2-Week New Zealand South Island Tour Packages

Ready to properly explore New Zealand's more dramatic island? South Island packs Queenstown's adventure capital vibe, Milford Sound's fjords, Mount Cook area, and Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. You're seeing Christchurch rebuilding, possibly Dunedin's Scottish heritage, Abel Tasman's golden beaches, and wine regions around Marlborough. The South Island rewards slower travel rather than trying to see everything quickly.

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Insider tips: Recommended 2-week New Zealand South Island tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaNew Zealand South Island travel expert at TourRadar

14 Day New Zealand South Island Itinerary, incl. Queenstown and Franz Josef
A 14-day South Island odyssey visits 9 destinations from Christchurch to Kaikoura. The package includes 13 nights accommodation, daily breakfasts, Milford Sound cruises, Franz Josef glacier adventures, and Abel Tasman National Park activities.
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- Days 1-2
  Christchurch to Queenstown
  Start in Christchurch and make your way to Lake Tekapo. Plan to arrive in the late afternoon for optimal stargazing at the Dark Sky Reserve. "The stargazing at Lake Tekapo was incredible - just make sure to bring warm layers as temperatures drop significantly after sunset." The next day takes you through Lindis Pass to Queenstown. Set aside 6 hours for the drive to account for photo stops.
- Days 3-4
  Queenstown & Milford Sound
  Leave Queenstown at 7 AM for Milford Sound to beat the traffic. The 4-hour drive includes time for stops at Mirror Lakes. Schedule your cruise for early afternoon when lighting is ideal for photos. Spend a full day exploring Queenstown. Book any adrenaline activities ahead of time since they book up fast. Try to get morning bungy slots when lines are shorter.
- Days 5-6
  Franz Josef Glacier
  The 5-hour drive from Queenstown will take you through Wanaka. Stop there for lunch before the crowds arrive at the lakefront cafes. A recent visitor suggests: "Book the heli-hike early in your stay. Weather changes quickly here and morning flights have the best chance of operating."
- Days 7-8
  West Coast to Punakaiki
  Take Arthur's Pass to the West Coast. It's about 4 hours from Franz Josef. Check local tide schedules to see the Pancake Rocks at their most impressive during high tide.
- Days 9-11
  Abel Tasman National Park
  Stay in Marahau for the best park access. A past visitor recommends: "The coastal track can get busy - start hiking by 8 AM to have the golden beaches mostly to yourself. Bring water shoes for tide crossings."
- Days 12-14
  Marlborough & Kaikoura
  Visit a Marlborough winery on your way to Kaikoura. Book the first whale watching tour of the day when the sea is usually calmest. Plan about 2.5 hours for the drive back to Christchurch. If you have an evening flight, aim to arrive by 3 PM.
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Premium - Ultimate South Island
This 14-day premium guided tour crosses the South Island from Christchurch to Queenstown. Ride the TranzAlpine train through the Southern Alps, cruise past Milford Sound's massive waterfalls, and taste wines at Mt Difficulty Vineyard and Marlborough's Sauvignon Blanc estates throughout your journey.
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- Christchurch New Zealand
  118 mi
- Punakaiki New Zealand
  117 mi
- Abel Tasman National Park New Zealand
  58 mi
- Marlborough New Zealand
  51 mi
- Kaikoura New Zealand
  51 mi
- Marlborough New Zealand
  135 mi
- Christchurch New Zealand
  93 mi
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- Kaikoura New Zealand
  93 mi
- Christchurch New Zealand
  113 mi
- Lake Tekapo New Zealand
  166 mi
- Te Anau New Zealand
  53 mi
- Queenstown New Zealand
  43 mi
- Milford Sound New Zealand
  52 mi
- Te Anau New Zealand
  53 mi
- Queenstown New Zealand
  137 mi
- Franz Josef New Zealand
  123 mi
- Christchurch New Zealand
  123 mi
- Franz Josef New Zealand
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New Zealand South to North Drive, Cruise & Rail
Natural wonders highlight this 14-day South Island tour featuring Queenstown's adventures, overnight Milford Sound cruise aboard Milford Mariner, Franz Josef Glacier village stays, and TranzAlpine rail journey through Arthur's Pass National Park to Christchurch.
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- Queenstown New Zealand
  8 mi
- Walter Peak New Zealand
  18 mi
- Arrowtown New Zealand
  7 mi
- The Remarkables New Zealand
  7 mi
- Queenstown New Zealand
  53 mi
- Te Anau New Zealand
  52 mi
- Milford Sound New Zealand
  59 mi
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- Fiordland National Park New Zealand
  59 mi
- Milford Sound New Zealand
  52 mi
- Te Anau New Zealand
  53 mi
- Queenstown New Zealand
  32 mi
- Wanaka New Zealand
  32 mi
- Makarora New Zealand
  25 mi
- Haast New Zealand
  56 mi
- Fox Glacier New Zealand
  10 mi
- Franz Josef New Zealand
  59 mi
- Hokitika New Zealand
  22 mi
- Greymouth New Zealand
  103 mi
- Christchurch New Zealand
  93 mi
- Kaikoura New Zealand
  62 mi
- Blenheim New Zealand
  15 mi
- Picton New Zealand
  40 mi
- Wellington New Zealand
  150 mi
- Tongariro National Park New Zealand
  167 mi
- Auckland New Zealand
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New Zealand South Island 14 Day Tour Packages You'll Love

What people love about 2-week New Zealand South Island tours

ShanayaTraveled in May
5
Tom and Robbie both were amazing tour guides. The big south was 10 out of 10 experience. Weather definitely will play a big role in your activities. The flexibility of the guides makes the trip free more like a family and friends on holiday. It was so an illuminating experience with everyone that came. 20 April - 3 May best weather!! First week we had 18 people and the next week, 7.
Big South
MadireddyTraveled in May
5
Was great and delightful tours organised very well
【New Zealand】13 Days New Zealand Grand North and South Island Tour Package
EdwinTraveled in May
5
Greg Bray, our CEO, was knowledgeable fun to be with and skilled at making necessary adjustments when needed. We had a great experience all the way around.
Journeys: Discover New Zealand National Geographic