Walking Adventure Tours & Trips in New Zealand South Island
Explore a wide diversity of walking adventure tours through New Zealand South Island. We have 22 adventures that vary from 6 days to 19 days. With the greatest number of departures in February, this is also the most popular time of the year.
10 best walking adventure New Zealand South Island tours
Compiled by
MelissaNew Zealand South Island travel expert at TourRadar
- Solo-ish New Zealand
- Essential New Zealand: South Island (15 destinations)
- New Zealand South Island: Alps & Adrenaline
- New Zealand's Southern Drift (Small Groups)
- Classic | Coastal Highlights Tour
- New Zealand South Island Express (12 destinations)
- South Island Grand Discovery - 14 days
- Solo South Island Escape - 11 days
- South Island Adventure - 9 days
- Signature | Inspirational Alps Tour
Walk through rainforest trails near Franz Josef Glacier with a guide who'll show you the ice formations, then hike across Hokitika Gorge's suspension bridge to see its bright blue waters below. Cruise Doubtful Sound in Fiordland National Park past mountain slopes and waterfalls, keeping an eye out for dolphins.
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Waitomo, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Hokitika, Greymouth, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Fiordland National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $5,089
25% Off- US$3,817You save $1,272
Duration 12 days Destinations Christchurch, Fairlie, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Arrowtown, Kawarau Gorge, Makarora, Franz Josef, PunakaikiSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Intrepid Travel From
25% Off- US$1,895
Check out Franz Josef Glacier region with optional kayaking on Lake Mapourika and heli-hiking through ice mazes. Cruise Milford Sound within Fiordland National Park, passing waterfalls and seals while having lunch on board. Stay 8 nights in hostel-style accommodation and 1 night hotel, cycling Arrow River Bridges and wine tasting in Cromwell for ages 18-32.
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Hanmer Springs, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Okarito, Wanaka, Arrowtown, Queenstown, Te AnauSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-32 Operator Topdeck From $2,299
5% Off- US$2,184You save $115
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Lake Ohau, Cromwell, Arrowtown, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Wanaka, Lake HaweaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator AAT Kings From $5,235
15% Off- US$4,450You save $785
Check out Christchurch's botanical gardens and walk the rebuilt city center mixing 19th-century Anglican buildings with modern designs after the 2011 earthquake. Riverside Market's got interesting stalls, there's optional whale watching or dolphin tours in Kaikōura, and Marlborough has vineyard wine tasting.
Duration 6 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Marlborough, Wellington Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Great Journeys New Zealand From
15% Off- US$2,043
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Kawarau Gorge, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Arrowtown, Wanaka, Lake Hawea, Franz Josef, Arthur's Pass National Park Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
15% Off- US$1,740
Duration 14 days Destinations Christchurch, Moana, Punakaiki, Greymouth, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Arrowtown, Te Anau, Milford SoundSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From
15% Off- US$6,075
Duration 11 days Destinations Christchurch, Arthur's Pass National Park, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Walter Peak, Arrowtown, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, Milford SoundSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From
15% Off- US$4,860
Hike up Mount John for 360-degree views of the Southern Alps and Lake Tekapo, then trek through Mount Cook/Aoraki National Park with views of New Zealand's tallest peak at 3,724 meters. Kayak across Lake Wanaka's clear waters and climb Mount Iron to see the Pisa Range and Upper Clutha Basin.
No departure dates availableDuration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Wanaka, Queenstown, Milford Sound Age Range Ages 18-45 Operator On The Go Tours 
Walk the West Coast Tree Top Walk high above ancient Rimu and Kamahi rainforest before hiking to the viewpoint at Franz Josef Glacier in the Southern Alps. Then spend five hours driving through Haast Pass wilderness, with a stop at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks to see the limestone blowholes and rock formations.
No departure dates availableDuration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Punakaiki, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Great Journeys New Zealand
More about New Zealand South Island
New Zealand North IslandSouthern AlpsMilford SoundAoraki Mount CookAncient Wonders10 Best Walking Tour Companies (with Reviews)