New Zealand South Island Tours & Trips
It's time to take a boat through the famous Waitomo glowworm caves, where thousands of tiny lights make a living starry sky. Remember to visit the real Hobbiton film set, where Middle-earth comes to life. See New Zealand's amazing volcanic landscapes and roaring waterfalls, get a taste of real Maori culture in a traditional village, and sail across beautiful Lake Taupo. New Zealand is calling you.
Excellent
- Choose from 200+ New Zealand South Island tours
- 1,900+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
- S
susan • traveled in November
Callum was a fantastic tour guide he made our trip memorable beside the hickups he had to fix.
New Zealand South Island Express - A
Alina • traveled in October
Tour was a nice mix of beautiful landscape and fun physical activities, accommodations were clean and comfortable, overall great experience. Would recommend to friends!
Journeys: Discover New Zealand National Geographic Journeys - H
Hiep • traveled in January
Fantastic! We love the country, view much more , it amazing
Southern Spectacular (2025/2026)
Table of contents
- The best New Zealand South Island tour packages
- Travel New Zealand South Island your way
- Best tour companies for New Zealand South Island tours
- Popular New Zealand South Island Cruise Ships
- Best places to start your New Zealand South Island tour
- Discover New Zealand South Island tours for every budget
- New Zealand South Island tours for every type of group
- Top New Zealand South Island travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit New Zealand South Island
- Contact our New Zealand South Island travel experts
- What our customers ask about New Zealand South Island Tours & Trips
The best New Zealand South Island tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaNew Zealand South Island travel expert at TourRadar
NZ Adventure 17 Day
45 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour itself is super, with a good balance of free time to chill or do activities and planned activities included with the trip.”
Amber, traveled in October
The South Island reveals its beauty from Christchurch to Queenstown. Mount Cook's Hooker Valley track beckons hikers, while Lake Wanaka offers kayaking adventures and Milford Sound showcases majestic fjords. Jet boating thrills and Southern Alps views complement included accommodation and internal flights.
Duration 17 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Queenstown Age Range Ages 18-45 Operator INTRO Travel From
- NZ$5,249
Christchurch's Botanic Gardens mark the start of South Island adventures extending to Franz Josef's glacial terrain. Lake Tekapo's Church of Good Shepherd, Wanaka's #thatwanakatree, and Arrowtown's heritage streets captivate before the TranzAlpine train winds through Arthur's Pass's beech forests.
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Ohau, Queenstown, Arrowtown, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Greymouth Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $6,460
15% Off- NZ$5,491You save $969
Journeys: Discover New Zealand National Geographic Journeys
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hotels were all of a good standard. Our overall tour guide worked hard to make sure everyone had a good time.”
Jean, traveled in December
The scenic TranzAlpine railway launches South Island adventures featuring Franz Josef Glacier visits and Fiordland National Park cruising. Comfortable hotels host guests discovering Lake Matheson reflections, Queenstown adventures, and Southern Alps vistas from Bob's Peak gondola.
Duration 12 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Fiordland National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From $11,259
25% Off- NZ$8,444You save $2,815
New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound)
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great experience for this tour.. would rate this as 5stars.. made new friends along the way.”
Nigel, traveled in February
Heli-rides soar over Franz Josef Glacier while Queenstown pulses with adventure sports and Milford Sound welcomes cruisers. Lake Ōhau Lodge offers Mt. Cook views, historic Arrowtown charms visitors, and Hokitika's greenstone workshops showcase Māori culture.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Haast, Wanaka, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, ManapouriSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $2,365
10% Off- NZ$2,129You save $236
11 Day 'Takahe' South Island Select Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was well-organized, with comfortable hotels, and a great group of like-minded tourists.”
Tammy, traveled in November
Abel Tasman's Cleopatra's Pools launch this South Island adventure. The journey continues to Aoraki/Mt Cook's Hooker Valley track, Milford Sound's fjords, and Franz Josef Glacier. Luxury awaits at Mercure Queenstown.
Duration 11 days Destinations Picton, Marahau, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Mount Cook, Christchurch Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Stray Travel From
10% Off- NZ$4,635
Southern Crossing - Small Group Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Excellent south islamf tour going to the main spots!”
Nicolas, traveled in November
South Island's varied terrain stretches from Christchurch's urban art to Franz Josef's glaciers. Accommodations include Rainforest Retreat, Hawea Hotel, and Nomads Queenstown while taking in Arthur's Pass gorges, Milford Sound fjords, and Lake Tekapo's lupins.
Duration 8 days Destinations Christchurch, Franz Josef, Lake Hawea, Queenstown, Milford Sound Age Range Ages 18-49 Operator Kiwi Experience From $1,969
20% Off- NZ$1,575You save $394
New Zealand Panorama (Southbound)
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The optional and included activities were all epic. I could not have wished for more!”
Megan, traveled in August
Kaikōura's marine sanctuary introduces visitors to South Island's wonders. The route winds through Arthur's Pass to Franz Josef Glacier, concluding in Queenstown's adventure paradise. Heritage lodges host guests throughout.
Duration 16 days Destinations Auckland, Waikato, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Kaikoura, Picton, Christchurch, Arthur's Pass National Park, HokitikaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $4,485
10% Off- NZ$4,037You save $448
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Dunedin, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Franz Josef Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Across Caribbean Excursions From
10% Off- NZ$5,381
New Zealand: South Island Encompassed
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great people and scenery, plenty of options to either do activities or just hang out!”
Grace, traveled in November
The South Island unfolds from glaciers to fjords, featuring Franz Josef, Milford Sound cruising, and Queenstown's adventures. Unique accommodations include wilderness lodges and Christchurch's converted jail during this 16-day journey with most meals included.
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 $4,579
25% Off- NZ$3,434You save $1,145
Duration 12 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Abel Tasman National Park, Westport, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Lake Tekapo Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Kiwi Experience From $1,899
20% Off- NZ$1,519You save $380
Travel New Zealand South Island your way
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for New Zealand South Island tours
G Adventures and Haka Tours get a lot of praise from our travelers, particularly for their excellent guides. Let me tell you about a few standouts: Summer from G Adventures has made quite an impression - travelers keep mentioning how her enthusiasm rubs off on everyone and she's great at making sure nobody feels left out of the group. Over at Haka Tours, Mike (who goes by Hygi) really knows his stuff about New Zealand. He puts together solid itineraries and you can tell he genuinely loves showing off his country. Our travelers mention how he strikes that nice balance between being organized and keeping things fun. Wild Kiwi does things a bit differently with smaller groups, and their guides Tolan, Robbie and also Mark get mentioned often in the feedback. What makes them special is how they can adjust the day's plans based on what the group wants to do - it's not just following a rigid schedule. The personal touch from these guides seems to make a real difference - it's not just about getting from A to B, but creating an experience where everyone feels part of the group. That's what keeps coming up in the feedback we get from people who've traveled with these companies.
Popular New Zealand South Island Cruise Ships
Best places to start your New Zealand South Island tour
Most of our South Island tours start from Christchurch - 56 of them actually begin in this garden-filled city that sets such a nice tone for the journey ahead. Another 20 tours kick off from Auckland, and Queenstown launches 18 of our routes. Looking at booking patterns, you'll want to get your plans sorted about 3.5 months before you go, especially during busy seasons when spots fill quickly. Our travelers tell us that 2-3 weeks hits the sweet spot - enough time to see the major highlights, discover some hidden corners and also have flexibility with the schedule. This wiggle room comes in handy, particularly for weather-dependent activities like glacier walks and scenic flights. For wildlife spotting, spring and early summer from September through December work really well, while photographers find those rich autumn colors from March to May absolutely perfect for capturing the landscape.
Discover New Zealand South Island tours for every budget
New Zealand South Island tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top New Zealand South Island travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
Solo Travelers149 tours- Couples97 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)28 tours
- Seniors (50+)75 tours
Best time to visit New Zealand South Island
- Winter 2025 / 2026
The South Island really comes into its own during winter, with photography opportunities around every corner. Our ski and snowboard tours run from June through October in the Southern Alps, and they're actually quite flexible - you can still do all the usual activities too. When you're in Queenstown with our small groups, you'll get proper time to enjoy The Remarkables or Coronet Peak slopes before heading to Gibbston Valley for wine tasting. What works really well is how some tours mix winter sports with local culture; many travelers spend their mornings on the Franz Josef glacier and then learn pounamu carving techniques in the afternoon. The TranzAlpine train journey across Arthur's Pass is particularly good in winter - TourRadar customers often tell us how much they love sitting in the warm viewing carriage while snow-covered peaks roll by.
- 31 tours
- 93 tours
- popular 104 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring tours between September and November hit that sweet spot where outdoor activities and wildlife watching come together nicely. Starting from Christchurch when the botanical gardens are in full bloom, the routes head up to Kaikoura where albatross, petrels and also shearwaters return for breeding season. Milford Sound cruises are actually at their best in spring - the waterfalls get really powerful from all that melting snow. Over in Abel Tasman, the coastal tracks dry out nicely, and our travelers regularly spot new seal pups along the shoreline. The Mt Cook National Park multi-day trips work particularly well in spring; you can walk the Hooker Valley without bumping into summer crowds, plus there's still enough snow on the peaks to make those photos look extra special.
- popular 113 tours
- 78 tours
- 50 tours
- Summer 2026
The South Island's summer tours hit their sweet spot with perfectly orchestrated activities and experiences. Comprehensive 17-21 day circuits from Christchurch blend cultural moments with outdoor activities, giving you the chance to learn pounamu carving in Franz Josef when workshops buzz with energy, and glide across Lake Wanaka's mirror-like waters with mountain backdrops. Multi-day hiking tours through Fiordland National Park pair cycling to Queens Reach with Milford Track walks, where you're likely to spot bottlenose dolphins and fur seals during boat passages. TourRadar customers tell us how summer's extended daylight hours let them fit more into each day naturally. The 10-day routes offer a nice mix of guided activities and solo exploration, from morning walks around Lake Wanaka to capturing the famous lake tree and also driving through Haast Pass during alpine flower season. Photographers find perfect conditions at Lake Matheson for Mount Cook reflections, with opportunities to meet native greenstone artisans along the West Coast as well.
- 43 tours
- popular 47 tours
- 43 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
South Island autumn tours reach their peak during March through May, with outstanding photo spots along Otago's cycling paths and adaptable scheduling around weather conditions. Our travelers find that 2-3 weeks gives them the perfect window to explore in this quieter season, when fall colors paint the landscapes in rich hues. The multi-day tours blend cycling adventures through old railway tunnels and across wooden trestle bridges, plus cultural activities like crafting pounamu pendants in Franz Josef. With longer itineraries, you can take your time at key locations - capturing morning reflections at Lake Wanaka and driving through Haast Pass when autumn colors peak. Our customers typically choose tours mixing active components with cultural elements, combining glacier walks with greenstone workshop visits and staying in distinctive places like converted jailhouses, historic buildings and lakeside lodges. As temperatures cool the hiking trails in autumn, our small groups of up to 16 people can adjust their pace, finding the best light for photos and lingering at scenic spots like Lake Matheson.
- 62 tours
- 82 tours
- popular 95 tours
Contact our New Zealand South Island travel experts
Andrei
Expert in New Zealand South Island at TourRadar
Andrei is one of our seasoned New Zealand South Island Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about New Zealand South Island tours answered!
- Choose from 248+ New Zealand South Island tours
- 1,956 verified reviews by TourRadar customers
- 24/7 customer support
Call us
+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about New Zealand South Island Tours & Trips
What makes Queenstown the 'Adventure Capital' of the South Island?
Queenstown's incredible setting on Lake Wakatipu surrounded by the Southern Alps creates the perfect playground for thrill-seekers. You'll find the world's first commercial bungy site at Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge where brave souls take the plunge daily. The Shotover River's fast-moving waters host jet boats zooming through at 80+ km/h while over on the Dart River white-water rafting gets hearts racing. Look up and you might spot skydivers floating down with those snow-capped peaks as their backdrop. The adventure options just keep coming — canyon swings zip lines and rugged 4WD tours round out the adrenaline rush possibilities. If you're joining the "New Zealand: South Island Encompassed" tour you'll get two free days in Queenstown to try activities like bungy jumping jet boating mountain biking or skydiving.
Which officially designated natural areas exist in the South Island, outside major urban centers, and what are the primary methods of accessing them?
The South Island's national parks showcase some of nature's finest work starting with UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park. Here you can explore majestic Milford Sound by scenic cruise kayak or tackle the famous Milford Track on foot. Up north Abel Tasman National Park pairs golden beaches with granite cliffs — the Coastal Track there is perfect for hiking or paddling along in a kayak. Over at Mount Cook National Park you're looking at New Zealand's highest peak Aoraki/Mount Cook plus access to the country's longest glacier the Tasman. Getting there is pretty straightforward — drive yourself join a guided tour or hop on public buses. The "New Zealand: South Island Encompassed" tour takes care of transport letting you experience both Fiordland and Abel Tasman without the logistics hassle.
Which locally recognized cultural practices in the South Island can visitors participate in, and where do they typically take place?
You can really dive into Māori culture at workshops and galleries especially around Hokitika and Franz Josef. The highlight's got to be carving your own Pounamu (greenstone) pendant — it's more than just making jewelry you're connecting with a precious stone that's unique to the South Island and deeply woven into Māori tradition. The "New Zealand Southern Pioneer" tour includes a stop in Franz Josef where you'll get to carve your own pounamu pendant at a local gallery learning about its spiritual significance as you work.
Besides organized tours, how else can I efficiently explore the South Island's highlights?
Mix up your transport for the best experience — try self-driving combined with scenic train rides. The Crown Range road from Queenstown to Wanaka's a stunner and you can take your time stopping at spots like Arrowtown a charming gold-mining village that feels frozen in time. Then there's the TranzAlpine Scenic Train from Greymouth to Christchurch crossing the Southern Alps through lush beech forests river valleys and towering peaks from the comfort of your carriage. You'll find this exact combo in the "New Zealand South to North Drive Cruise & Rail" tour giving you the freedom of driving plus the relaxation of train travel.
Which locations in the South Island have relatively low visitor volume but are officially noted or recommended for their cultural or natural significance?
Lake Ohau tucked away in the Mackenzie Basin offers a quieter alternative to the busy Lake Tekapo scene with hiking kayaking and incredible Southern Alps views. Then there's Stewart Island reached by ferry from Bluff — it's a bit more effort to get there but that's what keeps it pristine. You'll find untouched forests secluded beaches and some of the best kiwi-spotting chances in New Zealand. The island's part of the "Queenstown Southern Loop" tour which includes the ferry trip over and gives you a full free day to explore Rakiura National Park take coastal cruises or just chill on those hidden beaches.