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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Fantastic tour! The sights were amazing and the tour manager was very friendly and knowledgeable.
NZ: South Island (Westbound)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 IslandsHighly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable and enriching travel experience.
Southern Kiwi - Small Group Tour
Traveler Photos & Videos from New Zealand South Island tours
- NZ: South Island (Westbound)
- Southern Spotlight (2025/2026)
- Premium - South Island Escape
- Big South
- NEW ZEALAND – 10 Days Highlights of North and South Islands
- Discover New Zealand
- 14 Days Best of New Zealand, Auckland, Christchurch & Queenstown
- New Zealand South Island Express (10 destinations)
- NZ Adventure 17 Day
- Southern Voyager
- NZ Intro South
- Walking in New Zealand
- NZ Intro 17 Day
- 9-Day Alpine Adventure: The South Island Rail & Alpine Expedition (Christchurch Start)
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
NZ: South Island (Westbound)
“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, Haast, Wanaka, Queenstown, Cardrona, Milford Sound, Te Anau, ManapouriSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $1,672
26% off- US$1,244
NEW ZEALAND – 10 Days Highlights of North and South Islands
“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
26% off- US$3,990
Southern Kiwi - Small Group Tour
“Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable and enriching travel experience.”
Peter, traveled in September
A scenic route leads from Kaikoura's coastal beauty to Queenstown's adventure hub. The tour winds through Arthur's Pass National Park, includes stays at unique spots like Rainforest Retreat, and showcases highlights from Milford Sound to Lake Tekapo's Church of Good Shepherd.
Duration 15 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Marlborough, Nelson, Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson Lakes National Park, Hanmer Springs, Arthur's Pass National Park, Castle Hill Peak, Franz JosefSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-49 Operator Kiwi Experience From
26% off- US$2,080
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
26% off- US$1,109
Southern Voyager
“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 $1,011
5% off- US$960+$163 upfront costs
Premium - South Island Escape
“Everything is set safe in mind before my trip starts. This was my best experience with Tour Radar!”
YAJUAN, traveled in November
Premium accommodations anchor this South Island journey from Christchurch to Franz Josef Glacier. Highlights include Milford Sound cruise with lunch, Mt Difficulty wine tasting, and optional glacier walks. Dark Sky stargazing and thermal pools enhance the experience.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Franz Josef Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Wild Kiwi From $2,280
5% off- US$2,166+$387 upfront costs
Ultimate New Zealand South Island Tour
“We really packed it in and enjoyed great hikes and incredible scenery.”
Lynda, traveled in February
Duration 12 days Destinations Christchurch, Punakaiki, Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Mount Aspiring National Park, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, QueenstownSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Fresh Adventures From
5% off- US$5,518+$237 upfront costs
Explore our featured New Zealand South Island tours
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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 Travelers128 tours- Couples84 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)34 tours
- Seniors (50+)66 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.
- popular 77 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
- 107 tours
- popular 109 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 108 tours
- 83 tours
- 55 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.
- 48 tours
- popular 50 tours
- 46 tours
Contact our New Zealand South Island travel experts
Rebecca
Expert in New Zealand South Island at TourRadar
Rebecca 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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