Discover the purest natural landscapes of New Zealand's South Island on a 7-day loop out of Christchurch. Travelling in a small group of no more than 18, we cross the Southern Alps, roll along the wild west coast and take in national parks, wine country and rugged coastline at a relaxed, personal pace.
We stand at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks as water shoots skyward, explore the turquoise waters of Abel Tasman National Park, wander Golden Bay's beaches and springs, taste world-famous Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough, and reach the wildlife-rich Kaikōura coastline before looping back to Christchurch.
Days
- 7 days, 6 nights
Group size
- Maximum 18 guests
Start / finish
- Christchurch / Christchurch
- Christchurch, mid-afternoon on day 7
Return
- Christchurch, mid-afternoon on day 7
Accommodation
- 6 nights in flashpacker dorm accommodation — two at Punakaiki, three at Abel Tasman and one at Kaikōura.
Transport
- A Mercedes Sprinter with your guide throughout, crossing the Southern Alps by the Lewis Pass on day 1.
Meals
- No meals are named in the itinerary.
Route
Included experiences
- Punakaiki — the Pancake Rocks and Blowhole, where water shoots skyward through the stacks
- Abel Tasman National Park — three nights, hiking or kayaking the coastal track
- Golden Bay — the Ngārua Caves, Te Waikoropupū Springs and Wharariki Beach
- Te Waikoropupū Springs — some of the clearest water you will ever see
- Wharariki Beach — the northernmost point of the South Island
- Marlborough — wine tasting among the Sauvignon Blanc vineyards
- Kaikōura — seals, whales and the chance to swim with dolphins
- Lewis Pass — beech forests and alpine wetland crossing the Southern Alps
- The wild west coast — lighthouse views and seal colonies
- Nelson Lakes — the inland drive through to Abel Tasman
Pictures / Videos
Reviews
5.0
Based on 31 reviews
Verified from
Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.
AI summary of 31 reviews
Travellers consistently praise the Southern Loop tour for its excellent organisation, diverse mix of activities including hiking, kayaking, whale watching and scenic flights, and the genuine friendships formed with fellow travellers and guides. What stands out most often is the professionalism and warmth of the guides, who balance engaging storytelling and knowledge of New Zealand's history, wildlife and landscapes with attentiveness to group dynamics and individual needs, whilst the tour itself offers an impressive range of destinations and experiences across the South Island in a single week. The most common observation, rather than criticism, is that wifi connectivity can be patchy in remote areas, though this is presented as a minor caveat rather than a significant issue with the overall experience.
How we collect and publish reviews
Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour.
Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.
Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.
“Amazing experience”
This reviewer praised how well planned and organised the tour was, with a special shout-out to guide Telli for being informative and going above and beyond for the group. She highly recommends this tour to anyone wanting to explore New Zealand.
“Unforgettable Experience!!”
This reviewer found the tour incredibly well organised with stunning destinations, giving a big shout-out to guide Ben for making the trip special. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and always went the extra mile — clearly loving what he does.
“Terrific experience”
This reviewer called it a magnificent experience with guide Siobhan, who was knowledgeable, a great driver, and a pleasant, approachable person. Standout locations included Kaikoura for whale watching, Punakaiki for its sunset backdrop, and Abel Tasman's mix of hills, forest and coastline. He'd recommend the tour to anyone wanting a trip packed with information and stunning scenery.
“Brilliant!”
This reviewer had a brilliant week with guide Siobhan, feeling completely taken care of with excellently organised, once-in-a-lifetime activities. A great option for a stress-free trip around New Zealand with the chance to meet like-minded people.
“Guide review”
This reviewer said guide Telli was a brilliant, accommodating presence who fit in well with the group and went out of his way to help wherever possible.
“Superb”
This reviewer had an amazing week with guide Siobhan, who was full of knowledge and insight, and enjoyed the personable experience with plenty of activity options.
“Best group trip ever 🏔️”
This reviewer called her two-week South Island tour one of the best experiences of her life, packed with hikes, boat rides, scenic flights, mountain drives and evenings out including karaoke. Guide Siobhan made everything run smoothly and even organised a limousine to dinner one night. Communication about activity choices and costs was clear, and she'd highly recommend Wild Kiwi to solo travellers, groups of friends, or couples alike.
“Amazing Adventure”
This reviewer thoroughly enjoyed her trip with Wild Kiwi and will remember it fondly, praising guide Ben for always being there for the group, sharing New Zealand's history, and catering to everyone's wishes. She'd recommend it to anyone, especially given how much of New Zealand you get to see in just one adventurous week.
“10/10 experience”
This reviewer did the two-week South Island tour and couldn't recommend it more, making friends for life and seeing a huge amount of the island. Guide Telli brought great energy throughout.
“Best week with the best people!!”
Grace loved her week with Wild Kiwi and felt very well looked after by guide Siobhan. Accommodation, transport and activities were all great, but the real highlight was the friendships made along the way.
“Premium tour Wild Kiwi”
Jutta described her Wild Kiwi week as truly special, combining stunning landscapes with unique experiences. Guide and driver Tom made the trip unforgettable with his friendliness and willingness to help.
“Great tour”
Nando recommends this tour for anyone wanting to see a lot of New Zealand in a short time, with guide Siobhan doing a great job leading the week.
Even with the weather working against them, Wild Kiwi went above and beyond to make sure this Southern Loop trip around the South Island was still a stunning one. Guide Vendula was praised for going the extra mile to help out.
“Amazing Experience with Wild Kiwi and our super fun guide Ben!!!”
Supriya called this one of the most amazing trips thanks to guide Ben, describing it as well organised and lots of fun. She met a great group of people and can't wait to travel with Wild Kiwi again.
“Magical Days In New Zealand”
Ligia described seven days of magical experiences and incredible scenery, packed with adventure and relaxation. Guide Ben was a gem, always professional and quick with a smile that made the days memorable.
“Amazing Trip with Ben”
At 31, Rob was initially a little hesitant about hostels and travelling with strangers, but by the end of the week he'd made international friends and gained a new appreciation for New Zealand. Guide Ben customised the trip to what the group wanted to see, and Rob highly recommends it - especially if you're lucky enough to get Ben as your guide.
First-time visitor to New Zealand who took the Southern Loop tour with guide Claudia. She struck a great balance between well-known sights and local favourites only a local would know, making for a memorable week. The reviewer was grateful for her guidance and plans to book another Wild Kiwi trip in future.
Just finished the Southern Loop tour with guide Claudia, who adjusted plans smoothly around the weather and shared great stories about the South Island's places, wildlife and history. The week mixed rest with activities like skydiving, kayaking and a national park hike, and the small group of eight bonded well. The reviewer hopes to travel with Wild Kiwi again.
“Just book it, gift yourself this beautiful experience”
Nervous about travelling solo so far from home, Belen found it turned into one of the best experiences of her life. Guide Claudia made sure the week was exciting, fun and enriching, and Belen says it's worth every cent - she can't wait to return.
“South Island”
Nora had a wonderful trip on the South Island, with guide Tom proving organised and friendly throughout. Accommodation was good and the tour was well thought out.
“Best Trip Ever!!!!!”
Travelling with Claud's group, this reviewer loved the stories and history shared along the drive, plus sing-alongs in the van. They met people from many countries and ages, and enjoyed the hostels, activities and group dinners.
“An Unforgettable Adventure with Wild Kiwi – Perfectly…”
This reviewer highly recommends Wild Kiwi, saying the tour was perfectly planned with key destinations balanced against stops at scenic viewpoints and charming towns. Guide Ben kept the long travel days engaging with stories and insights about New Zealand, and made sure the group of solo travellers all felt included.
“Great tour, showing you the best of South NZ”
This reviewer highly recommends the big South tour as a great way to see the South Island's highlights. Guide Tom went out of his way to secure spots on activities, kept the drive smooth, and gave good food recommendations, and the accommodation, including a private room organised by Wild Kiwi, was comfortable.
“Exceptional trip and guide”
This reviewer found the South Island exceptional, with good weather and a solid mix of organised and free-time activities. Guide Ben was knowledgeable and entertaining, turning a group of 14 strangers into friends over a week of long drives balanced with engagement and quiet time. They're hoping to return for a North Island trip.
“Amazing!”
This reviewer says Daisy was a great guide on the Southern Loop, organising plenty of extra fun outside the standard itinerary.
This reviewer had the best time on the Southern Loop tour, praising the great group of people and the opportunities along the way. Special thanks went to guides Ben and Daisy for their fun, welcoming leadership.
On their first trip to New Zealand, this reviewer did the Southern Loop tour with guide Ben, describing him as friendly and professional. They liked the range of activities on offer at each stop, and said kayaking in Punakaiki was an amazing experience.
“Southern loop was amazing!”
Did the Southern Loop over Christmas with guide Clauds, who shared Māori history along the way and kept spirits high with music on the bus. The group was a nice mix of couples and solo travellers, and Wild Kiwi made getting around effortless with activities easily booked at each stop. Would highly recommend.
Stuart describes the Southern Loop tour as an unforgettable experience, saying Wild Kiwi made the whole trip seamless and highly enjoyable. He'd happily join another one of their tours.
The best seven days on the Southern Loop tour, which exceeded expectations exploring the Upper South Island. Highlights were swimming with dolphins at Kaikoura and visiting Abel Tasman National Park. The vehicle was comfortable with plenty of room and WiFi, and the pace allowed for lots of walks and activities at each stop. Wild Kiwi comes highly recommended.
Alice loved her week on the Southern Loop tour, finding it the perfect route and enjoying how the smaller group made everyone feel like family. Accommodation and activities were all easy to book, and she recommends the whale watching in Kaikoura and kayaking in Abel Tasman in particular. The van was comfortable with good amenities, though wifi could be patchy in remote areas.
