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South Island Tours

Discover the stunning landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island. Explore majestic snow capped mountains, deep fiords, immense glaciers and sparkling lakes. Experience world renowned wineries, heart stopping adventure sports and the purest air imaginable. Indulge your senses on one of our 46 South Island coach tours and small group adventures, and if time permits venture further and explore all of New Zealand.

Popular Tours View all

The Southern Drift

10 Days Christchurch to Christchurch

Operator: Inspiring Journeys

From 5,488

Save 1,287

Southern Spirit

13 Days Christchurch to Wellington

Operator: AAT Kings

From 4,281

Save 1,085

Southern Spotlight

9 Days Christchurch to Christchurch

Operator: AAT Kings

From 3,115

Save 789

Southern Spectacular

10 Days Christchurch to Christchurch

Operator: AAT Kings

From 4,252

Save 1,077

Discover Must do experiences and highlights on New Zealand's South Island

Queenstown from the Water

Set off across Lake Wakatipu on the vintage steamship, TSS Earnslaw, taking in the alpine scenery and soaring peaks that frame the shores of this serene lake.

Heli-Hike on Franz Josef

Enjoy a scenic helicopter flight over this icy wonderland coupled with a guided walk on Franz Joseph, discovering frozen caves and pillars of glacial ice.

Explore Mt Cook National Park

Travel through this stunning alpine landscape home to permanent snow fields, opaque lakes and towering peaks, crowned by Mt Cook at 3,724m (12,217ft).

Ride the TranzAlpine

Cross the Canterbury Plains and climb into the Southern Alps on this breathtaking rail journey. Watch from the outdoor viewing carriage as glistening rivers carve their way through the dramatic landscape.

Cruise Milford Sound

Discover the tranquil waters, soaring granite peaks and snow capped mountains of Fiordland National Park. Set off on a cruise to marvel at the tumbling waterfalls and lush vegetation visible through the mist.

Recent Reviews What our clients are saying about their journeys through New Zealand's South Island

10-Day Ultimate South Island Tour Far Exceeded Our Expectations Debbie and Skip, VA, United States, Feb 2025

This tour was even better than we had hoped. The coach was spectacular, only one seat on each side and 20 person limit. Our guide was amazing - funny, great commentary, considerate about comfort stops, excellent suggestions and recommendations. The hotels were superb as were the destinations. Great time of year to go. Dinners were amazing in each ...read more

Grand Pacific NZ South Isand Elisabeth and Richard, NSW, Australia, Feb 2025

The itinerary, organisation and execution of the tour were exceptional. The luxury “business class” coach was a revelation and the Coach Captain, Craig, was the most professional I have had. To top it off we had good weather!!! Great value. Photo is the view of Mt Cook at dawn from our hotel room.

Southern Spectacular Heidi , New Zealand, Jan 2025

Feed back from the family I booked this trip for was the entire trip was absolutely wonderful and was well managed exceeding all expectations. Accommodation and food was great. Highly recommended !!!

APT Southern Tourer - NZ South Island Barry and Anne, ACT, Australia, Apr 2024

A nine day tour of the bucket list of NZ spectacular scenery including the Tranzalpine train to Arthur’s Pass, Queenstown steamer lake cruise and dinner, a spectacular scenic drive to a cruise on Milford Sound, and then on to Mt Cook Lake Tekapo and back to Christchurch. A journey worth every minute of enjoyment. Well organised. Efficient tour guide. ...read more

Explore More Explore more Your guide to travelling through the South Island of New Zealand

06 December, 2024
Explore NZ's South Island in 10 Days.
The stunning natural diversity of New Zealand’s South Island, paired with the warmth and generosity of its people, makes it an irresistible draw for travelers. Across this remarkable region, you’ll find spectacular scenery and authentic experiences that seem to shift at every turn. One moment...

27 November, 2024
Explore the Best of the South Island with Grand Pacific
Discover New Zealand’s South Island with Grand Pacific Experience the enchantment of New Zealand’s South Island on Grand Pacific Tours new itinerary, the 14 Day Ultimate Best of the South Island and the 14 Day Signature Best of the South Island. Begin your adventure with New Zealand’s Coach...

20 March, 2024
Discover Top of the South Island
Have you travelled with Grand Pacific before and are now looking for a tour that’s a little bit different? Look no further than Grand Pacific's Top of the South Island itinerary. Offered as both small group and mid-size coach holiday options, this itinerary promises unforgettable experiences...

30 July, 2020
5 Awesome Walking Trails on NZ’s South Island
New Zealand’s South Island is incredibly scenic. Raw beauty enchants at every turn and visitors are drawn to the impressive displays of nature that unravel between soaring peaks, glistening glaciers, and dramatic coastlines. Surround yourself with these incredible landscapes on a dedicated...