Journey through New Zealand's natural wonderland on a 7-day road trip through the South Island. Travelling in a small group of no more than 18, we discover glacier country, adrenaline towns and stargazing lakes at a relaxed, sociable pace.
We stargaze at the world's largest Dark Sky Reserve at Lake Tekapo, spend three nights in Queenstown, cruise UNESCO-listed Milford Sound, and reach the rugged west coast at Franz Josef for glacier country before returning through Arthur's Pass to Christchurch.
Days
- 7 days, 6 nights
Group size
- Small group, max 18
Start / finish
- Christchurch / Christchurch
Return
- See itinerary for details
Accommodation
- 6 nights in flashpacker shared dormitory cabins — one at Lake Tekapo, three in Queenstown and two at Franz Josef. Private room upgrades are available.
Transport
- A luxury mini-coach with your guide throughout, plus the cruise boat on Milford Sound.
Meals
- No meals are named in the itinerary.
Route
Included experiences
- Milford Sound — a fiord cruise past waterfalls, ancient forest and leaping dolphins
- Lake Tekapo — the bike trails, lakeside hot springs and the world's largest Dark Sky Reserve
- Queenstown — three nights and a free day for skydiving, bungy, luging or jet boating
- Franz Josef — a free day for a glacier hike, a helicopter flight, quad biking or kayaking
- Franz Josef — the glacier hot pools at the end of the day
- Haast Pass — the drive along rugged coastline past rainforest and crashing waterfalls
- Wanaka — a lakeside break on the way north
- Arthur's Pass — the crossing back through the snow-capped Southern Alps
- Hokitika — a stop on the West Coast before the final leg
Pictures / Videos
Reviews
4.9
Based on 248 reviews
Verified from
Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.
AI summary of 248 reviews
Travellers consistently praise the guides for being knowledgeable, friendly and well-organised, creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere throughout the week, whilst the stunning South Island scenery, well-paced itinerary covering major attractions and optional adventure activities receive widespread acclaim. The small group size stands out most often, with many noting how it facilitated quick friendships amongst travellers from diverse backgrounds, making solo travel feel supported and inclusive. The most common caveat is that the tour involves significant time in the vehicle with limited duration at some stops, and a handful of travellers mention that hostel quality can be variable, though accommodation is generally described as well-located, clean and comfortable.
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.
“An epic week experience”
Travelling with a friend, this reviewer made new friends along the way and found the trip really well organised with a great range of activity choices. Guide Telli was friendly and always had excellent suggestions at every stop. A highly recommended week.
“Amazing tour group! Highly recommend!”
This reviewer had a wonderful, hitch-free experience with Wild Kiwi thanks to guide Telli, who went above and beyond. They loved the accommodation, the range of activities on offer, and the group they travelled with.
On her first visit to New Zealand, this reviewer chose the Southern Voyager to see the South Island and found the driving, pit stops and accommodation all very well organised. She felt it captured the best of the region's diverse scenery. Travelling solo, she felt safe and comfortable throughout thanks to guide Tom, who made time for fun and conversation.
“Great experience 🫶”
This reviewer spent two weeks on the South Island and was blown away by how many places were covered, even if it felt a little rushed at times. Guide Tom was informative, helpful and clearly passionate about his job. She'd recommend Wild Kiwi as a great, varied way to see New Zealand.
“South Island: A wonderful week!”
This reviewer had a great, affordable, and well-organised week exploring the South Island, visiting everywhere she'd hoped to see. Her small group got on well, making for good evenings together, and guide Tom was knowledgeable and attentive — even adjusting the last day's schedule so the group could finally complete their skydive. She'd highly recommend it and hopes to book again.
“Great host, distances travelled were prohibitive.”
This reviewer found the South Island's attractions stunning but spread far apart, with one day involving a 600km-plus drive to reach a fjord cruise. Guide Tom kept the group entertained through the long driving days, though fog often obscured the views he wanted to show them. Accommodation throughout, shared with fellow travellers, was of a reasonable standard; he suggests the North Island tour instead if you only have a single week, since it packs in more with less driving.
“Southern Voyager”
This solo traveller called it one of the best trips of his life — well balanced and completely stress-free, and he never felt lonely despite travelling alone. He particularly praised guide Siobhan, who was professional, caring, and made the whole experience feel complete.
As a first-time visitor to New Zealand, this reviewer found guide Deanne to be the ideal host on the Southern Voyager tour. Deanne was knowledgeable, organised and generous with stories about the places visited and her own experience as a Kiwi and Maori woman, while also being a confident, safe driver on winding roads. The small-group setting created a personalised trip full of laughter and adventure that the reviewer highly recommends.
“Some of the best days”
This reviewer had some of the best days of his life thanks to guide Ben, who went above and beyond — driving without complaint, keeping the group updated, and checking in to make sure everyone was enjoying themselves. He also praised his fellow travellers and named Milford Sound, Lake Tekapo and Queenstown among the trip's highlights.
“Best way to see the south”
This reviewer praised the clean, comfortable transport, great accommodation and an exceptional itinerary for exploring the South Island. Guide Siobhan was knowledgeable and approachable, making the tour even more memorable, and she enjoyed the diversity of ages and nationalities in the group.
“Best your experience ever!”
This reviewer just finished the one-week Southern Voyager tour and called Siobhan the best guide ever, with a smooth, well-organised itinerary and a good balance of sights, activities and free time. Siobhan's energy, knowledge and passion for New Zealand made the trip unforgettable, from sharing local wildlife facts to recommending restaurants and bars. He couldn't have asked for a better guide or experience.
“Best Experience!”
This reviewer called it a worthwhile trip offering a great taste of the South of New Zealand with plenty of different activities to try. Guide Siobhan was outstanding, sharing lots of knowledge about the country's history and culture and going above and beyond for the group. She'd recommend it to solo travellers or friends alike.
“Great trip”
This reviewer had a great, worthwhile trip with a good group of fellow travellers and an awesome guide in Telli — chill, talkative and fun. She'd recommend the tour highly.
“Highly recommend!”
This reviewer loved how well organised the trip was, with even lunch and loo stops planned around nice towns or viewpoints, and appreciated how the small group size made it easy to get to know everyone as a solo traveller. Guide Siobhan was brilliant — knowledgeable about the history of each place, full of restaurant recommendations, and she organised all the activity bookings. Overall a ten-out-of-ten experience she'd repeat.
“Magical NZ”
This reviewer found the tour very well organised, visiting all the main sights and taking part in every activity she chose. She'd highly recommend it to anyone wanting to see the best of New Zealand and make new friends along the way.
“Wild Kiwi NZ tour with Siobhan”
This reviewer had a great two weeks in New Zealand with guide Siobhan, who brought an easy-going, friendly vibe to the group and had deep knowledge of the culture and places visited. Siobhan handled all the activity organisation, making the whole trip run smoothly, and the reviewer would happily travel with her and Wild Kiwi again.
“Fantastic trip around the South Island!!”
This reviewer called it the best experience, praising guide V for being friendly and accommodating, the bus for being comfortable, and the views for being amazing. With a wide range of activities on offer that the guide helped book, the trip left him with lasting friendships and memories.
“The best of scenery and action in southern New Zealand”
Having already done a North Island tour with Wild Kiwi the week before, this reviewer found the South Island leg just as beautiful, again with plenty of activity choices. Guide Vendula did everything she could to accommodate the group's wishes and added useful background information along the way. She fully enjoyed the trip without having to worry about anything, and felt the group bonded really well.
Bowen called it a perfect trip and gave a big shout-out to guide Telli, saying they loved travelling with Wild Kiwi.
“Wild Kiwi’s NZ South Island trip guided by Tom”
This reviewer called it a fabulous tour of the South Island, with guide Tom offering great insights and information and always happy to help make everyone's experience wonderful. Highly recommended.
“100 percent recommendable ,safe ,very professional team with…”
This reviewer called it one of the best experiences of his life, with good vehicles and hotel stays throughout. Guide Vendula made the trip especially memorable with her warm, kind approach, keeping things running on time including breakfast arrangements. He'd definitely recommend Wild Kiwi and plans to book the North Island tour with them next.
“Best experience ever”
This reviewer spent a week exploring the southern South Island and found it amazing, thanks largely to guide Tom, who was knowledgeable, organised and always in good spirits. Even with some patchy weather toward the end, the trip remained beautiful, and she'd highly recommend Wild Kiwi to anyone wanting a fun, well-organised way to see New Zealand.
“FUN FUN FUN”
This reviewer says not to miss the South Island, which she found just as full of amazing views, adventure, adrenaline and peaceful water as the rest of the trip.
This Southern Voyager tour left a lasting impression, with the reviewer calling it a memory for life and praising the great people met along the way. Guide Vendula was singled out as an incredible tour guide who took excellent care of the group.
“Best tour in new zealand”
This reviewer found it a fun, well-organised way to see a lot of New Zealand's sights, with everyone in the group friendly, and would travel with Wild Kiwi again.
“Well worth it, Vendula was amazing”
Lalita had a really fun week with guide Vendula, who kept things well organised and made everyone feel looked after. She'd highly recommend it, especially to other solo travellers.
“Southern Voyager - the best time!”
Jamie had a great time on the Southern Voyager, seeing all the highlights the South Island has to offer and getting a genuine taste of Kiwi life. Guide V was excellent throughout, making it a memorable trip worth the price and one they'd happily book again.
“Unforgettable experience on the southern voyager with wild…”
On their first solo tour, this reviewer spent six nights on the Southern Voyager and loved it, crediting guide Vendula's deep knowledge of New Zealand for keeping the group entertained. Having all the activities organised in advance took the pressure off, and they'd highly recommend it to solo travellers or groups alike.
“Amazing tour for solo travellers”
Eliza called it a genuinely fantastic, well-organised tour with plenty of flexibility and fun, crediting guide Vendula for being incredible.
“Experience of a lifetime”
This reviewer called it the experience of a lifetime, crediting guides Ben and Siobhan for a trip that left them with wonderful memories and new friends from around the world. A special mention went to Siobhan for organising a birthday cake during the tour.
Two sisters booked the seven-day Southern Voyager trip to see the South Island without having to worry about mountain driving or organising accommodation themselves. Guide Siobhan was the standout, clearly loving her job and always ready to answer their endless questions and offer recommendations. She joined in on group dinners and pub nights too, making for a trip they wouldn't have enjoyed nearly as much without her.
Gonzalo gave this trip a full five stars, praising the well-planned itinerary with activities to suit everyone. The guide's deep knowledge of New Zealand extended to good places to eat and drink in each town as well as local history. A trip he highly recommends.
“Beautiful Adventure with Wild Kiwi 🥝”
Amanda loved her South Island trip with guide Vendula, rating both the itinerary and the fun factor a perfect ten and giving it her full recommendation.
Well-timed pit stops meant this Southern Voyager tour never felt like too much time on the road, despite covering a lot of beautiful country in a short week. Guide Siobhan kept things laid-back and full of positive energy throughout.
Guide Siobhan exceeded expectations on this Southern Voyager tour, from the logistics down to the overall vibe, and the reviewer felt it was a great option for solo travellers thanks to the small group size. Doing the trip over Christmas, they appreciated how the route was thoughtfully adjusted around Franz Josef's holiday closures, plus a Christmas barbecue and Secret Santa that made the trip feel extra special.
On the Southern Voyager leg of her trip, guide Siobhan was excellent at helping plan each day and offering plenty of options along the way. As a Kiwi herself, she shared plenty of fun local facts on and off the bus and fully joined in with the group's fun. The reviewer loved every minute of the tour.
The Southern Voyager was a great choice for this solo traveller looking to make new friends along the way. Guide Siobhan earned a special shoutout for her deep knowledge of the South Island and great recommendations.
“First solo travel”
As an exchange student with no one to travel with, Arantza found this the best way to see New Zealand and ended up making many friends. Her first solo trip felt anything but lonely thanks to the small group setting.
“New friends, great guide and magnificent views”
From the moment the group boarded the bus, Liz felt like she'd known everyone for years, with plenty of scope to join group activities, smaller groups, or go it alone. Guide Ben knew great spots to break up the longer drives, and Lake Tekapo was a particular highlight - she took hundreds of photos to later turn into a painting.
“exceptional adventure in new zealand w/ wild kiwi!!”
This reviewer had an amazing time on the Southern Voyager, with guide Ben offering great recommendations and plenty of fun. Activities like bungee jumping and a glacier helicopter hike kept the adventure going throughout, and they'd recommend Wild Kiwi for its guides, stops and people.
Emily spent an amazing week visiting beautiful locations and trying adventure activities, and unpredictable weather didn't stop her making great memories with new friends. Guide Robbie was knowledgeable and helpful, sharing good tips and making regular stops for coffee and photos.
“Brillant tour!”
Annmarie called this a great tour, with guide Ben proving knowledgeable, funny and well prepared throughout. She'd recommend the trip.
“A perfect trip”
Larissa had the best experience on the Southern Voyager, praising guide Ben for going above and beyond and clearly loving his job. His knowledge of New Zealand history and wildlife and eye for hidden gems stood out, and the freedom to pick only the activities she wanted made for a wholesome trip with a great group.
This reviewer did the Southern Voyager tour in August and said everything was spot on, from the pre-trip communication to the tour itself. Guide Ben and the group made the experience even better, and they'd happily do it all again.
Called the Southern Voyager tour the best trip ever, with guide Clauds taking the guesswork out of planning activities. Her organisation let the group relax and enjoy New Zealand, and the reviewer highly recommends it, especially for solo travellers.
“Southern voyager Tour”
Rebecca found the tour amazing, with guide Clauds' knowledge of the area making things easy. Having all the activities organised in advance made for a stress-free, unforgettable holiday in a nicely sized small group.
Rated the Southern Voyager tour a full five stars, crediting guide Clauds for going above and beyond throughout. Recommended especially for solo travellers new to the idea, saying it's the way to see New Zealand.
“A memorable trip with the best tour guide!”
With only a week available during a longer Australia trip, Jonny chose the Southern Voyager and called it incredible despite some initial nerves about a first multi-day group tour. Accommodation was clean and well located, and guide Ben's energy and local knowledge made the long driving days feel light, even organising a group dinner and a birthday cake for someone in the group. A small group of just four gave the trip a personal feel, and an early blocked-road issue was handled smoothly by Ben and the team. Jonny would choose Wild Kiwi again, next time for the North Island.
“Absolutely would recommend”
Jessica and her Nan did the premium trip and found it absolutely beautiful throughout. Guide Tom was knowledgeable and went out of his way to help when Jessica left a laptop behind, and the well-organised itinerary of scenic stops suited both the older and younger members of the group.
“Southern Voyager with Tom”
Shanna had great fun on the Southern Voyager, with guide Tom offering helpful food and activity recommendations and plenty of interesting history and geography along the way. The accommodation was comfortable and conveniently located, and the whole trip felt well organised and thoughtfully planned.
“South Island with Ben!”
This reviewer praised guide Ben's deep knowledge, not just of New Zealand but further afield, along with his storytelling about the South Island's history and his sense of humour. The group gelled well and the trip was full of laughs, leaving them keen to book the North Island tour with Wild Kiwi next.
“Big Ben”
Ian learned a lot about the country from guide Ben and rated the experience a perfect 10 out of 10, saying he'd happily do it again.
“Best tour ever”
Caity called this the best trip of her life, praising guide Ben as an amazing tour guide who made every stop feel special.
“Best experience ever!!”
This reviewer says nothing compares to this trip — Ben felt more like a friend than a guide and made sure they had the greatest time in New Zealand, including a memorable stop to see seals. They urge anyone considering booking not to hesitate.
Gave the Southern Voyager tour a perfect score, praising guide Ben's deep knowledge of New Zealand. A highlight was spotting seals en route to Milford Sound, and they'd highly recommend Wild Kiwi.
“10/10”
Vincent joined with Ben as guide and found him excellent at making everyone feel welcome, with plenty of knowledge about New Zealand's culture, geography and history to share along the way.
“South Explore”
A great South Island adventure with plenty of freedom to pick activities. Tom cooked breakfast and put on a BBQ one evening, and this reviewer thanks him for showing them the sights along the way.
Called the Southern Voyager tour incredible fun and would definitely recommend it, with guide Ben named as the best part of the trip.
“Best week in south island”
Sara had an incredible, well-planned week with guide Tom, who was super helpful and organised and managed to fit in extra beautiful stops beyond the standard itinerary.
Had a great week on the Southern Voyager tour, packing in plenty of experiences. Guide Tom was a highlight, adding extra scenic stops beyond the standard itinerary each day.
“5/5”
First time travelling with Wild Kiwi, and this reviewer says it was a blast with a great group — their only regret is not planning for two weeks instead.
“Outstanding Tour Guide”
Maddison had an incredible time on the Southern Voyager, praising Ben as an outstanding guide with deep area knowledge, strong organisation and attention to detail, who always made the group feel safe and cared for.
This reviewer finished the Southern Voyager 7-day tour and had the best week travelling the South Island while bringing in the New Year. Guide Daisy was praised for her driving, knowledge and dedication to making sure everyone got the most out of the week, with the freedom to choose activities like ziplining, the Queenstown luge, jade carving and a Milford Sound cruise. Travelling solo, they quickly made close friends and found it hard to say goodbye by the end.
“Unforgettable Adventure with Wild Kiwi Tours”
This reviewer and their wife found the Southern Voyager unforgettable, thanks largely to guide Tom, whose warmth made him feel like family. The tour turned a diverse group of strangers into friends quickly, and with good accommodation and well-chosen stops, it made for a much-needed break from busy everyday life.
“Wild kiwi southern voyager tour”
Short but sweet review of the Southern Voyager tour, praising the chance to meet fellow travellers from around the world. Guide Daisy is singled out as an absolute legend, and the reviewer would definitely recommend the trip.
“10/10 fantastic tour!”
A fantastic, well-organised tour with guide Claudia singled out for praise -- she made sure everyone had plenty of fun. A full 10/10 rating from the reviewer.
This reviewer had an amazing experience on the Southern Voyager tour, praising guide Claudia's driving and her deep knowledge of New Zealand's history and natural beauty. The group of 18 became fast friends, and as a solo traveller they appreciated the balance of a structured schedule with plenty of flexibility to choose their own activities.
“Excellent”
A fantastic time exploring the South Island, with guide Tom praised for looking out for everyone in the group. The reviewer loved the stunning scenery and the chance to meet other travellers from around the world, and would recommend the tour to any solo traveller.
“Great time all around”
A great experience with a great group and guide Tom, who made the week thoroughly enjoyable. Spending a week on the road with strangers turned out to be surprisingly fun and full of laughs -- the reviewer suggests starting with the South Island.
“Epic Experience! 🤙🏼”
Josh's first solo trip was an epic week with a great group. He credits guide Clauds for making the best of things even when plans changed.
“Unforgettable trip thanks to Wild Kiwi”
Claudia's deep knowledge of the country and warm personality made this reviewer's first trip to New Zealand unforgettable, and they wholeheartedly recommend Wild Kiwi to anyone wanting to explore the country.
“THE MOST AMAZING TRIP!”
This reviewer did the Southern Voyager with Claudia as guide, who balanced bucket-list stops like Milford Sound and Queenstown with relaxed downtime. When a road closure blocked the way to Franz Josef, the team quickly arranged accommodation in Wanaka instead, and Claudia's local knowledge made the trip especially memorable.
“Clauds a fantastic guide.”
This reviewer completed the Southern Voyager with Claudia, enjoying highlights like Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Wanaka. A road closure meant missing Franz Josef, but an extra night in Wanaka with biking, hiking and lake swimming made up for it — Claudia even helped track down a local jewellery recommendation.
This reviewer did the Southern Voyage tour with Wild Kiwi and called it one of the best trips they've ever done. Guide Tom carefully managed the trip and kept everyone safe throughout, and they'd highly recommend it to anyone wanting to experience the beauty of New Zealand.
This reviewer's first solo trip and first visit to New Zealand was on the Southern Voyager tour, which they found packed with things to see and do while still leaving room for downtime. They liked not having to decide on activities until they were actually on tour, and the small group size made it easy to get to know everyone.
“12/10”
Liam did the southern voyager tour and loved it, making friends for life along the way. Guide Tegan's knowledge of New Zealand combined with her energy and positivity made the trip even better.
“Southern Voyager - amazing!”
Amanda calls the Southern Voyager a perfect mix of adventure and nature, with guide Tegan going above and beyond for the group.
This reviewer had a wonderful week on the Southern Voyager tour, with guide Tom sharing plenty of knowledge about the places they passed and offering great recommendations along the way. He helped make sure they could fit in all the activities they wanted, and they praised the comfortable van and the three places they stayed.
A fantastic week on the Southern Voyager tour, packed with activities and unforgettable New Zealand scenery. Guide Tom was excellent and made the whole trip even more enjoyable. Highly recommended.
Alison found the trip super professional and well organised, packing a lot into seven days — ideal for anyone wanting to see a lot in a short time. Guide Tegan stood out, sharing extensive, passionate knowledge of New Zealand and Māori culture.
Spent a great week on Wild Kiwi's Southern Voyager tour with Tom as guide. He went above and beyond to help everyone fit in the activities they wanted, shared great food recommendations at each stop, and added plenty of local history along the way. A superb week all round.
Akhil found the tour excellent overall, with a fantastic guide who gave great recommendations and took good care of the group.
Did the Southern Voyager tour with Ben as guide, who was fantastic and even arranged a birthday surprise. Great weather for the activity days in Franz Josef and Queenstown, including a first skydive and bungee jump in Queenstown and an amazing Milford Sound cruise. Best trip and best group ever.
The Southern Voyager tour was one of the best experiences of my life. Tegan was a fantastic, high-energy guide who kept everything running smoothly, even when plans changed. Loved sharing the trip with the group - stunning landscapes, fun activities, and a good dose of culture and history. Highly recommend.
Tegan consistently went above and beyond to give our group the best possible Southern Voyager experience. Not everything went to plan due to weather, but she handled every hiccup calmly and kept the fun going throughout. A brilliant, positive guide on an amazing tour.
Did the one-week Southern Voyager tour, taking in Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Franz Josef. Guide Ben was knowledgeable and full of good recommendations, and the group of 18 (mostly 18-30s) made it easy to make friends. Pricier than doing it independently, but worth it for the social side and for covering all the highlights in a week without needing to drive yourself.
An amazing trip all round - guide Tom made sure everything on my bucket list got ticked off despite some weather issues, and was helpful the whole week. Highly recommend the Southern Voyager trip.
Renee calls this one of the best experiences of her life, largely down to guide Daisy's talent and charisma. The logistics were well handled, leaving freedom to choose activities, and the group setting made for good bonding with travellers from around the world. Hostel quality varied but was always clean with the essentials covered.
“A totally Teg-tastic week”
A magical week on the Southern Voyager tour with guide Tegan, who was welcoming, energetic and kind from day one. The reviewer felt like part of a family from the start and is grateful for the memories made in New Zealand.
Sunday/Anyieth had an awesome trip with a great guide and plenty of activities on offer.
This reviewer loved the Southern Voyager tour and praised guide Daisy for being fun, knowledgeable, and for showing the group beautiful spots. Their only gripe was that some fellow travellers were noticeably older than the typical crowd. Overall they'd happily recommend the tour and Daisy to anyone.
“Southern Voyager - 7 Days”
The best time of the reviewer's life on the Southern Voyager tour, made all the better by never feeling like a solo traveller despite going alone. Guide Tegan is described as incredibly energetic -- when a planned skydive in Queenstown fell through, she made sure the group got to skydive in Franz Josef instead, and organised several VIP dinners along the way. Long drives felt easy thanks to her efforts, and the reviewer says Wild Kiwi is fully worth it.
Nele loved the tour and guide Tom, calling it a great way to see the South Island — one she'd happily do again.
This reviewer thoroughly enjoyed the Southern Voyager tour and singles out guide Tegan for special praise, describing her positivity and knowledge as infectious. They also note she was a great driver and call the trip a memorable one.
Hannah says guide Tegan made the trip one to remember, taking the stress out of exploring the South Island and keeping the soundtrack going. She met an amazing group and had a great mix of exploring and partying throughout the week.
Molly found guide Ben fantastic and funny, Scottish accent attempts included, and the group amazing — calling it one of the biggest highlights of her year living in New Zealand.
This group had a fantastic time on the Southern Voyager Tour, praising both the van and the accommodation. They singled out guide Ben as extremely helpful, knowledgeable and passionate, and thanked the team for a great trip.
Bruno's tour with Wild Kiwi went great thanks to guide Robbie, described as chill, organised, and easy-going. The small group visited the best spots in the South Island with plenty of optional activities to pick from, and everyone still got to enjoy the sightseeing together. Definitely recommended.
This reviewer had an amazing week on the Southern Voyager tour with Robbie as their guide, enjoying a good mix of thrills and stunning South Island views. Robbie's organisation and recommendations for things to do stood out, and they'd definitely recommend the trip.
This reviewer had a great time on the Southern Voyager tour with guide Ben, hitting all the spots they'd hoped to see in New Zealand, including Milford Sound. They appreciated Ben's effort in organising activities and group dinners and would recommend the company to anyone wanting to see a lot of NZ in a short time.
The trip of a lifetime, according to this reviewer, who did the Southern Voyager with guide Robbie taking great care of the group and pointing out great spots along the way. They praised the accommodation, activities and group dinners, and would highly recommend Wild Kiwi to anyone.
Constanze calls this the best tour with the best guide and best people, and is glad she took part — a strong recommendation to anyone considering it.
Travelling solo, this reviewer was initially worried about long drives eating into activity time but found the Southern Voyager well paced, with frequent stops even on driving days and plenty of activity options at multi-day stops like Queenstown. They praised guide Tom for being approachable and genuine, which helped the group bond quickly.
This reviewer highly recommends the Southern Voyager tour, praising guide Deanne for her honest activity recommendations and knack for finding the best coffee at every stop. Milford Sound and Queenstown were highlights, and having the tour bus reach Milford Sound directly meant extra stops the bigger coach tours miss. They found the accommodation nice and appreciated not having to plan everything themselves.
This reviewer took the Southern Voyager trip about a month before writing and calls it one of the most amazing experiences, crediting guide Deanne with teaching them so much along the way. They made lasting friendships and would highly recommend Wild Kiwi.
This reviewer found the Southern Voyager tour with guide Deanne fantastic and a lot of fun, noting she always tried to accommodate the group's wishes. They said everything was perfectly planned and organised, and highly recommend the tour.
Cassie loved having Robbie as guide for the first part of the tour, praising his great suggestions and insight on restaurants, cafes, and activities.
“Informative, Cheeky Adventure of a lifetime <3”
A winter Southern Voyager tour with guide Claudia, in a group mixing students and young professionals. Despite a fixed itinerary there was plenty of choice in activities and price points, and lots of scenic stops broke up the longer drives. Winter travel meant some activities got weather-cancelled, but Claudia quickly found alternatives, and the reviewer praises the well-stocked breakfasts and a comfortable, well-equipped van.
Calling it the ultimate road trip around the South Island, this reviewer praised the Southern Voyager tour for its great group vibe and knowledgeable, friendly guide Dee. Highlights included hitting the slopes at The Remarkables, cruising Milford Sound and swimming in Lake Tekapo.
“Best experience in New Zealand!!!”
An amazing time on the Southern Voyager tour, with the reviewer praising the places visited, the people met, the hostels and guide Ben in equal measure. Everything felt worth the money, and they'd definitely recommend it.
Finn had an absolutely wonderful trip, saying there's no better way to see New Zealand's most beautiful corners in seven days with great company. Guide Ben was great fun, and the tour included several terrific extra stops beyond the headline attractions. Highly recommended.
This reviewer did the Southern Voyager tour with guide Dee and called the experience amazing, with a comfortable bus that had wifi and charging ports and centrally located hostels. Dee was friendly, helpful with booking activities, and knowledgeable about the land and Maori culture.
This reviewer completed the Southern Voyager tour and praised guide Deanne's attention to detail and organisational skills, saying she connected with every traveller and made everyone feel valued. They described the trip as customisable and fabulous, and said they made long-term friends with the small group.
This reviewer did the Southern Voyager tour in July with guide Dee, who was praised as awesome for taking great care of the group and making sure everyone was included. They said they learned a lot about Maori culture and New Zealand from Dee and would highly recommend Wild Kiwi.
This reviewer loved their Southern Voyager trip and had high praise for guide Deanne. They described her as an incredible and highly informative guide who made the whole tour beautiful, and thanked her warmly for the experience.
This reviewer called their 7-day Southern Voyager tour with Deanne the best they've been on, travelling in the off-season with a small, close-knit group of five. Deanne balanced storytelling with downtime and gave great recommendations, and the group did the Milford Sound cruise together before some tried the bungee swing; the reviewer also went skydiving in Franz Josef, and enjoyed the comfortable wifi-equipped bus and small-group feel.
This reviewer had an awesome time on the Southern Voyager trip with guides Deanne and Tom, and would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone.
“Amazing experience!”
A wonderful 7-day South Island Voyager tour with guide Claudia, who the reviewer found knowledgeable, fun and clearly excellent at her job. They felt safe throughout and were impressed at how much of the South Island they saw in just a week. Highlights included kayaking on Lake Tekapo, incredible stargazing and a stop in Queenstown, plus meeting travellers from all over the world.
Led by guides Tom and Deanne, this reviewer's Southern Voyager trip delivered seven days of standout South Island scenery, adventure options and laughs. The guides handled all the activity bookings and accommodation logistics, and the reviewer particularly appreciated learning about Maori culture from Deanne.
This reviewer did the 7-day Southern Voyager tour with guide Tom in a group of 14, some doing it as a standalone trip and others as part of longer multi-tour itineraries. Tom was knowledgeable and adapted plans well when weather forced activity changes, such as swapping a cancelled heli-hike for kayaking. The reviewer tried skydiving, bungy jumping, the swing and quad biking in Queenstown and Franz Josef, found the bus's wifi patchy between towns, and highly recommends Wild Kiwi and guide Tom.
“Amazing places and activities with small group tour”
One of the best travel experiences the reviewer has had, on the 7-day Southern Voyager tour -- smooth from booking through to the end of the trip. Guide Claudia, a local Kiwi, is praised as professional, knowledgeable and easy-going, sharing local history along the way, and the group of mostly solo travellers from different countries bonded well. Thanks are given to Claudia and the Wild Kiwi team for a trip that lived up to every expectation.
With only limited time in New Zealand, this reviewer chose the Southern Voyager tour and said it covered everywhere they wanted to go plus many places they wouldn't have found alone. They praised guide Claudia as knowledgeable and welcoming, and were grateful for the whole experience.
“AMAZING- Southern Voyager 7 day”
Stunning scenery paired with Maori history, local culture and unique wildlife and plant life made this Southern Voyager tour memorable, with plenty of smaller stops along the way between the major sights. Guide Claud bridged the gap between the physical sites and their cultural and historical context, answering every question along the way. The trip never lacked for music, conversation or things to do, and the reviewer's only regret is not booking a longer South Island stay.
Melina enjoyed a good guide and van, amazing attractions, and meeting nice people from different countries.
This reviewer finished the 1-week Southern Voyager tour and said the experience couldn't have been better, with a well-organised itinerary of scenic stops, walks, good hostels and a range of activity choices. Guide Ben made the trip more enjoyable and easygoing, and they hope to do another Wild Kiwi tour in future.
This reviewer had an amazing time on the Southern Voyager tour, saying it was well thought out and covered all the major attractions. Guide Ben was entertaining and full of information.
Leanna really enjoyed the small group size, which made it easy to get to know fellow travellers from all over the world. Having stayed on in the South Island for a couple of months afterward, she confirms the route covers all the main must-see spots (bar Abel Tasman) with well-judged stop lengths. Her tips: research hikes and activities in each area beforehand since the guide mainly points to paid extras, use the grocery stores in most towns to save on food, and bring your own towel in case a hostel doesn't provide one. There are a couple of organised group dinners plus a free one at the end.
This reviewer highly recommends the 7-day Southern Voyager tour, noting the small group size, clean wifi-equipped bus and plenty of photo stops. Guide Ben was a lot of fun and even adjusted the itinerary to fit in a requested photo stop, and the reviewer suggests the Lake Matheson walk and the Roberts Point track for keen hikers.
Anne-Marie says just go for it — the only regret would be missing out on meeting such amazing people.
This reviewer did the Southern Voyager tour with guide Clauds and called it magical, saying seven days let them see far more of the South Island than they could have managed alone. They liked being able to relax during long drives and choose their own activities at each stop, and praised Clauds for taking on the roles of organiser and group carer throughout.
This solo traveller found the tour a great way to see the South Island on a tight schedule, since getting around without a car is otherwise near impossible. It hit all the major spots without the stress of self-driving or planning, while still allowing the flexibility to choose and book activities through the guide.
“Awesome week”
Having planned to bring a camper over on the ferry, a cancellation led the reviewer to the one-week Southern Voyager tour instead, which turned out to be a perfect plan B. They enjoyed relaxing and taking in the scenery while guide Telli shared local insights and long, entertaining jokes. The tour was well organised but flexible, without locking travellers into rigid timings or activities, and Telli looked after the group well throughout.
This reviewer took the Southern Voyager tour and called it a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Guide Telli was knowledgeable, funny, and kept the group of 18 comfortable throughout. Even when a few planned activities were cancelled, he was quick to suggest alternatives. They came away with great memories and plenty of thanks for Telli.
Daniel really enjoyed the Southern Voyager tour with Wild Kiwi, getting to pack in plenty of activities and see a lot of the South Island. Guide Telli was great at coordinating everything for the group of 18, who all got along well. He recommends asking Telli about his horse joke if you get the chance.
Lauren did the 7 Day Southern Voyager tour with three friends in early February and had a fantastic time, enjoying plenty of scenic stops along the way and appreciating how customisable the itinerary was. Guide Telli made the trip, coming across as organised, personable and always available, and quickly rearranged plans when a couple of excursions were cancelled for weather. The group was sad to see the tour end and felt lucky to have had him as their guide.
“Southern Voyager/South Island: Fantastic Tour, Fantastic Time”
An enthusiastic account of the 7-day Southern Voyager tour with guide Claudia, starting with a heli-hike up the Franz Josef Glacier and a high-altitude skydive, followed by adrenaline activities in Queenstown including bungy jumping and paragliding, a sunny Milford Sound cruise, and a relaxing stop at Lake Tekapo's hot pools. The reviewer credits Claudia's knowledge, warmth and organisation for elevating the trip, along with a well-sized group of twelve and comfortable transport and accommodation throughout. They call it genuinely one of the best tours they've ever done and would happily do it again.
Thi had a great tour, thanking guide Ben for being such fun, and made long-lasting memories with a super friendly group.
“An amazing tour for people looking for small group, tailored…”
A cheerful and knowledgeable guide, Claudia, led this week-long Southern Voyager trip, sharing Māori stories and finding great coffee stops along the way. Highlights included a scenic helicopter flight onto Franz Josef glacier, a Milford Sound cruise, and plenty of optional activities in Queenstown like paragliding and the luge, plus a stop at Lake Tekapo. Accommodation was comfortable, especially the Christchurch hostel, and the group of 18 got on well together. Highly recommended.
Rachel just finished the Southern Voyager tour, taking in Franz Josef, Queenstown and Lake Tekapo along with various stops along the way. Guide Clauds was organised, fun and professional, sharing useful local knowledge and interesting facts throughout the drives. She thoroughly enjoyed the week with the group and would recommend it to friends.
“Awesome time on Southern Voyager with Claud”
Went on the Southern Voyager trip with Claudia, who ran things with enthusiasm, professionalism and patience, sharing plenty about Aotearoa/NZ during the long drives, including the one to Milford Sound. One piece of feedback: the itinerary information about a possible Mount Cook heli hike was out of date, which mattered as this reviewer's group also missed the Franz Josef heli hike due to weather. Otherwise, a fantastic experience thanks to Claud.
Jack had an amazing time on the 7-day Southern Voyager tour, with special thanks to guide Claudia, who took care of everything and was very knowledgeable throughout.
Indranil rates this among the best tours he's done in recent years, crediting guide Tom's knowledge for making it so good. He'd recommend the Southern Voyager to everyone.
“Best tour guide and people ever!”
Travelled with my husband on the Southern Voyager in November 2022 - a great way to pack a lot in over 7 days, even with limited time. Guide Claud shared plenty of interesting facts about the region and country, and we were lucky with a fantastic, easygoing group.
“An introvert’s week long journey making new friends”
A solo traveller's account of the week-long Southern Voyager tour starting in Christchurch, alternating travel days with free days for optional activities. Guide Claudia was hugely dedicated, organising group dinners, playing great music on the drives, and cooking the group a meal at Lake Tekapo. When a helicopter flight was cancelled due to weather she pointed the group toward great hikes around Franz Josef instead. Travelling alone as a self-described introvert, the reviewer still found time to explore Queenstown and Lake Wanaka independently, and came away with a very positive, emotional view of the trip.
“Southern Voyager 10/10”
Had a brilliant time on the Southern Voyager, packing an impressive number of great views and activities into a single week. Guide Clauds made sure everyone knew what was on offer at each stop, and the trip's format made it easy to make good friends. Highly recommended for solo travellers wanting to see the South Island without the hassle of planning it themselves.
“Fantastic week with great people”
Had an amazing time on the Southern Voyager with Clauds as guide, making some great friends along the way. A highlight was spotting dolphins, penguins and seals on the Milford Sound cruise. Wild Kiwi were also very accommodating when this booking, made pre-Covid, needed rescheduling.
“Southern Voyager - November 2022”
The Southern Voyager was an awesome experience, better than expected, thanks in large part to guide Claudia who made it memorable for everyone in the group. Highly recommend travelling with Wild Kiwi for a stress-free holiday.
“A must do in New Zealand!”
Went on the Southern Voyager with guide Clauds and had an amazing time - a great option for solo travellers since the group became close friends quickly. Accommodation was in comfortable 4-6 person hostel rooms, and most evenings had dinner reservations already sorted, taking all the planning stress away. Claud was also very knowledgeable about the South Island's history.
Laura calls Mark the best tour guide she's ever had — friendly, fun, and knowledgeable about every stop. He kept things well organised and worked hard to fit in activities the group wanted, rescheduling anything weather cancelled for a later spot. She rates it great value, covering all the main areas and activities in a week with breakfast, travel, and accommodation included, and as a solo traveller found it easy to make lasting friends among a mix of solo travellers and existing groups. A 10/10 trip she didn't want to end.
Jonathan praises guide Robbie for great insight into everywhere they visited and for always keeping to schedule. The group got lucky with weather for some life-changing activities, though there sounded like solid backup plans either way, and he's amazed how much they packed into just a week. The bus and accommodation were both well set up — his only tip is to bring a neck pillow for the road.
Nancy highly recommends the Southern Voyager trip through the South Island, praising guide Claudia and the small group size for a more personal experience. Highlights for her included Milford Sound, Franz Josef Glacier and the vineyards around Queenstown, and she's already looking forward to a return visit.
Marta calls booking with Wild Kiwi one of her best decisions, amazed at how much she saw in just a week. Weather ruled out the helihike at both possible spots, but the alternative free walks were just as good, and hostels were well located and comfortable. Guide Julien knew all the best spots and hikes, and she'd happily recommend the tour and travel with them again.
“The best of the South Island!”
Just back from a fantastic week on the Southern Voyager exploring the South Island - every stop was breathtaking, made even better by guide Big Ben's local knowledge and easy way of running the group like a family. Breakfast was included and the hostel accommodation, with the option to upgrade to a private room, suited the group well. Would recommend doing more than one week if you can.
This was an amazing experience with Wild Kiwi. Guide Ben struck a great balance between professionalism and fun, and the whole trip was really well organised. The reviewer felt they got the absolute most out of their time on tour.
“Awesome Tour”
Took the Southern Voyager tour with guide Ben (BigBen), a fantastic first tour experience. Ben was extremely knowledgeable about every stop, offered great cultural insight, and had solid recommendations for food and activities at each location. Highly recommend, especially travelling solo.
“Brilliant small group tour taking in the stunning sights of…”
Highly recommend the Wild Kiwi Southern Voyager - it hits all the main beauty spots and packs a lot into seven days. Guide Julien was informative with just the right mix of organised and relaxed, and the group of 15, a good mix of solo travellers and pairs of friends, made it a great trip to do alone.
A fabulous week even though the weather was poor. Guide Julien was great, as was the group, and the reviewer would definitely recommend it.
A wonderful trip with guide Julien, who organised everything seamlessly, answered every question, and kept things fun. The group got on brilliantly and the reviewer was sad to see the tour end after seeing so many amazing sights along the way. They couldn't recommend it more.
A great time exploring the South Island overall, though the reviewer flagged a couple of things to improve: one hostel booked an 8-person room instead of smaller rooms, and there was no backup plan when bad weather stopped the group reaching Milford Sound despite the roughly even odds. Still, they'd recommend it to anyone wanting to explore the South Island.
Some of the best days of the reviewer's life, packing quad biking, skydiving, bungee jumping, luging, glacier swimming, karaoke and several hikes into just seven days around the South Island. They especially valued the time spent with fellow travellers over meals and in the bars at each stop. Guide Claudia was fantastic - deeply knowledgeable, honest about what wasn't worth doing, and quick to arrange alternative activities when weather caused cancellations in Franz Josef and Queenstown. Unlike other tours, there was no pressure to do everything, and they fully recommend Wild Kiwi for the South Island.
The reviewer loved exploring the South Island on the Southern Voyager trip. Their vehicle was comfortable and well-equipped with WiFi, USB charging, big windows and a great sound system. Guide Claudia was amazing - well travelled, clearly passionate, and full of good advice on what to see and do at each stop.
A really enjoyable tour with great destination choices, a clean and comfortable ride with WiFi, and good hostels along the way - some with saunas, which was a nice touch in cold weather. Frequent rest and photo stops and a small group made getting on and off the bus easy. Guide Robbie stood out, having done many of the activities himself and giving tailored recommendations, plus sharing plenty of local knowledge and history. He was also a great host who made the group pancakes on the last day.
Guide Jordie was fun, laid back and diligent, making sure everyone was booked in and in the right place for each activity. The activities themselves were great and transport was comfortable and on time. The reviewer would book with Wild Kiwi again.
“Southern Voyager Trip”
This was the reviewer's first-ever tour abroad, and she loved every minute of the Southern Voyager with her friend. Everything was well organised, from the extra activities to every stop along the way. Guide Claudia was fantastic and easy to get along with, earning a full 10/10 and a promise to do it again.
An incredible week with guide George, who was very helpful and showed the group all the beautiful spots around the South Island. It made for a memorable first visit to New Zealand.
Guide George did an awesome job and the fun facts were a highlight, though the reviewer noted the bus WiFi wasn't always reliable.
An amazing time overall - recommended for anyone wanting to see the South Island in a short amount of time.
Guide George was fantastic and did everything he could to make the tour special, an asset to Wild Kiwi. The reviewer would book again and recommend the tours to others.
“Incredible.”
This reviewer chose the 7-day Southern Voyager after researching Wild Kiwi online, and guide Ben made the trip unforgettable from the Franz Josef glacier to Queenstown and Milford Sound. Along the way the group tried kayaking, ATVs, heli-hiking, paragliding, luging and more, with Ben organising every activity and adding scenic stops she wouldn't have found alone. A final hike near Mt Cook and a stunning sunset capped off what she called the best decision of her New Zealand trip.
Joey joined the Southern Voyager tour and found it an experience he'll always remember, saying the team made the trip seamless and thoroughly enjoyable. He'd love to travel with Wild Kiwi again.
A loved South Island tour with Wild Kiwi, packed with so many things to do and see that the week flew by. Guide Ben was a legend, full of good stories and facts that kept the bus journeys interesting, and good fun besides.
Guide Vicky was amazing and clearly passionate about the country - her wildlife conservation studies gave her real depth of knowledge about the local ecosystem. Aside from a long first day of driving, there were plenty of photo stops, and Vicky offered good recommendations on activities and places to eat. The only complaint, jokingly, was her taste in music.
A really enjoyable time with Wild Kiwi - the reviewer just wished they'd had more time in the country.
“TO THE LEGENDS AT WILD KIWI, YOU ROCK!”
Travelling solo, this reviewer was nervous going into the Southern Voyager tour but quickly made lifelong friends. The guide was knowledgeable and very helpful with booking activities, letting her fit as much as possible into the week. She praised the daily breakfasts and comfortable vehicles, and recommends the tour to anyone wanting to see the South Island.
The reviewer felt the included breakfasts weren't up to scratch given the price, and the accommodation was only average. Aside from that, the tour itself was pretty good.
Kaman enjoyed the 7-day Southern Voyager tour, which took the group to the must-see spots in the South Island without having to do any of the driving themselves. Guide Telli kept things entertaining along the way, jokes included, making it a great option for anyone with a week or two to spare.
The best seven days the reviewer spent in New Zealand, with an amazing group and a guide who was expert in every place they visited.
One of the best weeks of the reviewer's life, well organised to pack as much as possible in. The small group size meant everyone became close friends, the guide was amazing and the hostels were great - highly recommended.
Seven days of pure fun exploring a beautiful South Island. Recommended for anyone after a South Island getaway - and if Telli is the guide, be sure to ask for the horse joke.
Erik and his partner took the 7-day Voyager tour through the South Island and called it the best decision of their New Zealand trip, largely thanks to guide Ben's knowledge and humour. The route took in Franz Josef, where they tried kayaking and ATVs, an action-packed stop in Queenstown with paragliding and the luge, a Milford Sound cruise, and a final stop at Mount Cook with a lakeside hike. He praises the well-paced driving and says Ben's local knowledge took the trip to another level.
A beautiful country shown off on an excellent tour, with a great group and a great guide.
The reviewer absolutely loved their South Island tour with Wild Kiwi - the people, the views and the activities all stood out. When the weather wasn't ideal, guide Jed was a champion at finding alternative activities. They'd definitely book with Wild Kiwi again.
“Southern Voyager - 7 Day Tour”
This reviewer calls the Southern Voyager tour with Wild Kiwi one of the best trips of her life, largely thanks to guide Ben's infectious energy and deep knowledge of Kiwi culture. The comfortable vans and accommodation suited the week-long trip perfectly, and stops at Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Mt Cook gave a great feel for New Zealand. The small, diverse group felt like family by the end.
The Southern Voyager Tour was incredible and worth every penny. Guide Ben's infectious laugh and insight into New Zealand culture made the trip, and the comfortable vans and small group size made it easy to get to know fellow travellers. Highly recommended for the length and range of locations covered.
A fantastic itinerary, each stop more beautiful than the last, with the reviewer falling in love with the mountains, untouched nature and rainforests. Guide and driver Ben, nicknamed Big Ben, took great care of the group and was full of useful tips on cafes, restaurants and activities, as well as being genuinely fun company. Accommodation was clean, spacious and new throughout (with an understandable exception at Mt Cook, given its remote mountain setting), and the trip ended with a complimentary pizza dinner. With only 14 people in the group, everyone got to know each other well - the reviewer called it the best tour of their life.
An amazing time, helped along by good weather and a great group for the week, though the reviewer credits New Zealand itself as simply a beautiful place to be. Guide Telli was fantastic and made the tour fun, prompting the reviewer to joke that he deserves a raise. The Southern Voyager Tour comes highly recommended.
An amazing tour, with a guide who knew the itinerary well and showed the group plenty of wonderful places.
Every day of this tour was amazing, and the reviewer was glad they booked it. Guide Mark was relaxed and fun, clearly enjoying his job, which made for a laid-back trip and the chance to meet many amazing people. Travelling solo, the reviewer had been unsure what to expect but has no regrets - the South Island tour is highly recommended.
One of the best trips the reviewer has ever taken. Guide Mark made it fun and memorable for the whole group, and it proved a great way to see as much of the South Island as possible in a short time. Travelling solo, the reviewer made lasting friends and memories, and highly recommends the tour.
A 14-day North and South Island tour through an amazing country. North Island driver Jed Bunt stood out in particular - dedicated, well organised, and notably disciplined and humble compared to other drivers. The reviewer's one suggestion was that, since the tour centres heavily on sports activities, those who'd already done many of them before had less to explore while others took part; they'd like to see a better balance of fun, non-sporting options alongside the adventure activities.
Such an amazing experience -- along the way we stopped at incredible spots that only locals would know about.
I booked this trip for a relaxing break and it delivered exactly that. The itinerary was well planned and organised, giving a really good, in-depth overview of the South Island, and our guide Jed clearly cared about the group while keeping us entertained with jokes and fun facts along the way.
This tour was excellent from start to finish, with everything well planned and running smoothly -- it's amazing how much we fit into a week. Jed was a great guide who made sure we got to every activity and kept the long drives interesting with his local insights.
Overall a great tour, well planned and well run by our guide Telli. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone wanting to see New Zealand without the hassle of organising logistics themselves, especially solo travellers.
Really enjoyed this tour with a great group and an awesome guide. The South Island scenery was beautiful and we managed to see so much in just a week, and the accommodation was good for a group tour -- four to a room, each with its own bathroom.
Loved this tour -- the perfect taste of New Zealand. Transport and accommodation were all high standard, and above all we had an excellent guide in Mark.
Mark knew all the best places to stop along the way and was really helpful throughout the trip. The tour was amazing and I'd happily do it again.
Good tour -- even though the weather wasn't kind to us, there was still plenty to do.
This tour was amazing -- our guide Phillip was knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions we had. We visited some great places and got to take part in fun activities, and while the hostel accommodation was fairly average, it was reasonable given the low price of the tour.
Reviewer Kylie G took the 7 Day Southern Voyager tour and had an amazing time, packing plenty of activities into the week. Guide Robbie was helpful and clearly knowledgeable about New Zealand. She praised Wild Kiwi for handling all the bookings and offering great recommendations, making the trip stress-free, and said she'd fully recommend the tour.
With only 10 days off before heading back to a UK winter, Wild Kiwi's 7-day Southern Voyager tour was absolutely perfect. By day two I'd already made great friends on board, and our guide Robbie was friendly, relaxed and very knowledgeable. The locations were fantastic and although some drives were long, the scenery made up for it with plenty of stops along the way. Pre-departure information was clear, optional activity costs were flagged in advance, and there was always plenty to do -- I'd especially recommend this for solo travellers, non-drivers, or anyone short on time.
This trip is an absolute must-do -- Wild Kiwi is a young company that's great for travellers in their 20s, and our guide Robbie went above and beyond for the group time and again. As a first-time solo traveller I found it perfect, with free time to do my own activities and then reconvene with the group each evening, and I made friends I'm still in touch with. The hostels were varied and quirky, Queenstown was a definite highlight, and there was no shortage of optional extras like hiking, kayaking and helicopter flights. Seven days felt like just the right amount of time to see it all, with plenty of scenic stops along the way.
Eliza Willis described her 7 Day Southern Voyager tour as one of the best weeks of her life, crediting guide Robbie for being knowledgeable, well organised and easy to follow throughout. She recommended the Franz Josef skydive, the drive through Fiordland to Milford Sound, and the Shotover Canyon Swing in Queenstown as trip highlights, along with the guided hikes and stargazing near Mount Cook. She had nothing negative to say and praised Wild Kiwi's small-group, locally run approach.
Nicola W joined the 7 Day Southern Voyager tour with a great group and felt welcomed from the start thanks to guide Robbie, who kept everyone well organised and shared deep knowledge of New Zealand's culture, history and wildlife throughout. Highlights included skydiving in Franz Josef, a stunning drive through Fiordland to Milford Sound, and adrenaline activities in Queenstown like the canyon swing and bungy jumping. She also loved the scenic drive to Mount Cook and stargazing there, coming away with lasting memories and new friends, and called it one of the best weeks of her life.
Had a great time, with breathtaking scenery and plenty of fun with the adrenaline activities in Queenstown. Our tour leader Robbie knew all the hotspots and gave us an awesome tour of the South Island, and the group we travelled with made the trip extra special.
The South Island tour with Wild Kiwi was fantastic, with our guide Robbie being friendly, funny and hugely knowledgeable about New Zealand's culture and natural history. The views were spectacular throughout, and even on the couple of bad-weather days Robbie found alternative activities to keep things action-packed. Accommodation was in nice hostels, mostly with en-suite bathrooms, and as a solo traveller I found it the best way to see the South Island's highlights while making plenty of new friends.
As a 26-year-old solo traveller, this was the perfect tour for me -- I'd looked at the bigger bus operators but was glad I chose Wild Kiwi instead. The seven days on the South Island were fantastic, from the comfortable bus to the people I met, many of whom I'll stay friends with for life. Our guide Phil was the real star of the trip, enthusiastic and passionate, taking us on adventures you couldn't otherwise buy and keeping spirits up on the long drives. I'd recommend Wild Kiwi to anyone shopping around for a tour.
My South Island trip with Wild Kiwi was nothing short of amazing. The people made it -- our group and guide Phil turned the seven days into a lot of fun, and the itinerary covered all the destinations I wanted within my timeframe. It was unforgettable, and I left wishing I'd had more time on tour.
Very good experience -- our guide was easygoing and always willing to listen and help everyone out. The accommodation was well located and the transport was good too. My only minor gripe was that we sometimes spent a lot of time in the vehicle with only a few minutes at each stop, but that's understandable given how much ground the trip covers.
I did the South Island tour in October and had a great time. Our group was small, just six of us, and everyone got on really well. Robbie, our guide, was knowledgeable, relaxed, and always happy to arrange activities for the group.
“Perfect Way to See the South Island in a Week”
This reviewer took the Southern Voyager trip in late November and found it outstanding, with guide Mark giving a great overview and keeping the group of solo travellers engaged throughout. She recommends skydiving at Fox Glacier and the tough-but-worthwhile Ben Lomond trek in Queenstown, and suggests cooking in hostel kitchens to save money. Her one tip: the drive to Milford Sound is a lot of road time for a short cruise, so first-timers pressed for time might consider skipping it.
I've just returned from an amazing week on the 7-day Southern Voyager tour with our guide Mark. I met wonderful people, saw beautiful sights, and stayed in lovely accommodation, with Mark giving us a thorough rundown on every place we visited. It was a fun yet relaxed way to see the country, and I'd go back and do it all again in a heartbeat -- don't hesitate to book with Wild Kiwi.
This was my first trip to New Zealand and with only 10 days I wanted to see as much as possible, so the 7-day Southern Voyager tour turned out to be perfect for a solo traveller. The destinations were breathtaking and the drives never felt boring since friendships formed quickly. Mark kept the tour running smoothly and the atmosphere fun, and having the planning taken care of let me just relax and enjoy the surprises along the way.
If you're planning a New Zealand tour, Wild Kiwi is the way to go -- I did the 7-day Southern Voyager and it exceeded all expectations. Our guide Mark was extremely knowledgeable and went out of his way to make sure everyone was enjoying themselves, breaking up the long drives with beautiful scenery and always answering our questions. The bus was clean and comfortable, and despite having done tours in other countries, this was the most memorable one for me. Thanks to Mark and Wild Kiwi for a wonderful experience.
This trip exceeded my expectations -- I'd never done a group tour aimed at a specific age range before. Our guide Mark was adventurous, knowledgeable and eager to show us around, quick to help with anything we needed, and encouraged the group to bond, which led to some lasting friendships. The hostel accommodation was a nice break from being in the van, and I had no issues with either that or the tour itself. I'd highly recommend this tour, and Mark as a guide.
On our 7-day South Island tour, our guide Mark became far more than just a guide -- he built a real friendship with all 16 of us. Wild Kiwi's customer service was excellent too, always replying within hours, though the final pre-departure email could arrive a little earlier. There's a lot of driving involved, but the regular stops at stunning locations, like the 10-hour trip to Milford Sound, made even the longest days a highlight, and the hostel accommodation suited the group well. Overall, one of the best holidays I've been on, and I'd happily book another Wild Kiwi tour.
Had a fantastic time with Wild Kiwi. I was a little nervous travelling solo at first, but our guide Mark was friendly and helped everyone get to know each other quickly. The tour structure worked well, with long drives broken up by fun stops and hikes with great views, and optional activities were organised for us as soon as we mentioned interest. The whole trip ran smoothly and I'd highly recommend it.
Such an amazing tour -- our guide Mark was fabulous and made sure everyone got the most out of the trip, organising activities and options for each day. He was great company too, always up for a laugh, which helped the whole group bond quickly. The hostels had good kitchen facilities and the bus was comfortable, which mattered given how much driving was involved, and the days were broken up with plenty of walks and hikes to beautiful viewpoints. Thanks to Wild Kiwi and Mark for a great tour -- I'd recommend it to anyone travelling New Zealand.
Wild Kiwi was absolutely the best tour I've been on -- Mark, our guide, was amazing, always on the ball and fun. The little stops for swims and short hikes were a great way to see parts of this beautiful country, and the whole tour ran like a well-oiled machine. Thanks to Mark for an amazing trip, and to the other travellers we met along the way, who we'll miss.
Daniel May called the Southern Voyager tour the best part of his New Zealand trip, praising guide Mark as knowledgeable and fun. He enjoyed the drives through snowy mountains and past scenic lakes, and appreciated that Mark tailored activity options to the group while still leaving plenty of time to explore the beautiful surroundings on foot. He also enjoyed the company of fellow travellers and found drinks affordable along the way.
The 7-day Southern Voyager tour with Mark felt like travelling with a great bunch of mates you couldn't have brought from home. Getting around the island by van made for a fun, classic Kiwi road trip that would be tough to pull off solo, and Mark went above and beyond to help us get the most out of every place, tailoring the pace to suit the group. Highly recommend this trip.
I had the best time cruising the South Island with Wild Kiwi -- the route was perfect and the bus felt like complete luxury with USB ports, unlimited wifi and good music. Our guide Mark, a true Kiwi at heart, always pulled over for photo spots, shared great stories, and was laid-back, helpful and honest throughout. We paid a little extra for a private room but in hindsight the shared rooms would have been fine, since the group became like family by the end. If you're thinking about exploring New Zealand, Wild Kiwi is the way to go.
Super awesome trip -- our guide was fun and knowledgeable, the activities were great, and it was just an amazing week in a beautiful country.
Amazing tour -- I'd recommend it to absolutely everyone. The South Island is now one of my favourite places in the world.
We had a brilliant week on the Southern Voyager trip -- our guide Mark was informative and showed us the best of the South Island. The van was one of the best we've travelled in, with reclining leather seats, USB ports and unlimited wifi, and Mark was happy to stop for photos whenever asked. There were plenty of optional activities to fill the days, all worthwhile.
Amazing trip with great locations and activities. Our guide Mark was awesome, friendly and easy to get along with -- had a great week overall.
I just did a week solo around the South Island and it was quite an experience, with a fantastic mix of people and ages in the group. I was a bit nervous about making friends travelling alone, but with a smaller group that wasn't an issue at all. Our driver Robbie was full of knowledge and fun facts, took great care of everyone, and made booking optional activities along the way really easy. We were all impressed with the accommodation too, and I'd highly recommend this as an affordable, luxury way to see the south -- don't skip the Canyon Swing.
A wonderful trip with Wild Kiwi overall, though I did have an unresolved personal issue with another traveller during the tour that was the low point of the experience. Aside from that, I was very happy with the rest of the group and with our guide, and thankful for a good tour. I'd recommend this trip to anyone without a driver's licence wanting to explore the south of New Zealand.
Had an awesome time exploring New Zealand with Wild Kiwi. Our guide Hamish went out of his way to accommodate everyone in our group of 14, which was a nice size, and my dietary requirements for breakfast were taken care of without any fuss. The helicopter tour of the west coast was an amazing highlight of the trip.
Rebecca Hunter gave the Southern Voyager tour a perfect score, saying she loved every minute of exploring New Zealand's South Island. She singled out driver Robbie as extremely knowledgeable and said she'd highly recommend the week-long trip.
A great way to see the best of the South Island -- it's amazing how much ground you cover in just 7 days. I wanted a smaller group tour as a solo traveller and this was perfect; by the end of the week we felt like family. Robbie was a great guide who knew plenty of hidden gems, and Franz Josef and Milford Sound with snow on the peaks were definite highlights for me.
This was the best part of my whole New Zealand trip. Everything was sorted out for us, our guide Robbie was fantastic, and I got to see every part of the South Island I'd dreamed of visiting plus some places I'd never even heard of, all while making great new friends. If you want to see the South Island, do it with Wild Kiwi.
Had an amazing time with Wild Kiwi and got to see so much of the South Island. The pace was fast but totally worth it, the transport was comfortable and modern, the activities on offer were great, and our guide Nick was the best.
Can't recommend Wild Kiwi enough -- I had an amazing experience touring the South Island on the Southern Voyager route with driver Robbie. If you want a small group tour that shows you both the best sites and gets you off the beaten track, Wild Kiwi is well worth checking out.
