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 South Island Adventure (13 destinations)
- New Zealand: Ultimate 9-Day Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors
- Premium - South Island Escape
- Summer Blast from Christchurch - Top rated by National Geographic
- A Self-Drive Odyssey Across New Zealand - Private
- Big South
- Southern Loop
- Great Taste Trail & Beyond, Bike, Hike & Sail
- Milford and Fiordland Hike Bike and Kayak
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
- NZ$8,096
Dedicated attention highlights the Milford Sound cruise and Okarito Lagoon bird watching. Average age of 69 sets a relaxed pace for visiting Nugget Point lighthouse and McLean Falls. Shared accommodation in Te Anau and Stewart Island hostels builds community.
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
- NZ$7,340
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Dunedin, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Franz Josef Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 12 Operator Across Caribbean Excursions From
- NZ$4,841
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
- NZ$4,657+$698 upfront costs
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
- NZ$4,595
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Blenheim, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Queenstown Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Vio Travel From $5,269
5% Off- NZ$5,005You save $263
Big South
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The big south was 10 out of 10 experience. The flexibility of the guides makes the trip feel more like a family and friends on holiday.”
Shanaya, traveled in April
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
5% Off- NZ$3,816+$585 upfront costs
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
5% Off- NZ$1,912+$287 upfront costs
Great Taste Trail & Beyond, Bike, Hike & Sail
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“We really enjoyed the balance of cycling and hiking and also the less strenuous activities. This was a great way to explore the north coast of the South Island.”
Sarah, traveled in March
Couples (67%) and solo travelers (33%) aged 49+ share memorable moments together. The tour includes private tastings at Riwaka River Estate and guided walks through the 1.4km Spooners Tunnel.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, St Arnaud, Nelson, Rabbit Island, Motueka, Abel Tasman National Park, Murchison Age Range Ages 16+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Adventure South From
5% Off- NZ$4,295
Milford and Fiordland Hike Bike and Kayak
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“amazing week of physical challenges and magnificent natural beauty”
Duration 5 days Destinations Queenstown, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound Age Range Ages 16+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator Adventure South From
5% Off- NZ$4,195
Reviews of Small Group tours to New Zealand South Island
- 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.)
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
- Summer Blast from Christchurch - Top rated by National Geographic
Fabulous experience, great tour. tour leader and helper. Would highly recommend Flying Kiwi.
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.