Special Interest Tours - Adventure Tours

14 Day Best of the South Island: Small Group Adventure

price from

NZ$ 3950

per person (twin share)

14 Day Best of the South Island: Small Group Adventure
New Zealand - South Island Adventure Tour 14 days Christchurch Christchurch Inquiry & Booking

14 Day South Island Adventure Tour | Flash-Pack Hostel Accommodation | 11 Breakfasts, 2 Group Dinners | Milford Sound, Franz Josef & Abel Tasman | For 18 to 39 year olds

This South Island adventure tour packs two weeks of bucket-list moments into one small group loop from Christchurch. A local driver-guide handles the driving in a comfortable Mercedes Sprinter. You simply show up for glacier hikes, Milford Sound cruises, and Queenstown’s full adrenaline lineup.

The route runs from Tekapo’s Dark Sky Reserve to the adventure capital Queenstown. From there, it crosses Haast Pass to Franz Josef Glacier, follows the wild Punakaiki coastline, and heads into Abel Tasman National Park. The loop ends back in Christchurch, via Kaikōura’s marine wildlife.
Groups are capped at 18 guests. Nights are spent in social, backpacker-style hostels rather than hotels. That keeps the trip both affordable and genuinely communal.

This South Island adventure tour is particularly well-suited to solo travelers, backpackers, and small groups of friends. It’s built for anyone who wants a structured but flexible way to see the region’s best-known highlights. Your guide books optional activities on the road, so nothing needs to be arranged in advance. If a shorter trip suits you better, see our 7 Day South Island Adventure Tour: Southern Loop instead. Or browse our full Small Group Budget Tours range.

  • Departures run most Saturdays year-round from Christchurch
  • Private touring with an English-speaking driver-guide can be arranged separately for those who’d prefer a more personalized pace
Map

Tour Photo Gallery

Tour Information, Departure Dates & Price

Transportation
  • Comfortable private vehicle
Tour Departures
  • Check the tour departures below
Airport Transfers
  • N/A
Pricing
  • From NZD 3,950

Meals
  • 11x Breakfast
  • 2x Dinner
Accommodation
  • Backpackers
Cities/Regions Visited
  • Christchurch – Tekapo – Queenstown – Milford Sound – Franz Josef – Punakaiki – Abel Tasman – Golden Bay – Kaikōura – Christchurch

Group Size
  • maximum 18 travelers
Tour Code
  • WK09202026
Pre & Post Accommodation
  • Available

14 Day Best of the South Island: Small Group Adventure Days

Head for the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, one of New Zealand’s most photographed spots. Explore the local bike trails, then relax in the lakeside hot springs. In the evening, stargaze at the world’s largest Dark Sky Reserve.

Included Accommodation: Lakes Edge Tekapo Holiday Park (or similar)

Woman standing amongst lupin flowers in front of Lake Tekapo Group of people stargazing at the Mount John Observatory Lake Tekapo Hot Springs Three woman pose for a photo in front of Lake Tekapo in New Zealand Woman taking a photograph at Lake Tekapo

 

Head to Queenstown, the adrenaline capital of New Zealand. Before departing, there’s time for any activities or walks left over from the day before. On arrival, settle into your accommodation for the next three nights, then get exploring. Queenstown offers everything from skydiving and bungy jumping to canyoning and ziplining.

Included Accommodation: Lylo Queenstown (or similar)

The view overlooking Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu Tandem skydivers over Queenstown Group of people pose for a photo in front of Lake Tekapo Group of women pose for a photo on a pontoon on Lake Wakatipu Group of people on the Shotover Jet in Queenstown Woman bungy jumping in Queenstown

Larger-than-life waterfalls, ancient forests, and leaping dolphins welcome you to UNESCO-listed Milford Sound. After a scenic cruise through the fiord, unwind back in Queenstown with a beer or New Zealand’s famous Fergburger.

Included Accommodation: Lylo Queenstown (or similar)

Cruise ship in Milford Sound in New Zealand Group of people pose for a photo on a Milford Sound cruise Cruise boat under a waterfall in Milford Sound Group of friends cheers their beers together Burger from Fergburger in Queenstown

A full day to choose your own adventure threshold, from bungy jumps and canyon swings to horse riding. Try one of New Zealand’s most scenic skydives, or hit the trails on a bike. Go luging, or jet boat up the canyon.

Included Accommodation: Lylo Queenstown (or similar)

Tandem skydivers over Queenstown Three people jump off Glenorchy pier in New Zealand KJet zooming through the water Man on the canyon swing in Queenstown Queenstown luge track

After a break in picturesque Wānaka, travel along rugged coastline beside ancient rainforest, icy glaciers, and crashing waterfalls. This scenic route crosses Haast Pass, arriving at the gateway to glacier country, Franz Josef.

Included Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)

Walking bridge in Haast Pass in New Zealand Wild Kiwi vehicle driving through Haast Pass in New Zealand Person kayaks past the famous tree in Wanaka Group of people pose for a photo in Haast Pass Couple walk next to the blue pools in Hokitika Gorge

Franz Josef Glacier is one of the most striking natural formations in the country. Hike, helicopter, or both, to explore formations built up over thousands of years. For something at a lower altitude, try quad biking, kayaking, or relaxing in glacier-fed hot pools.

Included Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat (or similar)

Group of people hiking up Franz Josef Glacier Man in an ice cave Group of people pose for a photo on Franz Josef glacier Group of people on Franz Josef glacier with a helicopter Two people quad biking in Franz Josef

After a stop in beautiful Hokitika, travel through Arthur’s Pass amongst the snow-capped Southern Alps. Back in Christchurch, spend the afternoon exploring the city’s quirky shops and pop-up cafes.

Included Accommodation: Lylo Christchurch (or similar)

View of Arthurs Pass in New Zealand Group of people on the beach in Hokitika Group of people at Castle Hill in Christchurch Group of people at the donut statue in Springfield

Drive one of three scenic passes across the Southern Alps to the West Coast. The Lewis Pass takes you through unmodified beech forest and alpine wetlands. Stops along the way lead to the picturesque town of Punakaiki.

Included Accommodation: Punakaiki Beachcamp (or similar)

Mountain reflected in a lake on Lewis Pass Group of people pose for a photo on the west coast of the south island Woman walking in the bush in New Zealand Waterfall at Lewis Pass in New Zealand Punakaiki rocks in New Zealand

Punakaiki is best known for the Pancake Rocks, where columns of water shoot skyward from stacked limestone formations. Spend the day exploring lush coastal forest, limestone cliffs and canyons, and a dramatic stretch of coastline.

Included Accommodation: Punakaiki Beachcamp (or similar)

The Punakaiki rocks Group of people kayaking at Punakaiki Group of people pose for a photo on a large rock Two women pose for a photo on a bridge Group of people having a bonfire on a west coast beach

Drive the wild West Coast, with stops at lighthouse viewpoints and seal colonies. Head inland through the scenic Nelson Lakes toward Abel Tasman, one of New Zealand’s most beautiful national parks.

Included Accommodation: The Adventure Inn (or similar)

Kayaks on the beach at Abel Tasman National Park Wild Kiwi coast driving on a road next to a river Group of guests pose for a photo Group of people walk Abel Tasman track

Golden Bay is home to New Zealand’s longest sandspit, along with striking beaches and wildlife. Explore the Ngārua Caves, then walk around Te Waikoropupū Springs, home to some of the clearest water in the world. From there, follow the track to Wharariki Beach at the South Island’s northernmost point.

Included Accommodation: The Adventure Inn (or similar)

The cliffs of Farewell Spit People in the surf at Golden Bay View of Golden Bay Two people pose for a photo at Golden Bay beach

A free day to relax on the beach or explore the raw natural beauty of Abel Tasman National Park. Hike a section of the coastal track, or grab a kayak and spend the day paddling the coastline. Keep an eye out for native wildlife like tui and tuatara.

Included Accommodation: The Adventure Inn (or similar)

Two people kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park Group of women pose for a photo after a swim at Abel Tasman National Park Group of people jump off a yacht in Abel Tasman National Park Woman sitting in a kayak Group of people walking on the beach in Abel Tasman National Park

Head to the famed Marlborough wine region for a taste of world-renowned Sauvignon Blanc among the vines. Continue on to Kaikōura, known for its dramatic, rugged cliffs and marine wildlife, including whale watching and dolphin swimming.

Included Accommodation: Dusky Lodge (or similar)

Group of women wine tasting in Marlborough Wild Kiwi bus driving the coast near Kaikoura Woman going ziplining in Kaikoura Person swimming with a dolphin in Kaikōura

Spend the morning ticking off the last of your bucket list. Spot seals, search for whales, or swim with dolphins. Then head back to Christchurch, where the afternoon is free to explore the city’s funky neighborhoods before your tour concludes.

Whale breaching the water in Kaikōura Man watching a whale breach the surface in Kaikoura Woman on a bike in Christchurch Food and drink at a Thai restaurant in Christchurch

Inclusions & Highlights

  • 13 nights hostel-style accommodation (private rooms available on request, additional cost applies)
  • Abel Tasman National Park
  • 2 x group dinners
  • Transport to Milford Sound (cruise optional)
  • The world’s largest Dark Sky Reserve at Tekapo
  • Church of the Good Shepherd
  • Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowhole walk
  • Kaikōura coastline, famed for its marine wildlife
  • Ohau Point and Cape Foulwind seal colonies
  • Wine tasting in Marlborough
  • Golden Bay day trip
  • Mercedes Sprinter Luxury Bus transport with local driver-guide
  • 11 x breakfast, 2 x group dinner

Tour Departure Dates

3 Oct 2026
10 Oct 2026
31 Oct 2026
21 Nov 2026

5 Dec 2026
12 Dec 2026
19 Dec 2026
26 Dec 2026

2 Jan 2027
9 Jan 2027
16 Jan 2027

Accommodation

This tour uses social, backpacker-style hostel accommodation throughout, keeping the trip both affordable and genuinely communal. Private rooms can be added for an additional cost, subject to availability. Contact our team to check current pricing.

Included activities

Accommodation

Inquiry & Booking