new zealand train tours south island

THE 10 BEST South Island Rail Tours

Rail tours in south island.

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1. TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip

2. Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch

3. Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch

4. Full Day Arthurs Pass Tour with Tranzalpine Train in New Zealand

5. Arthurs Pass Day Tour With TranzAlpine and Jet Boat Ride

6. Tranz Alpine Train Tour

7. 5 Day South Island Circut: Trains, Glaciers and Milford Sound from Christchurch

8. 7 Day South Island Lick Tour

9. 4 Day Southern Circuit: Glaciers, Christchurch and Mt Cook Tour from Queenstown

10. 6 Day South Island Circut: Milford Sound, Queenstown and Glaciers

11. 5 Days - Nile Cruise Aswan To Luxor,Balloon,Tours,with Sleeping Train From Cairo

What travellers are saying.

• TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass & Castle Hill Day Trip
• Arthur's Pass & TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch
• Full Day Arthurs Pass Tour with Tranzalpine Train in New Zealand
• Arthurs Pass Day Tour With TranzAlpine and Jet Boat Ride
• Spanish Driver & Guide / Guía y chofer en español
• Discover New Zealand
• Denniston Experience
• Taieri Gorge Railway
• Dunedin Railways
• Marlborough Flyer

South Island Rail & Coach Tour

“adventure for the sake of a dream, for the pleasure of searching”, - sir edmund hillary, 13-day south island rail & coach tour, includes "the big 5" rail journeys of the south island.

TranzAlpine

Kingston Flyer (Steam)

Taieri Gorge

Coastal Pacific

Marlborough Flyer (Steam)

Inspired by one of the greatest and most iconic adventurers of our time, The Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer, invites you on an epic journey by rail and luxury coach throughout the majestic South Island of New Zealand.

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Southern Alps - In its Winter Glory

Traversing the Alps bedecked in its winter cloak does have its own magic. This trip offers the opportunity to experience it twofold.

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Fully Guided North to South Island Rail Tour | 6 Days | Coastal Highlights

Experience a journey of a lifetime and explore New Zealand’s North and South Island by train. This tour is fully guided and provides you with plenty of free time to personalise your holiday.

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Please refer to our standard terms and conditions.

Our 6-Day Classic Tour will take you to hand-picked New Zealand destinations so you can learn about New Zealand’s people, places and culture. Travelling from Wellington to Christchurch by scenic train, you will experience both the North and South Island while having free time to add unique and immersive activities to your journey. Your tour will include an experienced Tour Director, Christchurch city tour, Cook Strait ferry crossing, Coastal Pacific scenic train journey and free time and optional excursions to personalise your holiday. Join us for a truly remarkable New Zealand rail adventure.

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The fabulous scenery of the South Island can be explored from coast to coast on a fascinating train tour, which stops at historic and hospitable rural towns. This train tour, the Alpine Pacific train tour, is probably the best known of the railways and rail tours operating in the South Island, although be prepared to discover some little known gems run by steam enthusiasts.

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Mobile-friendly -  Travel New Zealand at your own pace on an expertly planned independent or escorted coach tour with Thrifty Tours. Our coach touring packages allow you to relax and enjoy New Zealand's spectacular scenery, while taking in a range of unique and exciting activities along the way. Call us today and we can start planning your perfect New Zealand touring vacation!

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Mobile-friendly -  Grand Pacific Tours are the New Zealand coach holiday specialists offering a range of all inclusive, value for money holidays. We offer 5 categories of coach tour vacation packages namely; Affordable Coach Tours, Signature Coach Tours, Ultimate Small Group Tours, Cruise & Coach Tours and Special Interest Tours.

HASSLE-FREE ALPINE SAFARI TOUR - Christchurch

Mobile-friendly -  This exciting day-tour includes jet boating on the mighty Waimakariri river, a 4WD adventure across Mt Torlesse High Country Station, and a scenic tour through the breathtaking Canterbury high country to Arthurs Pass National Park located in the stunning Southern Alps of New Zealand. The return journey to Christchurch is on the world-famous TranzAlpine Train. This tour has it all.

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Take It Easy Tours has been a very successful operation for more than 25 years. We offer tours from the land, sea and air to ensure you do not miss one speck of this beautiful country. We showcase New Zealand like no other, step inside our world of adventure now.

THE GREAT JOURNEYS OF NEW ZEALAND - SCENIC JOURNEYS - Nationwide

Mobile-friendly -  Discover New Zealand and the true beauty of rail with The Great Journeys of New Zealand Scenic Journeys. NZ's only passenger rail company combines breath-taking scenic-train journeys with quality facilities and comfort. Enjoy stunning views from world-class carriages featuring panoramic windows, a licenced cafe, and open air viewing. Choose from three unique journeys; the Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine.

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Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer

Duration: 13 Days

Price: NZ$7,995 - FREE Cable Car Ride*

Departure From: Christhchurch

Departure Date: Dec 2024, Jan-April 2025

Tour Type: Escorted Tour

Meal Plan: B+B and selected meals

Physical Grading: 2/5

Inspired by one of the greatest and most iconic adventurers of our time, the Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer invites you on an epic journey by rail and luxury coach through the majestic South Island of New Zealand.

Sir Edmund Hillary epitomised the New Zealand spirit of adventure and he is our inspiration when planning your experience of a lifetime. We pay homage to Sir Edmund Hillary and learn more about his achievements and humanitarian efforts as we explore the South Island of New Zealand and experience the postcard perfect vistas and dramatic alpine scenery that this part of the world is renowned for.

“Adventure for the sake of a dream, for the pleasure of searching” Sir Edmund Hillary

Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer tour includes Hillary’s life highlights including travelling through Marlborough, where Edmund was trained for the air force during the Second World War and where he made some daring ascents of Mt Tapuae-o-Uenuku. In Christchurch, learn more about his team’s expedition crossing Antarctica using converted farm tractors at the International Antarctic Centre. At Aoraki/Mt Cook, a visit to the museum dedicated to Edmund’s adventurous spirit and his achievements is a must. A special dinner is hosted there by Edmund’s daughter Sarah Hillary or son Peter Hillary – also a keen mountaineer and adventurer. Find out how they continue to keep their father’s memory alive.

EXCLUSIVE – BOOK YOUR 2025 TOUR WITH LOCO JOURNEYS & RECEIVE A FREE WELLINGTON CABLE CAR RETURN JOURNEY EXPERIENCE*

The first week of your journeys leads you on a circuit of the South Island’s highlights, enjoying experiences such as the TranzAlpine train, the West Coast Glaciers, and the wonders of Queenstown, Te Anau and Milford Sound. You will cruise on the steamship TSS Earnslaw and ride on the Kingston Flyer. Onward to Dunedin where you will enjoy another iconic rail journey, The Tiaeri Gorge, an epic rail trip over white water rapids, towering viaducts and tunnels.

Mountain country then beckons and you will enjoy a two night stay at the prestigious Hermitage Hotel overlooking Aoraki/Mount Cook and a visit to the excellent Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.

We return back to Christchurch to join The Coastal Pacific Scenic Train, one of the most picturesque journeys on New Zealand’s railways. Throughout this scenic experience, you will meander along the Pacific coast across remote beaches, between mountains and sea, on a timeless journey of breath-taking beauty to Kaikoura. From Kaikoura through to Marlborough, saving the best for last, the grand finale of epic proportions sees you hauled under a full head of steam by the glorious Marlborough Flyer amongst the comfort of vintage carriages. This historic WW1 memorial steam locomotive Ab608 Passchendaele, named in honour of our fallen soldiers at The Battle of Passchendaele in 1917. This is a locomotive fit for kings, having hauled royal trains on two previous royal visits in the early 1900’s. A journey to end all journeys from a bygone era.

Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Tour Highlights

• TranzAlpine Rail Journey
• Franz Josef Hot Pools
• Walter Peak Homestead
• Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
• Arrowtown Lakes District Museum
• Kingston Flyer train ride
• Milford Sound Day Trip & Cruise
• Takahe Sanctuary
• Croydon Aviation Museum
• Waimea Plains Railway
• Guest Speaker from the Hillary family
• Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre at Aoraki/Mt Cook
• International Antarctic Centre
• Coastal Pacific Scenic Train Journey
• Marlborough Flyer Steam Train
• Cruise on the Interislander Ferry

Heritage Rail Highlights & the ‘Big Five’

Your Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer tour features the “Big 5” rail journeys of the South Island

• The fabled TranzAlpine passenger train service from Christchurch to Greymouth
• The historic Kingston Flyer steam railway
• The Taieri Gorge Railway, Otago’s finest scenic rail route from Dunedin
• The Coastal Pacific from Christchurch to Kaikoura
• The glorious Marlborough Flyer from Kaikoura to Picton

Saving the best to last and the icing on the cake for all rail-fans, from Kaikoura to Marlborough, you will be hauled under a full head of steam by the historic WW1 memorial steam locomotive Ab608 Passchendaele, named in honour of our fallen soldiers at The Battle of Passchendaele in 1917.

Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Optional Excursions

Each option on our is highly recommended to make the most of your New Zealand rail highlights tour. Ask at the time of booking.

FREE Wellington Cable Car Journey – This LOCO Journeys exclusive offer is available to those travellers booking post-tour accommodation in Wellington. Opened in 1902, the historic Wellington Cable Car takes passengers from the heart of the city up through the hillside terraced houses of Kelburn, to the lookout perched high above the city. Your return cable car journey must be confirmed at the time of booking. Ask for more details at the time of booking. This offer is valid for tours departing throughout 2025 only.

Franz Josef Helicopter Flight – Enjoy a sensational helicopter flight over the Southern Alps and famous West Coast Glaciers. A real highlight for the adventurers.

Te Anau G l ow Worm Tour – A special experience crossing Lake Te Anau by boat and then enjoy heading underground into glow-worm caves which were only rediscovered in 1948

Doubtful Sounds Cruise (instead of Milford Sound cruise) – An option to view the more expansive but no less impressive Doubtful Sound

Glacier Explorer Cruise – a unique few hours cruising the glacier lake of the Tasman Glacier

Big Sky Stargazing – there’s only a handful of dark-sky reserves across the world. Star-gazing in New Zealand’s South Island viewing the Southern Hemisphere night sky is like nowhere else on earth.

Whale Watch Cruise or Kaikoura Scenic Flight – either experience will offer memories you will cherish as you seek out the mammoths of the sea.

Northern Explorer Train – once your 13-Day tour is over, extend your journey and take the chance to ride on New Zealand’s epic Northern Explorer taking you from Wellington to Auckland in one day. LEt us know at the time of booking.

Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Tour Dates

Prices are based on per person sharing. Single supplements apply to all tour prices, rates shown below.

2024 Departures

All 2024 tours departing prior to 3 December are now sold out.

• 3 December 2024 – $7,995

2025 Departures

Christchurch to Wellington, 13 days, 12 nights, 29 meals. Departing most Tuesdays January- April 2025

• 14 January 2025 – $7,995
• 21 January 2025 – $7,995
• 28 January 2025 – $7,995
• 11 February 2025 – $7,995
• 18 February 2025 – $7,995
• 25 February 2025 – $7995
• 11 March 2025 – $7,995
• 18 March 2025 – $7995
• 25 March 2025 – $7995
• 1 April 2025 – $7,995
• 8 April 2025 – $7,995
• 15 April 2025 – $7,995

Please see below for a detailed itinerary and booking conditions.

For a detailed brochure dedicated to the Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Tour contact us and we are happy to email this to you.

LOCO Journeys can offer you pre-tour and post-tour departure activities, flights and accommodation. Important: To enjoy LOCO Journeys exclusive FREE historic return Wellington Cable Car journey, you must book post-tour accommodation in Wellington to ensure you have enough time to enjoy this . This offer is valid for new bookings on tours departing through 2025.

Guests wishing to continue their journey to Auckland on the Northern Explorer or return to Christchurch should advise at the time of booking and this can be arranged and booked on your behalf.

Click here for alternate New Zealand scenic train and railfan tours .

Tour Inclusions

• Four star hotel accommodation
• TranzAlpine rail journey.
• Sightseeing and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary
• Tips and gratuities to local guides, drivers, train staff etc.
• Deluxe air-conditioned coach transportation
• Baggage handling of one suitcase per person
• Other meals include, gourmet BBQ lunch at Walter Peak Homestead.
• Services of Tour Leaders

Pricing Notes

• Advertised price based on per person, twin share
• Non-refundable deposit of 20% of tour cost per person is due at time of booking. You date of full payment will be advised at the time of booking.
• A single supplement is available upon request
• LOCO Journeys exclusive free Wellington return cable car journey is available to those booking their Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Tour through LOCO Journeys only . Your free Wellington return Cable Car journey is offered as a per person value-add bonus with the stipulation that 1. you must book your tour through LOCO Journeys and 2. you will be required to book post night accommodation in Wellington to ensure you have time to enjoy the cable car trip. This offer is valid for new tour bookings departing throughout 2025. LOCO Journeys reserves the right to remove this bonus at any time.
• Price is subject to change unless paid in full

Tour Itinerary

Christchurch - tranzalpine train - franz josef (d), day 2 | fanz josef - haast - queenstown (b,l), day 3 | queenstown & arrowtown (b,l), day 4 | queenstown - kingston flyer steam train - te anau (b,l,d), day 5 | te anau - milford sound - te anau (b,l,d), day 6 | te anau - waimea plains historic railway - dunedin (b,l,d), day 7 | dunedin (b), day 8 | dunedin - oamaru - mount cook (b,l,d), day 9 | aoraki mount cook (b,d), day 10 | mount cook - geraldine - christchurch (b,l,d), day 11 | christchurch - coastal pacific train - kaikoura (b,d), day 12 | kaikoura - heritage steam train - picton (b,l,d), day 13 | picton - interisland ferry - wellington (b) | tour ends, day 14 | post tour - wellington - free historic cable car experience (optional).

For more information about this tour, price queries and updates on specials, please Enquire Now .

New Zealand South Island Tours - over 60 great tour ideas

Experience dramatic scenery, landscapes and wonderful hospitality on a South Island New Zealand tour. We have over 120 great itineraries exploring the South Island by coach from escorted and guided tours to highly flexible Thrifty Tours which depart every single day. New Zealand's South Island has it all, from the beaches of Abel Tasman National Park to the thrill of a jet Boat ride in Queenstown or a heli hike on the West Coast glaciers. All our South Island New Zealand tours visit iconic locations of the south including Mt. Cook National Park, Milford Sound, Wanaka, Fiordland National Park, Dunedin, Franz Josef and Fox Glacier plus much more. Get in touch with us today to get the best advice on the best South Island tour for you.

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5 days, from christchurch to christchurch.

• New Zealand Independent Tour
• Pre and post tour options? Yes
• Viewed 599 times in the last 7 days

Enjoy 5 days exploring New Zealand's South Island with this excellent independent touring itinerary....

Enjoy 5 days exploring New Zealand's South Island with this excellent independent touring itinerary. Journey from Christchurch in a loop around the South Island. Cruise through Milford Sound, visit Mt. Cook National Park, explore the West Coast glaciers, and travel on the TranzAlpine scenic train.

Christchurch to Milford Sound and Queenstown

3 days, from christchurch to christchurch.

• Hotel 4 star
• Viewed 1120 times in the last 7 days

Enjoy the scenery of Canterbury, the Mackenzie country and Mt Cook National Park before arriving int...

Enjoy the scenery of Canterbury, the Mackenzie country and Mt Cook National Park before arriving into Queenstown. Take a fully escorted day tour to Milford Sound with Real Journeys.

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2 days, from queenstown to christchurch.

• Viewed 362 times in the last 7 days

Short and sweet, this tour to the glaciers is a New Zealand bucket list experience.

8 day South Island Scenic Explorer

8 days, from christchurch to christchurch.

• Hotel 3 star
• Viewed 492 times in the last 7 days

A great 8 day tour which introduces you to Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown. Fiordland, Milford Sou...

A great 8 day tour which introduces you to Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown. Fiordland, Milford Sound and the West Coast Glaciers and includes the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train journey.

West Coast Escape with TranzAlpine

2 days, from christchurch to queenstown.

• Viewed 471 times in the last 7 days

Highlights include: The world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train • The wild West Coast • Vis...

Highlights include: The world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train • The wild West Coast • Visit Franz Josef Glacier •  Lakes Wanaka and Hawea • the Gibbston Valley • Queenstown

5 day Dunedin, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Mt. Cook

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This 5 day highlights tour includes Dunedin, Milford Sound including a cruise plus time in wonderful...

This 5 day highlights tour includes Dunedin, Milford Sound including a cruise plus time in wonderful Queenstown before returning to Christchurch via Mt Cook National Park.

3 day TranzAlpine Glaciers and Queenstown

3 days, from christchurch to queenstown.

• Viewed 427 times in the last 7 days

A classic 3 day itinerary this tour gets you from Christchurch to Queenstown in comfort on reliable ...

A classic 3 day itinerary this tour gets you from Christchurch to Queenstown in comfort on reliable small group tours. Witness the West Coast and southern lakes whilst enjoying the TranzAlpine Scenic Train and a stay in Queenstown.

5 Day Southern Highlights

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An introduction to the South Island including Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown, Fiordland, Milford ...

An introduction to the South Island including Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown, Fiordland, Milford Sound, the West Coast Glaciers and the TranzAlpine Scenic Train journey. An ideal tour to customise to your own schedule!

7 day Fiordland Explorer 4 star tour

7 days, from christchurch to christchurch.

• Viewed 315 times in the last 7 days

This 7 day Fiordland Explorer tour visits Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Lake Te Anau's Glow Worm Ca...

This 7 day Fiordland Explorer tour visits Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Lake Te Anau's Glow Worm Caves and leaves you with time to experience the Adventure Capital of Queenstown.

• Viewed 314 times in the last 7 days

Enjoy the scenery of Canterbury, the Mackenzie Country and the Southern Alps on your way to Queensto...

Enjoy the scenery of Canterbury, the Mackenzie Country and the Southern Alps on your way to Queenstown. Then take the time to enjoy a fully escorted day tour to Milford Sound with Real NZ.

Even with hundreds of New Zealand coach touring ideas we know that sometimes you need something special. That's why the team at NZCT are experts at designing New Zealand holidays to suit everyone. We can combine our Guided Coach Tours with a tailor-made independent tour in another part of New Zealand and then design a self drive holiday to finish off your itinerary. Whatever you can think of we can create so you get the New Zealand touring experience you deserve.

Our sister company, New Zealand Self drive Tours , specialises in just that - Self Drive Holidays across New Zealand. With over 200 great itinerary ideas to help inspire you there is something for everyone. Our team of NZ Specialists tailor-make each itinerary to suit you. With hundreds of accommodation options, activity ideas, a great rental car range and our expertise to pull it altogether you are guaranteed a great NZ Self Drive holiday.

New Zealand Fine Touring is the parent company of New Zealand Coach Tours. Started in 2004 New Zealand Fine Touring grew from a small home business to New Zealand's leading touring holiday planner. We operate many different channels such as New Zealand Coach Tours, New Zealand Self Drive Tours, Fine Tours New Zealand, Discover New Zealand, Thrifty Tours, Ski New Zealand, NZ Road Trip, Pure Journeys and our travel agent only business nzsidekick. Each channel specialises in a particulur style of touring holiday but we can also use our experience across all these channels to create a bespoke itinerary to suit anyone from anywhere. Check out New Zealand Fine Touring here .

APRIL SALE:   Book now and get   up to 60% off!

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Fuel your inner adrenaline-junkie in Queenstown , cruise on the tranquil waters of Milford Sound, or trek up the icy slopes of the mighty Franz Josef Glacier , spark your sense of adventure with a New Zealand South Island tour. From peaceful walks on the Routeburn Track to the exquisite crushed grapes of Marlborough , you'll soon discover why NZ is called the Adventure Capital of the World.

194 New Zealand South Island tour packages with 1,984 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

New Zealand: South Island Encompassed

Overall I really enjoyed this tour, but i'm left wondering how much that was to do with the tour and thinking it was more to do with the country itself, it's stunning! The accommodations provided were mostly good (The floating boat in Abel Tasman, Nomads in Qtown, Rainforest retreat in Franz Josef), Quirky (Old Sheep Quarters in Weddernburn, Jailhouse hotel in Christchurch) and maybe not so great but fine for a night (Nomads at Wellington and the holiday view park kinda let the side down). You can achieve everything you might typically want to do in New Zealand on this tour, with your guide generally helping to book and explain logistics etc. Expect long days and early starts on the bus, the consecutive days in Queenstown were probably much needed. Your driver/guide will make lots of stops for photos, food etc on the long drives which can break up the long travel days nicely. There was 19 in my group which felt like quite a lot as the bus can be quite cramped, ages ranged from 18-38. Some people in the group didn't appear to get on which occasionally made things difficult but you can get that anywhere and that side really is unpredictable. Also if you're joining this tour In Wellington then expect to join a group who had already started on the North Island (it was a 50/50 split). Of all the activities i did, I'd highly recommend the Canyon Swing in Queenstown (even if you hate heights like i do!), the bike ride in Wedderburn is stunning especially if the weather is on your side - Also try curling whilst you're there! New Zealand is great and i would recommend to anyone who has any small urge to go there.

• Sightseeing

Southern Voyager

We had Robbie for the first part of our tour and he was amazing!! We love Robbie! He had the best suggestions and insight for restaurants/cafes/activities!

New Zealand South Island Express

Callum was a fantastic tour guide he made our trip memorable beside the hickups he had to fix.

• In-depth Cultural

Awesome tour of the south. Got to see some amazing places with some amazing people. The southern part of the tour was epic every single day. The only drawback was that the northern part of south (second week for me) was a bit light on the activity front.

• Hiking & Trekking

Queenstown Southern Loop

Although Rod, the driver was very nice I felt that Intrepid had not organised the tour as well as previous Intrepid tours I have done. It was very overpriced for what was provided. The van had a broken seat belt attachment with a sharp edge which ruined a down jacket I had bought for the trip. I have asked Intrepid about it but received no reply.

NZ Adventure South

Great value overall, might recommend only spending one night in Tekapo as there is very little night life (especially during the week). Perhaps one full day/night in Te Anau.

New Zealand Journey National Geographic Journeys

The beauty of the the country and the tour organization made it fantastic.

NZ Adventure 17 Day

Die Reise war super und für den kurzen Zeitraum hat man sehr viel von Neuseeland gesehen

South Island Lick Tour

Definitely do it! It's great.

• €75 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Sweet As South (Westbound, 9 Days)

Great experience for this tour.. would rate this as 5stars.. made new friends along the way

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

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Southern Spectacular (10 Days)

Overall an excellent tour. But it was surprising and disappointing that in some of the hotels, the shower was in the bath.

Sweet As South (Eastbound, 9 Days)

New Zealand – South Island Multisport

Overall is good. The issue is that it was advertised for ages between 12+ to 99. This age group is definitely too broad. My husband and I are in our 70's, but the rest of the group (14) were between 30-50. Although we are outdoor individuals who can hike and cycle for several hours, we were definitely slower than our younger companions. Our interests during these activities re. history/fauna etc... were also not that of the other travelers. Our guide was caught between the needs to ensure safety of 2 separate groups which we felt was unfair to him. Otherwise, itinerary, guide's knowledge and organization were very good.

• Wine tasting

Ultimate South Island Adventure

Well organized trip with great guides that hit many of the highlights of the South Island, which deserves its reputation for awesome scenery. Active but not overly strenuous hiking.

NEW ZEALAND – 10 Days Highlights of North and South Islands

Himanshu the representative was very Cooperative and answered all our queries. Though the group was maximum to 15 people there were some trips where we were around 50 people in the trip. We had paid for a private trip where maximum size was 15 people and hence that was disappointing. Overall the trip was good.

What people love about New Zealand South Island Tours

Excellent tour. Definitely recommend

One of the best experiences of my life, made possible by the incredibly talented and charismatic Daisy! This was well organized with all of the logistics taken care of for you while having the freedom to pick what activities interest you most. The group setting was fun and a nice bonding expensive of people from around the world. Some of the hostel stays were great, some were just ok, but all were clean and had the essentials.

Great tour! We got to see so many places in such a short amount of time, and I had a great time. Made some friends during the whole time! Will be heading to see the North Island next year! I’m already looking forward to exploring! ??

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New Zealand South Island Tours - Self Drive, Bus & Coach

Explore iconic South Island New Zealand with these New Zealand South Island tours. From Nelson and Abel Tasman National Park to Franz & Fox Glacier. Wanaka, Queenstown, Milford & Doubtful Sounds, Dunedin, Stewart Island, Mt Cook National Park, Christchurch, Akaroa and Kaikoura we have a South Island New Zealand tour that suits you. Our range of New Zealand South Island Tours can be customised to suit you perfectly. With hundreds of accommodation and activity options we can tailor-make the perfect South Island itinerary.

Train, Fiord and Glacier

Duration: 6 days Christchurch to Christchurch

• Hotel 3 star
• Independent tour (bus & coach)

Spoil yourself with a New Zealand tour to a beautiful fiord, stunning glacier and finish with one of the best scenic rail routes of New Zealand's South Island. This vacation really is fantastic if you want to see some unique highlights in a short time frame. Contact us if you wish to alter this plan - we can design your holiday specifically for your needs!

• Viewed 1152 times in the last 7 days

price pp from

twin share/double

Highlights of the Deep South

Duration: 4 days Christchurch to Christchurch

• Hotel 4 star

Enjoy a 4 day adventure which starts and finishes in Christchurch. Staying in 4 star accommodation you can be assured after your days of sight seeing you can come back and relax in luxury! Highlights include: The world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train, The wild West Coast, Visit Franz Josef Glacier, Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, the Gibbston Valley, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Mt Cook National Park.

• Viewed 919 times in the last 7 days

6 day South Island Encounter

Duration: 6 days Queenstown to Queenstown

A 6 day introduction to the South Island including Mt Cook National Park, Christchurch, Milford Sound and the West Coast Glaciers.  Highlights are the renowned TranzAlpine Scenic Train journey and the Milford Sound Nature Cruise.

• Viewed 739 times in the last 7 days

Southern Highlights with Milford Sound

Duration: 5 days Christchurch to Christchurch

Enjoy 5 days exploring New Zealand's South Island with this excellent independent touring itinerary. Journey from Christchurch in a loop around the South Island. Cruise through Milford Sound, visit Mt. Cook National Park, explore the West Coast glaciers, and travel on the TranzAlpine scenic train.

• Viewed 1594 times in the last 7 days

10 Day Southern Icons Adventure

Duration: 10 days Christchurch to Christchurch

This 10 day is one of our most popular, taking in the best of the South Island. With a great balance of included activities and free time, plus of course the must see locations you get to experience.

• Viewed 688 times in the last 7 days

West Coast Getaway with TranzAlpine

Duration: 2 days Christchurch to Queenstown

Highlights of this tour include, the TranzAlpine Train, Queenstown and Franz Josef.

• Viewed 732 times in the last 7 days

4 day Glaciers, Queenstown and Milford Sound Highlights

The South Island of New Zealand is home to some of the world's most breathtaking scenery! This 4 day tour starting and finishing in Christchurch is from the comfort a coach, so you can sit back and take it all in.

• Viewed 692 times in the last 7 days

Was NZD$3,000

6 day Queenstown, Milford Sound and Glacier Highlights

Starting and finishing Christchurch this tour visits Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown, Fiordland, Milford Sound and the West Coast Glaciers before taking the TranzAlpine Scenic Train journey across the Southern Alps.

• Viewed 1326 times in the last 7 days

10 day Glaciers and Overnight Fiordland

Starting in Christchurch cross the Southern Alps on board the Tranz Alpine train. Explore the West Coast Glaciers before heading south to Queenstown. Venture into Milford Sound for an incredible overnight experience. The World Heritage area of Mt Cook National Park is also a highlight.

• Viewed 585 times in the last 7 days

Southern Scenic Wonders

This classic 9 day tour introduces you to Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown. Fiordland, Milford Sound and the West Coast Glaciers and includes the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train journey.

• Viewed 644 times in the last 7 days

Was NZD$4,000

West Coast Escape with TranzAlpine

Highlights include: The world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train • The wild West Coast • Visit Franz Josef Glacier •  Lakes Wanaka and Hawea • the Gibbston Valley • Queenstown

• Viewed 551 times in the last 7 days

Nearly all our guests customise our tour ideas. That's what we do! Our expert team of New Zealand specialists can design a holiday itinerary to suit you perfectly. A tailor made package can be created for you in no time and doesn't cost you any more than one of our 'off the shelf' ideas. So get in touch with the team today to start your plans.

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Group of Muslims tour New Zealand on mission to break down barriers and emphasise peace

• Kaysha Brownlie

Watch: A Muslim group is on a NZ tour to educate the public on Islam. Credits: Newshub

A group of Muslims is touring New Zealand on a mission to educate people.  

Starting in the South Island, their goal is to break down barriers, correct stereotypes and emphasise peace. 

More from Newshub

They're breaking the ice with a cup of chai tea and opening the invitation to ask absolutely anything. 

"What football team we support, just general everyday life as well, a lot of the questions are based on faith our religion concepts like jihad," said Wellington-based Imam Mustenser Qamar, who is a religious leader and member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

Imam Asif Munir said there have also been these types of questions: "Why is Islam so violent why do you kill the disbelievers?" 

Their goal is to "change the narrative around islam", by using a nationwide roadshow - starting in the South Island including Timaru, Invercargill and even Gloriavale. 

The tour is part of a wider campaign, partly fuelled by previous experiences - including Munir's conversation with a new neighbour when he first moved to New Zealand. 

"He said, 'Oh, you're Muslims' because my wife was wearing a hijab and I said, 'Yes' and the third question he asked was, 'Oh, do you carry any guns?'" 

And more recently, while on tour, someone yelled "you f**king terrorist" from a car.  

It's the first roadshow back after COVID-19 and aligned closely with the anniversary of the March 15 terror attacks. 

The group is equipped with a whiteboard, educational brochures and scripture.  

Munir said it's not about recruiting or converting people.  

"Yes, if people are interested in Islam, we can talk about it behind closed doors at mosques and stuff but we are just here to educate." 

Christchurch marks the final South Island stop as the group prepares to head north. 

"I think this education is good, it's important for people to be open minded," a Christchurch resident said.