Small Group Tour
Small Group Tour
Southern Secrets
Start: Christchurch
Finish: Christchurch
8 DAYS
Explore the hidden gems of New Zealand's South Island on this exclusive tour designed to unveil secret spots cherished by locals. From the secluded beaches in Abel Tasman National Park to the thermal mineral pools in Hanmer Springs and the charming village of Akaroa, this South Island adventure enables you to truly immerse yourself in the essence of New Zealand. For wildlife lovers this is the tour for you, with the opportunity to see dolphins, whales, seals and even penguins, as well as experience rural New Zealand life and hand feed farm animals.
With accommodation and some activities included (see below); our tours are hassle-free, authentic experiences for those short on time, so you can see more and plan less.
What's included:
Read more about our Booking Guarantee here
Tour Dates
2025
04 January - 11 January 25 SOLD OUT!
19 January - 26 January 25 Book Now
03 February - 10 February 25 Book Now
18 February - 25 March 25 Book Now
05 March - 12 March 25 Book Now
20 March - 27 March 25 Book Now
04 April - 11 April 25 Book Now
04 May - 11 May 25 Book Now
03 June - 10 June 25 Book Now
03 - 10 July 25 Book Now
02 - 09 August 25 Book Now
06 - 13 September 25 Book Now
06 - 13 October 25 Book Now
03 - 10 November 25 Book Now
17 - 24 November 25 Book Now
01 - 08 December 25 Book Now
2026
05 - 12 January 26 Book Now
20 - 27 January 26 Book Now
04 - 11 February 26 Book Now
19 - 26 February 26 Book Now
06 - 13 March 26 Book Now
21 - 28 March 26 Book Now
05 - 12 April 26 Book Now
20 - 27 April 26 Book Now
05 - 12 May 26 Book Now
01 - 08 June 26 Book Now
Day 1Christchurch Arrival
Welcome to Christchurch - the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand and the start of your South Island Secrets tour. Ōtautahi (Christchurch) is a vibrant city alive with everything from art, exhibitions, history, and hidden gems. Check out the Riverside Markets for a coffee, beverage or bite to eat, stroll through the botanical gardens, or wander around the streets and discover the lively street art, murals and graffiti.
This evening at 7pm, get to know your fellow travellers and Kiwi Experience Small Group Tour Driver Guide during a welcome evening.
Accommodation
- Hotel Give
Experiences & Highlights
- Discover the vibrant new city of Christchurch
- Welcome evening - Meet your Small Group Tour driver guide and fellow travellers
Day 2Christchurch to Kaikoura
We're setting off from Christchurch bright and early to venture up the east coast and start uncovering some hidden treasures. First on the list is Tawanui Farm, a sprawling 330-hectare sheep and beef farm. During this 90-minute excursion, you'll immerse yourself in the authentic rural life of New Zealand. Witness the farm in action as its hardworking residents go about their daily tasks, including the skilled sheep dogs. You'll also have the chance to meet and hand-feed the friendly farm animals while gaining insight into the farm's sustainable practices.
Afterwards, our journey continues northward to the renowned town of Kaikoura, famous for its rich marine life. This is your opportunity to encounter majestic whales, playful dolphins, adorable seals, and more! Join an optional tour to get the chance to get up close and personal with these incredible sea creatures. Choose between a whale-watching expedition or an exhilarating swim with dolphins.
As the day draws to a close, savor the evening by unwinding on the beautiful beach or indulging in some of New Zealand's finest seafood for your dinner. In fact, the name "Kaikoura" translates to "eat crayfish," with "kai" meaning to eat and "koura" meaning crayfish, making it a seafood lover's paradise.
Accommodation
- Dusky Lodge
Experiences & Highlights
- Tawanui Farm visit - exlore a sheep and beef farm, see sheep dogs working, hand feed the animals while learning about farming systems and how they look after their environment (included)
- Swim with Dolphins (optional add-on)
- Whale Watching (optional add-on)
Day 3Kaikoura to Abel Tasman
Today we head north and take in the last of the dramatic Kaikoura coastline, stopping first for a closer look at the seals laying about on the rocks. Arriving into the top of the South Island we’ll journey through the dreamy Marlborough region, home to more vineyards than your eyes can see. We'll stop for some wine and gin tasting (or two…) along the way (included) so you can taste local wine from this world-famous winemaking region. In the afternoon we arrive to our next destination – the Abel Tasman National Park, renowned for Its golden sand beaches, coastal walking track and native wildlife. There’s plenty to do in this region, and you’ll have a full day tomorrow to explore all that the national park has to offer.
Accommodation
- Bethany Park Kaiteriteri
Experiences & Highlights
- Seal Spotting
- Wine and gin tasting (included)
Day 4Abel Tasman (Free Day)
The stunning Abel Tasman National Park has plenty to offer. With it's inviting golden sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and native forest, this natural haven is teeming with life. You’ll find native birds, gannets, little blue penguins and fur seals inhabiting the area, so there is plenty to explore for wildlife enthusiasts! Your day here is entirely yours, and we have a range of activities for you to choose from so you can experience Abel Tasman the way you want to. Options include hiking along the scenic coastal track, kayaking, sailing or catching a Water Taxi into the heart of the National Park. For the more adventurous, you can even opt to view the national park from high above on a skydive.
Accommodation
- Bethany Park Kaiteriteri
Experiences & Highlights
- Explore the Abel Tasman National Park
- Kayak Tour (optional add-on)
- Abel Tasman Skydive (optional add-on)
- Abel Tasman canyoning (optional add-on)
- Abel Tasman Sailing (optional add-on)
Day 5Abel Tasman to Hanmer Springs
This morning we stop at the iconic Nelson Lakes, so you can get your legendary wharf jumping shot (if you’re brave!) before continuing onto Hanmer Springs. On our way into the resort town we will stop at the Hanmer forest sculpture walk so you can discover the whimsical wooden sculptures hidden along this short and peaceful walk. The picturesque alpine village of Hanmer Springs is best known for its natural hot pools and stunning landscapes, with dramatic mountains and towering forests. The surrounding mountains are home to walking trails, the Heritage Forest (with a winding trail to a lookout point), and Waiau Gorge with whitewater rapids.
Accommodation
- Scenic Views Motel
Experiences & Highlights
- Nelson Lakes wharf
- Hanmer Springs sculpture walk
Day 6Hanmer Springs (activities day)
Hanmer Springs is the ultimate destination for adventure, relaxation and indulgence, and you’ve got a free day to explore this remarkable town. Today you have an entry ticket to the iconic Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa where you can soak in the 22 outdoor thermal pools, complete with four hydroslides and the New Zealand’s largest aquatic thrill ride, Conical Thrill.
After you’ve soaked your cares away, take some time to discover the quaint charm of the town’s main street; lined with boutique shops, cafes and eateries. If you’re craving more adventure, Hanmer Springs offers a range of exciting activities. Go forest hiking, rafting, bungy jumping or jet boating. The choice is yours and the possibilities are endless!
Accommodation
- Scenic Views Motel (or similar)
Experiences & Highlights
- Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools (included experience)
- Jet boating (optional paid experience)
- Quad Biking (optional paid experience)
- Rafting (optional paid experience)
- Hanmer Springs Bungy (optional paid experience)
Day 7Hanmer Springs to Christchurch
After an action packed and rejuvenated stay in Hanmer Springs, we'll cruise on through to Christchurch. Before returning to Christchurch we'll stop at the Iron Ridge Quarry Sculpture Park - set in the stunning North Canterbury landscape overlooking the Waipara River Valley. Here you will find an impressive collection of sculptures ranging in size and crafted in diverse mediums like bronze, steel, corten steel, pounamu and sandstone. These creations are the works of Raymond Herver, a contemporary New Zealand artist who possesses a mischievous flair in his artwork, crafting interactive and unique pieces. .
Accommodation
- Hotel Give
Experiences & Highlights
- Iron Ridge Quarry Sculpture Park (included)
Day 8Akaroa Day Tour
Today we take you to one final secret spot just a short drive away from Christchurch; the charming town of Akaroa! A unique village with elements of Māori, French, and English culture, Akaroa is one of the oldest and best-preserved heritage towns in the South Island. Along the way, we will stop at The Hilltop Tavern so you can soak in the panoramic views of the Akaroa harbour and surrounding farming areas over a cup of coffee. This afternoon you will take part in a 2-hour nature tour with Pōhatu Penguins (included). On this tour, learn about the area’s rich history, native flora and fauna, and Pōhatu’s unique penguin conservation program. You’ll get to meet and feed the farm’s friendly pet sheep, and when in season see White-Flippered penguins up close as you walk around the nesting sites. If you're lucky, spot other wildlife such as seals along the way! You also have the option of upgrading to Pōhatu’s Sea-Kayaking Safari tour; a wildlife adventure to find seabirds, fur seals, penguins, and possibly even spot the world’s smallest dolphin gliding under your kayak (optional upgrade, subject to availability).
You’ll have some time to explore Akaroa village after your tour and indulge in the local cuisine, and then it’s time to head back to Christchurch and bid farewell to your new lifelong friends, and the memories you’ve created over the past 7 days.
Accommodation
- Not included
Experiences & Highlights
- Explore Akaroa township
- Pōhatu Penguins 2 hour nature tour (included)
- Wildlife Sea Kayaking Safari (optional upgrade)
What's Included
- 7 nights of hostel accommodation
- 7 tasty breakfasts
- Wine & Gin tasting
- Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools
- Iron Ridge Quarry Sculpture Park
- Tawanui Farm visit
- Abel Tasman National Park
- Nelson Lakes
- Pōhatu Penguins tour
- Various scenic hikes (all included, optional and weather dependent)
Optional Extras
Our Small Group Tours offer a fixed itinerary, with a few bucket list items included. There are plenty of additional activities you can add on to your experience as you travel.
What our passengers think
I really enjoyed this tour, thank you so much!
Fortunately, we had two guides this time and they were so kind, friendly and well-informed :) Activities included were awesome! Experiences about Maori were especially interesting for me. If there is someone who wants to go to the north Island, I’ll surely recommend joining this tour!! Thanks to Arias, Ahu, the crew and KiwiExperience, this trip has become a great memory for me ;)
Excellent
I did the 10 Day South Island Tour and it was the best choice to travel without a driving license.
It's easy to meet likeminded people and make friends
I'm here to learn and explore New Zealand and do activities that I wouldn't be able to do anywhere else
Faq's
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I’m a solo traveller... will I meet other solo travellers?
Absolutely! The majority of our passengers are travelling solo. Kiwi Experience is a social experience guaranteed to leave with new friends from across the globe.
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Am I too old/young for Kiwi Experience?
We welcome the young, and the young at heart aboard our buses, there is no upper limit! There is however a lower limit; you’ll need to be 18 at the time of travel.
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What visas do I need?
Luckily, many nationalities are able to visit New Zealand for less than 3 months without a visa. However, if you are not from one of these countries, obtaining your own visa is your own responsibility. We ask that you check out the Immigration New Zealand website before booking your Kiwi Experience trip.
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Do I need travel insurance?
While not mandatory, travel insurance is strongly recommended and should be taken out when travelling with us. As well as making sure your expensive stuff is covered, you should also get comprehensive travel insurance (covering all medical expenses you could incur while travelling).
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How much should I budget for each day?
We recommend you budget between $80 - $100 per day to cover food and super fun times. From time to time, it may be worth putting a little more aside to pay for the really crazy stuff like skydiving.
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How much luggage am I allowed to bring?
Passengers are allowed one 23kg suitcase/backpack and one day bag, as there are strict weight restrictions on our buses.
