Ancient Wonders Tours & Trips in New Zealand South Island
Explore a wide diversity of ancient wonders tours through New Zealand South Island. We have 22 adventures that vary from 5 days to 21 days. With the greatest number of departures in January, this is also the most popular time of the year.
10 best ancient wonders New Zealand South Island tours
Compiled by

MelissaNew Zealand South Island travel expert at TourRadar
Journeys: Discover New Zealand National Geographic
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“great trip and tour of NZ”
PAUL, traveled in February
Duration 12 days Destinations Auckland, Waiheke Island, Waitomo, Rotorua, Christchurch, Arthur's Pass National Park, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Wanaka, ArrowtownSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator National Geographic Expeditions with G Adventures From $6,419
25% Off- US$4,814You save $1,605
New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything was amazing!”
Staci, traveled in October
Duration 16 days Destinations Wellington, Abel Tasman National Park, Cape Foulwind, Westport, Punakaiki, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Aoraki/Mount Cook National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $2,699
25% Off- US$2,024You save $675
Discover New Zealand
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The scenery was awesome and the activities were incredible. The boat was a lovely size with just 36 passengers.”
Jenny, traveled in January
Duration 18 days Destinations Auckland, Rangitoto Island, Rotorua, Tongariro National Park, Mount Ruapehu, Wellington, Picton, Nelson, Motueka, Abel Tasman National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
25% Off- US$11,100
Southern Wonders
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The scenery was incredible.”
michael, traveled in February
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Haast, Wanaka, Lake Hawea, Arrowtown, Queenstown, Walter Peak, Milford SoundSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator AAT Kings From $3,645
8% Off- US$3,353You save $292
NZ Explorer
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“All breakfasts and lunches were delicious, clean and could meet any dietary restrictions. All lodging accommodations were comfortable, central and clean.”
Elena, traveled in December
No departure dates availableDuration 10 days Destinations Queenstown, Glenorchy, Arrowtown, Kawarau Gorge, Cardrona, Wanaka, Lake Wanaka, Haast, Franz Josef, Paparoa National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Adventure Junkies Duration 11 days Destinations Auckland, Dargaville, Waipoua Forest, Omapere, Paihia, Waitangi, Matakana, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, QueenstownSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator Wild Kiwi From
8% Off- US$2,209+$332 upfront costs
New Zealand Walking Adventure
149 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great support for a wide-ranging visit to a wonderful place.”
John, traveled in February
No departure dates availableDuration 14 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Blenheim, Nelson, Abel Tasman National Park, Cape Foulwind, Paparoa National Park, Punakaiki, Hokitika, Franz JosefSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Active Adventures NZ Adrenalin
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Wonderfully thought out itinerary and met some fantastic people. I have and will continue to recommended this tour to anybody and everybody I know.”
MaxKlien, traveled in November
No departure dates availableDuration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Rakaia Gorge, Methven, Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Lake Wanaka, Mount Aspiring National Park, Wanaka, CardronaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Adventure Junkies NZ Adventure
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The planning and care given, and all the worries removed, turned this into the vacation of a lifetime.”
Brian, traveled in January
No departure dates availableDuration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Methven, Geraldine, Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, Twizel, Omarama, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te AnauSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Adventure Junkies South Island Showcase 2023
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Extremely well organised, full of experiences you could not get if not on a tour and allowed for a truly memorable trip.”
Mark, traveled in October
No departure dates availableDuration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Akaroa, Arthur's Pass National Park, Greymouth, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Cosmos
What people love about Ancient Wonders Tours in New Zealand South Island
- Journeys: Discover New Zealand National Geographic
The Guides for individual tours were knowledgeable and helpful, Our overall tour guide worked hard to make sure everyone had a good time. The hotels were all of a good standard
- New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
Breathtaking sights, great people and a well put together tour. I felt like I saw the best of what the South has to offer. Although it’s an amazing area of the world, I’m sure I’ll be back one day. I met some lovely people. CEO Robyn was an amazing organiser and was the best!
- Discover New Zealand
The Tour Operator (Exodus Adventure) answered all my questions pre-departure, provided an unbelievably friendly and experienced tour leader and followed the itinerary that lived up to all my expectations. Weather was expected to be wet on a few days but the tour leader changed the timing of the walks to make best use of gaps in the less pleasant weather and avoid having to walk in anything worse than short showers or very fine rain. The choice of walks was excellent in terms of the scenery, views and wildlife that we were able to experience. Some of the walks were quite strenuous but still enjoyable taken at a reasonable pace but then the tour was aimed at experienced hikers. Some of the accommodation was a bit basic and could be improved - the least good were those that were selected as alternatives to those advertised. But this was not advertised or priced as a luxury tour so does not alter the five star rating.
More about New Zealand South Island
Ancient WondersNew Zealand North IslandMilford SoundSouthern AlpsNew Zealand NorthlandWalking Adventure
























