Things to do in South Island, New Zealand: The Best Multi-day Tours

Watch whales and swim with dolphins. This is a overnight delight for all those who wish to get close to nature. Journey from Christchurch to Kaikoura, where you will take a whale watch tour. Overnight in this tiny coastal town, before joining your Swim with Dolphins cruise. Dive into the oceans and swim next to these amazing mammals. A marine experience unmatched by any other.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Live commentary on board, Overnight accommodation, Whale watch tour by boat, Fur seal colony viewing, Swim with Dolphins, Use of Snorkelling equipment, North Canterbury vineyard visit and wine tasting, GST (Goods and Services Tax

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified

Discover the highlights of New Zealand's South Island, from stunning glaciers to vast National Parks there's plenty to explore! Tour highlights include the world-famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train, a glacier Heli Hike, Glacier Hot Pools and an unforgettable day trip to Fiordland for a Milford Sound Nature Cruise. The perfect way to fit the best of the South Island into five day! This is an Independent coach tour, where you travel on a combination of touring coaches and sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour and different drivers. You have free time to explore on your own and are free to choose where and when to eat, meals are not included unless specified.

Inclusions: Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicles, Return coach transport from Christchurch, Breif commentary on board coaches and tours, 4 nights accommodation, TranzApline Scenic Train, Franz Josef Heli Hike, Glacier Hot Pools, Milford Sound Nature Cruise

Exclusions: Meals unless specified, Pre and post tour accommodation, Gratuities, Travel insurance. We recommend travel insurance for all tours

See the best of New Zealand’s stunning South Island on this unforgettable 8-day tour! Traveling by private luxury vehicle you’ll visit all the highlights of this amazing destination on an counter-clockwise route from Christchurch. Explore Arthur’s Pass, see West Coast rainforests from Franz Josef Glacier, and visit Mount Cook and Queenstown. Customize your tour to your preference with a range of optional activities (own expense) including helicopter rides, mountain walks, bungee jumps and more! The service that we provide is a private luxury tour service, not a large group tour. Other than our friendly tour staff you will not be sharing your tour with anyone outside of your own party so you can rest assured that this is your tour and we’ll do exactly what you want to make it your perfect trip. With a round-trip transfer from Christchurch Airport or your local hotel plus seven nights of accommodation included, this adventure-laden tour enables you to see the South Island with ease.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Private tour, Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), Live commentary on board, Professional tour guide (who is also the driver), Transport by private vehicle and all fuel charges, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Round-trip airport transfer (Christchurch), 7 nights accommodation in your selected category of hotel

Exclusions: Gratuities, Optional activities, Personal expenses, Food and drinks, not specified in the itinerary (lunch and dinner)

This Abel Tasman National Park adventure is a three-day / two-night self-guided cycle tour on the Tasman’s Great Taste Trail. Start your 1st day at 9am as you will cycle between three to five hours per day on a vehicle free trail with an easy to moderate gradient. During your ride you will be able to visit award winning wineries, craft breweries and cafés, you can sample local produce and enjoy the buzzing atmosphere of Mapua Wharf. 

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, All cycle equipment which includes trail comfort bike, helmet, repair kit, panniers, odometer and trail documentation, Luggage transfers (1 bag per person – limit 15kgs per bag), Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles – Discoverer Day, Bottled water, Transport: Kaiteriteri to Nelson, Mapua Ferry crossing, 2 nights Accommodation based on twin/double share, Luggage storage for excess luggage available if returning to Nelson after tour, Airport transfers

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified

This a very popular 2 day and 1 night trip from Christchurch to Queenstown ( or in reverse ) via the South Island's rugged West Coast. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and deliver you to the World renowned Tranz Alpine train, which bisects the Canterbury farming plains, foothills and mountains, before reaching the alpine village of Arthur's Pass. Your guide will meet you, show you some of the area before travelling onto the West Coast. You'll hear the history of Maori, greenstone, gold, visit historic towns like Hokitika and travel on south through stunning rain forests to the glacier country. Staying in Franz Josef the night gives you the opportunity of a helicopter glacier landing ( not included in the tour price ) as well a stunning photo opportunities. From here the journey continues south along the coast before eventually swinging inland over the dramatic Gates of Haast, finally heading past Lakes Wanaka and Hawea  and over the Crown Range road to Queenstown.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Lunch

Exclusions: Overnight accommodation in Franz Josef

Multi-pitch climbing in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Come and spend a fun and informative two days with our climbing guide at Aoraki/Mt Cook. These trips are designed to be unique climbing experiences that also offer guests to learn a lot about New Zealand and the Local history and culture. Our Mt cook trips are 2 day climbing excursions with a night spent at the NZAC Unwin lodge in Mt Cook Village. Mt Cook Village is a small alpine village at the base of the southern alps. This village is a starting point for all classic New Zealand mountaineering adventures. We climb on the Sebastopol Bluffs, situated above the village.

Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner, Overnight accommodation, National Park fees, Breakfast, Professional guide, Use of Climbing equipment, Round-trip private transfer, Snacks, Coffee and/or Tea, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Gratuities

If you're in need of transfers in South Island, look no further. Our minivan hire with Chauffeur/ Guide are the perfect way to get around South Island, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the eternal beauty of New Zealand as we drive you to your destinations with our elite chauffer driven services. Whether you have a day to explore or multiple days to discover New Zealand, we’ll cater you with everything just the way you like it!

Inclusions: Transport by 2017 or late model Mercedes Benz vans(For comfortable touring we will use Mercedes Valente for upto 6 people and Mercedes Sprinter for larger groups), Your driver/guide available to you all day, subject to New Zealand law for driver rest time requirements., Driver/guide and his accommodation and all costs for the vehicle including fuel and insurance., Complimentary Hotspot WIFI provided., Complimentary light refreshments provided., Pickup/ drop-off as per your preferred location in South Island., All taxes, fees and handling charges.

Exclusions: Oversized or excessive luggage (e.g. surfboards, golf clubs or bikes) may have certain restrictions, please inquire with the operator prior to travel to confirm if your excess luggage is acceptable

Enjoy our ‘Top of the South’ 11 day itinerary which showcases two wonderful coastal tracks with stunning yet varying scenery – the Queen Charlotte Track and the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. Both tracks are walked independently with all elements of your trip pre arranged.

Inclusions: 2 nights Motel accommodation in Picton, 2 nights Motel accommodation in Nelson, 3 nights upgrade lodge accommodation on the Queen Charlotte Track, 3 nights boat/lodge accommodation on the Abel Tasman Track, Queen Charlotte track transport connections, Abel Tasman track transport connections, Ferry from Wellington to Picton, Bus from Picton to Nelson, Packed lunches x 4 on the Queen Charlotte Track, Packed lunches x 3 on the Abel Tasman Track, Dinner and breakfast on the Aquapackers and breakfast at Ratanui Lodge on the Abel Tasman Track, Full detailed 11 day itinerary provided prior to your trip with an information pack including maps provided on arrival for each of the tracks, Lunch

Exclusions: Dinner and breakfast whilst in Picton, Dinner and breakfast whilst in Nelson, Dinner and breakfast whilst on the Queen Charlotte Track, Dinner and breakfast whilst on the Abel Tasman Track (except dinner and breakfast on the Aquapackers and breakfast at Ratanui Lodge which are included)

Discover the world underground at Waitomo, explore the geothermal delights of Rotorua, hike across active volcanoes and lava valleys in the world-renowned Tongariro National Park and sip coffee in the coolest little capital of the world – Wellington. We have chosen excellent quality hotels and lodges and all rooms have ensuite bathrooms. Every place we stay has something special to offer and your evenings will be just as enjoyable as your days spent outdoors. Wonderful meals are included giving you an opportunity to sample the local cuisine from the restaurants in the cities and towns we stay.

Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast

Exclusions:

The Ultimate North is the ideal choice for those who have a little less time but want to experience the very best that the North Island, New Zealand, can offer. Hike into a river-side hut in the middle of Jurassic-like rainforest. Explore thermal areas in Rotorua. Trek the high sections of the remote Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk deep in the magical rain forests of Te Urewera. Relax in lodges in beautiful locations. Discover the surreal volcanic wonderland of Tongariro National Park, staying high above the world in an alpine hut. The Ultimate North has short hikes, as well as two overnight hikes staying in backcountry huts.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner

Exclusions: Personal Hiking Equipment