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Activities
The Best 9-day Trips in New Zealand with 85 Reviews
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22% OFF TODAYThis deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
This is the New Zealand you’ve always heard about – endless lakes, snow-capped mountains and pristine glaciers. Spend nine days discovering the best of the South Island with a passionate local leader at the helm. Encounter creativity and resilience in Christchurch, gaze at out-of-this-world stars in Lake Tekapo, get your adrenaline pumping in Queenstown, take your time in postcard-pretty Wanaka and stand in awe of the Franz Josef Glacier. With thrilling activities available around every corner, this adventure is sure to get your heart racing (and that’s just from the views!).
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.
Beach
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hostel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queen
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef
22% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
I have just completed the 9 day New Zealand North Island tour and I was gutted at the end that I hadnt booked on to the 18 day one, as the whole trip was just amazing. I met some incredible people and did things Ive never done before such as cold water swimming in Lake TaupA and white water rafting. I got to visit Hobbiton, which was a dream come true. Jay our guide was the best and the trip ran smoothly. The week is packed with activities but also enough down time to do your own thing. I will definitely be booking on to another tour next year! If youre unsure about booking, do it, you wont regret it! 10/10
Active and outdoorAdventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hostel
Age Range
18-39 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Rotorua, Auckland, Lake Ohau , M
Rotorua, Auckland, Lake Ohau , Milford Sound, Maori Village, Taupo, Huka Falls
Had such an amazing time on the South Island NZ Tour - we went to a great range of places with a good amount of chill vs adventure activities and the people were all lovely. Would definitely recommend! º
AdventureActive and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Home-stay, Hostel
Age Range
18-39 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Auckland, Queenstown, Wanaka, Mi
Auckland, Queenstown, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Te Anau, Tekapo, Lake Tekapo
Brilliant tour of the North Island of NZ. Rhys our group leader was great. He had loads of local knowledge about places we visited and was able to provide great recommendations for activities during our free time, as well as organising group activities for us in the evenings, such as karaoke.
Would recommend this trip!
Active and outdoorAdventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
What an awesome trip. So many cool activities included and lots of opportunities to do even more on your own! Alex, our guide, was very knowledgeable and fun! Id definitely recommend the NZ South Island trip if you like the outdoors, adventure, and adrenaline!
Active and outdoorAdventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Home-stay, Hostel
Age Range
18-39 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Queenstown, Taupo, Milford Sound
Queenstown, Taupo, Milford Sound, Te Anau, Wanaka, Aoraki, Lake Tekapo
This ultra-small group tour of New Zealand will show you some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world! You will discover fascinating rainforests, magnificent mountains, powerful waterfalls, stunning glaciers and more on this magical journey. Begin your tour in Auckland, the cultural capital of New Zealand packed with diverse neighborhoods and historical landmarks. Drive over the Auckland Harbour Bridge and take in the magnificent views of the Hauraki Gulf and the city skyline. Visit The Domain, the oldest park in Auckland and one of the largest in the city! Head on a tour of the Waitomo Caves as you travel through the beautiful farmland regions and embark on a scenic boat ride on the Glowworm Grotto, illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms. Explore Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland where you will discover magnificent glaciers, natural hot springs, and mud pools. Catch a flight to Christchurch and discover Mount Cook, the tallest mountain peak in New Zealand with a height of 3,724 meters. Visit Lake Tekapo, a breathtaking glacier-fed Lake where you will discover extraordinary views of the Southern Alps. From there you will drive to Queenstown, the Adventure Capital of New Zealand known for its wide range of outdoor activities including ziplining, bungee jumping, paragliding, and skydiving. Your tour of New Zealand will end in this fascinating city, and you will head home filled with unforgettable memories!
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This solo tour of New Zealand will show you some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world! You will discover fascinating rainforests, magnificent mountains, powerful waterfalls, stunning glaciers and more on this magical journey. Begin your tour in Auckland, the cultural capital of New Zealand packed with diverse neighborhoods and historical landmarks. Drive over the Auckland Harbour Bridge and take in the magnificent views of the Hauraki Gulf and the city skyline. Visit The Domain, the oldest park in Auckland and one of the largest in the city! Head on a tour of the Waitomo Caves as you travel through the beautiful farmland regions and embark on a scenic boat ride on the Glowworm Grotto, illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms. Explore Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland where you will discover magnificent glaciers, natural hot springs, and mud pools. Catch a flight to Christchurch and discover Mount Cook, the tallest mountain peak in New Zealand with a height of 3,724 meters. Visit Lake Tekapo, a breathtaking glacier-fed Lake where you will discover extraordinary views of the Southern Alps. From there you will drive to Queenstown, the Adventure Capital of New Zealand known for its wide range of outdoor activities including ziplining, bungee jumping, paragliding, and skydiving. Your tour of New Zealand will end in this fascinating city, and you will head home filled with unforgettable memories!
Natural landmarks sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
We had a wonderful time on tour with Santo our tour director and Pete our driver who both took extra care of my elderly parents who had mobility issues
The places we went to were amazing and the meals provided excellent. The accommodation is what one expects in New Zealand but every care was taken to make sure we had everything we needed
We were sad when our South Island tour ended
Natural landmarks sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queen
Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Te Anau, Dunedin, Omarama
13% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
This trip sees you exploring magical valleys, gigantic glaciers and truly lovely lakes. From Arthur’s Pass to Wanaka & Fox Glacier (and a 4-day stint in Queenstown!) - you’re in for a thrill-packed ride. With plenty of hiking, biking, skydiving, stargazing and lake exploration to channel your energy into. And enough incredible views to clog up your camera reel - this is adventure done right.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort, Hostel
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Christchurch, Fox Glacier, Queen
Christchurch, Fox Glacier, Queenstown, Lake Ohau , Aoraki
13% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Say kia ora to New Zealand, a land where jaw-dropping scenery meets unforgettable experiences. Stroll through the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set, sip world-class wines in Queenstown, and meet fluffy baby kiwis at the National Kiwi Hatchery. Feel the thrill of a jet-boat ride on the Shotover River or soak in the majesty of Mt. Cook from above on a scenic flight. The New Zealand tour you've always dreamed of is yours to explore - your way.
For departures from June 2025.
If you only have a short time to explore the largest island of New Zealand, this is the tour for you! Prepare for nine days of spectacular scenery and lots of opportunity for adventure. Turquoise lakes, majestic glaciers, dramatic mountain peaks, golden tussock lands and the picture-perfect towns of Queenstown, Wanaka and Franz Josef are all included on this iconic road trip!
Our small-group guided tour of the South Island will visit Christchurch, Wanaka, Queenstown, Tekapo (an International Dark Sky Reserve), Franz Josef Glacier, and back across to Christchurch via Arthur’s Pass. You’ll have the option to visit Milford Sound (dubbed the ‘8th Wonder of the World’ by Rudyard Kipling), and we’ll stop at many other scenic spots along the way.
There’s a range of optional add-on activities: from adrenaline-pumping bucket-list items like bungy jumping, jet boating, and skydiving to more gentle activities like heli-hiking, quad biking, kayaking, scenic flights and stargazing. None of these are compulsory; you can just add the ones you want.
Looking to extend your time in New Zealand? We can book a few extra nights for you at the beginning or end of your trip, so you can explore further.
New Zealand’s South Island Adventure Tour Tips:
All activities can be purchased on the road – just let your tour guide know and we can book them in for you.
Our tour starts in the evening, so you can spend the day exploring Christchurch at your leisure. You can check out our website for recommendations on what to do and where to explore!
The tour price includes dorm share accommodation but if you would prefer your own space, you have the option to upgrade to a private room. You can select this upgrade when you start building your tour online.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hostel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queen
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef
25% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Explore New Zealand's stunning South Island on a small group tour. Embark on an unforgettable overnight cruise in majestic Milford Sound and explore adventurous Queenstown. Enjoy overnight stays surrounded by breathtaking mountains and lakes. From the shores of Lake Wanaka and Lake Ohau to the wild West Coast, this compact tour of the best of the South Island is a breathtaking journey of epic proportions.
This trip sees you exploring magical valleys, gigantic glaciers and truly lovely lakes with a group of 35-45s. From Arthur’s Pass to Wanaka & Fox Glacier (and a 4-day stint in Queenstown!) - you’re in for a thrill-packed ride. With plenty of hiking, biking, skydiving, stargazing and lake exploration to channel your energy into. And enough incredible views to clog up your camera reel - this is reunion adventure done right.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hostel, Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Christchurch, Fox Glacier, Wanak
Christchurch, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Queenstown, Lake Tekapo
