New Zealand South Island Tours

Our New Zealand South Island tours take you to the very best parts of this stunning island.

And a self-drive tour is perhaps the best way to see our gorgeous South Island.

We reckon the South Island is one of the most visually impressive places on earth (and we think you will agree after you come and visit).

Towering snow-capped alps, deep dark fiords, World Heritage wonderlands, rugged coastline, beautiful lakes, and wonderful food and wine combine to make New Zealand's South Island a must see destination.

Why self-drive?

Self-drive touring is our favorite way to see New Zealand's South Island.

No early morning rush to catch your tour bus.

If you find a place that you love, spend some extra time there. See the places that you want to see, at your own pace.

Stay in that special accommodation where you've always wanted to stay.

Experience the things that you want to do. Bungy? Rafting? Wine tours? Mild or wild, you choose. There's so much to see and do here.

We offer you two great options with our New Zealand South Island tours

With decades of experience, our local experts know all the must see places and activities.

Option 1

You can use one of our free South Island itineraries to plan your trip.

Then, using the itinerary of your choice as a guide, simply hire a car or campervan (we offer a market leading choice and great prices), and off you go on your adventure.

You can also use our website to book all, or just some, of your New Zealand accommodation. Our partnership with Booking.com ensures a huge range to choose from, at great prices.

You can also book your favourite New Zealand activities through us. Want to bungy jump from a bridge at Queenstown? Or maybe a wine tour on Waiheke Island?

Our partnership with Viator (a TripAdvisor company) offers you a huge choice.

You can see what's available and read customer reviews here.

You can scroll down to learn more about our free South Island itineraries. Just click on the maps to view the full itinerary.

Option 2

We also offer a bespoke service to help you build your perfect New Zealand itinerary.

We find that most of our guests "massage" our sample itineraries and we are happy to work with you to build a bespoke New Zealand itinerary to perfectly suit your time frame, budget, and personal preferences.

Just tell us what you need, and our we will be in touch shortly.

We offer this service to you free of charge. We don't charge you a fee. We don't ask for your credit card details.

All we ask is that you book some of the components of your holiday, like your car, accommodation or activities through the links on our website. We receive a commission from the supplier for any bookings, but only after your trip is completed.

So there are no hidden charges.

Here's a few of our wonderful South Island Hot Spots

You can see all the vital South Island information here.

But for more detailed information on each region, click here.

Here's a few of the spots that feature in our New Zealand South Island tours:

Fiordland National Park

Our twins, Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound should be on the top of your list.

Towering snow-capped peaks and steep cliffs that disappear into deep dark waters. Thundering waterfalls, unique wildlife, and some of the best scenery imaginable.

Organised tours are the best way to see Milford and Doubtful Sounds and there are a wide range available.

One of the other major attractions here is the famous Milford Track, one of our Great Walks.

It's all here in Fiordland National Park.

The Tasman Region

Nelson, a bustling bayside city, is the region's main centre. Famous for it's wineries and art and cultural attractions, Nelson is also the perfect base from which to explore the region.

Wonderful bays and beaches, and of course the Abel Tasman National Park, attract visitors from around the world.

Walk the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, paddle a kayak on our pristine waters, or just laze around on our golden beaches.

For more information on the Tasman region click here.

Queenstown and the Southern Lakes

Well, what can we say. The Adventure Capital. Thrill seekers love this iconic spot. But there's so much more here than just bungy jumping, white water rafting and jet boating.

If you love to just sit back and chill out, taking in some of the best scenery in the world, this is the place.

Queenstown, and the equally beautiful Wanaka, should be high on your South Island bucket list.

Christchurch and the Canterbury Region

Christchurch is the South Island's largest city, and has a wonderful relaxed vibe. Filled with parks and gardens, and close to the Southern Alps, it's well worth spending a few days here if you have time.

Christchurch is the arrival/departure point for the TranzAlpine train, and has lots to see and do.

A trip to nearby Akaroa should be high on your list. This French influenced village has lots of cafes, gift shops, and is a bit of a wildlife haven, perhaps best known for the dolphin swims.

You can learn more about the region here.

Kaikoura, a marine wonderland

Wow! One of our regular places to spend a few days.

Perfect marine conditions create a haven for marine life, and whales, dolphins and sea lions are there in abundance.

Combine this with mind blowing scenery, and Kaikoura is a place you will want to visit time and again.

Our Wild West Coast and Glaciers

Rugged coastlines, ancient glaciers, and friendly locals. What more could you ask for.

The drive along State Highway 6 has to be one of the best drives in New Zealand. With the ocean on one side, and the Southern Alps on the other, photo opportunities are endless.

Of course our glacier twins, Franz Josef and Fox, will leave you speechless. We highly recommend a heli flight and snow landing.

We also love the Pancake Rocks and blowhole at Punakaiki, Hokitika Gorge, and the "jade capital" Hokitika.

Find out more here.

We hope you are inspired enough to visit our South Island.

If you have any questions at all about our New Zealand South Island tours, please don't hesitate to ask us.

Our local tour experts are waiting to answer any questions you have.

New Zealand South Island Tours Top of Page