From an ancient world of forests and glaciers to a culture of hospitality that has long defined New Zealand’s people, discover the best of the South Island on a 12-day adventure. Take in highlights from Reefton to Fox Glacier, Pancake Rocks to botanical gins, kayaking to spa soaking. Make your way to the shores of the South Island’s biggest lake and sail the silent waters of glacier-carved Fiordland National Park on an unforgettable cruise on Milford Sound. Cross to the cliffs of the Catlins and hike to coastal caves, then span the gap to untouched Stewart Island to explore the wilderness, listening out for the call of the kiwi. When it comes to natural wonders, it doesn’t get better than this.
AdventureActive and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Queenstown, Westport, Stewart Is
Queenstown, Westport, Stewart Island, Karamea, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Te Anau, Catlins, Christchurch
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
56% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
I traveled to New Zealand during the Fall it did rain on/off and was beautiful, lush green and clear blue skies. It was nice driving in the country and layering is perfect for this time of year. I liked, meet a Farmer, Milford Sound Day (it was a very long day) but worth it, Queenstown had many restaurants to walk too but take a taxi back it is very hilly in this city. Kiwi Park was fun to do and learn about their animals. Māori Village was awesome as well as Waitomo Caves! NZ natives and service staff were very nice and always helpful in all the places we stayed.
Natural landmarks sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Auckland, Queenstown, Rotorua
Auckland, Queenstown, Rotorua
16% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Explore the narrow strip of South Island land sandwiched between the mountains and the Tasman Sea that’s home to some of the country’s most beautiful places. Millions of years of natural history are right in front of you in wild limestone rock formations, powerful glaciers, rushing rivers and surf pounded coast, while the much more recent stories of the gold and coal rush can be found in the heritage settlements and in the resolute spirit of the coasters. Take in highlights from Christchurch to Queenstown, Pancake Rocks to craft gin, kayaking to spa soaking. This is a coastal road trip to rival any other.
Active and outdoorAdventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Christchurch, Greymouth, Westpor
Christchurch, Greymouth, Westport, Karamea, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Queenstown
It’s almost like New Zealand was made for cycling. This is a land known for its natural beauty, welcoming people and delicious wine, and this cycling trip just happens to take in the best of it. Kick things off in the outdoor paradise of Queenstown, then cycle the famous Central Otago Rail Trail through small gold-mining towns like Alexandra, Omakau, Wedderburn and Hyde. Meander through the open plains with pristine rivers, enjoy some proper South Island hospitality at local taverns, and rediscover the joy of pedalling through one of the most gorgeous areas in the entire country.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Queenstown, Otago Central Rail T
Queenstown, Otago Central Rail Trail, Wedderburn, Hyde
22% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Honestly, one of the best experiences of my life. I loved every moment of the trip. The accommodation was great, the activities were fun and exciting and pushed me out of my comfort zone and I loved all the people.
National parks
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Auckland, Christchurch, Paihia
Auckland, Christchurch, Paihia, Kaikoura, Rotorua, Taupo, Mount Ruapehu, Wellington
22% 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
Iconic sights and in-depth adventures with a local Trip Leader.
Eye-popping landscapes. Jaw-dropping activities. And local know-how by the bucketload. This trip isn’t about seeing the North Island – it’s about experiencing it. In all its spectacular, quirky, historic glory. Expect: towering volcanoes, roaring waterfalls, magical caves and out-of-this-world views. The adventure starts HERE.
Adventure
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
18-39 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Auckland, Wellington, Paihia, Wa
Auckland, Wellington, Paihia, Waitomo, Rotorua, Kohutapu , Tongariro National Park
10% 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
17% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
With a soundtrack of bellbirds and a backdrop of the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, set off on an unforgettable hike along New Zealand’s Queen Charlotte Track. Over five days, you’ll join a local leader on walks to secluded bays, coves and native forest, learning about the region’s rich Maori history as you go. Venture through Nelson Lakes National Park, explore Abel Tasman National Park via kayak and finish each day at your cosy lodge accommodation – a perfect way to recharge your battery.
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Picton, Endeavour Inlet, Punga C
Picton, Endeavour Inlet, Punga Cove, Portage Bay, Christchurch
22% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Sub-tropical, unspoilt and fascinating; the picturesque Bay of Islands features 144 islands, incredible natural beauty and a whole lot of history.
For those keen to explore a single region of New Zealand, this is the ideal itinerary. Spend time in Auckland, sampling all the experiences on offer from food and wine tasting to sightseeing on the harbour before heading to the Bay of Islands.
Wander through giant kauri forests and learn about the history of early pioneers in the Northland region. Choose
to cruise around the bay, or visit the first permanent European settlement in New Zealand, the romantic town
of Russell. Finish your journey at Cape Reinga, a sacred place where two oceans meet and where an 800-year-old tree stands waiting to help M-aori spirits begin their final journey home. By the time you return to Auckland you’ll be deeply moved by the splendour, spirituality and hospitality of this magnificent and mythic region.
Sailing, yachting and motor boating
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Ship Cabin, Hotel
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
English
Destinations
Auckland, Paihia
Auckland, Paihia
10% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Consistantly good with the accommodation and sights as well.
Good weather, good time of year.
People on the trip were friendly.
Bus driver and guide were most helpful and friendly
Natural landmarks sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Auckland, Christchurch, Queensto
Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, Franz Josef, Rotorua, Wellington, Picton, Omarama, Dunedin, Te Anau
13% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
It’s hard to pick a highlight of this New Zealand tour from north to south. Is it the fiords and glaciers of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, explored on a tour? The gem-like Bay of Islands from Auckland? The bubbling geysers and thermal springs of Rotorua? Or perhaps the mountain vistas of Queenstown? In between you have cosmopolitan cities, wineries, train rides, beaches… how does one country pack so much punch?
Local culture
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Auckland, Christchurch, Omarama
Auckland, Christchurch, Omarama, Dunedin, Te Anau, Queenstown, Franz Josef, Bay Of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Picton
13% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
