Cultural New Zealand South Island Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(7,068 reviews)- Choose from 35 New Zealand South Island tours
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10 best cultural trips to New Zealand South Island
Compiled by
MelissaNew Zealand South Island travel expert at TourRadar
Big South
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“If you like smaller groups, then this is definitely the best way to explore the south island while making friends along the way.”
Richard, traveled in November 2023
- Explore the Abel Tasman National Park, known for it’s golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs and it’s world-famous coast track.
- Experience the abundant wild life up close and personal in Kaikoura.
- Get your adrenaline fix in the adventure capital of the World, Queenstown with a bungy jump or skydive.
Duration 14 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef, Punakaiki, Abel Tasman National Park, Marlborough, Kaikoura Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operated in English Operator Wild Kiwi - From
- US$2,122+$318 upfront costs
- Price per day
- $152
South Island Lick Tour
70 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Definitely do it! It's great.”
RogerWoolford, traveled in January 2020
- Let loose in the adventure capital of Queenstown.
- Take one of the world's most scenic train journeys.
- Get your adrenaline pumping with activities galore!
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Queenstown, Lake Wanaka, Franz Josef Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operated in English Operator Haka Tours - From
- US$1,327
- Price per day
- $190
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$1,047+$161 upfront costs
- Price per day
- $150
Southern Spectacular (10 Days)
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Truly a trip of a lifetime! Well planned and organized. I felt very safe and comfortable traveling solo in this group bus tour.”
Joanne, traveled in December 2022
- Cruise on the magical waters of mystical Milford Sound
- Journey over the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine Train
- Discover the icy landscape of Franz Josef Glacier
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Twizel, Dunedin, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, Queenstown, Franz Josef, Hokitika, Punakaiki Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator AAT Kings - From $4,915
- US$4,424You save $491
- Price per day
- $442
NZ Adventure
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Super fun. Awesome guide and had an excellent trip.”
Daryl, traveled in November 2016
- Zip through Christchurch Adventure Park
- Raft the wild Rangitata River rapids
- Hike to the Rob Roy Glacier
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Methven, Geraldine, Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, Twizel, Omarama, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te AnauSee all destinations Age Range 16 to 65 year olds Operated in English Operator Adventure Junkies - From
- US$3,092
- Price per day
- $309
NZ Adrenalin
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“One of the best experiences of my life!”
Joshua, traveled in February 2014
- Zip through Christchurch Adventure Park
- Raft the wild Rangitata River rapids
- Hike to the Rob Roy Glacier
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Methven, Geraldine, Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, Twizel, Omarama, Wanaka, Queenstown, Milford SoundSee all destinations Age Range up to 65 year olds Operated in English Operator Adventure Junkies - From
- US$3,605
- Price per day
- $361
Journeys: Discover New Zealand National Geographic Journeys
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip fulfilled my expectations; a good introduction to New Zealand, including both North and South islands.”
Diarmid, traveled in December 2019
- Explore Auckland and sail its harbor
- Sample wines on Waiheke Island
- See glowworms in Waitomo Caves
Duration 12 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Fiordland National Park Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures - From $6,849
- US$5,479You save $1,369
- Price per day
- $457
5 Day Southern Circuit Experience
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Perfect trip for what we were looking for in terms of sites and times.”
Lynn, traveled in December 2022
- Cruise on the magical waters of Milford Sound.
- Journey over the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine Train.
- See the awe-inspiring Franz Josef Glacier.
Duration 5 days Destinations Christchurch, Mount Cook, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef, Greymouth Age Range 1 to 100 year olds Operated in English Operator Thrifty Tours - From
- US$2,386
- Price per day
- $477
5 Day Alpine Explorer
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Queenstown was wonderful, particularly the Milford Sound cruise. The only meal that was included in the tour was an excellent buffet!”
Marni, traveled in April 2019
- Cruise on the waters of the mystical Milford Sound
- Let loose in the adventure capital of Queenstown
- Enjoy a ride on the iconic skyline gondola
Duration 5 days Destinations Christchurch, Mount Cook, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Fox Glacier, Greymouth Age Range 1 to 100 year olds Operated in English Operator Thrifty Tours - From
- US$2,332
- Price per day
- $466
Auckland to Christchurch 12 Day Highlights
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour is a must. I was able to see all popular attractions without planning.”
Julie, traveled in November 2023
- 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$2,462
- Price per day
- $205
