New Zealand South Island Small Group Tours
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10 best New Zealand South Island small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaNew Zealand South Island travel expert at TourRadar
- Epic South Island Hiking & Walking Small Group Tour
- New Zealand Highlights Group Tour | ULTIMATE
- Small group Safari (from Christchurch to Auckland)
- Big South
- Queenstown Southern Loop
- New Zealand South Island Adventure (26 destinations)
- Summer Blast from Christchurch - Top rated by National Geographic
- Southern Loop
- Premium New Zealand South Island (9 destinations)
- Premium - South Island Escape
Duration 13 days Destinations Christchurch, Punakaiki, Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Mount Aspiring National Park, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, QueenstownSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 11 Operator Fresh Adventures From
Deal- NZ$7,903
Duration 21 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Queenstown Age Range Ages 18-35 Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator Ultimate Travel From $5,024
15% Off- NZ$4,270You save $754
Small groups discover South Island gems like Akaroa, Fairlie, and Te Anau. Limited numbers ensure quality time at each stop, from Milford Sound cruise to Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks. Eight shared dinners build camaraderie while visiting Abel Tasman National Park and Queenstown.
Duration 21 days Destinations Christchurch, Akaroa, Fairlie, Mount Cook, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Punakaiki, Abel Tasman National Park, PictonSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator DERTOUR From
15% Off- NZ$12,363
Big South
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The South Island is beautiful. T made the trip by doing the things we wanted to do.”
Stephan, traveled in August
Close-knit groups of 18-20 travelers unite from Christchurch to Franz Josef Glacier. Special experiences include private wine tastings in Marlborough and peaceful hiking in Abel Tasman National Park, while building friendships over shared adventures.
Duration 14 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef, Punakaiki, Abel Tasman National Park, Marlborough, Kaikoura Age Range Ages 18-39 Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type Group Operator Wild Kiwi From
15% Off- NZ$3,816+$572 upfront costs
Duration 6 days Destinations Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Stewart Island Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,725
25% Off- NZ$2,794You save $931
Duration 12 days Destinations Christchurch, Westport, Punakaiki, Kumara, Hokitika, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford SoundSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From
25% Off- NZ$6,795
Summer Blast from Christchurch - Top rated by National Geographic
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fabulous experience, great tour. Would highly recommend Flying Kiwi.”
Sharon, traveled in March
Groups of 15-20 travelers gain exclusive access to pristine South Island locations like Lake Tekapo and Milford Sound. Two expert guides facilitate close-knit experiences from camping in remote spots to shared meals.
Duration 13 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Oamaru, Moeraki, Dunedin, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, QueenstownSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Group Size Max Group Size 26 Group Type Group Operator Flying Kiwi From
25% Off- NZ$4,595
Southern Loop
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“This tour blew all my expectations and it was awesome to check out the Upper South Island.”
Anna, traveled in May
Groups of 12-15 adventurers travel South Island's highlights in a luxury vehicle with leather seats and WiFi. Intimate size enables quick stops at Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks, Cape Foulwind seal colonies, and focused attention during Marlborough wine tastings.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Punakaiki, Abel Tasman National Park, Blenheim, Kaikoura Age Range Ages 18-39 Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type Group Operator Wild Kiwi From
25% Off- NZ$1,912+$287 upfront costs
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Greymouth, Punakaiki, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Makarora, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Queenstown Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Premium From
25% Off- NZ$9,235
Premium - South Island Escape
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“We really enjoyed our tour of South Island. It was very well organised and we all had the best time.”
Helen, traveled in February
Twelve or fewer travelers share premium experiences across South Island, from peaceful Milford Sound cruises to personalized glacier walks at Franz Josef. Private access enhances local experiences, including wine tasting at Mt Difficulty Vineyard and thermal pool visits.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Franz Josef Age Range Ages 18+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator Wild Kiwi From
25% Off- NZ$4,086+$613 upfront costs
Reviews of Small Group tours to New Zealand South Island
- Southern Voyager
Wonderful trip with Wild Kiwi. Although, I got a personal issue, which I really did not know the reason why she blocked me and ignored me. It's the most unhappy issues on this trip, Apart from this, I am very satisfied with others traveller and with the tour guild. It is my pleasure to have such a preparative tour guild and nice travellers. Thank you for giving me a good tour. All the best to your further endeavours! I will recommend this tour for people who don't have a driver license and want to explore around the southern New Zealand.
- Big South
Ben has been an incredible tour guide! He shared his true passion, joy and knowledge with the group, and ensured everybody was having an amazing time :).
My only feedback is really the tents, maybe i am spoiled, but would have liked bigger tents as you stay in them every night. I had my own tent, can't imagine being two people in such a small tent.
Wild West from Queenstown - Top rated by National Geographic
What our customers ask about New Zealand South Island Small Group Tours
What makes small group tours in New Zealand's South Island special compared to larger tours?
These intimate tours let travelers explore remote areas that larger buses can't reach including hidden corners of Mount Cook National Park and less crowded viewpoints of Franz Josef Glacier. Groups can stay in charming local properties like the historic Dunstan House in Clyde or the converted Lauder School B&B. The smaller size means more stops for photos along scenic routes like the Lake Dunstan Trail. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Chris our guide was exceptional making the experience more personal and informative." The flexibility to adapt to weather conditions and group interests sets these tours apart from rigid large-group experiences.
What is the typical group size for small group tours in New Zealand's South Island?
Most tours maintain a small group size of 8-12 travelers. Tour operators like Adventure South add a second guide once groups reach 8 people which allows them to split activities based on different fitness levels and interests. This setup works particularly well at places like Franz Josef Glacier where one group might opt for a challenging hike while others take an easier scenic walk. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "Having two guides made the experience much more enjoyable and allowed us to split into smaller groups based on interests and abilities."
What is the best season for small group tours in New Zealand's South Island?
The prime touring season runs from October through April when weather conditions are most reliable for outdoor activities. Spring months of October and November bring wildflower displays to Mount Cook while autumn (March-April) offers golden colors in Central Otago's wine country. According to a TourRadar traveler: "We went in March and the weather was perfect for hiking the Otago Central Rail Trail and exploring Franz Josef Glacier plus the autumn colors around Wanaka were spectacular."
What is included in the meal plan for small group tours in New Zealand's South Island?
Tour packages generally cover daily breakfasts and select group dinners at local establishments. Adventure South tours provide all breakfasts 5-6 lunches and 3-4 dinners including meals at historic venues like Stanley's Hotel in Macraes. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The food choices were fantastic especially at local spots that we wouldn't have found on our own like the winery dinner in Clyde and our group meals at Lauder School B&B."
How much interaction is there with local communities on small group tours?
These tours create natural opportunities to connect with local residents through stays at family-run guesthouses and visits to regional artisans. Travelers meet jade carvers in Hokitika's workshops and wine producers in Central Otago's vineyards. One TourRadar traveler commented: "Staying at the Lauder School B&B gave us real insight into local life and our host's stories about the Otago Rail Trail's history were fascinating." The small group format allows time for genuine conversations with community members.
How long are typical small group tours in New Zealand's South Island?
Tours generally span 5-10 days with many travelers choosing 7-day itineraries like the Great West Coast Cycle or 5-day combinations of the Lake Dunstan and Otago Central Rail Trail. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The 7-day format was perfect - enough time to really experience places like Franz Josef Glacier and Mount Cook without feeling rushed." These timeframes balance comprehensive exploration with comfortable pacing.