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
- Auckland to Christchurch 12 Day Highlights
- Christchurch to Milford Sound & Franz Josef - 7 days
- South Island Lick Tour
- Southern Loop
- Premium - South Island Escape
- Milford Sound Spectacular - 7 Day Self Drive tour
- West Coast Explorer (with TranzAlpine) - 3 Day Self Drive Tour
- Southern Icons - 9 Day Self Drive Tour
- Southern Lakes (with TranzAlpine) - 6 Day Self Drive Tour
- South Island Snow Safari in reverse
Auckland to Christchurch 12 Day Highlights
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellently curated, smooth checkins, lovely hotels, everything is in the app including reservation numbers.”
Cynthia, traveled in February
Groups of 8-12 travelers create unique moments at Mt Cook's Glacier Explorers and wildlife viewing in Kaikoura. The intimate size allows for flexible stops along the TranzAlpine route and personal wine tasting in Gibbston Valley.
Duration 12 days Destinations Auckland, Matamata, Rotorua, Wellington, Picton, Christchurch, Mount Cook, Queenstown, Wanaka, Fox GlacierSee all destinations Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 4 Group Type Group Operator Discover New Zealand From
- NZ$4,130
The group size offers individual attention while visiting South Island's highlights - from wine tasting at Mt Difficulty Vineyard to cruising Milford Sound. Share authentic moments with fellow travelers aged 18+, led by local guides through Queenstown and Franz Josef.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Geraldine, Lake Tekapo, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Franz Josef Age Range 18 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator On The Go Tours From
- NZ$6,915
South Island Lick Tour
72 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The weather was not good and other company messed up, but the tour was still great.”
Sixteen travelers ride in a spacious 22-25 seater bus, allowing quick photo stops at hidden South Island gems. Access to smaller accommodations in Franz Josef and Lake Tekapo becomes easier, plus unplanned scenic detours remain possible.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Queenstown, Lake Wanaka, Franz Josef Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Haka Tours From
- NZ$2,199
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 18 to 39 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type Group Operator Wild Kiwi From
- NZ$1,912+$287 upfront costs
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 18 to 100 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator Wild Kiwi From
- NZ$4,086+$613 upfront costs
Milford Sound Spectacular - 7 Day Self Drive tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The concept is a great stress free way to see all the sites and scenery with minimal planning. Fabulous!!”
Garry, traveled in November
Small-scale South Island tours average 2-4 travelers per booking. The intimate format welcomes spontaneous stops at locations like Wrinkly Rams in Omarama and flexible time at the Moeraki Boulders.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Mount Cook, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Dunedin, Moeraki Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Discover New Zealand From
- NZ$2,319
West Coast Explorer (with TranzAlpine) - 3 Day Self Drive Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Excellent tour and especially enjoyed the guided tour.”
Audrey, traveled in February
Tailored for 2-4 travelers, South Island adventures offer close encounters at Franz Josef Glacier Valley and the Blue Pools. Personal attention enriches guided glacier walks and flexible exploration of the TranzAlpine route through Arthur's Pass National Park.
Duration 3 days Destinations Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Greymouth, Christchurch Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Discover New Zealand From
- NZ$1,025
Southern Icons - 9 Day Self Drive Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Accommodation was great and staff were really friendly. Suggestions were helpful.”
Pushpa, traveled in November
Self-guided South Island tours maintain close connections with 2-4 travelers per booking. Spontaneous stops become possible at hidden gems like Blue Pools near Makarora with flexibility to visit Franz Josef Glacier and Queenstown's adventure activities.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Mount Cook, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Greymouth Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Discover New Zealand From
- NZ$3,500
Southern Lakes (with TranzAlpine) - 6 Day Self Drive Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was worth the extra money. The recommended itinerary helped so much and the tour operators couldn't have been more helpful if they tried.”
Jola, traveled in September
Groups of 2-3 travelers per vehicle allow spontaneous stops at places like Burkes Pass and Lindis Pass. The small size enables customized timing at key locations like Lake Pukaki and Kawarau Gorge.
Duration 6 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Greymouth Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Discover New Zealand From
- NZ$2,025
South Island Snow Safari in reverse
36 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Amazing Tour...it is such a great way to discover the Aotearoa snow without the hassle. Best way to do a snow holiday in New Zealand in my opinion.”
Marie, traveled in August
Groups of 16 skiers carve through South Island's premier ski fields from The Remarkables to Mt Hutt. Riders receive tailored guidance at each resort, from Treble Cone's advanced runs to Cardrona's beginner slopes, with guides revealing hidden powder spots across 6 mountains.
Duration 8 days Destinations Queenstown, The Remarkables, Cardrona, Wanaka, Ohau, Lake Tekapo, Christchurch Age Range 18 to 65 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Haka Tours From
- NZ$2,999
Reviews of Small Group tours to New Zealand South Island
- Auckland to Christchurch 12 Day Highlights
This tour is a must. I planned to visit New Zealand without a car, and this tour made my life so much easier. I was able to see all popular attractions without planning. Highly reccomended!!!
I have just done a week solo around the south island, What an experience! Fantastic mix of people and ages. Being alone I was apprehensive of making friends, as its a smaller concentrated group this was no issue at all. The driver, Robbie, delivered outstanding knowledge and fun facts. He really takes care of every bodies needs and joins in like hes also on the trip. Robbie made everything very clear and easy to book trips or activities along the way so you can sit and enjoy the journey. Also we were all very impressed with all the accommodation and would highly recommend this luxury affordable way to travel the south. Don't forget the Canyon Swing!!!!
Southern Voyager
- Big South
Fun activities to choose from, just what I was looking for. Accommodation is not always as nice as they advertise it to be. The first guide was awesome. The other one I wished that he could talk to us more about NZ (history/nature/culture etc.)
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.