Walking Adventure Tours & Trips in New Zealand South Island
Explore a wide diversity of walking adventure tours through New Zealand South Island. We have 24 adventures that vary from 4 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
- New Zealand South Island: Alps & Adrenaline
- Signature | Spectacular South Tour
- Signature | Inspirational Alps Tour
- New Zealand's Southern Drift (Small Groups)
- South Island Grand Discovery - 14 days
- South Island Adventure - 9 days
- 18 to 35s Essential New Zealand: South Island
- Classic | Alpine Highlights Tour
- Classic | Southern Highlights Tour
- Classic | Coastal Highlights Tour
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 $2,269
5% Off- US$2,156
Duration 11 days Destinations Wellington, Marlborough, Christchurch, Kaikoura, Greymouth, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Haast, Queenstown, Milford Sound Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Great Journeys New Zealand From
5% Off- US$5,946
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.
Duration 6 days Destinations Christchurch, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Haast, Queenstown, Milford Sound Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Great Journeys New Zealand From
5% Off- US$3,865
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Lake Ohau, Cromwell, Arrowtown, Queenstown, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, WanakaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator AAT Kings From $5,235
8% Off- US$4,816
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
8% Off- US$6,305
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.
Duration 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 From
8% Off- US$2,015
Duration 12 days Destinations Christchurch, Fairlie, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Milford Sound, Arrowtown, Kawarau Gorge, MakaroraSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Intrepid Travel From
8% Off- US$1,970
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
8% Off- US$2,973
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
8% Off- US$4,400
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
8% Off- US$2,081
More about New Zealand South Island
New Zealand North IslandMilford SoundSouthern AlpsAoraki Mount CookAncient Wonders10 Best Walking Tour Companies (with Reviews)