Walking Adventure Tours & Trips in New Zealand South Island
Explore a wide diversity of walking adventure tours through New Zealand South Island. We have 15 adventures that vary from 6 days to 19 days. With the greatest number of departures in September, 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
- New Zealand South Island: Alps & Adrenaline
- Classic | Alpine Highlights Tour
- Classic | Southern Highlights Tour
- Classic | Coastal Highlights Tour
- New Zealand Coastal Expedition with Geothermal Wonders and Southern Peaks Auckland → Queenstown (2026)
- New Zealand Coastal Expedition with Queenstown Escape Wellington → Queenstown (2027)
- Signature | Inspirational Alps Tour
- South Island Adventure - 9 days
- New Zealand - The Wonders of the South10 Days
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
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 $2,199
5% Off- US$2,089You save $110
Walk the limestone formations and blowholes at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, then climb the West Coast TreeTop Walkway among ancient rainforest canopy. Follow nature trails around Franz Josef Glacier with valley views, maybe try punting on the Avon River in Christchurch, and have free time around Queenstown's lakefront.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Punakaiki, Franz Josef, Queenstown Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Great Journeys New Zealand From
5% Off- US$2,946
The TreeTop Walkway on the West Coast takes you among towering native Rimu trees, then there's Punakaiki Pancake Rocks limestone formations and blowholes. Hike trails with Franz Josef Glacier valley views, wander Christchurch's 19th-century architecture and rose gardens, check out Kaikōura's coastline.
Duration 11 days Destinations Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef, Punakaiki, Greymouth, Arthur's Pass National Park, Christchurch, Kaikoura, Marlborough, Queen Charlotte SoundSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Great Journeys New Zealand From
5% Off- US$4,360
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
5% Off- US$2,062
Duration 18 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Motuara Island, Kaikoura, Queen Charlotte Sound, Akaroa, Christchurch, DunedinSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator APT From
5% Off- US$14,482+$999 upfront costs
Duration 13 days Destinations Wellington, Motuara Island, Kaikoura, Akaroa, Christchurch, Dunedin, Stewart Island, Fiordland National Park, Doubtful Sound, Milford SoundSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator APT From
5% Off- US$12,270+$999 upfront costs
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 
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, Wanaka, Queenstown, Milford Sound Age Range Ages 18-45 Operator On The Go Tours 
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Omarama, Cromwell, Queenstown, Walter Peak, Glenorchy, Te Anau, Milford SoundSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Operator ASI Reisen From
5% Off- US$4,500
More about New Zealand South Island
New Zealand North IslandMilford SoundSouthern AlpsNew Zealand NorthlandWine tasting10 Best Walking Tour Companies (with Reviews)