Southern Alps Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(7,923 reviews)- Choose from 15 Southern Alps tours
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The best Southern Alps tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaSouthern Alps travel expert at TourRadar
- NZ Intro South
- New Zealand West Coast Adventure
- West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail
- Routeburn Track Guided Walk and Southern Highlights - 12 Day
- 4 Day Southern Loop including Alpine Train
- 3 Day Alpine Tour, Wild West Coast and Southern Lakes
- Tour de Great Taste Trail NZ - Self Guided
- Great Taste Trail & Beyond, Bike, Hike & Sail
- Best of Hiking New Zealand
- 3 Day West Coast Glaciers and Scenic TranzAlpine Train
NZ Intro South
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Best time with the best people EVER! Would recommend everyone to do these tours.”
Marie, traveled in April
The majestic Southern Alps await as you hike Mount John's 360-degree viewpoints and Hooker Valley track to Aoraki/Mt Cook. Glide across Lake Wanaka beneath snow-capped peaks and sail through Milford Sound's dramatic fjords. Nights spent in Tekapo, Wanaka, and Queenstown.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Queenstown Age Range 18 to 45 year olds Operator INTRO Travel From
- US$1,349
New Zealand West Coast Adventure
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Had a great time during first visit to South Island, fantastic choice of places to see and experience.”
Agata, traveled in January
The Southern Alps reflect perfectly in Lake Matheson's mirror waters. A trek through Mt Aspiring National Park leads to Thunder Creek Falls' 96-meter cascade. Snow-capped peaks surround you from Hanmer Springs' thermal pools before taking Crown Range's scenic drive to Queenstown.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Westport, Punakaiki, Kumara, Hokitika, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Queenstown Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,790
10% Off- US$2,511You save $279
West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Exelent tour! Excelent guides!”
Flavia, traveled in December
Pedal beneath the Southern Alps' snow-capped peaks along the 140km West Coast Wilderness Trail. The TranzAlpine train carries you through Arthur's Pass to Lake Kaniere's forested shores. Navigate the Milltown switchbacks before reaching coastal Greymouth.
Duration 5 days Destinations Christchurch, Ross, Hokitika, Kumara, Greymouth Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Adventure South From
10% Off- US$1,755
The Southern Alps unfold via multiple routes - hiking the Routeburn Track past alpine lakes, driving Crown Range Road, and riding the TranzAlpine train through Arthur's Pass. The mountains frame Lake Pukaki's shores while Aoraki/Mt Cook's glacier-carved valleys beckon.
Duration 12 days Destinations Queenstown, Franz Josef, Greymouth, Hokitika, Christchurch, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Age Range 10 to 70 year olds Operator Discover New Zealand From
10% Off- US$4,410
4 Day Southern Loop including Alpine Train
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I had a fantastic time and I got to see so many amazing sights in such a short time. The work she put into planning my trip, ensured that I had a wonderful experience that I will never forget.”
Ciara, traveled in July
The TranzAlpine train winds through Arthur's Pass National Park across the Southern Alps. From Greymouth to Christchurch, beech forests and river valleys unfold, leading to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. The Lindis Pass at 971 meters offers spectacular alpine views.
Duration 4 days Destinations Queenstown, Franz Josef, Greymouth, Christchurch, Mount Cook Age Range 1 to 100 year olds Operator Thrifty Tours From
10% Off- US$1,334
3 Day Alpine Tour, Wild West Coast and Southern Lakes
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Very good information at bus tour. Hotel - poor value for money (would have preferred to book it on my own).”
Petra, traveled in March
The historic TranzAlpine railway cuts through the Southern Alps and Waimakariri River gorges. Beech forests lead to the West Coast, with 2 nights at Franz Josef's 4-star hotel. The dramatic Haast Pass completes your path to Queenstown.
Duration 3 days Destinations Christchurch, Greymouth, Franz Josef, Queenstown Age Range 1 to 100 year olds Operator Thrifty Tours From
10% Off- US$1,391
Rolling through Southern Alps' foothills from Nelson to Wakefield reveals stunning mountain vistas en route to Kaiteriteri. A thrilling 45km downhill section and coastal paths contrast against alpine backdrops.
Duration 6 days Destinations Nelson, Wakefield, Kaiteriteri, Abel Tasman National Park, Mapua, Rabbit Island Age Range up to 100 year olds Operator Tour de Vines From
10% Off- US$1,639
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
The Southern Alps form a magnificent backdrop while cycling through Marlborough's valleys, with Mt Arthur/Wharepapa in view. Ride through historic Spooners Tunnel, ascend Baton Saddle, and pass Mt Tapuae-o-uenuku in the Kaikoura Ranges.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, St Arnaud, Nelson, Rabbit Island, Motueka, Abel Tasman National Park, Murchison Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Adventure South From
10% Off- US$2,660
Devil's Punchbowl's 430ft waterfall and Lewis Tops Track's alpine tarns showcase the Southern Alps' beauty. Ancient beech forests and mountain saddles lead to evenings at Maruia Springs' geothermal pools.
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Punakaiki, Paparoa National Park Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator Wildland Trekking From
10% Off- US$6,100
Haast Pass gateway reveals dramatic mountain landscapes of the Southern Alps. Franz Josef Glacier stands uniquely among rainforest, while Arthur's Pass National Park unfolds from the TranzAlpine train, showcasing alpine peaks and river valleys.
Duration 3 days Destinations Queenstown, Franz Josef, Greymouth, Christchurch Age Range 1 to 100 year olds Operator Thrifty Tours From
10% Off- US$1,282
What our customers ask about Southern Alps Tours & Trips
What are the must-see highlights on a Southern Alps Mountain tour?
The Southern Alps features natural wonders that draw visitors year-round. Franz Josef Glacier stands out as a key attraction where visitors can join guided walks or take helicopter flights for aerial views. The TranzAlpine train route between Greymouth and Christchurch passes through Arthur's Pass National Park showing off mountain peaks and river valleys. Mount Cook National Park lets visitors get close to New Zealand's highest peak with walking trails and clear night skies best viewed from the Aoraki Court Motel. According to a TourRadar traveler "The drive through Haast Pass was absolutely spectacular with waterfalls and mountain peaks at every turn." The route through Kawarau Gorge and Lake Wanaka offers excellent views of classic Southern Alps landscapes.
What type of accommodation can I expect on Southern Alps Mountain tours?
Southern Alps lodging ranges from basic motels to upscale mountain lodges each chosen for their mountain views. Franz Josef Glacier Hotel provides modern rooms and easy access to glacier activities. In Hokitika the Beachfront Hotel combines ocean views with mountain proximity. A TourRadar traveler noted "The accommodations were excellent especially the Theatre Royal Hotel in Kumara with its historic charm and mountain backdrop." Standard amenities include private bathrooms and heating while select properties feature hot tubs for post-hike relaxation.
What weather conditions should I prepare for in the Southern Alps Mountains?
Weather in the Southern Alps changes quickly and often. The Franz Josef area where many stay at the Glacier Country Hotel sees temperatures from 25°C in summer to near freezing in winter. One TourRadar traveler shared "Pack layers and waterproof gear - we experienced four seasons in one day crossing Arthur's Pass." The alpine climate means rapid weather shifts particularly at higher elevations near Mount Cook. Visitors need waterproof jackets warm layers sun protection and hiking boots. The Queenstown and Wanaka areas often experience strong winds and can get snow even during summer months.
What unique wildlife can I spot during a Southern Alps Mountain tour?
The Southern Alps ecosystem supports distinct alpine wildlife especially in Mount Cook National Park and Arthur's Pass. The Kea New Zealand's alpine parrot often appears near the Hermitage Hotel in Mount Cook Village. The west coast near Franz Josef hosts rare Crested Penguins and native wood pigeons in its rainforest. A TourRadar traveler recalled "Watching Kea parrots play near Arthur's Pass while surrounded by snow-capped peaks was unforgettable." Early morning walks from mountain lodges offer chances to see Rock Wrens and New Zealand Falcons in their natural habitat.
What's the best way to photograph the Southern Alps Mountains?
Photography opportunities abound in the Southern Alps. Lake Matheson near Franz Josef offers mirror-like mountain reflections while the Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge deck provides ideal sunrise shots. The best light for mountain photography comes early morning or late afternoon especially from the TranzAlpine train's viewing platform. One TourRadar traveler observed "The morning light at Lake Pukaki created stunning blue waters against the mountain backdrop." Popular photo locations include Haast Pass viewpoints Lake Wanaka and Mount Cook views from the Hermitage Hotel.
What cultural experiences are available in the Southern Alps Mountain region?
Cultural activities in the Southern Alps center around Queenstown and Mount Cook Village. The Hermitage Hotel combines Māori performances with astronomy sessions that blend traditional stories and modern science. Visitors staying at the Glacier View Hotel in Franz Josef can explore gold mining history and Māori mountain legends. A TourRadar traveler noted "Learning about Māori mountain legends from our guide while viewing Mount Cook was a highlight." Museums in Hokitika and Greymouth present exhibits on mining heritage and the area's importance to both European and Māori communities.