New Zealand South Island Tours from Wellington
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10 best New Zealand South Island tours from Wellington
Compiled by
MelissaWellington travel expert at TourRadar
- New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
- The Great Southern Road Trip
- Wellington & South Island - 14 days
- Classic | Coastal Highlights Tour
- Classic | Southern Highlights Tour
- Australia and New Zealand Uncovered (Wellington to Cairns) (2025)
- Australia And New Zealand: Bushwalks & Beaches
- Inspiring New Zealand
- New Zealand's Southern Sounds (Small Group, 2026/2027)
- New Zealand's Southern Sounds (Small Group, 2027/2028)
New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Breathtaking sights, great people and a well put together tour. I felt like I saw the best of what the South has to offer.”
Rebecca, traveled in December
South Island's adventure capitals await after crossing from Wellington by ferry. The tour visits Abel Tasman, Franz Josef Glacier, and Queenstown before returning through Christchurch and Kaikoura, with scenic stops including Cape Foulwind.
Duration 16 days Destinations Wellington, Abel Tasman National Park, Westport, Paparoa National Park, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Te Anau, Christchurch, KaikouraSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From
- NZ$3,979
Duration 47 days Destinations Wellington, Picton, Marahau, Murchison, Punakaiki, Akaroa, Dunedin, Naseby, Oamaru, Lake TekapoSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator ZigZag Tours NZ From
- NZ$11,168
The route stretches from Wellington, across Cook Strait to Nelson and into Abel Tasman National Park. The path continues through Punakaiki, Fox Glacier, and Queenstown before reaching Christchurch, featuring stops at Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook Village via mountain passes.
Duration 14 days Destinations Wellington, Nelson, Abel Tasman National Park, Punakaiki, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Te Anau, Queenstown, Mount Cook, TwizelSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator On The Go Tours From $11,045
5% Off- NZ$10,493You save $552
Duration 6 days Destinations Wellington, Marlborough, Kaikoura, Christchurch Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Great Journeys New Zealand From $3,399
10% Off- NZ$3,059You save $340
Duration 11 days Destinations Wellington, Marlborough, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Punakaiki, Franz Josef, Queenstown Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Great Journeys New Zealand From $7,199
10% Off- NZ$6,479You save $720
Rich Maori cultural experiences in Wellington precede the Cook Strait crossing to Nelson. The route winds south through Franz Josef and Queenstown, covering 1,500km of breathtaking landscapes. A Milford Sound cruise caps the journey before flying to Sydney, with comfortable coach transport throughout.
Duration 21 days Destinations Wellington, Picton, Nelson, Abel Tasman National Park, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Sydney, AdelaideSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Collette From
10% Off- NZ$12,849+$2,800 upfront costs
A scenic South Island route takes you across Cook Strait from Wellington, winding through Abel Tasman National Park, Franz Josef, and Queenstown. The path leads through Haast Pass before heading north via Christchurch and Kaikoura.
Duration 24 days Destinations Wellington, Abel Tasman National Park, Westport, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Haast, Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, Lake Tekapo, ChristchurchSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$6,719
The South Island adventure crosses Cook Strait from Wellington, featuring Marlborough Sounds and Franz Josef Glacier. The TranzAlpine train carries you through Southern Alps to Christchurch, covering 800+ kilometers of stunning landscapes.
Duration 13 days Destinations Wellington, Marlborough, Picton, Queen Charlotte Sound, Christchurch, Lake Ohau, Ohau, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, QueenstownSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Inspiring Journeys From $12,410
15% Off- NZ$10,549You save $1,861
Duration 12 days Destinations Wellington, Blenheim, Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough, Kaikoura, Lake Ohau, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Cromwell, ArrowtownSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator AAT Kings From $10,150
10% Off- NZ$9,135You save $1,015
Duration 12 days Destinations Wellington, Blenheim, Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough, Kaikoura, Lake Ohau, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Cromwell, ArrowtownSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator AAT Kings From
10% Off- NZ$10,760
What people love about New Zealand South Island Tours from Wellington
- New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
Great trip, highly recommend as a fun way to see the South Island.
What our customers ask about New Zealand South Island Tours from Wellington
What's the typical length of South Island tours starting in Wellington?
Tours from Wellington to the South Island range from 13-24 days with most routes taking 14-16 days. The Wellington & South Island tour spans 14 days while the Inspiring New Zealand journey takes 13 days to complete. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The 16-day South Island tour was perfect - not too rushed but packed with activities and amazing sights." The length allows time to explore key spots like Abel Tasman National Park Franz Josef Glacier and Milford Sound without feeling rushed.
What are the main hotel options for the first night in Wellington?
Central Wellington offers several high-end hotels as departure points including the Rydges Wellington InterContinental Wellington and Bolton Hotel. The Rydges stands out for its location next to Te Papa Museum and the waterfront area. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The Rydges Wellington was an excellent starting point - great harbor views and walking distance to Cuba Street's restaurants." Most tours book 4-star properties that come with restaurants fitness facilities and views of the harbor.
What activities are included on the first day in Wellington before tours depart south?
The first day starts with a guide meeting followed by visits to Te Papa Museum Parliament Buildings and a ride on the cable car to reach the Botanic Gardens. Many tours add a traditional Maori welcome ceremony called powhiri. According to a TourRadar traveler: "Our Wellington day was fantastic - the guided tour of Te Papa really helped understand Maori culture before heading south." These stops help visitors understand New Zealand's heritage before crossing Cook Strait.
What are the common start times for tours departing Wellington?
Tours leave Wellington between 7:00-9:00 AM to connect with morning Interislander ferries which take about 3-3.5 hours to cross Cook Strait. Guests need to check in 45 minutes before sailing. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The early 7:30 AM start was worth it - the morning ferry crossing had stunning views of both islands." Tours arrange pickup from central Wellington hotels to reach the ferry terminal.
What transport options are available from Wellington Airport to the tour start point?
Most tours include transport from the airport. Independent travelers can take the Airport Flyer bus (45 minutes) a taxi (25-30 minutes) or shared shuttles. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The included airport transfer was seamless - driver was waiting with a sign and got us to Rydges Wellington in about 25 minutes." Expect to pay around 50-60 USD for a taxi ride.
What are the typical first stops after leaving Wellington?
After the Interislander ferry crossing tours usually stop first in Picton or Nelson. The route passes through Marlborough Sounds before heading to spots like Abel Tasman National Park. One TourRadar traveler said: "The transition from Wellington was smooth - stunning ferry ride through the Sounds before reaching our first stop in Picton for lunch." Some itineraries include Marlborough wine tasting as an introduction to South Island experiences.