Fall in love with the highlights of this 10 day South Island itinerary that takes you on a circuit of spectacular mountains, lakes, rivers, glaciers, waterfalls and rainforests and gives you the opportunity to enjoy all the bucket list adventures you could wish for.
Created for travellers in their mid-thirties and upwards, on this New Zealand South Island itinerary you’ll visit Christchurch, Queenstown, Lake Wanaka, Lake Tekapo (and Lake Wakatipu, Lake Mapourika, Lake Hawea, plus more lakes!), the Mackenzie Country, and Franz Josef, plus you’ll get to take one of the world’s greatest train rides! Your comfortable 3–4 star accommodation on tour includes a boutique hotels and a rainforest retreat.
We’ll travel from the wide plains of Canterbury, through the mountains and lakes of Central Otago, to the glaciers and pristine rainforest of the West Coast via the spectacular Haast Pass. By the end of this New Zealand South Island itinerary, you will have lost count of the number of times you’ve uttered the words: “Wow!”, “So beautiful!” and “It’s breathtaking!”.
You’ll have the opportunity to swim, kayak, jet boat, skydive, hike, bike, see kiwis, relax in hot pools, eat and drink like a local, and more.
But only if you want to; this is your trip, and it’s designed to be flexible. Across this 10 day South Island itinerary we include some of the things that we reckon are absolute essentials, but rather than force you into activities you’re not so sure of, we leave the choice up to you. You can pre-book activities that you definitely want to do before the trip starts, and then add more while you’re on tour.
As our tours are made up of a combination of tours, the composition of your group may change throughout your tour (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch are the hubs where the group may change).
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Christchurch, Kaikoura, Aoraki
Christchurch, Kaikoura, Aoraki, Ohau, Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef
15% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
From north to south, east to west, New Zealand is a country of contrasts. And that’s why we love it. One minute you’re drifting through World Heritage-listed gorges on a Milford Sound/Piopiotahi tour, then next you’re scaling ice on a Franz Josef/Waiau tour. Sometimes there’s a Maori-inspired feast on the menu; at others there’s award-winning wine. Spanning 17 days, two islands and countless attractions – both city and country – this trip to New Zealand is one for the record books.
Local cultureWaterfalls
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin
Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Te Anau, Queenstown, Franz Josef, Punakaiki, Rotorua, Wellington, Kaikoura, Twizel
10% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Wherever you lay your eyes in New Zealand, there’s something remarkable to look at. On this adventure from the South Island through the beauty of the North, spend 11 unforgettable days soaking up sunshine and hopping between beaches, lakes, villages and cities. A local leader will show you the best bits of this spectacular island as you jump off from Christchurch, head to seaside Kaikoura, explore trendy Wellington, marvel at the sight of Lake Taupo, learn about local culture in a Maori village, take in the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and chill out on the beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula before wrapping up in lively Auckland. Of all New Zealand’s assets, its people top the list, so embrace a warm welcome from the locals as you explore their beautiful backyard.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Accommodation on this trip is in mixed-gender multi-share dormitory style hostels with shared facilities. We are aware of a system functionality limitation incorrectly indicating "twin-share" when you manage your booking on our website.
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Marty was extremely helpful and informative throughout the entire tour. His knowledge and humour was fantastic.
The various drivers during the tour were also very friendly and helpful.
The consideration the company extended to my wife's dietary requirements was immense.
I would recommend AAT to anyone who is considering a guided tour.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Auckland, Christchurch, Queensto
Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, Rotorua, Milford Sound, Lake Tekapo
14% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Absolutely amazing guides.
Lots of options for free time including free activities in the area.
I loved the group chat and photo circle. Having a daily text to tell you times and plan for the next day worked really well. Would highly recommend but budget for the optional activities because they were amazing
Explorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hostel, Lodge, Hotel
Age Range
18-39 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Auckland, Cairns, Franz Josef, Q
Auckland, Cairns, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Tekapo, Christchurch, Kaikoura, Raglan, Wellington, Sydney, Arrawarra, Byron Bay, Brisbane, Fraser Island, Noosa, Airlie Beach, Rotorua, Taupo, Abel Tasman National Park, Westport
27% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
It was a once in a lifetime experience with amazing people and great guides! Wish I could do it all over again and would surely recommend doing it with you guys
Explorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hostel, Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
18-39 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cairns, Wellington, Queenstown
Cairns, Wellington, Queenstown, Tekapo, Christchurch, Kaikoura, Sydney, Abel Tasman National Park, Arrawarra, Byron Bay, Brisbane, Fraser Island, Noosa, Airlie Beach, Westport, Franz Josef
27% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
If New Zealand’s been calling your name, why not answer with a side of Australia? This 30-day adventure takes you from the tip of New Zealand’s North Island to the depths of the South. Immerse yourself in Maori culture, surf, kayak, and explore breathtaking National Parks. Then, hop over to Australia to soak up some sun and surf along the coast. Overnight at a surf camp, trek to spot koalas, and cap off your journey in vibrant Brisbane — whether you’re ready to chill or crave more Aussie adventures, this trip’s got you covered.
Explorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Lodge, Hostel, Hotel
Age Range
18-39 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Auckland, Brisbane, Franz Josef
Auckland, Brisbane, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Tekapo, Christchurch, Kaikoura, Raglan, Wellington, Sydney, Arrawarra, Byron Bay, Rotorua, Taupo, Abel Tasman National Park, Westport
27% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Discover the very best of New Zealand’s majestic South Island in two weeks. Setting off from the capital of Wellington, you will cross the Cook Strait and reach the pretty town of Nelson. Hike amongst the stunning scenery of Abel Tasman National Park, and explore Glacier Country. Marvel at Mt Cook, take tea with locals at Lake Tekapo, and cruise Milford Sound, all before ending in Christchurch.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-55 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Christchurch, Wellington, Queens
Christchurch, Wellington, Queenstown, Twizel, Nelson, Punakaiki, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Te Anau
5% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
This 10-day tour beginning and ending in Christchurch explores the beauty of New Zealand's South Island. Discover the cities of Christchurch and Queenstown, ride the iconic Tranz-Alpine railway to Greymouth and explore the historic gold rush village of Arrowtown. Escape to the countryside for an optional helicopter ride over Fox Glacier, to explore Mt. Aspiring National Park and marvel at Mt. Cook in addition to cruising the clear waters of Milford Sound, keeping your eyes peeled for dolphins!
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-55 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Christchurch, Fox Glacier, Wanak
Christchurch, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Te Anau, Queenstown, Twizel
5% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Beginning in Auckland, this 12-day tour travels from North to South Island and takes in a diverse mix of New Zealand's natural beauty and fascinating culture. Experience a traditional Maori Te Pa Tu celebration before visiting the active geothermal site and indigenous centre of Te Puia. Ride the famous Tranz-Alpine Railway across the breadth of the picturesque South Island, and cruise the waters of Milford Sound. See mighty Mt. Cook, make traditional pavlova at Lake Tekapo and end your tour in the city of Christchurch.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-55 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Auckland, Christchurch, Twizel
Auckland, Christchurch, Twizel, Rotorua, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Te Anau, Queenstown
5% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
I absolutely loved the trip, the places we visited were all amazing, our tour guides were very kind, helpful and informative.
Would recommend this trip as a must do
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Auckland, Christchurch, Queensto
Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, Rotorua, Franz Josef, Taupo, Mount Ruapehu, Wellington, Kaikoura
20% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.