Island tours
G Adventures and Haka Tours get a lot of praise from our travelers, particularly for their excellent guides. Let me tell you about a few standouts: Summer from G Adventures has made quite an impression - travelers keep mentioning how her enthusiasm rubs off on everyone and she's great at making sure nobody feels left out of the group. Over at Haka Tours, Mike (who goes by Hygi) really knows his stuff about New Zealand. He puts together solid itineraries and you can tell he genuinely loves showing off his country. Our travelers mention how he strikes that nice balance between being organized and keeping things fun. Wild Kiwi does things a bit differently with smaller groups, and their guides Tolan, Robbie and also Mark get mentioned often in the feedback. What makes them special is how they can adjust the day's plans based on what the group wants to do - it's not just following a rigid schedule. The personal touch from these guides seems to make a real difference - it's not just about getting from A to B, but creating an experience where everyone feels part of the group. That's what keeps coming up in the feedback we get from people who've traveled with these companies.
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 Travelers114 tours- Couples65 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)29 tours
- Seniors (50+)45 tours
Best time to visit New Zealand South Island
- Winter 2025 / 2026
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.
- 55 tours
- popular 86 tours
- 82 tours
- Spring 2026
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 101 tours
- 75 tours
- 52 tours
- Summer 2026
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.
- 42 tours
- popular 46 tours
- 44 tours
- 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.
- 58 tours
- 76 tours
- popular 85 tours
Contact our New Zealand South Island travel experts
George
Expert in New Zealand South Island at TourRadar
George 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!
- Choose from 238+ New Zealand South Island tours
- 1,963 verified reviews by TourRadar customers
- 24/7 customer support
Call us
+1 844 311 8331What our customers ask about New Zealand South Island Tours & Trips
What makes Queenstown the 'Adventure Capital' of the South Island?
Queenstown's incredible setting on Lake Wakatipu surrounded by the Southern Alps creates the perfect playground for thrill-seekers. You'll find the world's first commercial bungy site at Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge where brave souls take the plunge daily. The Shotover River's fast-moving waters host jet boats zooming through at 80+ km/h while over on the Dart River white-water rafting gets hearts racing. Look up and you might spot skydivers floating down with those snow-capped peaks as their backdrop. The adventure options just keep coming — canyon swings zip lines and rugged 4WD tours round out the adrenaline rush possibilities. If you're joining the "New Zealand: South Island Encompassed" tour you'll get two free days in Queenstown to try activities like bungy jumping jet boating mountain biking or skydiving.
Which officially designated natural areas exist in the South Island, outside major urban centers, and what are the primary methods of accessing them?
The South Island's national parks showcase some of nature's finest work starting with UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park. Here you can explore majestic Milford Sound by scenic cruise kayak or tackle the famous Milford Track on foot. Up north Abel Tasman National Park pairs golden beaches with granite cliffs — the Coastal Track there is perfect for hiking or paddling along in a kayak. Over at Mount Cook National Park you're looking at New Zealand's highest peak Aoraki/Mount Cook plus access to the country's longest glacier the Tasman. Getting there is pretty straightforward — drive yourself join a guided tour or hop on public buses. The "New Zealand: South Island Encompassed" tour takes care of transport letting you experience both Fiordland and Abel Tasman without the logistics hassle.
Which locally recognized cultural practices in the South Island can visitors participate in, and where do they typically take place?
You can really dive into Māori culture at workshops and galleries especially around Hokitika and Franz Josef. The highlight's got to be carving your own Pounamu (greenstone) pendant — it's more than just making jewelry you're connecting with a precious stone that's unique to the South Island and deeply woven into Māori tradition. The "New Zealand Southern Pioneer" tour includes a stop in Franz Josef where you'll get to carve your own pounamu pendant at a local gallery learning about its spiritual significance as you work.
Besides organized tours, how else can I efficiently explore the South Island's highlights?
Mix up your transport for the best experience — try self-driving combined with scenic train rides. The Crown Range road from Queenstown to Wanaka's a stunner and you can take your time stopping at spots like Arrowtown a charming gold-mining village that feels frozen in time. Then there's the TranzAlpine Scenic Train from Greymouth to Christchurch crossing the Southern Alps through lush beech forests river valleys and towering peaks from the comfort of your carriage. You'll find this exact combo in the "New Zealand South to North Drive Cruise & Rail" tour giving you the freedom of driving plus the relaxation of train travel.
Which locations in the South Island have relatively low visitor volume but are officially noted or recommended for their cultural or natural significance?
Lake Ohau tucked away in the Mackenzie Basin offers a quieter alternative to the busy Lake Tekapo scene with hiking kayaking and incredible Southern Alps views. Then there's Stewart Island reached by ferry from Bluff — it's a bit more effort to get there but that's what keeps it pristine. You'll find untouched forests secluded beaches and some of the best kiwi-spotting chances in New Zealand. The island's part of the "Queenstown Southern Loop" tour which includes the ferry trip over and gives you a full free day to explore Rakiura National Park take coastal cruises or just chill on those hidden beaches.