8 Day South Island Hidden Gems Small Group Tour

Head north along the coast to a working sheep, beef, and deer farm, where you’ll watch a sheepdog demonstration and get hands-on hand-feeding the farm animals. Continue on to Kaikōura, one of the best places in the world to see whales and dolphins close to shore. Spend the afternoon walking the Kaikōura Peninsula, watching for fur seals on the rocks, before a seafood dinner in town, Kaikōura’s name literally translates to “eat crayfish.”

Overnight: Kaikōura 

Included Accommodation: Dusky Lodge (or similar)

Included Experience

• Farm Experience
• Kaikōura Peninsula Walk 

Optional Activity

• Whale Watching
• Swim with Dolphins
• Ziplining

An early start for those keen to spot dusky dolphins feeding just offshore, before continuing north through the last of the dramatic Kaikōura coastline. Cross into Marlborough, New Zealand’s largest wine region, for a cellar door stop and tasting among the vines. In the afternoon, arrive at Abel Tasman National Park, known for its golden beaches and clear turquoise water.

Overnight: Abel Tasman (Kaiteriteri) 

Included Accommodation: Bethany Park Kaiteriteri (or similar)

Included Experience

• Marlborough Wine Tasting

A full free day to explore Abel Tasman National Park at your own pace. Options range from a guided sea kayaking trip among the park’s coves and wildlife, to a full-day sailing trip, canyoning through naturally carved gorges, or simply walking a section of the coastal track.

Overnight: Abel Tasman (Kaiteriteri) 

Included Accommodation: Bethany Park Kaiteriteri (or similar)

Optional Activity

• Explore the Abel Tasman National Park
• Skydive Abel Tasman
• Abel Tasman canyoning

Break up the drive south with a stop at the Nelson Lakes for a walk and a photo at the wharf, before continuing to the alpine resort village of Hanmer Springs. Along the way, stretch your legs on the Conical Hill walking track, regarded as one of the best short walks in the region, for sweeping views over the village and surrounding mountains.

Overnight: Hanmer Springs 

Included Accommodation: Tussock Peak Lodge (or similar)

Included Experience

• Nelson Lakes Stop
• Conical Hill Walk

A full day to enjoy Hanmer Springs, New Zealand’s best-known alpine hot pool town. Soak in the outdoor thermal pools, browse the boutique shops and cafes on the main street, or add on rafting, bungy jumping, or a forest walking trail if you want more adventure.

Overnight: Hanmer Springs 

Included Accommodation: Tussock Peak Lodge (or similar)

Included Experience

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools

Optional Activity

• Manuka Skies Stargazing
• Mountain Bike Hire with Map

Head back toward Christchurch, stopping en route at the Iron Ridge Quarry Sculpture Park in North Canterbury, an open-air gallery of large-scale sculpture set against the Waipara River Valley. Back in the city, join a guided walk through Christchurch’s street art precinct before a free evening to explore.

Overnight: Christchurch 

Included Accommodation: Hotel Give (or similar)

Included Experience

• Iron Ridge Quarry Sculpture Park
• Christchurch Street Art tour
• Waka on Avon

A day trip to Akaroa, a small harbour village with a distinctive blend of Māori, French, and English heritage, and one of the best-preserved historic towns in the South Island. Visit a little penguin conservation project on the peninsula before returning to Christchurch in the late afternoon, where your Hidden Gems tour concludes.

Tour concludes in Christchurch 

Included Experience

• Pōhatu Penguins 2-hour nature tour

Optional Activity

• Wildlife Sea Kayaking Safari
• Akaroa Nature Cruise