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
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This tour definitely exposes you to the unique landscapes of New Zealand! You get to experience both the north and south Islands which was great. I did this trip solo and it was very well planned and designed for a solo traveler. Keep in mind that some of the day tours can be a full day (around 12 hrs) so sometimes not much other free time. I do wish I had some more free time in Queenstown, but I still got to see a lot on the free day there. Unfortunately weather did not cooperate for a couple of the days, so be ready to have a plan B if it rains or one of your tours gets cancelled. Otherwise, well planned itinerary. You definitely pack a lot in to the 10 days you are in New Zealand. If you are a nature lover like me, this will be a great tour to book since you can see all the beautiful scenery of this beautiful country.
NEW ZEALAND – 10 Days Highlights of North and South IslandsThe itinerary was more complete thorough than any other tour of New Zealand. It exceeded my expectations. We did countless hikes and excursions over both the North and South Island. Everyone in our group of 8 was a savvy world traveler. Our tour guide was exceptional. The insights she provided into Maori culture were fascinating. Her passion for New Zealand was contagious; and shared with our group. I highly recommend this tour whether it is a first trip to New Zealand; or you have done prior tours. You will be very satisfied with this Explore tour
New Zealand Explorer5-star trip! The itinerary is excellent and very well planned with different activities for everyone. The guide has extensive knowledge of New Zealand, including places to eat or drink in the different towns, and also knows the history of the places. I highly recommend it.
Southern Voyager
Traveler Photos & Videos from New Zealand South Island tours
- New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound)
- Southern Spotlight (2025/2026)
- Premium - South Island Escape
- Big South
- Discover New Zealand
- New Zealand South Island Express (10 destinations)
- 14 Days Best of New Zealand, Auckland, Christchurch & Queenstown
- NZ Intro South
- Walking in New Zealand
- NZ Intro 17 Day
- NEW ZEALAND – 10 Days Highlights of North and South Islands
- 9-Day Alpine Adventure: The South Island Rail & Alpine Expedition (Christchurch Start)
- NZ Adventure 17 Day
- NZ Adventure South
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
- 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
The best New Zealand South Island tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaNew Zealand South Island travel expert at TourRadar
NEW ZEALAND – 10 Days Highlights of North and South Islands
“The Highlights Tour put together by Bucket List Tours was exactly what I was hoping for and it exceeded my expectations.”
Richard, traveled in March
South Island unfolds from Queenstown's Lake Wakatipu to Franz Josef Glacier. The route includes Milford Sound cruise, Mount Cook National Park visit, and TranzAlpine train through Southern Alps. Highlights include guided walks, wildlife spotting, and alpine landscapes.
Duration 10 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef, Christchurch Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Bucket List Group Travel LLC From
- US$3,990
Duration 19 days Destinations Auckland, Matamata, Murupara, Taupo, Napier, Wellington, Picton, Nelson, Kaiteriteri, Abel Tasman National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! From
- US$9,310
Southern Voyager
“One of the best experiences of my life, made possible by the incredibly talented and charismatic.”
Renee, traveled in January
Seven days of South Island wonders stretch from Lake Tekapo's starlit skies to Milford Sound's dramatic fiords. Queenstown's adventure hub, Franz Josef's glaciers, and Mount Cook's alpine terrain await, with centrally located hostels rated 4+ out of 5.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator Wild Kiwi From $1,157
10% Off- US$1,041+$173 upfront costs
9-Day Alpine Adventure: The South Island Rail & Alpine Expedition (Christchurch Start)
“Amazing scenery with a warm and friendly environment in the knowledgeable hands of Jacob.”
Peter, traveled in April
Arthur's Pass launches this journey through South Island's highlights. Hooker Valley treks, Milford Sound cruises, and Franz Josef Glacier walks await. Hokitika Beachfront Hotel and Mercure Queenstown host guests, with TranzAlpine train journey included.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Stray Travel From
10% Off- US$2,482
New Zealand South Island Express (10 destinations)
“The tour was excellent, a very good itinerary, and the commentary on the road was very good.”
Hilda, traveled in March
Iconic landscapes unfold across 9 days, rated 4.3/5 by travelers. Social hostels provide bases for Lake Tekapo's dark skies, Queenstown's adventures, and Franz Josef's glaciers. Local guide, transport, and 7 breakfasts included.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Kawarau Gorge, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Arrowtown, Wanaka, Franz Josef Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
10% Off- US$1,965
Ultimate New Zealand South Island Tour
“We really packed it in and enjoyed great hikes and incredible scenery.”
Lynda, traveled in February
Duration 12 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+ Operator Fresh Adventures From
10% Off- US$5,620+$241 upfront costs
The Gumboot Tour
“The atmosphere on the trip was wonderful - everyone mixing and having fun together.”
Susan, traveled in March
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
10% Off- US$1,123
Travel New Zealand South Island your way
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for New Zealand South Island tours
Popular New Zealand South Island Cruise Ships
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 Travelers119 tours- Couples77 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)32 tours
- Seniors (50+)59 tours
Best time to visit New Zealand South Island
- 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
- 88 tours
- popular 93 tours
- Winter 2026 / 2027
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.
- 94 tours
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- popular 105 tours
- Spring 2027
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 100 tours
- 84 tours
- 57 tours
Contact our New Zealand South Island travel experts
Kaitlyn
Expert in New Zealand South Island at TourRadar
Kaitlyn 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!
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