New Zealand Coach Tours - Small Group Tours
14 Day Ultimate South Island Small Group Tour
price from
NZ$ 10260
per person (twin share)
Your Ultimate South Island Tour: A Full Loop from Christchurch
New Zealand’s South Island rarely gets explored properly in one trip, but this tour changes that. This Ultimate South Island tour takes you through the very best of it over fourteen unforgettable days. First, you depart Christchurch aboard the legendary TranzAlpine train. Then you loop through Punakaiki, Abel Tasman, Marlborough, Kaikoura, Tekapo, Te Anau, Queenstown and Franz Josef, covering the full breadth of the island before returning to where you started.
Along the way, you will wind through the Southern Alps by scenic rail, then explore Punakaiki’s famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Next, you will spend a full free day in Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand’s smallest and sunniest national park. This 14 day South Island tour also includes a wine tasting in Marlborough, whale watching in Kaikoura, stargazing at Lake Tekapo, and a scenic cruise through Milford Sound, often called the eighth wonder of the world.
The second half of the journey brings free time in Queenstown, the adventure capital, and in Franz Josef, home to one of the country’s most accessible glaciers. Small groups and expert local guides make every stop effortless. Because accommodation is premium twin share, every night matches the scenery in comfort.
For more options, explore our tours collection. Or, if two weeks is more than you need, browse our shorter South Island Pioneer tour instead. Few itineraries cover this much of the South Island in one trip, which is exactly why this Ultimate South Island tour is our most complete southern journey.
Tour Information, Departure Dates & Price
Transportation
- Minibus
Tour Departures
- Check the tour departures below
Airport Transfers
- Not Included
Pricing
-
From NZD 10,260
Meals
- x13 Breakfast
- x3 Lunch
- x2 Dinner
Accommodation
- Superior Hotels
Cities/Regions Visited
-
Punakaiki – Abel Tasman – Marlborough – Kaikoura – Tekapo – Te Anau – Queenstown – Franz Josef
Group Size
- maximum 14 travelers
Tour Code
- WK0720267
Pre & Post Accommodation
- N/A
14 Day Ultimate South Island Small Group Tour Days
Ride the TranzAlpine through the Southern Alps to Greymouth, then continue to Punakaiki, home of the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. In the evening, the group will come together for a welcome dinner, offering the perfect chance to relax, share the day’s experiences, and get to know your fellow travellers.
Included activities:
- TranzAlpine train journey, one of the most scenic train rides in the world


Today is yours to explore the coastal wonders of Punakaiki. Discover the spectacular Pancake Rocks, where columns of water shoot skyward through natural rock formations. Wander through coastal rainforests, explore limestone cliffs, caves, and pristine beaches, or take a leisurely walk along the rugged coastline. If you’re after a more active adventure, kayak through a valley of monumental limestone cliffs in Paparoa National Park. The beauty of this area offers a truly memorable experience.
Travel along the wild West Coast, stopping to take in scenic views, seal colonies, and lighthouse vistas. As we head inland through the picturesque Nelson Lakes, we make our way towards Abel Tasman National Park, considered one of New Zealand’s most beautiful destinations. Arrive in the quaint Abel Tasman region and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure, exploring the charming local town or relaxing at your premium accommodation.
Spend a full day discovering the wonders of Abel Tasman National Park. Choose from a variety of experiences to suit your interests, such as kayaking along the golden shores, hiking the coastal track, or even trying more exhilarating activities like canyoning or skydiving. Alternatively, relax with a peaceful walk along the beach and enjoy the stunning scenery, which offers one of the best beach experiences in New Zealand. Keep an eye out for native wildlife like the Tui and Tuatara.
Leaving Abel Tasman behind, we drive through the picturesque Marlborough region, famous for its vineyards and world-class Sauvignon Blanc. Enjoy a stop at one of the local wineries for lunch and a tasting to savour the region’s finest wines and take in the stunning views over the vineyards.
Continue to Kaikoura, a coastal town known for dramatic scenery and marine wildlife. The afternoon is free to spot seals, go whale watching, or swim with dolphins.
This morning, take some time to soak in the stunning views of the Kaikōura mountains and enjoy a final relaxed start to the day. In the late morning, we begin our journey back to Christchurch, stopping at a local winery along the way to enjoy some refreshments. Your guide will then continue on to Christchurch, arriving at approximately 4:00 pm.
Travel through the scenic Rakaia Gorge, stopping for lunch in Geraldine. Continue to Lake Tekapo, known for its turquoise water and Southern Alps backdrop. A group dinner tonight is a great chance to reconnect with your group.
Head south, stopping at Mt Difficulty Vineyard for an included lunch and wine tasting amid stunning Central Otago scenery. Continue to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park.
Travel to Milford Sound, often called the eighth wonder of the world. Enjoy an included scenic cruise past towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, plus lunch on board. Continue to Queenstown.
Today is a free day for you to explore the adventure capital of the world. With a plethora of optional activities available, such as bungy jumping, skydiving, jet boating, a scenic hike or a leisurely stroll around the city’s charming streets, there’s something for everyone.
Today, our journey takes us from the charming Queenstown to the breathtaking Franz Josef, renowned for its majestic glaciers. En route, we’ll pause in Wanaka, a serene lakeside gem offering some of New Zealand’s most captivating vistas. As we drive up the scenic west coast, prepare to be spellbound by the unparalleled beauty of the landscape unfolding before us.
Today offers you the freedom to delve into the wonders of Franz Josef at your own pace. You can opt for a guided glacier walk to immerse yourself in the icy magnificence.
Travel back to Christchurch, stopping in Hokitika, known for its jade carving, and crossing Arthur’s Pass, one of New Zealand’s most dramatic mountain routes.
Visit Castle Hill’s dramatic limestone rock formations before finishing the tour in Christchurch.
Inclusions & Highlights
- Mercedes Sprinter Luxury Bus with expert local guide driver throughout
- 3 to 4 star twin share accommodation with private ensuite bathrooms
- Breakfast every day
- 2 group dinners, including Welcome Dinner
- TranzAlpine Scenic Train Journey, Christchurch to Greymouth
- Milford Sound Cruise, including lunch on board
- Wine tasting and lunch at Mt Difficulty Vineyard
- Wine tasting and lunch in Marlborough
- Free day to explore Abel Tasman National Park
- Free day to explore Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
- Kaikoura coastline, with free time for whale watching or dolphin swimming
- Ohau Point and Cape Foulwind seal colony viewing along the drive
- Guide handles all optional activity bookings on the road, nothing to book in advance
Tour Departure Dates
Departure dates 2026
- Saturday 5 December
- Saturday 12 December
- Saturday 19 December
- Saturday 26 December
Departure dates 2027
- Saturday 2 January
- Saturday 9 January
- Saturday 30 January
- Saturday 6 February
- Saturday 27 February
- Saturday 6 March
- Saturday 13 March
- Saturday 20 March
Accommodation
- Punakaiki Hotel or similar, 2 nights (Days 1 to 2), Twin Share Room with private ensuite
- Abel Tasman Hotel or similar, 2 nights (Days 3 to 4), Twin Share Room with private ensuite
- Marlborough Hotel or similar, 1 night (Day 5), Twin Share Room with private ensuite
- Kaikoura Hotel or similar, 1 night (Day 6), Twin Share Room with private ensuite
- Christchurch Hotel or similar, 1 night (Day 7), Twin Share Room with private ensuite
- Lake Tekapo Hotel or similar, 1 night (Day 8), Twin Share Room with private ensuite
- Te Anau Hotel or similar, 1 night (Day 9), Twin Share Room with private ensuite
- Queenstown Hotel or similar, 2 nights (Days 10 to 11), Twin Share Room with private ensuite
- Franz Josef Hotel or similar, 2 nights (Days 12 to 13), Twin Share Room with private ensuite
Note: departures on 19 December, 26 December 2026, 2 January and 9 January 2027 spend two nights in Nelson instead of Abel Tasman, with a return shuttle offered to explore the park.


New Zealand - South Island
Small Group Tour
14 days
Christchurch
Christchurch 































































