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.
Are you ready to explore the best of New Zealand over 13 epic days? We're going BIG for this New Zealand Adventure...Get ready to kick things off in Auckland before discovering Rotorua’s geothermal magic and Taupo’s 10/10 vibes. Think kayaking on crystal-clear waters, exploring Hobbiton (get your best Gandulf impression ready), and chasing waterfalls at Huka Falls. Then it's over to the South Island with bucket-list spots like Christchurch, Wanaka, and Queenstown! From a Maori cultural evening, walking through the jaw-dropping Hooker Valley, or simply taking in those insta-worthy views in every-single location, this is the perfect way to explore New Zealand and make the most out of every moment in this incredible country!
Explorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hostel
Age Range
18-40 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Auckland, Queenstown, Wanaka, Ro
Auckland, Queenstown, Wanaka, Rotorua, Taupo, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo
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.
For departures from June 2025.
From Auckland to Christchurch (or, from Christchurch to Auckland – please see the reverse New Zealand itinerary), you’ll soon see that New Zealand is filled with many different landscapes and opportunities for adventure!
This small-group guided tour of the North and South Island will visit Auckland, Coromandel, Rotorua, Taupō, Wellington, Kaikōura, Wanaka, Queenstown, Lake Tekapo (an International Dark Sky Reserve), and Franz Josef, with the option to visit Hobbiton, The Tongariro Crossing and Milford Sound along the way.
The New Zealand's Amplified Tour comes with some very special inclusions: experiencing a Māori cultural night and traditional hāngī meal, learning haka and poi dance, and carving your very own pounamu (greenstone/jade) pendant in Franz Josef. Join this Haka Tour for an action packed two and a half weeks in New Zealand!
Keen to explore further? If you'd like to extend your time in New Zealand after the tour has finished, our team can book a few extra nights for you.
*New Zealand Amplified 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 Auckland 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 for the duration of your tour. You can select this upgrade when you start building your tour online. Please note: private room upgrades are not available for the one-night shared cultural experience (Murupara).
- If you arrive in Auckland with a few days to spare either before or after your tour, we have a great three-day Bay of Islands Tour which showcases the Northland region of New Zealand.
As our tours are made up of a combination of tours, the composition of your group may change throughout your tour (Auckland and Christchurch are the hubs where the group may change).
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hostel, Lodge
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Auckland, Christchurch, Kaikoura
Auckland, Christchurch, Kaikoura, Wellington, Taupo, Murupara, Rotorua, Coromandel, MacKenzie Country, Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef
25% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Welcome to the 24-Day Ultimate New Zealand Haka Plus Tour!
Created for travellers in their mid-thirties and upwards, on this tour you will discover New Zealand’s unmissable highlights in just over three weeks: geothermal wonders, other-worldly glaciers, sublime beaches, lush forests, lofty mountains, secluded swimming spots, UNESCO World Heritage Areas, flora, fauna, heritage and culture.
This New Zealand tour includes special activities such as one of the world’s most scenic train journeys, boat cruise on Lake Wanaka to the remote Mou Waho Island nature reserve, a fully guided tour of Hobbiton Movie Set, a traditional Māori meal, tour of Zealandia Nature Reserve in Wellington and a full-day sailing trip to Poor Knights Islands. You can also choose to select some tour add-ons such as hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, kayaking to a natural hot pool, climbing a glacier, visiting an off-shore eco-sanctuary, or flying over snow-capped mountains!
You’ll have the chance to swim, kayak, hike a glacier, skydive, see kiwis, relax in hot pools, roll down a hill in a giant ball, eat and drink like a local, and more! This is your trip, and it’s designed to be flexible. The choice is yours – pick the activities that appeal to you.
We'll fill your days with the best things to see and do in the North Island and the South Island and also give you a great insight into New Zealand life and culture. At the end of the day, you can relax in comfortable 3–4 star accommodation to ensure you have a great night’s sleep ready for the following day’s activities.
On this tour you’ll encounter an array of landscapes: lush, green rolling hills; beautiful golden sand beaches, tumbling waterfalls, geothermal valleys filled with bubbling mud and sulphuric lakes, magnificent mountains, icy glaciers, jurassic rainforests, cosy laid-back surf towns and vibrant cities. Prepare your camera and get ready to make some magical memories!
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).
Adventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Travelling from top to toe of New Zealand, this epic 23 day adventure takes in the very best of what the Land of the Long White Cloud has to offer. Discover the blissful Bay of Islands in the country's far north, explore Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula, and learn about New Zealand’s geothermal activity and Maori heritage in the North Island. Then head to the stunning national parks, mountains and lakes of the South Island. Cruise picturesque Milford Sound, explore Queenstown and Wanaka, then end in beautiful 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, Wellingt
Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Nelson, Punakaiki, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Te Anau, Queenstown, Russell, Twizel, Bay Of Islands, Whitianga, Rotorua, Napier
5% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Journey from Auckland to Christchurch on this 20-day New Zealand tour, taking in the best of the North and South islands. Discover Maori heritage in Rotorua and opt to explore Hobbiton or the Waimangu Volcano Valley. Ride a cable car over Wellington, cross the Cook Strait by ferry and hike amongst the lush scenery of Abel Tasman National Park. Explore beautiful Wanaka and the surrounding area, see pretty Te Anau lake and sail on Milford Sound. Admire towering Mount Cook, explore Queenstown independently and end your journey 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
Auckland, Punakaiki, Fox Glacier
Auckland, Punakaiki, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Te Anau, Queenstown, Twizel, Christchurch, Coromandel, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Nelson, Abel Tasman National Park
5% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Uncover the history, culture and spectacular landscapes of New Zealand on this 19-day escorted group tour. Setting out from Auckland in the North Island, discover the beautiful Bay of Islands, learn about Maori heritage and see the volcanic terrain that formed the backdrop of Mordor in 'Lord of the Rings'. Cruise across the Cook Strait to the South Island and explore scenic national parks, glacier country and stunning lakes before ending your adventure in Queenstown.
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, Queenstown, Wellington
Auckland, Queenstown, Wellington, Nelson, Punakaiki, Mt Aspiring National Park, Wanaka, Te Anau, Russell, Whitianga, Rotorua, Napier
5% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Taking in the best of the North and South Islands, spot birdlife at the Coromandel Peninsula, learn about Maori heritage in Rotorua, explore the volcanic valley of Waimangu, visit charming seaside towns and trendy cities, discover the golden coves and turquoise lagoons of Abel Tasman National Park, opt for a helicopter ride over Fox Glacier, and cruise Milford Sound on this 16 day escorted group tour of New Zealand.
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, Queenstown, Punakaiki
Auckland, Queenstown, Punakaiki, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Te Anau, Whitianga, Coromandel Peninsula, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Nelson
5% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
Explore New Zealand, where snow-dusted peaks rub shoulders with glacial lakes and off-the-grid surf towns give way to cosmopolitan cities. This in-depth 20-day adventure takes you to some of the best landmarks of the country, from the North Island to the South Island. Join your local leader in Auckland, travel through the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and relax on the beaches of Coromandel and Raglan. See the otherworldly landscapes at Tongariro National Park, then continue to the South Island, where the high-adrenaline activities of Queenstown, the fabulous wineries of Marlborough and the beautiful scenery of Franz Josef await.
Natural landmarks 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
Auckland, Christchurch, Kaikoura
Auckland, Christchurch, Kaikoura, Ohau, Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Coromandel Peninsula, Raglan, Rotorua, Tongariro National Park, Taupo, Wellington
18% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
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
18% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.