7-Day New Zealand South Island Tour Packages
Picture spending a week exploring New Zealand's South Island. Queenstown’s adventure scene, Milford Sound's dramatic fjords, and Franz Josef Glacier's ancient ice. Hike Hooker Valley right up to Mount Cook, cruise through what locals call the 8th Wonder of the World, maybe even bungy jump if you're feeling brave. The scenery's absolutely jaw-dropping.
Insider tips: Recommended 7-day New Zealand South Island tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaNew Zealand South Island travel expert at TourRadar
7 Day New Zealand South Island Itinerary, incl. Christchurch and Queenstown
A 7-day South Island adventure showcases 5 highlights: Lake Tekapo's Dark Sky Reserve, Queenstown's adventure sports, Milford Sound's fiords, Franz Josef Glacier's ice formations, and Mount Cook's alpine vistas. Covers 1,500km with frequent scenic stops.
- Day 1
Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
Leave Christchurch early to avoid traffic on your 3-hour drive to Lake Tekapo with its beautiful turquoise alpine waters. If you plan to stargaze at the Dark Sky Reserve bring extra warm clothes. The temperature drops quickly after sunset even during summer months.
- Day 2
Lake Tekapo to Queenstown
The 4-hour drive through Lindis Pass includes a stop at the unique Omarama Clay Cliffs. You'll reach Queenstown by late afternoon ready to explore the bustling town center. A past visitor noted: "The hostel kitchen overlooked the water and mountains, perfect for sunset views."
- Day 3
Milford Sound Day Trip
Start at 7 AM for your Milford Sound adventure. The 4-hour drive includes scenic stops in Fiordland National Park. Take the 1 PM cruise when it's less crowded. Pack rain gear since Milford sees over 200 rainy days each year but that's when the waterfalls look their best.
- Day 4
Queenstown Adventures
Start your day with the Canyon Swing at 8:30 AM to avoid lines. One visitor suggested: "Do the Canyon Swing before the bungy - it's less intimidating and helps build courage." Save your afternoon for the Queenstown Hill walk which takes 2-3 hours round trip.
- Day 5
Queenstown to Franz Josef
Take the 5-hour scenic drive along the West Coast through Wanaka. Stop for photos at the Instagram-famous #ThatWanakaTree. Take care on the winding roads after Haast Pass and consider motion sickness pills if needed. Book your glacier activities when you arrive in Franz Josef.
- Day 6
Franz Josef Glacier
Book the first helicopter tour around 8 AM since weather often changes later. If flights get cancelled you can walk to the glacier viewpoint which takes about 1.5 hours round trip. The trail can get slippery so wear good hiking boots.
- Day 7
Franz Josef to Christchurch
Start your final 5-hour drive through Arthur's Pass by 8 AM. Take time to visit Hokitika Gorge just 30 minutes off the main road for views of bright turquoise water. You'll reach Christchurch between 3-4 PM depending on your stops.
7 Day New Zealand's South Island Itinerary, incl. Christchurch and Abel Tasman
The South Island unfolds over 7 days: marvel at Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks, walk Abel Tasman National Park, sample wines in Marlborough, and watch marine life in Kaikoura. An 800km circuit with comfortable accommodation and daily breakfast included.
- Day 1
Christchurch to Punakaiki
Leave Christchurch by 8 AM for the 5-hour drive across Lewis Pass. The route takes you through beautiful beech forests. Food stops are limited on this route, so pack plenty of snacks. If you get carsick, grab a front seat and bring motion sickness medication for the winding roads.
- Day 2
Punakaiki
Get to the Pancake Rocks early before the tour buses roll in around 10 AM. The walking track takes about 45 minutes. The paths can get slippery from sea spray, so wear good walking shoes. A recent visitor shared: "The blowholes are most spectacular at high tide, so check the tide times and plan accordingly."
- Days 3-5
Abel Tasman National Park
The 4-hour drive from Punakaiki follows the scenic West Coast, where you might spot seal colonies. In Abel Tasman, you can kayak the clear waters, walk sections of the coastal track, or spend time on the golden beaches. Book kayak trips at least a day ahead during peak season. Visit the Ngarua Caves and Te Waikoropupu Springs, which has some of the clearest fresh water in the world. Head to Golden Bay and Wharariki Beach on day three. Go in the morning to avoid strong afternoon winds. The beach is perfect for photography, especially the iconic rock archways. The walk to the beach takes about 20 minutes each way through farmland. Wear closed shoes if it has been raining.
- Day 6
Marlborough and Kaikoura
Start your morning in Marlborough's wine country. Most wineries open at 10 AM. Try Cloudy Bay or Saint Clair first for excellent Sauvignon Blanc tastings. It takes about 2 hours to drive to Kaikoura. Book whale watching for the next morning when the sea is usually calmer.
- Day 7
Kaikoura to Christchurch
Book early morning tours (7:30 AM) for dolphin swimming or whale watching. The marine life is most active then. One visitor noted: "The morning dolphin swim was incredible – we saw hundreds of dusky dolphins. Bring motion sickness pills and wear the thermal wetsuit they provide." The drive back to Christchurch takes about 2.5 hours.
New Zealand South Island 7 Day Tour Packages You'll Love
Southern Voyager
Southern Loop
Signature | Captivating Coast Tour
Ski New Zealand (Hotels)
Classic | Alpine Highlights Tour
Ski New Zealand (Hostels)
New Zealand South Island Essence Coach Tour
Budget South Island Adventure - 7 days
Christchurch to Milford Sound & Franz Josef - 7 days
New Zealand Winter Adventure
What people love about 7-day New Zealand South Island tours
- Southern Voyager
Amazing your. Super professional and well organized. 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. Tegan was the best!!! Knew so much and spoke so passionately about New Zealand and Māori culture. Was so nice to learn. And she is just the best
- Premium - South Island Escape
We really enjoyed our tour of South Island. It was very well organised and Telli, our guide, was absolutely brilliant! He was knowledgeable, informative, kind and had a great sense of humour – everybody warmed to him and he went above and beyond to make sure we all had the best time. We didn't have the funds to splash out on the extra activities but we still enjoyed every location we visited. There was so much to see and do, and we were lucky to have a really fantastic group of fellow travellers. All the accommodation was clean and comfortable, and Telli recommended places to eat and drink. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend Wild Kiwi.
More about New Zealand South Island
2 week Tours10 day ToursNew Zealand North IslandMilford SoundSouthern AlpsAoraki Mount Cook