Top South Island Overnight Tours

Embark on an unforgettable journey through some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes with Cheeky Kiwi Travel. This two-day tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via Franz Josef offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes and hidden gems. You’ll enjoy personalized service, small group sizes, and expert local guides who will ensure your journey is as informative as it is exhilarating. Book your adventure today and create memories that will last a lifetime.

This Doubtful Sound overnight cruise takes you over Manapouri Lake to this South Island gem in the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park. Board the ‘Wanderer,’ a 3-mast motorized boat designed on a traditional scow, and cruise past soaring granite peaks in New Zealand’s second-largest fiord. Learn from an onboard nature guide about wildlife such as fur seals, penguins, and bottlenose dolphins. Then spend the night in a comfortable cabin, including a 3-course dinner and breakfast.

Board the ‘Milford Mariner’ for a Milford Sound overnight cruise along this pristine waterway, situated in New Zealand’s impressive Fiordland National Park. Cruise the entire length of the fiord before your captain anchors in Harrison Cove. Then, spend the night in a private single or twin-share en suite cabin, including a 3-course buffet dinner and breakfast. Listen to a nature guide on board and make use of provided kayaks to explore waterfalls and glacial-carved cliffs like Mitre Peak.

The Fox Glacier is widely considered among New Zealand’s most impressive natural attractions—but it’s impossible to appreciate its beauty from ground level. On this tour, take to the skies by helicopter for panoramic views over the glacier, and trek deep into the icy wilderness with your guide—where the forces of nature work their magic. With safety kit and crampons included, see the best of the Fox Glacier up-close.

It can be difficult to fully appreciate Fiordland National Park when you’re hiking with a heavy pack. This easy-going morning or afternoon cruise takes the sweating and heavy breathing out of the equation. Cruise along Lake Te Anau in an elegant yacht and enjoy the views of the bush-covered mountains from the lake. Note that this tour is not wheelchair or stroller accessible and has some restrictions for limited mobility.

Enjoy mountain and lake views from a different angle when you cruise from Queenstown aboard the vintage “TSS Earnslaw” steamship or the modern “Spirit of Queenstown” catamaran across Lake Wakatipu to the Walter Peak High Country Farm. Refuel with a gourmet barbecue lunch featuring Central Otago specialties, salads, desserts, and local cheeses at the Colonel’s Homestead. Learn about local rural life during sheep-shearing and sheepdog demonstrations at the farm.

Take a break from busy sightseeing and sail around serene Lake Wanaka on this late-afternoon cruise with a complimentary beer, wine, or soft drink. Enjoy views of the Southern Alps and local landmarks including the lakeside Lone Tree while relaxing with a cheese and cracker board. Purchase extra drinks from the fully licensed bar, if you wish. The short cruise is easy to fit in before dinner plans in Wanaka.

This two day small group adventure showcases the dramatic contrasts of the South Island, from the rugged rainforests and glaciers of the West Coast to the vast open spaces of the Canterbury Plains. Travelling from Queenstown to Christchurch with plenty of scenic stops, stories and memorable experiences, this journey captures the true spirit of Aotearoa. With friendly guides, comfortable transport and time to explore at your own pace, it is the perfect way to discover the heart of the South Island in one unforgettable trip.

A Kaikoura whale-watching cruise and dolphin swim are the highlights of this 2-day nature tour, round-trip from Christchurch. It includes a visit to a New Zealand fur seal colony and snorkeling alongside amazing dusky dolphins. Stay overnight in this coastal town after a scenic drive by coach through North Canterbury on the return journey if time permits.

We are excited to offer an overnight trip to Lake Tekapo stargazing & Mt Cook from Christchurch, showcasing the best highlights of these stunning destinations. Journey through breathtaking Mackenzie Region, visit to the renowned Lavender Farm and experience the fun of feeding alpacas at a local farm. As night falls, immerse yourself with Stargazing at the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd.—all without feeling rushed. Join us to experience 5 of New Zealand's most remarkable highlights: • Experiences stargazing at church of The Good Shepherd - The reason we make overnight trip. • Explore Lake Tekapo, One of New Zealand’s most romantic lakes in New Zealand. • Stroll along Hooker Valley Track, one of the best walks in New Zealand. • Capture stunning photos at New Zealand’s most famous Lavender Farm. • Feeding Alpacas, one of the most fun and memorable experiences. NOTE: This tour operates every MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, AND FRIDAY. Please email us if you don't find a suitable date.

Taste your way through the Gibbston Valley wines on a wine tour from Queenstown that includes wine tastings. Sampling a variety of Gibbston Valley wines ensures you a great overview of local flavors, and round-trip transport from central Queenstown means you can enjoy each tasting without worrying about driving at the end of the day.

Enjoy an evening of drinking without worrying about getting home safely on this wine and craft beer tour. Visit three wineries or breweries in the Gibbston region, with tastings at each and shared antipasto platters at one location. As you go, your guide tells you all about the region’s history, for an enjoyable and informative trip. Transfers from central Queenstown are included, and the small-group tour creates a friendly atmosphere.

Explore New Zealand’s South Island with a friendly local driver-guide who has lived in the region for many years and truly understands its landscapes, roads, seasons, and hidden gems. This private, fully flexible experience is ideal for travelers who prefer a relaxed pace, personalized routes, and the freedom to stop whenever something catches their eye. Your guide knows the best viewpoints, scenic backroads, and optimal timing for each destination, helping you avoid crowds and make the most of every day.

We offer you the best and most affordable private, customized holiday tours in south island for family or small group up to five people. You will feel the most flexibility and freedom to enjoy the every single moment and unique attraction in south island without hassles. We work together with customers to create a personalized tours for your convenience.

Witness the majesty of the Southern Alps from both the ground and the air on this full-day, small-group combination bus, helicopter, and ski plane tour. Most travelers miss the opportunity to see the area from so many different vantage points. Heading out from Queenstown, see the azure waters of Lake Dunstan and Lake Pukaki before spotting Mount Cook’s (Aoraki’s) snow-capped peaks cresting the horizon. Then, hop aboard your aircraft for a flight through the mountains, including a landing at Tasman Glacier.

A great way to experience the best of Kaikoura's sealife! This two-day tour takes you north from Christchurch to the coastal town of Kaikoura; a bustling township with many cafes, restaurants and shops as well as incredible wildlife. Kaikoura is one of the only places in the world where whales and dolphins can be encountered every day! When you arrive, head out on a magical swimming encounter with Dusky Dolphins. On day 2, experience the world-famous Kaikoura Whale Watch tour before heading down the scenic coast back to Christchurch. This is an Independent coach tour, where you travel on a combination of touring coaches and sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour and different drivers. You have free time to explore on your own and are free to choose where and when to eat, meals are not included unless specified.

See some of New Zealand’s most iconic natural vistas on this 2-day multi-stop adventure from Christchurch to Queenstown. Travel on the TranzAlpine train on a journey to see the blue-tinted frozen glaciers on New Zealand’s west coast, before stopping off overnight in Franz Josef. Once rested up, continue on to see the stunning crystal blue waters of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea before finally arriving in the bustling town of Queenstown.

This two-day trip from Queenstown to Christchurch packs a lot of experiences into a short time. Experience the scenic beauty of a New Zealand road trip without having to drive yourself, as you travel by comfortable coach and train. Enjoy a mix of free time and guided walks or other tours. You can choose activities to suit your own needs and interests. This trip is an easy and adventure-filled way of traveling between the two cities.

Embark on an unforgettable overnight journey from Christchurch to the serenity of Hurunui Hut along the Harpers Pass Track. This exclusive expedition promises a perfect fusion of adventure, relaxation, and immersion in the untamed wilderness. Depart from Christchurch and embark on a picturesque drive to the start point of Harpers Pass Track. Along the way, soak in the breathtaking vistas that set the stage for the adventure ahead. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes with a trek through the wilderness, or embrace the thrill of an exhilarating fat biking experience. Spend the night at the welcoming embrace of Hurunui Hut, nestled amidst the rugged beauty of the wilderness. After settling into the cozy hut, indulge in a rejuvenating escape to nearby natural hot springs. Let their therapeutic waters melt away the stresses of everyday life. As night falls, bask in the peaceful ambiance of Hurunui Hut, sharing stories and laughter with fellow adventurers under the stars.

Start your adventure by making your way to Milford Sound (self-drive) for a two-hour Nature Cruise. Get close to cascading waterfalls, spot seals basking on rocks, and watch for dolphins in the pristine waters while your skipper shares fascinating commentary about the fiord. The spacious vessel offers warm and comfortable indoor cabins as well as spectacular outdoor decks—both are ideal for photography and wildlife watching. The next day back in Te Anau (10:45am), enjoy an adventure at a family-owned farm, where you’ll be welcomed to explore real farming life. During your hour-long farm experience, watch an entertaining display of working dogs rounding up sheep across the paddocks. See a traditional sheep shearing demonstration, meet friendly farm animals, and enjoy morning tea while your hosts share stories about New Zealand farm life. Experience two of Fiordland's best attractions over two days.