south island tours

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New Zealand South Island Tours & Trips

• New Zealand South Island 2 week
• New Zealand South Island 10 day
• New Zealand South Island 7 day
• New Zealand South Island Seniors

183 New Zealand South Island tour packages with 1,989 reviews

Active Explorer Sightseeing Christmas & New Year +2

Southern Voyager

"She truly made it so easy for us to enjoy the South Island stress free, and had amazing tunes of course!!" Hannah, traveled in November 2023

Explorer Active Christmas & New Year +1

New Zealand: South Island Encompassed

"Great tour to experience 2 weeks of the highlights of the South island." Jolien, traveled in December 2018

Active Explorer Sightseeing In-depth Cultural +2

South Island Lick Tour

"The weather was not good and other company messed up, but the tour was still great."

• €75 deposit on some dates

NZ Adventure South

"Fantastic itinerary with a budget. Seen and did both touristy and adventurous itinerary." Tan, traveled in November 2022

NZ Adventure 17 Day

"The group atmosphere was amazing and I enjoyed every second of the experience." Nate, traveled in March 2023

Active Sightseeing In-depth Cultural Christmas & New Year +2

"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

Explorer Historical Christmas & New Year +1

New Zealand South Island Express

"Great tour! We got to see so many places in such a short amount of time, and I had a great time." Annette, traveled in March 2023

Explorer Family Coach / Bus Christmas & New Year +1

10 Day South Island National Parks

"I couldn't fault this trip if I tried. I would highly recommend!" Sarah, traveled in March 2020

Explorer Christmas & New Year

New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound, 9 Days)

"Great experience for this tour.. would rate this as 5stars.. made new friends along the way." Nigel, traveled in February 2024

• €100 deposit on some dates

In-depth Cultural Explorer Christmas & New Year +1

Journeys: Discover New Zealand National Geographic Journeys

"great trip and tour of NZ" PAUL, traveled in February 2020

What people love about New Zealand South Island Tours

One of the best experiences of my life, made possible by the incredibly talented and charismatic Daisy! This was well organized with all of the logistics taken care of for you while having the freedom to pick what activities interest you most. The group setting was fun and a nice bonding expensive of people from around the world. Some of the hostel stays were great, some were just ok, but all were clean and had the essentials.

Excellent tour. Definitely recommend

This tour is excellent for anyone wanting a quick trip to see all the major spots in the South Island. Heaps of amazing activities that you can do. Highly recommend going for walks at each spot to find all the hidden gems. :)

Top operators

"Amazing your. Super professional and well organized. Packs a lot into 7 days but it was perfect for people trying to pack a lot in and see a lot in a short amount of time. Tegan was the best!!! Knew so much and spoke so passionately about New Zealand and Māori culture. Was so nice to learn. And she is just the best

Wild Kiwi is an expert in:

"Excellent tour. Definitely recommend

G Adventures is an expert in:

"This tour is excellent for anyone wanting a quick trip to see all the major spots in the South Island. Heaps of amazing activities that you can do. Highly recommend going for walks at each spot to find all the hidden gems. :)

Haka Tours is an expert in:

New Zealand South Island Tours starting in:

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South Island Tours

10 to 14 day customisable itineraries.

New Zealand's South Island is something to enjoy, with Milford Sound, Mt Cook, the West Coast and Queenstown all on one island a 10-14 Day trip will allow you to immerse yourself in beauty, get away from the real" world or even pump you full of more adrenaline than ever before. This Island is not to be overlooked when you think about your next holiday.

10 Day Southern Icons Adventure

Duration: 10 days Christchurch to Christchurch

• Hotel 3 star
• Independent tour (bus & coach)

This 10 day is one of our most popular, taking in the best of the South Island. With a great balance of included activities and free time, plus of course the must see locations you get to experience.

• Viewed 271 times in the last 7 days

price pp from

twin share/double

10 day Glaciers and Overnight Fiordland

Starting in Christchurch cross the Southern Alps on board the Tranz Alpine train. Explore the West Coast Glaciers before heading south to Queenstown. Venture into Milford Sound for an incredible overnight experience. The World Heritage area of Mt Cook National Park is also a highlight.

• Viewed 491 times in the last 7 days

10 Day Southern National Parks

Following a classic route around the South Island but with an extended stay in Mt Cook National Park. Includes Queenstown. Fiordland, Milford Sound and the West Coast Glaciers as well as a journey on the TranzAlpine Scenic Train across the Southern Alps.

• Viewed 418 times in the last 7 days

Glaciers and Overnight Fiordland Tour

Starting in Christchurch cross the Southern Alps on board the TranzAlpine train. Explore the West Coast Glaciers before heading south to Queenstown. Venture into Milford Sound for an incredible overnight experience. The World Heritage area of Mt Cook National Park is also a highlight.

• Viewed 453 times in the last 7 days

The Southern Circuit Self Drive Tour

Duration: 12 days Christchurch to Christchurch

• South Island Self Drive

From Christchurch this tour takes you along the foothills of the Southern Alps to Mt. Cook National Park. It’s then onto Dunedin where you have a whole day to discover the unique wildlife of the Otago Peninsula. Continue south to Te Anau and Milford Sound for your Real Journeys Nature Cruise, then to the ‘Adventure Capital’ of Queenstown where you have time to enjoy the countless activities on offer here and explore the natural beauty of the region. On your return to Christchurch you journey up the West Coast, with the highlight being the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers which you can experience during a heli-hike or scenic flight if you choose. You’ll return to Christchurch aboard the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train.

• Viewed 278 times in the last 7 days

South Island Coastal Self Drive tour

Duration: 14 days Christchurch to Christchurch

You’ll begin this journey with magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean as you travel south from Christchurch.  In Dunedin there’s time to explore the Otago Peninsula with its abundant wildlife, then you’ll follow the Catlins coastline to the bottom of the South Island.  On the western side of the island highlights include a nature cruise on the famous Milford Sound, the spectacular West Coast Road edging the Tasman Sea and the remarkable Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.  The top of the South Island brings the calm aqua waters of Abel Tasman National Park and the Marlborough Sounds before you return to the Pacific Ocean.

• Viewed 165 times in the last 7 days

Grand Pacific Tours 10 Day Ultimate South Island

• Hotel 4 star
• Small Group Tour Guided

Escape and enjoy New Zealand’s majestic South Island on this deluxe 10 day small group holiday. Begin your journey in the Garden City of Christchurch; marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges of Mount Cook; enjoy the Scottish heritage of Dunedin; cruise the magnificent fiord, Milford Sound; enjoy a relaxing two night stay in the year round resort town of Queenstown and witness the rugged Southern Alps of the mighty West Coast. Whether it’s your first time to New Zealand’s South Island or a repeat visit, the landscape continues to change and this comprehensive tour will allow you to sit back, relax and discover! **For those travelling on 19 March 2024: Day 2 – The TranzAlpine Rail Journey is WAITLISTED. If the waitlist does not clear, a refund will be provided.

• Viewed 129 times in the last 7 days

Was NZD$6,619

10 Day AAT Kings Southern Spectacular 24/25

• Guided Coach Touring

If you arrive on the South Island and never want to leave, we can’t blame you. From soul-reviving scenery – Milford Sound, Franz Josef Glacier, The Remarkables, Mount Cook – to forward-thinking cities, this pocket of NZ trips the light fantastic.

• Viewed 103 times in the last 7 days

Was NZD$6,402

Grand Pacific 10 Day Signature South Island

Enjoy 10 days of exploring the best of New Zealand's South Island. Start in Christchurch and loop the island starting with the TranzAlpine train to Arthur's Pass. After visiting Queenstown, Te Anau and ever a highlight, Milford you will start your journey back to Christchurch.

• Viewed 137 times in the last 7 days

Was NZD$6,049

Explore the diverse vista of the South Island on this self drive adventure. This circuit takes you from Coast to Coast and all that is in-between.

• Viewed 109 times in the last 7 days

Natural Wonders Tour

Duration: 11 days Queenstown to Queenstown

Self drive tour with the family as you explore the South Island's natural wonders and National Parks

• Viewed 39 times in the last 7 days

National Parks of the South Island

Explore a classic South Island route, including such stunning places as mighty Fiordland, Milford Sound, West Coast Glaciers, Queenstown, Aoraki Mt Cook, and the famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train across the Southern Alps.

• Viewed 126 times in the last 7 days

Nearly all our guests customise our tour ideas. That's what we do! Our expert team of New Zealand specialists can design a holiday itinerary to suit you perfectly. A tailor made package can be created for you in no time and doesn't cost you any more than one of our 'off the shelf' ideas. So get in touch with the team today to start your plans.

© Copyright 2024 Discover New Zealand | [email protected]

South Island Tours & Vacations

New Zealand's South Island has alpine delights and natural wonders.

From hiking on glaciers to kayaking with dolphins, you can enjoy a range of active experiences while you’re surrounded by some of the most beautiful places in New Zealand’s South Island. If you’re looking for the perfect South Island itinerary, you’ve come to the right place. A New Zealand South Island tour promises breathtaking scenery, heart-pumping adrenaline activities, fascinating cultural experiences, and some of the best food and wine on the planet. If you're having trouble figuring out whether you should explore the South Island or the North Island of New Zealand, you simply have to look at all the fun experiences to be had, from overnight scenic cruises to cultural exchanges and exciting adventure tours. From sampling the region’s famous wine near Queenstown  to sleeping on Milford Sound and observing the famous kiwi bird in Christchurch , there are plenty of great things to do in New Zealand’s South Island.

Our South Island trips

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South Island highlights

South island tour reviews.

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South island travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

How do I get to the South Island?

The two major airports on New Zealand's South Island are Christchurch and Queenstown.

Flying into Christchurch is generally cheaper than flying into Queenstown, especially during ski season.

Vehicle ferry services, which also take foot passengers, travel between Wellington in the North Island and Picton at the tip of the South Island daily and take around three-and-a-half hours. 

Getting around the South Island

Most people hire a car or a motorhome or book a New Zealand tour to travel around the South Island of New Zealand.

InterCity buses are also available for long distance travel to the major towns in the South Island. 

When is the best time to visit the South Island?

If you would like to go skiing, the best time to visit the South Island is from late June to early September.

Visiting outside the school holidays is the best option if you aren't traveling with school-age children, as New Zealand's South Island is popular for family holidays and gets busy during these times.

Summer is pleasantly warm with low humidity and days that are generally clear and sunny.

Winter sees snow on the mountains and in the middle of the South Island. Some inland roads can be closed at times due to snow, so plan your journey accordingly.

Spring sees fewer crowds and is ideal for hiking and outdoor pursuits. 

What should I pack for the South Island?

The weather in the South Island can be changeable so pack clothes you can layer plus a jumper or jacket, wet weather gear, a hat and a beanie.

Even if you are visiting in winter, a pair of shorts and a t-shirt is a good idea if you are planning on going hiking as it can be get surprisingly warm in the middle of the day during the cooler months. 

What should I wear in the South Island?

The South Island of New Zealand is a fairly casual place although locals do tend to dress up if they are 'hitting the town' at night in major towns like Queenstown or Christchurch.

Smart casual is the norm at most restaurants, aside from the signature 'date night' ones where people tend to dress up more. 

What is the internet access like in the South Island?

There is good WiFi coverage in major towns and tourist centres in the South Island of New Zealand but it is not uncommon to lose coverage in some situations such as when you are driving through mountains or hiking in remote areas. 

Can I use my cell phone in the South Island?

There is good cell coverage in major towns and tourist centers in the South Island of New Zealand, but it is not uncommon to lose coverage in some situations, such as when you are driving through mountains or hiking in remote areas. 

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travellers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

5-21 day, all-inclusive, guided adventure tours

FREE PHONE: +64 3 595 2080 +64 3 595 2080 1800 459 511 1-877-796-0416 0800 920 2011

South Island New Zealand Tour - Pure South 7 Day

A distillation of the very best..

We’ve cherry-picked the very best destinations, hikes and experiences, combining them into an unforgettable 7 day South Island adventure. Day walk amongst the Southern Alps on our legendary Great Walks. Soar over peaks and valleys on a scenic plane flight, Alaska-style, deep into the Kiwi backcountry. Explore Milford Sound and day walk in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.

If you’re short on time or you’re just after the epic highlight reel, our Pure South itinerary is the perfect bite-sized morsel. It’s everything you’ve heard about and want to see during your time in New Zealand but weren’t sure how to piece together in such a short time.

With our wonderful Kiwi guides looking after all of the details of your holiday, you’ll quickly feel the stresses and strains of everyday life melt away. All you need to do is relax and enjoy the adventure. This is 7 days of the very best of the South Island and while you probably won’t want to go home at the end of it, you’ll be satisfied knowing that you made the absolute most of every moment! We think of it as a distillation of the very best!

Activity Level 2 to 4 :  Designed for you to have maximum flexibility. You can scale your activity level up to a 4, down to a 2, or anywhere in between every day so you can enjoy New Zealand at a pace that's right for you. Walk on well-formed tracks and enjoy a mixture of day walks and activities that showcase the best of New Zealand.  You can find a full breakdown of our activity levels plus details of each activity including elevation maps for each hike on our  Pure South Activity Levels page here.

Trip Style :   Throughout the trip you’ll enjoy delicious home-cooked and restaurant meals to fuel you for the adventurous days of walking and activities, and sleep soundly at night in comfortable ensuite accommodation that we have chosen specifically for their fantastic locations.

South ISLAND

Activity level 2 - 4

Very comfortable lodging

Price NZD$8999 NZD$8999 AUD$6499 USD$4799.00 +tax GBP£4399 CAD$6399.00 +tax ALL INCLUSIVE!

Pure south - 7 day route map.

Highlights of the Pure South - 7 Day

1: The Kepler Track Hike on one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, well-known for its awe-inspiring scenery.

2: Cruise Milford Sound An early morning cruise through our most famous fiord.

3: The Routeburn Track A heart-pumping day hike up to Key Summit for epic mountain views.

4: Siberia Valley A scenic flight into the wilderness, followed by a hike and thrilling jetboat ride.

5: Mt Aspiring National Park A morning hike takes you to the summit of Rocky Mountain for breath-taking panoramas.

6: Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park Take on an epic hike up to Sealy Tarns or the Hooker Valley for views of the tumbling glaciers of Mt Cook.

7: Hike Mt John  A stunning hike alongside the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki with epic views of the Southern Alps.

8: Akaroa Swim with the rarest and smallest dolphin in the world, the Hector’s dolphin.

Pure South - 7 Day Day-by-Day Itinerary

Kepler Track Te Anau

Lunch Dinner

Day 1 – Welcome & Hike Kepler Track

We’ve distilled down the very best experiences on the South Island for our Pure South trip, making sure you don't miss a thing on your New Zealand adventure! And it all starts today!

After meeting your guides and fellow travellers in Queenstown, you’ll embark on your long-awaited New Zealand adventure.

Hike the Kepler Track

The Kepler Track is renowned for its vivid green moss, native beech forest, and stunning mountain ranges. We’ll walk the section from Rainbow Reach up to Moturau Hut. Following the Waiau River through beech forest and wetlands until we emerge out onto the spectacular viewpoint at the lakeside Moturau Hut. Cast your eyes out over beautiful Lake Manapouri, framed against a backdrop of Fiordland peaks. What a way to welcome you to New Zealand! Afterwards, we’ll head to our accommodation in Te Anau for a delicious home-cooked meal and the chance to rest up before tomorrow’s adventures.

Tonight we stay in Te Anau*

Cruise and Kayak Milford Sound Hike Routeburn Track

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 2 – Cruise and kayak Milford Sound & hike the Routeburn Track

It’s time to rise and shine for your first full day of activities. We’ll head straight to Milford Sound where we’ll explore the glacially carved fiord on a peaceful morning cruise and kayak adventure. After our relaxing morning on the water, it’s time for a day walk on your second Great Walk, the Routeburn Track, before ending the day back at your accommodation in Te Anau.

Cruise and kayak Milford Sound

This morning, we’ll head to Milford Sound for our scenic boat and kayak trip. Enjoy the crisp, fresh air as you explore our most iconic fiord. Have your cameras ready as you snap reels of photos of cascading waterfalls, towering peaks and native wildlife in action. Eventually, we’ll cruise back to dock to discover Fiordland National Park on foot, with a hike on part of the Routeburn Track.

Hike the Routeburn Track to Key Summit

Once back on dry land, we’ll head deeper in Fiordland’s wilderness, for a day walk on the world famous Routeburn Track up to Key Summit. A well-formed track leads us through lush beech forest and past tall tree ferns, with velvety mosses blanketing the rich earth underfoot. Native birdsong provides a beautiful soundtrack to our walk and as we climb higher, views of the Darran Mountains and Hollyford Valley stretch out beneath us providing a fitting reward for our efforts. You’ll sleep soundly tonight in your lakefront accommodation in Te Anau.

Hike Arrowtown Explore Wanaka

Day 3 – Hike Arrowtown & Explore Wanaka

Today we leave the rainforests of Fiordland behind and head for the high-country lakes of Central Otago. We’ll explore the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown before walking one of our favourite local trails. We then head over the Crown Range to the pretty mountain resort town of Wanaka and gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park, where we’ll spend the night.

Hike from Arrowtown to the Kawarau Bungy Bridge

Welcome to our backyard! Queenstown and the surrounding area is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, with many purpose-built tracks and trails ideal for hiking. As part of your introduction to New Zealand, we’ll travel to the historic Arrowtown, a quaint old gold-mining settlement just a short drive from Queenstown. Today we will be walking the Arrow River Bridges Trail, one of our favourite hidden gems here in Queenstown.

Explore Wanaka

A short but incredibly scenic drive over New Zealand’s highest sealed road at 1022m takes us into Wanaka, a favourite holiday spot for us Kiwis. Nestled at the foot of snow-capped mountains, this lakefront town is Queenstown’s more relaxed cousin, although its equal in stunning scenery. It’s a great place to explore on your own for a bit – be sure to try out some of the local delicacies including meat pies, fantastic coffee, uniquely flavoured gelatos and craft beers.

Tonight we stay at Te Wanaka Lodge*

Mt Aspiring National Park Siberia Valley

Day 4 – Scenic flight into Mount Aspiring National Park, Hike & Wilderness Jet boat

Get ready for a real Kiwi backcountry experience - this is the stuff legendary holiday tales are made of! We’ll begin the day with a scenic flight deep into the heart of Mt Aspiring National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We land in an isolated valley where we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch with views that will knock your socks off. Sufficiently fortified, we’ll hike back down to the river where a jetboat will be waiting to whisk you back to civilisation and your comfortable bed in Wanaka.

Scenic Flight into Mount Aspiring National Park

Today's adventure begins on one of Southern Alps Air’s Cessna bush planes, taking in expansive views of the 355,000ha Mount Aspiring National Park. Look out across winding rivers, virgin beech forest, glaciated valleys, alpine lakes, glaciers and the towering Southern Alps, before landing on the remote Siberia Valley air strip. Once on the ground, we'll head up the valley to a backcountry hut with outrageous views of the surrounding peaks. 

Hike Siberia Valley

After a tasty picnic lunch on the deck of the hut, we'll begin our walk along a well-marked track through the thick forest linking the Siberia Valley to the Wilkin Valley wilderness below. Be on the lookout for native birds along the way and the many photo opportunities as you immerse yourself in nature. The track was originally used by Mount Albert Station to take stock into the valley for grazing.

Wilderness Jet Boat Trip

Jet boats were invented in 1954 in New Zealand by Sir William Hamilton for the shallow waters of our braided rivers. Jet boating originally started on the Wilkin River in 1968 transporting venison out of the mountains before hiking and commercial work became more commonplace. On reaching the Wilkin River at Kerin Forks, a jet boat will be waiting to take us for a thrilling 30-minute ride down the Wilkin and Makarora Rivers back to the Makarora Village. Get a whole different perspective on this dramatic valley as you watch the landscape rush by and feel the wind in your hair.

Tonight we stay at Te Wanaka Lodge again*

Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park Hike Aspiring National Park

Mt Cook Region

Day 5 – Hike Wanaka & Aoraki/Mount Cook

If you’re feeling energetic this morning, we’ll start the day off with a heart pumping hike up to Rocky Mountain. If you’d prefer a more relaxed start, there’s plenty to do in Wanaka town itself, from great coffee and boutique gift shops to a gentle amble along the beach and obligatory photo in front of Wanaka’s ‘giant hand’ sculpture. This afternoon it’s a change of scenery as we make our way to the Mackenzie Country, an area of jaw-dropping beauty, wide-open skies, glacial lakes and distant towering peaks. We’ll spend the next two nights staying at the foot of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook.

Hike Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain Track

We’ll kick the day off with a hike to Diamond Lake to appreciate the sweeping views out over the Southern Alps and Lake Wanaka. You’ll have the option of carrying on up the Rocky Mountain trail if you’d like. It’s a steady climb and one that will no doubt get your heart pumping, but with each passing step, the scenery just gets better and better, making it all worth it at the top.

Tonight we stay in the Aoraki/Mt Cook region*

Aoraki/Mt Cook Your choice

Day 6 – Your Choice in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Home to not only its namesake, known as “the Cloud Piercer” to Māori looming at 3,724 metres (over 12,000 feet), Aoraki Mount Cook National Park boasts a further 19 peaks topping more than 3,000 metres. These are the mountains where Edmund Hillary honed his skills before becoming the first to successfully summit Mount Everest with Tenzing Norgay in 1953. This incredible outdoor playground is a hiker’s paradise, and you have several experiences to choose from today. Get up close to the icebergs on a glacier boat tour, or even splurge on a heli-hike if you’d like. Check out the many hiking tracks and trails, or simply explore the village at your leisure. Whatever you decide, it’s an incredible place to spend the day.

After a full day of activities, we’ll meet up and return to our accommodation for a tasty meal and a chance to trade stories from the day as well as gaze up at the impressive night sky in this internationally recognised Dark Sky Reserve.

Tonight we stay in the Aoraki/Mt Cook region  again*

Hike to Red Tarns

Offering phenomenal views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the surrounding mountains the Red Tarns Track is one of Aoraki/Mt Cook's hidden gems. On a calm day, you'll enjoy incredible mirror-like reflections of Aoraki/Mt Cook that will leave a lasting memory of this magical spot.

Walk the Hooker Valley Track

This is one of the South Island’s most popular glacier country trails. Looking down from swing bridges over rushing rivers, you’ll walk a track that leads to an alpine lake complete with icebergs. For those with an interest in New Zealand flora, the Hooker Valley is one of the best places to see Mount Cook lilies in season.

Free time around Mount Cook Village

Today is a great opportunity to explore on your own. Visit the museum and planetarium at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Take some short walks around the area or just soak in the views with a coffee and good book.

Day 6 Optional Add-ons

Below are some of the optional add-ons you can also enjoy:

Glacier heli-hiking

Take a helicopter up to land high on the Tasman, New Zealand’s longest glacier. In the company of an experienced guide, you’ll don crampons to explore the dramatic ice caves of this frozen wonderland.  If you book this optional add-on it will replace this morning's hike to Red Tarns, after which you'll rejoin the group for an afternoon on the Hooker Valley Track.

Glacier lake boat tour

Hop aboard a Zodiac boat and set off across the iceberg-filled lake for an up-close encounter with the Tasman Glacier’s terminal face.  If you book this scenic boat tour it will replace this morning's hike to Red Tarns, after which you'll rejoin the group for an afternoon on the Hooker Valley Track.

Aoraki/Mt Cook Hike Mt John

Today we finish the trip in Queenstown.

Day 7 – Hike near Lake Tekapo

It’s our last morning together and the adventure isn’t quite over just yet. We’ll start today with a hike through the picturesque Mackenzie Country. We'll climb through forest and tussock until we reach a spectacular view of the surreal turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki before heading back to Queenstown to say our farewells. 

Hike Mt John 

This morning we’ll make the steady climb up Mount John though forest and tussock to the observatory at the top. As we walk, we’ll look out over 360-degree views across the impressive Mackenzie Basin flats and surrounding mountains and lakes. After our hike, we’ll check out the famous and much-photographed Church of the Good Shepherd, as well as Tekapo’s statue to the working dog, commissioned in 1968 by local farmers to pay tribute to the role these intelligent canines played in working the land.

*For logistical reasons, we may make small changes to our itineraries or accommodation from time to time.

Don’t take our word for it...

Jane Sinclair (Pure South, January 24)

Jennifer & Graham Gillen (Pure South, February 24)

Customer rating:

Photos of the Pure South - 7 Day

Magnificent beech forest on the Kepler Track.

The majestic Milford Sound.

Exploring Siberia Valley in style.

Cruising through Milford Sound.

Glorious Key Summit on the Routeburn Track.

Venturing along the Rocky Mountain Track.

Iceberg filled Hooker Lake, Aoraki/Mt Cook.

Lupins bursting to life in Spring.

Hooker Valley Track, Aoraki/Mt Cook.

Pure South - 7 Day Accommodation

Aoraki Alpine lodge.

Views of Mt Cook at Aoraki Alpine Lodge.

Te Wanaka Lodge.

Frequently asked questions

It's very important to us that you have all your questions answered about our Pure South trip. We’ve collected some of the questions we get asked most often and answered them below. Or visit our general FAQ page here for more answers!

And if you still can’t find the answers you need, give us a call or send us an email and we’ll help you out!

How fit do I need to be for the Pure South?

The Pure South is designed for people who want to experience New Zealand's incredible array of outdoor adventures with the flexibility to explore at a pace that's right for you. With your two New Zealand guides you'll always have easier or more challenging options available so you can scale your activity level up or down to suit your preference. On the Pure South trip, you will walk between 3 to 5 hours each day on well-formed tracks. The average distance walked each day is 9km/5.6mi. 

Click here to go to a handy page  with a summary of the distances and approximate times for every walk and activity on our Pure South trip!

What is the accommodation like on the Pure South?

On the Pure South trip, you'll sleep soundly in comfortable accommodations that we have chosen specifically for their fantastic locations. You’ll meet friendly hosts and have a private ensuite room each night.   Click here to find out more about the accommodation on this trip.

What time does the Pure South trip start and finish?

Pick up information We can pick you up on the first day of your trip in  Queenstown  at:

8.30am  from the lobby of our city joining hotel - the Ramada Queenstown Central

9.00am from the lobby of our airport joining hotel- La Quinta Queenstown

9.15am  from the Queenstown International Airport

Drop off information We can drop you off on the last day of your trip in  Queenstown  at:

5.30pm  at Queenstown International Airport

5.45pm at our airport joining hotel - La Quinta Queenstown

6.15pm at our city joining hotel - Ramada Queenstown Central

When booking your flights, please make sure you:

Arrive  on day one to  Queenstown no later than 8:15am  International 8:45am  Domestic   Depart  on the final day from  Queenstown no earlier than 7.30pm  International  6.30pm  Domestic

**If your travel plans fall outside of these times please check with us  before you book .

What's not included on my Pure South tour?

Airfares to and from New Zealand. Airfares between the North and South Island of New Zealand if you are joining our Sweet North trip. Airport transfers. Travel insurance. Visas. Non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages with lunch and dinner.

What's included on my Pure South tour?

• Two experienced New Zealand Trails Guides to guide you on your tour.
• Activities, hikes and guides as shown in the itinerary.
• Accommodation as indicated in your final itinerary.
• All local taxes and gratuities.

New Zealand is not a tipping culture. If you'd like to show your appreciation to your guides with a tip it is very much appreciated but not an expectation on our trips. 

What hikes are included in the Pure South trip?

On the Pure South trip you'll experience the very best hiking the South Island has to offer including:

- Fiordland National Park: The Routeburn Track, The Kepler Track - Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park: Hooker Valley track, Sealy Tarns track. - Mt Aspiring National Park: Siberia Valley - Rocky Mountain and Diamond Lake near Wanaka

What activities are included on the Pure South trip?

On your Pure South tour you'll get the chance to experience some very special Kiwi activities including:

- Scenic plane flight into Siberia Valley - Jet boat down the Wilkin River - Nature cruise on Milford Sound -  Milford Sound Kayak

Will I have WiFi or internet access throughout the trip?

Yes – we are well connected in New Zealand! You will have access to the internet, at your accommodation whether free or for a small fee, every night on your trip. While New Zealand is quite tech savvy the wifi at some accommodation may not be of the speed you are used to back home.

Is there electricity at all of the places we stay on the Pure South trip?

Yes, all of the places we stay on the Pure South trip have electricity.

Tell me about your safety standards

Safety is always our top priority. We take great pride in our impeccable safety record and our safety management plans. Your New Zealand Trails Guides are highly experienced outdoors professionals who are first aid qualified and fully equipped with a satellite phone, personal locator beacon and first aid kit. Our trips have direct access to our highly experienced operations team and other outside services 24 hours a day.

Biking isn't really my thing. Do you have other options?

If biking isn't really your thing no worries! We have lots of guests join us who prefer to walk instead of bike. The trails we bike on are shared walking/biking trails so you'll be able to join your guide on a walk of the Arrow River Trail instead of biking if you'd like.

What National Parks and Great Walks does the Pure South trip visit?

The Pure South visits three of New Zealand’s National Parks - Mt Aspiring, Fiordland and Aoraki/Mt Cook. You will have the opportunity to hike on two Great Walks, the Routeburn Track and the Kepler Track.

What kind of people will be on my Pure South trip?

Our guests are like-minded people from Australia, the UK, Canada and America, and come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. On average, we have a 50/50 split between men and women, with several single travellers on each trip as well as couples and friends travelling together.

If you would like to see the actual people that come on our Pure South Island tour, check out our  photo gallery.

Do I have to pay extra if I'm travelling by myself?

There is no additional charge for solo travellers on our trips. If you are a solo traveller, as many of our guests are, we will team you up with another solo traveller of the same sex to share with for the duration of your trip. If you would like to guarantee your own room as a solo traveller, then there is the option to pay a solo supplement.

Do you need any outdoors experience for the Pure South trip?

You certainly don’t need any technical outdoors experience to enjoy your New Zealand Trails trip. If you enjoy being out and about in the outdoors and are a generally active person who enjoys hobbies like walking, cycling, golf, tennis or dancing then you will have no problems at all with the walks and activities on your trip. 

You will need some biking experience to complete the bike ride on your trip. The trail is an undulating gravel track that is rated as an “easy” trail ride but you’ll need to have done some biking before to comfortably and safely take part in the bike rides. The activities on our trips are very flexible and many of our guests opt to walk instead of bike. The trails we bike on are shared walking/biking trails so you’ll be able to enjoy a walk with your guide if you prefer. 

How many people will be on my trip?

We run small-group tours, so along with your guides, there are typically 12 - 15 guests in your group. We have found keeping our group sizes small is the perfect way to make sure everyone has the best time.

What does going on a guided trip entail?

Coming on a guided trip with us means we take care of everything! Our small group tours have a maximum of 14 guests per trip along with your local, New Zealand guide and are designed to make it easy, fun and safe for you to explore on your New Zealand trip of a lifetime.

Before your trip: You’ll have a dedicated guest service team member to assist you every step of the way. From advising what you should pack to choosing the best flights to arrive for your trip on time and helping organize pre and post-trip accommodation. No matter when you book or how far in advance you plan your travel, our team is here to help.

During your trip: On your trip, you’ll have two dedicated local New Zealand guides who will take care of everything. They provide food, snacks and safety information, as well as arrange all of your activities and make sure you get where you need to be safely and on time. They’ll also share their extensive knowledge of our country and culture and provide flexibility so you can enjoy New Zealand at the pace that’s right for you.

After your trip: Your dedicated guest service team member will be there to support you. From helping book accommodation and advising on the best flights to sharing local knowledge on other activities you might enjoy or the best places to eat. You’ll also receive all the photos from your trip that your guides have collected along the way so you can cherish the memories of your adventure.

Can you help with pre/post-trip accommodation and flights?

Yes, we can! Our dedicated Guest Services team member Becky will be here to help every step of the way. She can advise you on which flights you should book to ensure you arrive for your trip on time, the best accommodation for you pre and post-trip and everything in between. She’s here to make sure your travel experience is seamless and stress-free.

How do we get around New Zealand? What happens with my luggage?

On day one of your trip, your guides will pick you up from either our joining hotel or the airport in a late-model Mercedes Benz Sprinter. This will be your vehicle for the duration of the trip and your luggage will travel with you in the luggage compartment. Each day we'll drive between 0.5 and 3 hours to reach our next destination. Our trips are carefully planned to give you the most time exploring the outdoors and any travel is always broken up with hikes, activities and coffee/bathroom breaks. You'll bring your small day pack with you inside the vehicle, with just your hiking essentials (jacket, water bottle, sun hat etc) and will be all you will need to carry with you when you are out exploring. Your luggage will stay in the vehicle until we reach our accommodation for the evening. 

If you are joining us on both a Sweet North and a South Island trip,  it is a very easy to transition between the South and North Islands. Our national airline  Air New Zealand operates several flights a day between Auckland and Queenstown or Christchurch. We leave the flights for you to organise so that you can choose where you would like to spend any extra time between your trips and the time that suits your plans. If you have any questions about the timings for your trips, or you would like any help at all, just ask us!  

Activity Level

The Pure South trip is an activity level 2 to 4, d esigned for you to have maximum flexibility. You can scale your activity level up to a 4, down to a 2, or anywhere in between every day so you can enjoy New Zealand at a pace that's right for you. Walk on well-formed tracks and enjoy a mixture of day walks and activities that showcase the best of New Zealand.  

Elevation Maps & Hike Information

Short on time? No worries. Discover the highlights of the South Island over 7 incredible days as you hike, cruise and soar over iconic New Zealand sights. You’ll enjoy tasty home-cooked meals and local restaurant cuisine, resting your head at night in very comfortable and perfectly located accommodations.

If you have a little more time up your sleeve, experience the best of both North and South over 12 days by combining this trip with our Sweet North  or Great Walks - North .

Find your ideal dates below using the date picker and keep an eye on availability as our small groups fill up fast.

Thinking of visiting New Zealand in the next year or so?

We only run a limited number of departures each year and as you can see below, they fill up months in advance! Most of our guests lock in their trips at least a year out from travelling so they don't miss out on their preferred dates. If you have specific dates in mind, let’s chat!

Pure South - 7 Day – ready to book?

Ready to start your new zealand adventure.

A distillation of the best hiking New Zealand and the South Island has to offer, as well as unique Kiwi experiences and action-packed adventures, our Pure South is a smorgasbord. All you need to do is relax and enjoy the adventure.

What’s included:

✓ Local guides, small groups

✓ All food (except where noted on itinerary), transportation and activities

✓ All inclusive

✓ All accommodation

NZD$8999 AUD$6499 USD$4799.00 +tax GBP£4399 NZD$8999 CAD$6399.00 +tax per person (twin or double share)

Want more information?

Get a free New Zealand Trails brochure!

Too many options out there? Want to “do New Zealand” your way, with expert local guides to help?

Our FREE brochure has 36 pages of detailed itineraries, maps and behind-the-scenes tour info.

All you need – nothing you don’t.

If you’re still not sure, or just want to hear a friendly voice, contact Jodi!

GET OUR FREE BROCHURE

Kia Ora, welcome to Wildsouth Discovery.

Explore New Zealand’s stunning South Island with our Tailor-Made Personally Guided Tours

We are passionate locals who love sharing our magical world with our guests. It’s a place of dramatic scenic beauty that will electrify your senses and capture your heart: golden beaches, ancient forests, crystal-clear lakes, glaciers and majestic alpine landscapes.

As locals with over 27 years’ of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, we know this island intimately, and we can guarantee our discerning guests will experience a magnificent journey, and take away memories they will treasure for a lifetime.

Give us a call today on 03 332 3665 (within NZ), +64 3 332 3665 (Outside NZ) or email us using our contact form, outlining where you’d like to go, and some of the things you’d like to see and do, then let us do the rest. We can tailor the perfect trip to suit you and your fellow travellers, in style and comfort.

Wildsouth Discovery Guided Experiences

Private Tours and Luxpeditions

At Wildsouth Discovery, we do  offer some “off-the shelf” tours but mostly, we design “Tailored Journeys.”

Join us on a journey of exploration ,  discovery  and  inspiration  through the South Island of New Zealand. The custom tours that we offer are private, completely personalized and created for the discerning traveller who expects a high level of luxury, service and attention to detail.

We are passionate about creating and personally guiding exclusive, tailor made tours. Our emphasis is always on quality for visitors wanting that “extra something”, and a memorable and wonderful stay.

Read more about our Tailor-Made Tours

Customised Tours in South Island

Akaroa day tour, arthur's pass day tour, kaikoura heli-day tour.

Journeys, expeditions and safaris

• Would you like to experience a special kind of vacation with a boutique tour operator?

• Would you enjoy travelling on an exclusive private tour?

• Do you enjoy doing gentle guided walks?

• Do comfort, fun, exploring, discovering and learning appeal to you while travelling?

• Do you find first-class service, superb food and exquisite accommodations very desirable?

• Are you interested in history, geology, wildlife, ancient pristine landscapes or perhaps just magnificent scenery?

• Do you enjoy getting ‘off the beaten track’?

If you can answer yes to one or more of these questions, then perhaps you should join one of our Companion Luxpeditions!

It’s an unforgettable moment when you round a corner to a remote and beautiful location, and stop for a delicious picnic morning tea, a picnic lunch or a picnic stop for a glass (or two) of NZ wine and cheese.

Whether it is a bush morning tea with a stunning view, a relaxed picnic stop in a secluded spot or a private celebratory lunch looking out at a mountain, there’s just something special about eating al fresco.

Going the extra mile and offering guests the special delight of a picnic experience in our varied outdoors is one of the hallmarks of what Wildsouth Discovery prides itself on… definitely something to consider before you book your next trip.

We strive to create unique, lifelong memories for each and every guest that travels with us.

By tapping into our broad experience and our deep knowledge of the South Island’s unparalleled beauty, heritage and culture, we ensure everyone gets the most from every moment of their tailor-made and personally-guided journey.

Creating lifelong memories through unique travelling experiences

Sharing our experience and knowledge with guests to explore and discover South Island’s beauty, heritage, and culture

Providing exclusive companion luxpeditions through our customised, personally guided tours

In 2009, Brian was nominated as one of 3 finalists for the 2009 ITOC (Inbound Tour Operator’s Council) – Operator of the Year Award. The award recognises New Zealand tourism operators who offer outstanding tourism experiences for inbound travellers, and are selected by leading inbound operators based on feedback they receive directly from international clients.

   A Day to Remember: Arthur's Pass and the Otira Gorge with Expert Guiding  - First, Brian and Paula rescued our day. With the train fire, our plan was in Jeopardy. No worries, they scooped us up from our hotel in Christchurch, and ... read more we drove in style and comfort. We stopped countless times on the way for scenic vistas--a photographer's dream--and their knowledge about the history, personalities, plants and trees, and the places (Castle Hill Rocks, Southern Alpes, Waimakariri River) was staggering. Not sure we managed to ask a question that was a stumper. Four well-traveled adults agreed these guides were terrific. Very full day, and returned to hotel at 6:30pm.

   Unforgettable Journey through New Zealand's South Island with Wildsouth: A Review  - My family and I had an incredible 10-day exploration of the stunning South Island of New Zealand in the company and under the guidance of Brian and Paula. Their itinerary ... read more perfectly aligned with our desire for a relaxing and adventurous vacation, infused with some luxurious touches. Brian and Paula's extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for explaining and showcasing the natural beauty of New Zealand, Maori culture, and the history of New Zealand were truly impressive. They were so kind and sweet, and especially my children loved them. I must say that without them, this amazing trip would not have been possible. Among the numerous highlights were Brian's skill in revealing hidden gems and scenic spots not featured in typical travel brochures, as well as Paula's delightful homemade treats for morning and afternoon teas, along with wine, cheese, and caracaras. Brian and Paula consistently went above and beyond to ensure our holiday was unforgettable, and we wholeheartedly recommend Wildsouth. When the opportunity arises to revisit the South Island, we will undoubtedly choose to travel with them again. I highly recommend this tour, as you could not find a better one than this.

   Adventures in the South Island!  - If you are looking to avoid masses of tourists & find the real essence of the South Island, then you can do no better than touring with the lovely duo ... read more of Brian & Paula. They are fantastic hosts who love and enjoy showing us their beautiful country. We went on a 5-day trip and learnt a lot, had masses of fun and I can't recommend them highly enough. They tailored our trip to our exacting specifications and tight time scale. Great vehicle, which was very comfortable with large seats and nothing was too much trouble for them with picnics and yummy home-made chocolates to boot!

   We sent the most amazing 4 days with Brian & Paula. They met us at the airport and gave us a great city tour of Christchurch, then delivered us to ... read more our hotel. An amazing day in North Canterbury at a sheep/beef farm watching the sheep dogs work the animals, the shearing of the sheep and hand feeding alpacas, including an incredible jet boat trip. A day at Akoroa Harbor for a harbor cruise to see Hector Dolphins, lunch at a delightful restaurant, and walkabout of a charming town. A train trip to Arthur's Pass National Park and Otira Gorge. Brian & Paula met us at the pass and we drove for many incredible views, tea and treats along the way, as well as a stop at a very good restaurant for lunch in the middle of no where. Another stop at a Merino sheep ranch - amazing day! Final day we were picked up at our hotel and personally dropped at the charter bus that took us to the cruise ship dock. All of this plus restaurant recommendations and many conversations and laughs along the way. Not only were Brian & Paula great guides, but we felt like we spent 4 days with "good friends". Certainly our favorite part of visiting New Zealand.

   Wonderfully Tailored Experience  - We spent an amazing 10 days touring the beautiful South Island of New Zealand with Brian and Paula. They put together an itinery that exactly matched our requirements for a ... read more stress free and not too adventurous holiday with some luxury thrown in. Brian and Paula's knowledge and passion of the flora, fauna and Maori culture was amazing and by the end of the trip we were well educated in all three. Just a couple of highlights were Brian's ability to show us some out of the way places and scenery that you won't find in the travel brochures and Paula's amazing home cooked treats for morning and afternoon teas (and wine). Nothing was too much trouble and Brian and Paula went out of their way to ensure we had a memorable holiday. We have no hesitation in recomending Wildsouth and will travel with them again when we have the opportunity to revisit the South Island.

   Amazing  - Brian and his wife Paula gave us the best tour we’ve ever had. Not only did they know facts about the area they took us places a regimented tour ... read more wouldn’t. They even took us to a Harley dealer before the end of our day! A picnic in the hills with cheese, wine and homemade treats topped it all off. Recommend them 100000000%.

   Wonderful!  - This was our first visit to New Zealand. We did not have the luxury of taking the recommended minimum of a month to travel the country--we had only a week ... read more for the South Island and opted to go with professionals to help us maximize our time there. We didn’t attempt to “do it all” but we did have some requirements. As we made inquiries Brian was keen to call so we could better discuss what we wanted to do. Brian made suggestions and designed an itinerary that incorporated our priorities and South Island highlights: hikes, scenic views, night sky, wildlife, bird watching and wine drinking. I was concerned about spending too much time driving rather than hiking but to get around the large distances one must drive. However, the vehicle is very comfortable, the scenery is spectacular and journeys were broken up with hikes, picnic lunches, afternoon teas or wine and cheese. In fact, because of the bespoke itinerary we struck a perfect balance between seeing different places and walking and being active. Our travels included lodging in superb accommodations: Arrowtown Boutique Hotel and Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki, which added more value to our Wildsouth Discovery experience. Brian and Paula are delightful hosts who work hard to make your trip easy in a relaxed and easy-going way. They shared their love for New Zealand and knowledge of geography, natural history and “secret” places and provided us with views of dolphins, birds, glaciers, breathtaking scenery and more all in one short week.

   Arthur’s Pass  - This is our first NZ trip. We had a private Arthur’s Pass tour with Brian and Paula. They were timely, knowledgeable, funny and gracious and our experience was ... read more fantastic. When you are in the Christchurch area this is the place to go for a memorable private tour. We absolutely loved it

   My wife and I spent 9 days with Brian and Paula who couldn't have made us feel more welcome in their beautiful country. They both are extremely knowledgeable about the ... read more history (current & past), the wildlife and the vegetation. We went to areas and saw sites that regular tourists would never find on their own. Their love for their country spilled over onto us. When we finally had to part ways, it was definitely emotional. We would definitely recommend this tour to 1 or 2 couples who would like a personal in depth tour of the south island.

   Discovering our own back yard.  - We enjoyed 8 action-packed days, visiting places on the South Island's West Coast that we'd previously either driven past, or simply not realised, were available to explore. ... read more Because of Brian & Paula's knowledge of the area, no highlights were missed. With their explanations of the history, Maori legends, and botanical information, we were able to fully understand and appreciate what we were experiencing. Their choices for accommodation and meals was top notch, without costing a fortune, and really showed how much effort they put into exploring all the aspects, prior to our trip. All of these features, together with not having to drive, mean we can highly recommend traveling with Wildsouth Discovery. Wonderful Hosts & Guides.

   Amazing custom tour!!!  - My husband and I had an amazing 9 days with Brian touring us around the South Island! We had worked with him to develop our custom tour and it ... read more turned out perfect! He understood our desire to go more off-the-beaten path and to have extra opportunities to walk/hike. Brian knows the island very well, including hidden gems and the best places for great views and food, he guided us superbly. We also enjoyed special treats contributed by Paula, often at gorgeous stops for tea or coffee. I appreicated the extra resources in the van including maps and binder of cultural information. We really felt like we learned and saw alot of NZ! We highly recommend Wildsouth Discovery!

   Wonderful day with fantastic hosts  - We were lucky enough to get to go on this fantastic tour on a gorgeous summer day in New Zealand while there recently for our wedding. Brian and Paula were ... read more our hosts and picked us up in their super comfy touring van from our accommodation. We were greeted with smiles and hospitality from Brian and Paula who quickly got us settled into the van and on the way to middle earth! The trip out to Mount Sunday was so comfortable and we felt very cared for and looked after- little extras such as a comfort stop along the way for tea and biscuits made it feel like going on a day out with friends which was lovely. The van has very comfortable seats with furry cushions which really makes the trip so much more pleasant- you could tell that Brian and Paula had put a lot of thought into making each detail unique and comfortable and had gone above and beyond to change things to make them even better for us. Brian and Paula were wonderful hosts- Paula in the back providing a solid and calm presence and Brian up front chatting knowledgeably about the locations and places we were going. It was clear that they both have a love for the land and love sharing this with others. Mount Sunday was absolutely beautiful and Brian and Paula gave us the freedom to climb the hill at our own pace, exploring the beauty and sites. At the top of Mount Sunday Brian even produced a sword which we excitedly waved around and took photos posing as our favourite lord of the rings characters. It was a fantastic touch which really added to the experience of being up in such a great place (and made taking photos that more fun!). On the way back from Edoras we were happily surprised to stop off by Lake Clearwater and we paddled around in the water a bit, skipping stones and enjoying the beauty of the lake. While we did this Brian and Paula were setting up a wonderful lunch for us on the shore with a picnic table, wine, homemade chutneys, cheese and more! It was truly wonderful and such a kind and personal experience- we hadn't expected this and we were a bit overcome with how thoughtful this was and this was a highlight of the trip for us. Sitting by the lake, eating Paula's homemade chutney and looking at the beauty around us was magical. On the way back we had another comfort stop which was planned and obviously well thought out by Brian and Paula- wherever we stopped it was clear they had scouted it out and chosen the spot because of it's beauty and unique experience. We had tea and chocolate by some lovely waterfalls and then Brian and Paula returned us to our accommodation around 630ish. I would highly recommend Wildsouth Discovery to any travellers in NZ- I felt very looked after and comfortable that Brian and Paula would have done whatever they could to help make our trip memorable. If you are looking for a more personal touch with lovely people and fantastic views don't go past these guys! Thanks Brian and Paula, your tour was a highlight of our trip to NZ!

   South Island High Country - Lord of the Rings, Canterbury  - The best tour we have experienced - and we have been on many, many tours. Pickup in Christchurch was exactly on time, the vehicle was very comfortable with great seats ... read more and all were positioned so that everyone had a good view. Morning tea was a very welcome surprise - lovely. Our destination was Mt Sunday in the High Country (Edoras in the Lord of the Rings) - what a place- stunning. Lunch was provided and unexpected, wine, fresh bread, dips etc on the banks of Lake Clearwater. Could you find a more peaceful and picturesque spot? Brian and Paula our hosts were just fantastic, extremely knowledgeable, helpful, friendly and very very passionate about New Zealand.

   Outstanding private guides of the South Island  - Our travel agent had recommended Wildsouth Discovery tours to us for our week in Christchurch. Brian Lucas and his partner Paula Sinclair were everything we could have expected and more. ... read more Brian met us at the airport at midnight and got us to our B & B, he and Paula picked us up after our breakfast and began with an orientation of the city itself and its attractions, gradually expanding in term of geography to the coastal peninsula where we saw fur seals and dolphins, on a whale watch out in the Pacific, and up on the TransAlpine train to Arthur's Pass in the Southern Alps. They provided a portable tea for us wherever we went, including Paula's home made chocolate cookies, and they took us to their vacation home in Akarora for wine and more chocolates. They were the essence of kindness and consideration. We consider them to be close friends. We had a wonderful time because of them.

   To Rohan!  - This tour was arranged by a friend and it was such an amazing experience - I am so grateful to Brian and Paula for making it a memorable experience. ... read more The South Island is naturally beautiful, but a comfortable, professional and thoughtful tour makes it even better. Brian and Paula are very focused on the details and making sure the entire trip - from pickup to drop off - is personalised and of high quality. A tea break en route to Mount Sunday and a lovely lakeside lunch were nice additions to the tour. The scenery where they filmed Rohan/Edoras for Lord of the Rings is amazing, and Wildsouth Discovery made it even better! Thanks!

Book your journey of a lifetime

Fill out our form or contact us for more information in helping book your magical guided South Island tour of New Zealand, completely customised to suit you.

Privacy Overview

New Zealand South Island Tours - over 60 great tour ideas

Experience dramatic scenery, landscapes and wonderful hospitality on a South Island New Zealand tour. We have over 120 great itineraries exploring the South Island by coach from escorted and guided tours to highly flexible Thrifty Tours which depart every single day. New Zealand's South Island has it all, from the beaches of Abel Tasman National Park to the thrill of a jet Boat ride in Queenstown or a heli hike on the West Coast glaciers. All our South Island New Zealand tours visit iconic locations of the south including Mt. Cook National Park, Milford Sound, Wanaka, Fiordland National Park, Dunedin, Franz Josef and Fox Glacier plus much more. Get in touch with us today to get the best advice on the best South Island tour for you.

Southern Highlights with Milford Sound

5 days, from christchurch to christchurch.

• New Zealand Independent Tour
• Pre and post tour options? Yes
• Viewed 300 times in the last 7 days

Enjoy 5 days exploring New Zealand's South Island with this excellent independent touring itinerary....

Enjoy 5 days exploring New Zealand's South Island with this excellent independent touring itinerary. Journey from Christchurch in a loop around the South Island. Cruise through Milford Sound, visit Mt. Cook National Park, explore the West Coast glaciers, and travel on the TranzAlpine scenic train.

Christchurch to Milford Sound and Queenstown

3 days, from christchurch to christchurch.

• Hotel 4 star
• Viewed 240 times in the last 7 days

Enjoy the scenery of Canterbury, the Mackenzie country and Mt Cook National Park before arriving int...

Enjoy the scenery of Canterbury, the Mackenzie country and Mt Cook National Park before arriving into Queenstown. Take a fully escorted day tour to Milford Sound with Real Journeys.

Glaciers Overnight

2 days, from queenstown to christchurch.

• Viewed 231 times in the last 7 days

Short and sweet, this tour to the glaciers is a New Zealand bucket list experience.

5 day Dunedin, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Mt. Cook

• Viewed 256 times in the last 7 days

This 5 day highlights tour includes Dunedin, Milford Sound including a cruise plus time in wonderful...

This 5 day highlights tour includes Dunedin, Milford Sound including a cruise plus time in wonderful Queenstown before returning to Christchurch via Mt Cook National Park.

8 day South Island Scenic Explorer

8 days, from christchurch to christchurch.

• Hotel 3 star
• Viewed 199 times in the last 7 days

A great 8 day tour which introduces you to Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown. Fiordland, Milford Sou...

A great 8 day tour which introduces you to Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown. Fiordland, Milford Sound and the West Coast Glaciers and includes the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train journey.

West Coast Escape with TranzAlpine

2 days, from christchurch to queenstown.

• Viewed 189 times in the last 7 days

Highlights include: The world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train • The wild West Coast • Vis...

Highlights include: The world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train • The wild West Coast • Visit Franz Josef Glacier •  Lakes Wanaka and Hawea • the Gibbston Valley • Queenstown

3 day TranzAlpine Glaciers and Queenstown

3 days, from christchurch to queenstown.

• Viewed 274 times in the last 7 days

A classic 3 day itinerary this tour gets you from Christchurch to Queenstown in comfort on reliable ...

A classic 3 day itinerary this tour gets you from Christchurch to Queenstown in comfort on reliable small group tours. Witness the West Coast and southern lakes whilst enjoying the TranzAlpine Scenic Train and a stay in Queenstown.

5 Day Southern Highlights

• Viewed 170 times in the last 7 days

An introduction to the South Island including Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown, Fiordland, Milford ...

An introduction to the South Island including Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown, Fiordland, Milford Sound, the West Coast Glaciers and the TranzAlpine Scenic Train journey. An ideal tour to customise to your own schedule!

7 day Fiordland Explorer 4 star tour

7 days, from christchurch to christchurch.

• Viewed 134 times in the last 7 days

This 7 day Fiordland Explorer tour visits Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Lake Te Anau's Glow Worm Ca...

This 7 day Fiordland Explorer tour visits Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Lake Te Anau's Glow Worm Caves and leaves you with time to experience the Adventure Capital of Queenstown.

• Viewed 153 times in the last 7 days

Enjoy the scenery of Canterbury, the Mackenzie Country and the Southern Alps on your way to Queensto...

Enjoy the scenery of Canterbury, the Mackenzie Country and the Southern Alps on your way to Queenstown. Then take the time to enjoy a fully escorted day tour to Milford Sound with Real NZ.

Even with hundreds of New Zealand coach touring ideas we know that sometimes you need something special. That's why the team at NZCT are experts at designing New Zealand holidays to suit everyone. We can combine our Guided Coach Tours with a tailor-made independent tour in another part of New Zealand and then design a self drive holiday to finish off your itinerary. Whatever you can think of we can create so you get the New Zealand touring experience you deserve.

Our sister company, New Zealand Self drive Tours , specialises in just that - Self Drive Holidays across New Zealand. With over 200 great itinerary ideas to help inspire you there is something for everyone. Our team of NZ Specialists tailor-make each itinerary to suit you. With hundreds of accommodation options, activity ideas, a great rental car range and our expertise to pull it altogether you are guaranteed a great NZ Self Drive holiday.

New Zealand Fine Touring is the parent company of New Zealand Coach Tours. Started in 2004 New Zealand Fine Touring grew from a small home business to New Zealand's leading touring holiday planner. We operate many different channels such as New Zealand Coach Tours, New Zealand Self Drive Tours, Fine Tours New Zealand, Discover New Zealand, Thrifty Tours, Ski New Zealand, NZ Road Trip, Pure Journeys and our travel agent only business nzsidekick. Each channel specialises in a particulur style of touring holiday but we can also use our experience across all these channels to create a bespoke itinerary to suit anyone from anywhere. Check out New Zealand Fine Touring here .

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The 7 Best 10-12-Day Tours of the South Island ⛰️ [2024]

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, how to tour the south island in 10 to 12 days.

10 to 12 days is a good amount of time to explore about half of the South Island , but you might want to consider using a tour company to save time on finding your way and planning your trip. For the traveller who wants it easy, the South Island has a spectacular range of escorted tours to suit a variety of travel types. Whether you seek luxury or are on a budget, travelling with kids or travelling solo, want to travel slow or see as much as possible, there’s a tour for you on the South Island of New Zealand . Check out some of our favourites in this guide to the best 10-12-day tours of the South Island.

While you’re here, you might also be interested in The Best 10-12-Day Tours of the North Island . Plus, find out more about exploring by bus in Travel by Bus in New Zealand: The Ultimate Guide .

6 Tips for Planning a 10-Day or 12-Day Trip to the South Island

• Allow an extra day or two for your trip to the South Island, so that you can include your travel time to and from your tour’s starting point, as well as allow yourself to get over the jet lag
• Pack light : don’t be the one with extra suitcases that everyone has to make room for! See our New Zealand Packing List  for more packing tips.
• Use websites like TourRadar to compare tour companies and find the perfect fit for you. Another advantage to these websites is that they have standard cancellation policies should your plans change
• Decide on a few optional activities before your trip so you are able to budget correctly
• On a similar note, allow room in your budget for meals , if your tour does not include every meal – see How Much Does a Trip to New Zealand Cost?  for the typical cost of food in New Zealand.
• Ask if your chosen tour company has a Facebook Group ! That way, you can connect with other travellers who will be on the same tour.

For more New Zealand tour advice, see the 15 Tips to Make the Most of Your Bus Trip .

Backyard Roadies – South Island Explorer

One of the best-value fully guided small-group tours in New Zealand, Backyard Roadies ‘  10-Day South Island Explorer gets you to see the major highlights, as well as a few surprises in between. Travel with a small group of like-minded travellers and enjoy a generous list of included activities, such as a Milford Sound cruise, a greenstone carving workshop in Franz Josef and not to mention day trips to Mt Cook and Arrowtown ! With small groups and a mix of male and female guides, Backyard Roadies offers fun, safe and great-value tours for all.

About Backyard Roadies’ Tours

Age Range : 18-40+-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 16 Accommodation : Lodges and boutique hostels Meals : All breakfasts and one dinner

Destinations on the 10-Day Tour

• Christchurch
• Lake Tekapo (with Mt Cook day trip)
• Lake Te Anau (with Milford Sound day trip)
• Queenstown (with Arrowtown day trip)
• Franz Josef
• Arthur’s Pass (day trip)

Find out more about this tour company on backyardroadies.com . Plus, check out more tours for 10 days in The 10 Best 10-12-Day Tours of New Zealand .

Inspiring Journeys – Southern Drift

Convenient, laid-back and just plain fun, the Southern Drift tour with Inspiring Journeys is an excellent way to explore the South Island. The 12-day South Island tour starts and ends in Christchurch, taking a range of passengers, from young teens to seniors, to the South Island’s main bucket list destinations. We’re talking about Franz Josef , Milford Sound and Queenstown , as well as a few surprises along the way. Hotel accommodation is included. Meanwhile, Inspiring Journeys is just about the only escorted tour actually staying in Milford Sound. Some activities are also included, as well as most meals.

For more tours starting in Christchurch, check out The Best New Zealand Tours Starting in Christchurch .

About Inspiring Journey’s Tours

Age Range : 12-99-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 20 Accommodation : Hotels and lodges Meals : 11 breakfasts, one lunch and 11 dinners

Destinations on the 12-Day Tour

• Milford Sound

Find out more about this tour, including price, by comparing Inspiring Journeys on Tourradar .

Intrepid Travel – New Zealand South Island Adventure

A more active tour taking you to more destinations on the South Island, the New Zealand South Island Adventure tour with Intrepid Travel is well worth considering. The small-group tour lasts 12 days starting in Christchurch and ending in Queenstown . While there are plenty of highlights on the itinerary, including a Milford Sound cruise, it’s the off-the-beaten-track locations that are sure to stick with you, such as the historic mining towns of Reefton and Westport , the less-visited but no less impressive Fox Glacier and even the sub-antarctic Stewart Island !

For more small-group adventures, head to The Best Small-Group Tours in New Zealand .

About Intrepid Travel’s Tours

Age Range : 15-99-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 12 Accommodation : Hotels, motels and cabins Meals : 11 breakfasts

• Kumara and Hokitika
• Fox Glacier
• The Catlins
• Stewart Island

Find out more about this tour, including prices, by comparing Intrepid Travel on Tourradar .

Haka Tours (Haka Plus) – Southern Pioneer

Say you’ve spent some time on the North Island and you’re ready to hit the South; Haka Tours provides just the 10-day tour for 30 to 70-year-olds. The Southern Pioneer tour starts in Christchurch , taking you off the tourist trail to the gorgeous Lake Ohau . You won’t miss the highlights when checking out Queenstown , Wanaka and Franz Josef . The tour ends conveniently back where it began, in the South Island’s largest city, Christchurch .

About Haka Tours’ Tours

Age Range : 30-70-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 16 Accommodation : Hotels, motels and lodges Meals : All breakfasts and two dinners

Find out more about this tour, including prices, by comparing Haka Tours on Tourradar .

Trafalgar – Southern Spectacular

Enjoy an in-depth tour of the South Island across 10 days with this Southern Spectacular tour with Trafalgar . The tour loops from Christchurch to Christchurch incorporating the TranzAlpine train journey and a Milford Sound cruise. Stay in upmarket hotels and enjoy a substantial number of meals on this tour that gives you more bang for your buck while having fewer logistics to organise. You also have two full days to experience Queenstown your way.

About Trafalgar’s Tours

Age Range : 5-99-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 50 Accommodation: Hotels Meals : 9 breakfasts, one lunch and eight dinners

Find out more about this tour, including the price, by comparing Trafalgar on Tourradar .

Luxury Gold – The Southern Drift

Stay in five-star accommodation and enjoy world-class dining on this upmarket tour around the South Island with Luxury Gold . Start and end your journey in Christchurch , where you’ll get to experience the TranzAlpine train, meet a local greenstone carver in Franz Josef , kayak in Milford Sound , tour Larnach Castle in Dunedin and more. Most meals are included in the trip with dinners including wine. You’ll also get ample leisure time on this tour, which isn’t too fast-paced.

For more tours suited to the older crowd, head to  The Best New Zealand Tours for Seniors .

About Luxury Gold’s Tours

Age Range : 5-99-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 40 Accommodation: Hotels Meals : 11 breakfasts, one lunch and seven dinners

Find out more about this tour by comparing Luxury Gold on Tourradar .

Thrifty Tours – Southern National Parks

Hit some of the most breathtaking national parks on the South Island on the Southern National Parks tour with Thrifty Tours . This 10-day New Zealand prearranged self-guided tour is for the budget-conscious traveller by swapping a fully guided experience for a prearranged coach + accommodation + airport transfers package. Start and end in Christchurch , staying in a twin-share room in motel accommodation. The experience includes one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, the TranzAlpine , as well as a Milford Sound cruise and airport transfers. The tour also gives you ample time in most destinations to relax and explore on your own.

About Thrifty Tours’ Tours

Age Range : 1-100-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 50 Accommodation: Motels Meals : One lunch

Find out more about this tour by comparing Thrifty Tours on Tourradar .

More About 10 to 12-Day Bus Tours of the South Island

That’s it for our list of the best 10-12-day South Island tours! If these tours didn’t quite speak to you, how about these?

• The Best National Bus Tours in New Zealand
• The Best National Coach Tours in New Zealand
• The Best Backpacker Bus Tours in New Zealand

Finally, compare all of your bus travel options in our complete guide, How to Travel by Bus in New Zealand .

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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Southern Light South Island Tour

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Adventure Tours South Island Tours Southern Light (8 days)

• Tour Overview
• Itinerary Details
• Dates and Prices
• Book or Hold Seat
• Starts: Christchurch
• Ends: Queenstown
• Duration: 8 days
• Rating: 4.9 / 5.0 ( 72 reviews )
• Price: from NZD $3,150.00

Main Highlights

• World heritage site
• NZ cycle trail
• Glow-worm walks
• Accommodation by coasts, mountains & lakes
• ...and many more

Southern Light Southern Island tour - Overview:

The South Island of New Zealand is a visual paradise filled with jaw dropping scenery and the Southern Light tour will show you the highlights in around a week! On this South Island adventure tour , you can expect:

•  VIEWS - Expect to see incredible glacier fed blue lakes and sheer and towering cliff faces with endless waterfalls.

•  CAMPING - The Southern Light will give you a very good introduction of why we love New Zealand - this section also offers some very special camping spots that we have strategically placed so we can bring you much closer to nature than you’d ever have expected.

• NATURAL WONDERS - From glaciers and mountains to beautiful beaches and wild coastlines. There are plenty of wildlife encounters along the way (such as whales, dolphins, seals and penguins).

• TRAVEL MATES - Bring a friend along to share this tour of discovery, or make new mates amongst your fellow Flying Kiwi travellers and create lasting memories and lifetime friendships!

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE SOUTHERN LIGHT TOUR:

We want you to have the best possible experience and we know New Zealand which is why we have included the following in the Southern Light tour:

- Accommodation: Wake up close to lakes and oceans in our perfectly designed tents, included in the tour cost is shared tent accommodation, two people per tent. You can upgrade to your own tent for the duration of the tour for a small additional cost if you choose.

- Food: Delicious, tasty and healthy meals are included. See our detailed itinerary for details of which meals are included on a day-to-day basis. If you have a certain dietary requirement just let our team know, we can cater for most dietary needs.

- Hikes: Free walks are enjoyed every day (from 10 minutes to a few hours).

- Bike Rides: These include sections of the NZ Cycle Trail, on-road cycling and bike paths, something for everyone.

OTHER FREE INCLUSIONS :

There are lots of museums and attractions that are free of charge, as well as all access to National Parks. We take in many of these on the Southern Light tour.

Our bike rides page and the  hiking pages give you lots more detail into the rides and hikes our guides will show you along the way. For many of these we include printed maps and route notes which your guides will handout when on tour.

Our activities page above gives more detail on many of the free and optional activities that you might choose to do on your Southern Light tour and how it all works.

IMPORTANT THINGS WE WANT YOU TO KNOW ABOUT THE SOUTHERN LIGHT TOUR:

End of Trip Transport Options: The Southern Light tour has you finishing in Queenstown where there are regular daily flights to Christchurch, Wellington or Auckland with either Air New Zealand or Jetstar. There are also bus and shuttle services travelling daily from Queenstown to Christchurch.

Please visit our how it works  page for everything you need to know.

CHRISTCHURCH TO LAKE TEKAPO

Welcome to the first day of your Flying Kiwi adventure! Your tour begins in Christchurch, one of New Zealand’s most famous destinations which has been rebuilding since the infamous earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 and is now home to great shopping, cool laneway bars and amazing eateries. You’ll meet your group and Guide at 2pm outside the Rydges Hotel and then continue on down to the stunning Lake Tekapo where we’ll spend the next two nights camping.

• Meals: Dinner
• Bike Rides: Tekape Lakefront
• Walks and Hikes: Explore Christchurch
• Available Upgrades: Yes

LAKE TEKAPO AND TRIP TO AORAKI/MT COOK

This morning, we’ll wake up in arguably the most beautiful part of the South Island. Lake Tekapo is incredibly scenic, and home to the most spectacular turquoise waters which get their colour from the glacial flour brought down from the rivers flowing from glaciers high up in the mountains.

We’ll go and see some incredible sights today, heading for Aoraki/Mt Cook where we’ll hike to the base of NZ’s highest mountain following a trail up the Hooker valley where you’ll cross swing bridges and experience stunning views of the mountains before finishing up at a glacial lake with some awe inspiring views of the Hooker Valley glacier - trust us, you’ll want to bring your camera for this! This evening, we recommend going for a soak in the nearby hot pools or enjoying some world famous star gazing at the Mt John Observatory - you are staying in an International Dark Sky Reserve, after all! 

• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
• Bike Rides: Lake Tekapo Regional Park, A2O Cycle
• Walks and Hikes: Mt John walkway, Hike to the base of Mount Cook & Hooker Valley
• Optional Activities: Scenic Flight, Tekapo Hot Pools, Star Gazing

LAKE TEKAPO TO OAMARU

Today we’ll spend the morning in Lake Tekapo before departing this afternoon to travel back towards the Pacific coast. We'll camp in the historic town of Oamaru this evening, close to the unique Moeraki Boulders and the Scottish city of Dunedin. Go for a walk this evening to a great view point offering expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and try to spot a little Blue Penguin along the shore. 

• Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
• Bike Rides: 13 km Alps2Ocean trail ride
• Walks and Hikes: Explore the Moeraki Heritage Trail

OAMARU TO TE ANAU

If the tide is low this morning, we’ll go for a walk along the beach to see the mysterious Moeraki boulders. These perfectly round spheres of rock have formed over millions of years and have found their way onto the beach near Moeraki and make for some fun photo opportunities.

Next it’s onto the historic Scottish city of Dunedin, the South Island's second-largest city and home to NZ’s only castle. Dunedin is home to the world’s steepest residential street and the coastline is home to some fantastic and rare wildlife. Afterwards, we’ll continue down to the gateway to the Milford Sound, situated on the edge of Lake Te Anau.  Tonight’s camp is on the lakeside in Te Anau, which is the South Island's largest lake.  The bikers can go for a ride on the lake to lake Te Anau trail and the rest of us can enjoy a leisurely walk along the lakefront or head up to the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary where we can see the endangered native Takahē. If you’d like to do an activity, we recommend the incredible glowworm caves tour and boat ride.

• Bike Rides: Lake Te Anau Lakefront Cycle Upukerora Trail (5km+)
• Walks and Hikes: World’s steepest street, explore Dunedin city
• Optional Activities: Te Anau glowworm caves tour & boat ride

FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK

Today we’ll travel along one of the world’s most scenic roads and into Milford Sound! Described as the 'eighth wonder of the world', Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. We highly recommend boarding a cruise, where you'll see dramatic waterfalls and snow-capped peaks and if you’re lucky, some wildlife! At different times of year, penguins, dolphins, seals and even whales have been spotted at Milford. As it’s just the one road in and out, we head back along the same breath-taking route to our lakeside camp in Te Anau. Along the way, we drop off those doing the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s 9 Great Walks. This hike is a haven for native birdlife. Charge up your camera as this hike offers everything from mountainous peaks and sheer rock faces to pristine lakes, cascading waterfalls and dense, luxuriant forest. 

• Bike Rides: Lake to Lake Te Anau trail, Lakefront Upukerora trail (5 km+)
• Walks and Hikes: Plenty of short walks from camp
• Optional Activities: Milford Sound Cruise, Te Anau glowworm caves tour & boat ride

TE ANAU TO QUEENSTOWN

After a chance for a morning bike ride on the Lake to Lake Trail, if not done already, we will make our way along the Devil’s Staircase, and catch our first glimpses of Queenstown.  The Adventure Capital of NZ,  Queenstown is located on the shores of the South Islands second largest lake, Lake Wakatipu.  There are many cycle trails & walks for everyone to enjoy.  

• Meals: Breakfast
• Walks and Hikes: Routeburn Track (must be pre-booked and hikers will rejoin the group in Queenstown)
• Optional Activities: Bungy jumping, skydiving, horse-riding, white water rafting, jet boating & the list goes on! You are in the adventure capital of the world!
• Drive Distance: No Driving today

With so much to do we’ll spend another full day in the fantastic Queenstown, so everyone has the opportunity to have those once in a lifetime experiences. Speaking of experiences, may we suggest trying the legendary Fergburger! Tonight, we dine out at one of Queenstown’s many delicious eateries - a great chance for your group to enjoy a feast at an iconic Queenstown eatery (own cost).  

• Bike Rides: Lake Wakatipu trail (16km), Queenstown trail (48 km)
• Walks and Hikes: Queenstown walks, Ben Lomond
• Optional Activities: Bungy jumping, skydiving, horse-riding, white water rafting, jet boating & the list goes on!

QUEENSTOWN - FINAL DAY OF TOUR

A last chance to indulge in the Queenstown action before finishing your tour with us here and saying farewell to your fellow Flying Kiwi travellers!

• Bike Rides: Road cycling around town or on one of the many Queenstown trails

TOUR PRICES:

Departures from christchurch:, trip reviews.

The trip was excellent I've met a very nice group of people. It was a great way to see the country and more remote places.

Claire from GB , travelled Southern Light South Island Tour on 23/10/2019

Fantastic trip with a great variety of beautiful locations and activities. Great group of people and relaxed travelling atmosphere lead by the brilliant Nick + Chrissy.

Zoe from GB , travelled Southern Light South Island Tour on 03/01/2020

Travelling with a group of like-minded and respectful people was the highlight of the trip for me. And personalized attention to detail from Genna and Charlene - I've not come across such warm and professional tours guides before.

Pooja from IN , travelled Southern Light South Island Tour on 01/02/2019

It was a great experience. Never went camping before but have definitely started to love it. Will do more camping in the future.

Tabea Schlasser from DE , travelled Southern Light South Island Tour on 01/01/2019

Beautiful time with like minded people from all over the world. I would definitely do it again.

Chelsea M'Govern from US , travelled Southern Light South Island Tour on 01/01/2019

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SMALL GROUP ESCAPES FOR MATURE TRAVELLERS • FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1971

2024-2025 BROCHURE

South Island Tours

Home » New Zealand Tours » South Island Tours

Canterbury Springtime Gardens & Hanmer Springs Fete

7 day small group garden tour

Canterbury’s best springtime gardens and Southern hospitality, the lively Hanmer Springs Fete and French ambience in Akaroa.

Otago Farmhouse Gardens & Victorian Fete

7 day small group Otago garden tour

Meet the gardeners in Queenstown, the Maniototo and Oamaru and visit historic gems – St Bathans, Naseby and Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct.

Christmas in Marlborough

6 day small group Marlborough Christmas tour

Cruise the stunning Marlborough Sounds, discover the Kaikoura coast highway and enjoy southern hospitality at home hosted lunches.

Christmas in Otago: The Catlins & Stewart Island

7 day small group Otago Christmas tour

See the Royal Albatross Centre on Christmas Eve and dine at Larnach Castle on Christmas Day. Cruise to Ulva Island bird sanctuary.

Southern Odyssey: Stewart Island & The Catlins

High country stations, gardens & goldfields.

Special high country hosted lunches, the Waitaki Valley and Danseys Pass and stay overnight in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.

Wanaka Warbirds & Southern Wheels

Karamea & wild west coast trails, the far south and milford sound, doubtful sound & west coast odyssey, back country tracks: rakaia to kaikoura coast, molesworth station, abel tasman & golden bay, early explorers from queen charlotte sound to akaroa, kaikoura & classic fighters omaka airshow.

Gold Pass access at the Classic Fighters Airshow, the Kaikoura coastal road and world class seafood in the Marlborough Sounds.

Call the MoaTours team today

Small Group Tours

Cycle tours, private tours.

• Golden Bay Geological Gems Tour
• Bluff Oyster Festival & Stewart Island
• Molesworth Station & Kaikoura Tour
• Molesworth and Upper West Coast Tour
• Central Otago in Autumn Tour
• Stewart Island and Catlins Tour
• Hurunui Art & Garden Tour

Canterbury Foothills and Rivers Tour

• More tours...

• Molesworth Station Cycle Tour
• Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Tour
• Private Tours Customise your own tour 4 Day (3 night) Scenic Tour 3 Day (2 night) Scenic Tour
• 4WD Tours 4WD Molesworth Station Tag-along Tour 4WD Molesworth Tour Lead Vehicle Seat 4WD D’Urville Island – Marlborough Tag-along Tour 4WD D’Urville Island – Marlborough Tour Lead Vehicle Seat North Otago 4WD Tag-along Tour

Join us on an epic tour of the South Island of New Zealand and discover hidden gems, beautiful places and historic, off the beaten track destinations. Talk to us about a personalised itinerary which can be created for you to icons of the South Island.

“Just to say thank you to you both for a really great holiday! For all the necessary background work and admin required for a tour like this you do a wonderful job Lee so much appreciation! Geoff, you were an excellent tour guide, really well informed and great company, all the details which help to make a very special experience. To add to it all, your baking was delicious Lee and also much appreciated! Thank you again”

Eileen E., Stewart Island and Catlins Tour

Choose your experience

Golden Bay Geological Gems & Farewell Spit Tour

North Otago 4WD Tag-along Tour

Akaroa French Festival Tour

Summer Alpine Flowers Molesworth Station & Kaikoura Tour

Winter Night Sky Tour

4WD D’Urville Island – Marlborough High Country Tag-along Tour

4WD Molesworth Station Tag-along Tour

4WD Molesworth Station Tour Lead Vehicle Seat

4WD D’Urville Island – Marlborough High Country Tour Lead Vehicle Seat

D’Urville Island & Marlborough Sounds Scenic Tour

White Heron West Coast Tour

Have a question.

If you have a question about any of our tours or services, please do get in touch. We’d love to help.

“This tour was simply amazing!! Two occasions in particular, the scenic flight over the McKenzie Country, the lakes where breath-taking & the star gazing was out this world! So many other interesting places visited + wonderful accommodation, meals & company !!-It’s lovely meeting so many interesting companions on all the trips. I just loved it all!!”

Barbara McGregor, Winter Night Sky Tour

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NEW ZEALAND SMALL GROUP TOURS • FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1971

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9 Day South Island Tour – Kea

Home » New Zealand Tours » 9 Day South Island Tour – Kea

9 Day South Island Tour

Christchurch → Aoraki Mount Cook → Queenstown → Milford Sound → Wanaka → Franz Josef Glacier → Punakaiki → Christchurch

Have you always dreamed of visiting the South Island of New Zealand and its iconic spots like Aoraki/Mt Cook, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Wanaka and the West Coast Glaciers?

Our Kea tour is the ultimate small group South Island tour with all the world famous spots included in one very special itinerary.

As well as the stunning South Island scenery, you’ll meet the locals and hear their stories, see our unique, native wildlife up close, get out on the water and up in the air, enjoy fresh food and wine, make new friends and at the end of each unforgettable day relax in 4-star comfort.

TWO MULTI NIGHT STAYS

Queenstown (3 nights) • Punakaiki (2 nights)

SIX NATIONAL PARKS

Aoraki/Mt Cook • Mt Aspiring • Fiordland • Westland Tai Poutini • Paparoa • Arthur’s Pass

FIVE INCLUDED ACTIVITIES

Privately hosted homestead lunch • Milford Sound Cruise • Milford Sound Scenic Flight • Welcome dinner at Aoraki/Mt Cook • Farewell dinner at Punakaiki

• $ 6,290 (NZD) pp twin share
• $ 7,090 (NZD) pp single

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Christchurch - Aoraki / Mt Cook

We meet in Christchurch and head south for a special lunch at Akaunui homestead, a 117-year-old country home where we dine on wonderful fresh produce prepared by our hosts, Di and Ian Mackenzie.  We continue through the spectacular Mackenzie Country for sweeping vistas of tussock lands, glacial lakes and the Southern Alps. We can’t miss the Church at Lake Tekapo and the unreal turquoise blue Lake Pukaki before arrival at Aoraki/Mt Cook village. We celebrate our arrival with dinner at The Hermitage.

• A hosted country lunch with friends at Akaunui homestead
• Enjoy our welcome dinner in the heart of the mountains 
• Mount Cook - The Hermitage Hotel

Included activities & exploring

Accommodation.

Mt Cook - The Hermitage Hotel

Another national icon, the ghost of the greatest Kiwi of all, Sir Edmund Hillary, is everywhere here. There is no more stunning setting in the entire country, spectacular views of New Zealand’s highest peak and you can walk right out the front door into the great scenery.

What we love about the Hermitage – Having a drink in the Snowline bar watching the sunset work its magic on ‘the cloud piercer’.

Aoraki/Mt Cook - Lindis Pass - Queenstown

Aoraki/Mt Cook is our highest mountain and “home ground” of the most famous Kiwi of all, Sir Edmund Hillary. Enjoy a short walk in this alpine wonderland. Continue to Omarama, over the Lindis Pass and through the rugged Kawarau Gorge and Gibbston Valley to Queenstown – our home for three nights.

• New Zealand’s most stunning alpine scenery at Aoraki/Mt Cook
• Settle in for three nights in Queenstown and enjoy the vibrant scene

Queenstown - Scenic Suites

Optional activities.

Everyone wants to be close to all the action in Queenstown, and we’re just minutes walk from the Mall and Lakefront. This is our home for 3 nights on tour, you’ll love all the space and being so close to it all.

What we love about the Scenic Suites – Being able to walk into town so easily!

Queenstown - Milford Sound Cruise - Scenic flight - Queenstown

We follow the shores of the great lakes Wakatipu and Te Anau into the mountains and waterfalls of Fiordland National Park. We cruise on Milford Sound dominated by iconic Mitre Peak and home to seal colonies and dolphins. A magnificent scenic flight back over the Southern Alps to Queenstown ends this fantastic day.

• From Lake Te Anau through Fiordland National Park on the Milford Road
• Small Boat Cruise on Milford Sound, under waterfalls and out to the Tasman Sea
• A memorable scenic flight from Milford Sound back to Queenstown

At leisure in Queenstown - activities and day tours

Today is yours to make the most of the infinite number of activities Queenstown has to offer.

Your Kiwi Guide can help you choose – a jet boat ride on the Dart River in Lord of the Rings scenery, wine tasting at vineyards, e-biking or cruising on the heritage steamship tss “Earnslaw” on Lake Wakatipu, and many more.

Queenstown - Arrowtown - Cardrona Valley - Wanaka

We call into picturesque Arrowtown where gold mining history comes alive beside the Arrow River.

From the Crown Range we take in the last views of the Wakatipu basin. We stop for refreshments at historic Cardrona Hotel before arriving at Edgewater Resort, our lakeside hotel in Wanaka.

Enjoy a walk or bike along the lakefront trail. 

Wanaka - Edgewater Resort

This is the only hotel in Wanaka that’s right on the lake edge, that’s why we stay here. Nestled in a friendly Kiwi neighbourhood, with everything here we need and super friendly staff it’ feels just like home. On site spa, tennis and bikes too.

What we love about Edgewater – Walk out of your room, across the lawn and down to the lake before breakfast, you’re in New Zealand now!

Wanaka - Haast Pass - Lake Matheson - Franz Josef

We drive beside lakes Hawea and Wanaka and into the mountain and river scenery of the Haast Pass. 

There are short walks in the beech forests to waterfalls and coastal scenery at Ship Creek to enjoy. Lush rainforest lines the road as we head north to Fox Glacier, Lake Matheson and on to Franz Josef.

Franz Josef Glacier - Aspen Court

One of the newest accommodations in town set amongst native bush, staying at Aspen Court is comfortable and relaxing.

What we love about Aspen Court Franz Josef – Being surrounded by native bush and the views of the mountains.

Franz Josef - Hokitika - Punakaiki

The morning is free to walk to Franz Josef Glacier lookout, take an optional helihike or flight onto the Glacier, or cruise out on Okarito Lagoon in search of the rare Kotuku, White Heron.

In Hokitika meet the carvers of the treasured Pounamu (greenstone) before reaching Papamoa National Park and Scenic Hotel Punakaiki, our home for two nights.

Punakaiki - Scenic Hotel

What a spot for our final night, we’re so close to the beach you can smell the sea air and hear the waves crashing on the shore. Just around the corner from the Pancake Rocks and tucked in beside our own little beach, most the world just passes on by.

What we love about Scenic Hotel Punakaiki – sharing a farewell drink on the beach right outside our rooms for our last sunset on tour.

Punakaiki - Paparoa National Park - Charleston - Cape Foulwind

See the Pancake rocks, blowholes, limestone cliffs, karst rock formations and river valleys of subtropical rainforest. Further up the coast historic Denniston Plateau gives an insight into the lives of early coal miners and their families.

Walk to an isolated beach and the seal colony at Cape Foulwind or enjoy a favourite option, the glow worm cave at Charleston before returning down the coast road to Punakaiki. Celebrate our adventures over dinner tonight at the Scenic Hotel.

Punakaiki – Arthur’s Pass – Christchurch

Leaving the West Coast we drive up the Otira Viaduct, a spectacular cantilevered road, to the alpine beech forests and river scenery of Arthur’s Pass National Park.

We stop to take short walks in the forest and to the massive rock formations at Kura Tawhiti Castle Hill. The dramatic landscapes make a fitting finale to your adventure. We descend Porter’s Pass and leave the mountains behind, crossing the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

Next departures

General tour inclusions.

• All transport by comfortable, air conditioned coach
• Small group tour, maximum 18 guests
• Services of your knowledgeable MoaTrek Kiwi guide
• Quality accommodation chosen for a “sense of place”

Included Dining & Activities

Included sightseeing & exploring.

You’ll visit and discover all these iconic New Zealand places on your tour

Please contact us if you have any questions about our tour departure dates.

Optional activities on your Kea tour

Over the course of the tour, you’ll have many chances for some wonderful optional tour add-ons. These excursions are booked by your Kiwi Guide to fit with the tour itinerary timings. 

Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park

Cruise on the glacier lake or touch down in a snowy landscape. Book these activities on tour with your Kiwi Guide.

One of our scenic tourism hot spots, you’re spoiled for choice in Queenstown. Book these activities on tour with your Kiwi Guide.

Cruise out on Lake Wanaka with a nature guide. Book this activity on tour with your Kiwi Guide.

Franz Josef

Either fly or hike on the glacier or join a nature cruise in search of birdlife. Book these activities on tour with your Kiwi Guide.

Charleston has great glowworms! Book these activities on tour with your Kiwi Guide.

Call the MoaTrek team today

The price is based on current exchange rates but is only an approximation. Please contact us for a final price.

Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour(Private Tour)

TranzAlpine Train,Arthur's Pass & Castle Hill Tour

Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour (Group Tour)

Christchurch to Queenstown via Mount Cook & Tekapo

Queenstown to Christchurch via Mount Cook & Tekapo

Akaroa Day Tour (Small Group Tour)

Lake Tekapo & Lake Pukaki Day Tour(Private Tour)

Kaikoura Day Tour(Small Group Tour)

Hanmer Springs Day Tour(Private Tour)

Waipara Valley Wine Tour (Private Tour)

View All Tours

New Zealand South Island Self Drive Tours

Want to experience the amazing scenery of South Island New Zealand? A New Zealand self drive tour is the ideal way to go. Our tailor made packages ensure you get the experience you want and we make sure you dont miss out on iconic locations such as Kaikoura to enjoy whale watching, swimming with dolphins in Akaroa, the majestic Southern Alps and Mt. Cook National Park, Queenstown and Wanaka, Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park & Stewart Island plus the West Coast glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef. We can create an itinerary to suit you - perfectly.

21 Day South Island Encounter

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Southern Highlights Tour

• Hotel 3 star
• Adventurous New Zealand self drive tour suggestions, Classic New Zealand Self Drive Touring Itineraries, Enjoy New Zealand's scenic train trips on your holiday, New Zealand Self Drive Touring Itineraries for Families, Tours featuring New Zealand's wildlife & natural wonders
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Southern Lakes and TranzAlpine 6 Day Circuit

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South Island Wilderness Encounters Tour

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Christchurch to Queenstown Food and Wine Tour

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Goldfields and Glaciers South Island Tour

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Coast to Coast Tour

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South Island 12 Day Luxury Adventure

• Luxury Lodges & Hotels
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Fiords, Glaciers and Mountains self drive tour

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Milford Sound Highlights Tour

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Christchurch to Queenstown Luxury Explorer

• Adventurous New Zealand self drive tour suggestions, Luxury New Zealand self drive touring experiences, New Zealand Honeymoons, New Zealand Self Drive Touring Itineraries for Families, Tours featuring visits to New Zealand's national parks

We can modify any of the touring holiday ideas suggested here to suit you perfectly. In fact 95% of our guests have a tailor made itinerary created for them by our team of New Zealand specialists. So if you have a specific interest or want to stay longer in a specific location, stay in a luxury lodge one night and camp the next night, hike one of our world famous trails or tick off that scary bucket list experience our team can make it happen. We are based in Wanaka, right in the heart of the South Island. We regularly explore New Zealand checking out the places to see, where to stay and what to do. We live and breath everything New Zealand so to get the best local advice on your New Zealand holiday get in touch with the team today.

At NZSD we have built a business based on one simple belief - that every customer deserves excellent service and honest, accurate advice. Since 2004 we have been creating New Zealand holidays for visitors from all over the world. In fact that's all we do. We are the absolute experts at creating great touring experiences across the North & South Islands. So how does it work? Well our site contains over 200 great self drive itinerary ideas. You can see exactly where you are going, where you will stay and how much it will cost. But we also know that even with 200 great ideas such as these most visitors want something slightly different or something to suit them specifically. Our team of travel specialists are absolute experts at designing great New Zealand touring holidays. All you need to do is get in touch with us and one of the team will make contact and chat with you about the kind of experience you are looking for. We tailor make a proposed itinerary for you which you can tweak and adjust as much as you wish. When you are happy with the plans you go ahead and book using our secure systems. A deposit payment is needed to book with the balance payment due before you travel. We ensure everything is booked accurately, we ensure that all your timings work, and your itinerary is uploaded to our custom APP so you get lots of great information and features as you travel. While you are here we also provide in country support and help if you need it. So why work with us? Because we are dedicated to ensuring your New Zealand holiday experience is the best holiday experience you will ever have.

Helpful tips

Here's a few useful links to help with planning your trip to Aotearoa New Zealand.

• Best things to do in the North Island
• Best things to do in the South Island
• Other Islands
• Best ways to travel around
• Calculate travel times and distances

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Sunrise on Milford Sound

Short walks in Mt Cook National Park.

MoaTours team at Akaunui Homestead in Canterbury.

Nature Cruise on Okarito Lagoon.

Views on the West Coast of the South Island.

Dolphins in Abel Tasman National Park.

Meet MoaTours guests Glenis, Sharon & Shelley as they talk to Kiwi Guide Andrew about their recent Karamea & Wild West Coast tour.

South Island Tours

Our South Island Small Group Tours are perfect for senior travellers who want to discover the best of the amazing South Island in comfort. All inclusive, fully guided tours with a maximum of 18 travellers to the very best spots in the South.