Chase alpine peaks, fiords and turquoise lakes with our New Zealand South Island tours. Explore Queenstown, Milford Sound, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Franz Josef, Wanaka and more, guided by locals who know the island inside out.
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Opening Hours:
8:30am - 5:00pm
Address:
127 Franklin Road
Freemans Bay
Auckland 1011, NZ
Phone:
Email:
Opening Hours:
8:30am - 5:00pm
Address:
127 Franklin Road
Freemans Bay
Auckland 1011, NZ
Phone:
Email:
New Zealand’s South Island is Aotearoa at its most cinematic. Alpine peaks rise over turquoise lakes, glaciers meet rainforest, fiords cut through ancient valleys, and dark-sky reserves make the night feel enormous. Our South Island NZ tours take you through the island’s biggest moments, from Queenstown and Wānaka to Milford Sound, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Franz Josef, Kaikōura and Abel Tasman.
Our South Island NZ tours take you through every one of these moments on a small group tour (max 18 on Adventure, max 14 on Premium), fully guided by local Kiwi drivers, travelling in luxury Mercedes Sprinter vehicles. Departing Christchurch and running year-round, our South Island tours range from 7 days for a focused taster to 14 days for the full experience.
Compare the itineraries below to find the South Island New Zealand tour that fits your trip.
Departs Christchurch · Fully guided · From $2,025 NZD
If you’re staying in New Zealand for less than a week, the smartest move is to choose one island and do it properly. Here’s the easy way to compare them.
Wild Kiwi is a B Corp Certified tour operator, which means we’re independently verified for our social and environmental impact. We travel by the Tiaki Promise: Aotearoa's pledge to care for the land, the people, and the culture.
Small groups leave smaller footprints. Our group cap of 18 means less pressure on the trails and viewpoints we visit. We also choose low-impact suppliers and brief every guide on Leave No Trace principles.
We also choose low-impact suppliers and brief every guide on Leave No Trace principles.
Our guides introduce Māori place names, stories and customs as you travel. We also engage thoughtfully at cultural experiences along the route, whether that's a hāngī dinner at Mitai or a stop at a wāhi tapu site.
Real stories from travellers who've experienced the magic of New Zealand with us
Not better, just different. South Island tours are best for alpine scenery, glaciers, fiords, lakes and adventure hubs like Queenstown. North Island tours are stronger for Māori culture, geothermal landscapes, beaches and Hobbiton.
Yes. Guided South Island tours NZ travellers book are designed for exactly that. You get transport, accommodation, a local guide and the full route organised, without needing a rental car or daily driving.
South Island tours vary depending on the length, accommodation style and inclusions. Our South Island tours start from around $1,980 NZD for shorter guided trips, with longer South Island New Zealand tours and premium options priced higher depending on the itinerary.
Most guided South Island tours include accommodation, transport, a local Kiwi guide and selected activities and breakfasts. Some South Island NZ tour packages also include Milford Sound cruises or cultural experiences, depending on the itinerary.
Yes, many of our South Island New Zealand tours include Milford Sound as part of the itinerary, especially tours travelling through Queenstown and Fiordland. We also offer dedicated Milford Sound day tours for travellers wanting to experience it separately.
Layers are important. The South Island can shift from sunny and 25°C to wet and 8°C on the same day. We highly recommend a waterproof jacket, warm layers, comfortable walking shoes, a swimsuit for hot springs, sunscreen, and a small daypack for hikes.
