Group of friends at Bennetts Bluff overlooking Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown

South Island NZ Tours

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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Te Waipounamu, The South Island

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.

Choose Your South Island Tour

Adventure

Southern Voyager

7 Days

Departs Christchurch

For 18 to 39 year olds

Discover the iconic South Island of New Zealand on a 7-day Wild Kiwi guided small group tour. An epic road trip awaits for 18 to 30 somethings.

From $2,025 NZD

South Island NZ Tours

Te Waipounamu, The South Island

Choose Your South Island Tour

Example 7-Day New Zealand South Island Itineraries

South Island 7-Day Itinerary: Southern Voyager

Day 1: Christchurch to Tekapo

Day 2: Tekapo to Queenstown

Day 3: Milford Sound

Day 4: Queenstown

Day 5: Queenstown to Franz Josef

Day 6: Franz Josef

Day 7: Franz Josef to Christchurch

New Zealand South Island Tour highlights

Milford Sound

Franz Josef Glacier

Abel Tasman National Park

Queenstown

Kaikōura

Lake Tekapo

North Island or South Island?

Pick the North Island if…

Pick the South Island if…

Can't choose? Stretch your trip to 14+ days and do both. See our 14-day and 21-day tours.

Why Choose A Guided North Island NZ Tour Over A Self-Drive Tour?

Tricky Roads, Handled By Locals

Easier Access To The South Island’s Big Names

Local Knowledge

Why Opt for a Small Group Tour to The South Island?

1. More Freedom, Less Herding

2. Deeper Connections

3. Access to Hidden Gems

Good Humans. Good Tours. Good for Aotearoa.

Valuing The Tiaki Promise

Care for land, sea, and nature

An Emphasis on Cultural Respect

Best Local Eats to Try with the Crew

1. Mokau whitebait fritters

2. Hāngi-cooked kūmara (sweet potato)

3. Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay wines

4. Kawakawa leaf-smoked fish

5. Hawke’s Bay sheep’s cheese & honey

What Adventurers Say

FAQs About Our South Island NZ Tours

Te Waipounamu, The South Island

Choose Your South Island Tour

Example 7-Day New Zealand South Island Itineraries

South Island 7-Day Itinerary: Southern Voyager

Day 1: Christchurch to Tekapo

Day 2: Tekapo to Queenstown

Day 3: Milford Sound

Day 4: Queenstown

Day 5: Queenstown to Franz Josef

Day 6: Franz Josef

Day 7: Franz Josef to Christchurch

New Zealand South Island Tour highlights

Milford Sound

Franz Josef Glacier

Abel Tasman National Park

Queenstown

Kaikōura

Lake Tekapo

North Island or South Island?

Pick the North Island if…

Pick the South Island if…

Can't choose? Stretch your trip to 14+ days and do both. See our 14-day and 21-day tours.

Why Choose A Guided North Island NZ Tour Over A Self-Drive Tour?

Tricky Roads, Handled By Locals

Easier Access To The South Island’s Big Names

Local Knowledge

Why Opt for a Small Group Tour to The South Island?

1. More Freedom, Less Herding

2. Deeper Connections

3. Access to Hidden Gems

Good Humans. Good Tours. Good for Aotearoa.

Valuing The Tiaki Promise

Care for land, sea, and nature

An Emphasis on Cultural Respect

Best Local Eats to Try with the Crew

1. Mokau whitebait fritters

2. Hāngi-cooked kūmara (sweet potato)