Cultural New Zealand South Island Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(7,398 reviews)- Choose from 36 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
- Southern Loop
- Journeys: Discover New Zealand National Geographic Journeys
- EMBARK ON A JOURNEY THROUGH NEW ZEALAND’S NATURAL BEAUTY
- Auckland to Christchurch 12 Day Highlights
- The Southern Drift (Small Groups, 12 Days)
- Milford Sound Spectacular - 7 Day Self Drive tour
- Southern Icons - 9 Day Self Drive Tour
- Southern Lakes (with TranzAlpine) - 6 Day Self Drive Tour
- Auckland to Queenstown Highlights - 11 Day Self Drive Tour
- The Essence of New Zealand -14 Days
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$977+$146 upfront costs
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
- US$5,399
- Meet your guide and settle in Queenstown
- Jet boat through Skippers Canyon
- Cruise the majestic Milford Sound
Duration 9 days Destinations Queenstown, Milford Sound, Wanaka, Lake Tekapo Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operated in English Operator Receptivo Aborigen Tours From
- US$2,325
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$2,326
- Ride the TranzAlpine train through Southern Alps
- Walk Franz Josef Glacier with a Local Expert
- Jet boat down Haast River in a World Heritage Area
Duration 12 days Destinations Christchurch, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Arrowtown, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Dunedin Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Luxury Gold From
- US$8,995
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$1,287
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$1,738
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$1,272
- Drive at your own pace in your own rental car
- Fall in love with the fantastic North Island scenery
- Cruise the Cook Strait to Picton on the Interislander
Duration 11 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Picton, Blenheim, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Mount Cook, Queenstown Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Discover New Zealand From
- US$2,535
- Explore the diverse flora and fauna of New Zealand
- See some of the most idyllic beaches in the North Island
- Enjoy a traditional Maori village concert and dinner
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Coromandel, Pauanui, Tauranga, Rotorua, Queenstown, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Christchurch Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Discover New Zealand From
- US$4,534
