South Island Tours

Discover the best of the South Island

Discover the magic of New Zealand’s South Island – a land of dramatic mountains, pristine lakes, glaciers, and rugged coastlines. Our handpicked small group tours take you beyond the ordinary, from iconic destinations like Milford Sound and Queenstown to hidden gems off the beaten path. Whether you’re chasing adventure, connecting with nature, or simply soaking up the scenery, every tour has been carefully selected so you can experience the very best of the South Island with ease and confidence.

Why Book South Island Tours With Us

Curated for quality

We only feature Auckland Tours with consistently excellent reviews

Trusted Local Operators

We partner exclusively with established and reputable tour providers

Guided Small Group Tours

Travel in comfort with experienced guides who share local insights and hidden gems

Year-Round Tours

Our top-rated Auckland Tours run in every season, rain or shine

Best Price Guarantee

Book with confidence knowing you’re getting the best rate available

Best Day Tours From Queenstown

Bucket List Adventures from Queenstown

Scenic One Way Tours From Queenstown

Discover the best scenic journeys from Queenstown to Christchurch, Dunedin or Franz Josef

Winding roads through rolling hills and majestic mountains at Lindis Pass on the scenic tour from Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo

Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo Small Group Tour (One Way)

Travel from Christchurch to Queenstown in a single unforgettable day. This small group, fully guided tour includes scenic stops at Lake Tekapo, the Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Pukaki and Mt Cook National Park. Enjoy free time for walks or optional scenic flights, a picnic lunch and stops at local gems like a salmon farm and fruit orchard. The perfect way to experience the South Island’s top highlights en route to Queenstown.

To: Christchurch via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo (one way)
From: Queenstown
Duration: Approx. 12 hours
Price: From $399 NZD per adult

Historic Ophir Bridge spanning the Manuherikia River with Central Otago hills in the background

Queenstown to Dunedin Small Group Tour Including Taieri Gorge Train (One Way)

Experience the rich history and stunning landscapes of Central Otago on this unforgettable journey from Queenstown to Dunedin. Travel in comfort in a luxury Mercedes-Benz through iconic gold rush towns, the Gibbston wine region, Kawarau Gorge and Lake Dunstan. Stop for morning tea at the historic Dunstan House and explore the ghost town of St Bathans before reaching Pukerangi. Here, board the legendary Taieri Gorge Train for a breathtaking rail trip through dramatic canyons to Dunedin.

To: Dunedin (one way)
From: Queenstown
Duration: Approx. 5 hours
Price: From $290 NZD per adult

Sandy beach bordered by native New Zealand bush along the coast near Bruce Bay.

Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Tour (One Way)

Join a bucket list adventure on this fully-guided West Coast adventure from Queenstown to Franz Josef. Explore stunning highlights like the Cardrona Valley Pub, Lakes Wānaka and Hāwea, Haast Pass, Thunder Creek Falls, Ship Creek, Bruce Bay and Lake Matheson. Enjoy an authentic West Coast experience with passionate guides sharing local stories, travelling comfortably in modern minibuses. Lunch and snacks are included for a relaxed, memorable day.

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind authentic Kiwi experience with our famously passionate guides, renowned for their engaging stories and rich local knowledge. Travel in modern, comfortable minibuses, fully equipped with amenities to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the trip.

To: Franz Josef via Wanaka (one way)
From: Queenstown
Duration: Approx. 12 hours
Price: From $290 NZD per adult

Tours From Christchurch

We curate the most unforgettable tours just for you

Stunning view of majestic Mount Cook in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park on the scenic tour from Queenstown to Christchurch via Lake Tekapo

Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook & Tekapo Small Group Tour (One Way)

Christchurch To Queenstown via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo. This one-way, small group, fully guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with the famous Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier. The ultimate way to get from Christchurch to Queenstown. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

To: Queenstown via Mt Cook & Tekapo (one way)
From: Christchurch
Duration: Approx. 13 hours
Price: From $399 NZD per adult

TranzAlpine train crossing the massive staircase viaduct high in the mountains over a river in New Zealand.

Christchurch to Franz Josef via Hokitika Small Group Tour including TranzAlpine Train (One Way)

The West Coast of New Zealand offers a unique holiday experience, featuring scenic roads, breathtaking landscapes, and picturesque spots. This iconic route takes you on a bucket list adventure along the ever-changing coastline, passing through hidden gems and towns, and offering endless opportunities to stop and explore. Join us as you hop on the train towards Arthurs Pass in the morning offering views only possible through the Tranzalpine, this allows a panoramic landscape of the Majestic Southern Alps up close. With collection at the National Park, our guide will take you the rest of the way in this small group tour to Franz Josef

To: Franz Josef via Hokitika (one way)
From: Christchurch
Duration: 12 hours
Price: From $550 NZD per adult

Star-filled night sky above buildings in Lake Tekapo during transfer from Mount Cook

Christchurch to Tekapo Small Group Tour (One Way)

Christchurch to Tekapo Small Group Tour (One Way). This small group, fully-guided day tour allows you to travel in style to Tekapo while seeing all the key highlights along the way. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

To: Tekapo (one way)
From: Christchurch
Duration: Approx. 3 hours
Price: From $199 NZD per adult

Latest South Island Updates 2025:

Milford Sound Overnight Cruise Expansion: A brand-new vessel launches in mid-2025, offering upgraded cabins and stargazing decks for an even more immersive fjord experience.
Franz Josef Glacier Access Improvements: Guided heli-hikes now include extended glacier walks and new eco-interpretation trails, enhancing safety and sustainability.
Mt Cook National Park Night Sky Tours: From early 2025, small group astronomy experiences are available in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve — perfect for stargazers.
Queenstown Wellness Experiences: A growing number of boutique operators are blending adventure with relaxation, including half-day spa + adventure packages launching in late 2025.
Kaikōura Marine Encounters: New eco-certified tours combine whale watching, dolphin swims, and local Māori cultural storytelling for a deeper connection to place.

Why Retreats Abroad?

Curated Experiences You Can Trust

We only feature top-rated experiences run by trusted hosts

Small Groups Led By Expert Guides

Explore deeper with local experts and like-minded travellers

Easy Booking & Best Prices

Secure your spot quickly and confidently

Restore While You Explore

Discover the perfect balance of wellness and adventure

How We Select Our Tours

“Every tour we feature in the South Island has been carefully chosen to showcase the region’s most spectacular landscapes and experiences. From the towering peaks of Aoraki/Mt Cook to the glaciers of the West Coast and the fjords of Fiordland, our tours are led by trusted guides who combine expertise with genuine manaakitanga (hospitality) and whanaungatanga (authentic connection). We handpick only the tours that meet our high standards for quality, safety, and guest experience - so you can explore the South Island with ease and confidence.”

Book now to secure your spot on our top-rated South Island Tours