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
- 10 Day South Island Explorer
- Auckland to Christchurch 12 Day Highlights
- Premium New Zealand Encompassed (32 destinations)
- Christchurch to Milford Sound & Franz Josef - 7 days
- New Zealand South Island Adventure
- Southern Loop
- 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
- Milford Sound Spectacular - 7 Day Self Drive tour
- Explore Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd
- Cruise through Milford Sound and spot local wildlife
- Stroll through historic Arrowtown and visit sweet shops
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Wanaka, Arrowtown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Lake Hawea, HaastSee all destinations Age Range 18 to 40 year olds Operated in English Operator Backyard Roadies From
- US$1,734
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 2024
- Drive at your own pace in your own rental car
- Immerse yourself in the cultural town of Rotorua
- Spend the night at the base of Mount Cook
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 Operated in English Operator Discover New Zealand From
- US$2,359
- Explore Auckland's vibrant city center
- Sip fine wines on Waiheke Island
- Tour the magical Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
Duration 18 days Destinations Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Ohakune, Wellington, Christchurch, Greymouth, PunakaikiSee all destinations Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Intrepid Premium From
- US$11,105
- Christchurch - Start and end your journey in the South Island's largest city, with free time to explore
- Lake Tekapo - Relax beside the stunning turquoise waters of the lake, see the Church of the Good Shepherd and stargaze at the world's largest Dark Sky Reserve
- Te Anau - Enjoy an included wine tasting and lunch en route to the South Island's largest lake, with free time to explore
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Geraldine, Lake Tekapo, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Franz Josef Age Range 18 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator On The Go Tours From
- US$3,145
- Explore Hanmer Springs' natural hot pools
- Ride through rainforest on the Nile River Train
- Walk around the mirror-like Lake Matheson
Duration 12 days Destinations Christchurch, Westport, Punakaiki, Hokitika, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Stewart Island Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Intrepid Travel From
- US$4,785
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 2019
- Experience the abundant wildlife up close and personal in Kaikoura.
- Taste award-winning wine in New Zealand’s famous Marlborough wine region.
- Explore the Abel Tasman National Park, known for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs and it’s world-famous coast track.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Punakaiki, Abel Tasman National Park, Blenheim, Kaikoura Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operated in English Operator Wild Kiwi From
- US$1,003+$154 upfront costs
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 2024
- Drive at your own pace in your own rental car
- Visit the beautiful Wanaka and her renowned lake
- Explore the extraordinary West Coast Glaciers
Duration 3 days Destinations Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Greymouth, Christchurch Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Discover New Zealand From
- US$751
Southern Icons - 9 Day Self Drive Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The experience was seamless from start to finish. The accommodations were simply beautiful, everything we needed and more.”
Barbara, traveled in March 2024
- Drive at your own pace in your own rental car
- Journey over mountain vistas on the TranzAlpine
- Visit Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Mount Cook, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Greymouth Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Discover New Zealand From
- US$1,783
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 2023
- Drive at your own pace in your own rental car
- Journey over mountain vistas on the iconic TranzAlpine
- Take the extraordinary drive along West Coast Road
Duration 6 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Greymouth Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Discover New Zealand From
- US$1,306
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 2019
- Drive at your own pace in your own rental car
- Experience a Real Journeys Milford Sound nature cruise
- Drive over the Lindis Pass through the Kawarau Gorge
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Mount Cook, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Dunedin, Moeraki Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Discover New Zealand From
- US$1,321
