Wildlife Tours & Trips in New Zealand South Island
4.5 stars on(7,068 reviews)- Choose from 14 New Zealand South Island tours
- 26 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
10 best wildlife New Zealand South Island tours
Compiled by
MelissaNew Zealand South Island travel expert at TourRadar
- Queenstown Southern Loop
- Southern Spectacular (10 Days)
- 2 Day Kaikoura Whales and Dolphins Overnight Tour
- Queenstown to Wellington Highlights - 7 Day Self Drive Tour
- 3 Day Kaikoura Whales, Seals, Dolphins Tour
- New Zealand Grand - 14 Day Self Drive Tour
- Southern Lakes (with TranzAlpine) - 6 Day Self Drive Tour
- Milford Sound Spectacular - 7 Day Self Drive tour
- Lord of the Rings Scenic Explorer - 14 Day Self Drive Tour
- Auckland to Queenstown Highlights - 11 Day Self Drive Tour
Queenstown Southern Loop
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The van had a broken seat belt attachment with a sharp edge which ruined a down jacket I had bought for the trip.”
Susan, traveled in October 2023
- Cruise through the stunning Milford Sound
- Explore the wilderness of the Catlins coast
- Spot wildlife on rugged Stewart Island
Duration 6 days Destinations Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Stewart Island Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Intrepid Travel - From $2,505
- US$2,255You save $250
- Price per day
- $376
Southern Spectacular (10 Days)
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“What an educational and exciting tour.”
Janet, traveled in January 2024
- 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
2 Day Kaikoura Whales and Dolphins Overnight Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was very clear and easy to follow, the events were great and the accommodation was lovely.”
Connie, traveled in December 2022
- Bask in the beautiful township of Kaikoura
- See whales on the famous Whale Watch Kaikoura tour
- Experience a magical swimming encounter with the dusky dolphins
Duration 2 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura Age Range 2 to 100 year olds Operated in English Operator Thrifty Tours - From
- US$548
- Price per day
- $274
Queenstown to Wellington Highlights - 7 Day Self Drive Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The help with planning to fit our needs, the support around the clock, the seamless process of everything was fantastic.”
Catharine, traveled in November 2019
- Drive at your own pace in your own rental car
- Cross the Lindis Pass into the MacKenzie Country
- Spend the night in the scenic seaside town of Kaikoura
Duration 7 days Destinations Queenstown, Mount Cook, Christchurch, Kaikoura, Picton, Wellington Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Discover New Zealand - From
- US$1,720
- Price per day
- $246
- See whales on the famous Whale Watch Kaikoura tour
- Experience a magical swimming encounter with the dusky dolphins
- Paddle around the Kaikoura Peninsula on the lookout for fur seals
Duration 3 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura Age Range 2 to 100 year olds Operated in English Operator Thrifty Tours - From
- US$868
- Price per day
- $289
New Zealand Grand - 14 Day Self Drive Tour
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Jaw dropping scenery, amazing food, friendly people. This is hands down, the best family vacation we have ever had!”
Jalal, traveled in December 2023
- Drive at your own pace in your own rental car
- Gaze at the awe-inspiring South Island Glaciers
- Experience Queenstown, Dunedin and the best of Otago
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Coromandel, Whitianga, Tauranga, Rotorua, Napier, Masterton, Wellington, Picton, Queen Charlotte SoundSee all destinations Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Discover New Zealand - From
- US$4,108
- Price per day
- $293
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$1,363
- Price per day
- $227
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$1,379
- Price per day
- $197
- Drive at your own pace in your own rental car
- Step into the world of Lord of the Rings on its movie set
- Experience the excitement of a Hobbit Barrel Run
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Matamata, Waitomo, Tongariro National Park, Ohakune, Wellington, Picton, Christchurch, Mount Cook, QueenstownSee all destinations Age Range 2 to 100 year olds Operated in English Operator Discover New Zealand - From
- US$2,896
- Price per day
- $207
- 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$2,715
- Price per day
- $247
