8 Day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour

Thinking about exploring New Zealand’s South Island but worried about the logistics or missing out on authentic experiences? This 8-day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour offers a well-rounded, hassle-free way to see some of the most breathtaking sights and charming towns, all while enjoying expert guiding and some included activities. With a maximum of 16 travelers, it’s designed to balance comfort, intimacy, and a rich sense of adventure.

What we particularly love about this tour is how it combines stunning natural scenery—like turquoise lakes, glaciers, and dramatic mountain peaks—with local cultural experiences such as wine tasting and wildlife encounters. Plus, the inclusion of some activities, like the thermal pools, adds a nice touch of relaxation after days filled with sightseeing.

One thing to consider is that the tour’s schedule is quite packed, which means some days involve a lot of travel and activity. It’s ideal for travelers who want to maximize their time without the hassle of planning each detail themselves. If you’re after an authentic, guided experience to see the highlights of the South Island—and do it in comfort—this tour is worth exploring.

This tour suits those who enjoy a mix of nature, culture, and small-group camaraderie. It’s especially good for first-time visitors or those short on time but eager to see key highlights with the benefit of local insights.

Stunning scenery: The itinerary takes you through some of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes—glacial fjords, pristine beaches, and mountain vistas.
Expert guides and small groups: You’ll travel with a knowledgeable guide and a small group, fostering a more personal and flexible experience.
Included activities: From wine tasting in Marlborough to relaxing thermal pools in Hanmer Springs, some activities are included to enhance your stay.
Authentic encounters: Opportunities like visiting a sheep farm or learning about conservation efforts add depth beyond sightseeing.
Balance of free time and structured tours: Plenty of optional activities and leisure time mean you can tailor the experience to your interests.
Value for money: At under $1,000 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive taste of the South Island with accommodations and some activities included.

Starting Off in Christchurch

Your journey begins in Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island. Known for its resilience and innovative spirit following the 2011 earthquake, the city today blends modern art and architecture with lush parks and a welcoming vibe. The tour kicks off at your central hotel, setting a relaxed tone for the week ahead.

Visiting a Sheep and Beef Farm in Tawanui

On Day 2, you’ll step into the rural heart of New Zealand at a sheep and beef farm. Here, watching sheep dogs herding and learning about sustainable farming practices offers a real taste of local life. The chance to hand-feed animals adds a personal touch, making this stop a favorite among travelers who want to connect with the land and its people. The review highlights that this farm visit is free, but the genuine engagement makes it memorable.

Kaikoura for Marine Wildlife

Next, the tour heads to Kaikoura, a town renowned for its marine biodiversity. From whale watching to dolphin encounters, this is a prime spot for wildlife lovers. While the tour offers an optional marine experience (not included), even just walking around the coastal town provides spectacular views and fresh seafood. One reviewer mentions how this stop allows encounters with majestic whales and playful dolphins, emphasizing the location’s appeal.

Marlborough and the Vineyards

Driving through the Marlborough region on Day 3, you’ll witness landscapes dotted with countless vineyards. The tour includes tastings of local wines and gin, an opportunity to savor some of New Zealand’s best beverages. Most travelers find these tastings a highlight, as it brings a sense of local flavor and craftsmanship. The scenery here is idyllic, and many comment on how the wine stops enhance the experience.

Abel Tasman National Park: Beaches and Adventure

Arriving at the Abel Tasman National Park in the afternoon, you’ll find a landscape of golden beaches, crystal waters, and native forest. This area is famous for its coastal walking tracks and abundant wildlife. During the second day in Abel Tasman, you can expect an 8-hour exploration of the park, with opportunities for swimming, relaxing on the beach, or hiking along scenic trails. One reviewer notes the abundance of native birds and marine life, making it a true natural paradise.

Optional Skydive

For thrill-seekers, the tour offers an optional skydiving experience over Abel Tasman (not included in the price). Imagine soaring above the stunning scenery—a memorable way to see New Zealand from a different perspective. While not everyone might opt for this, it’s a unique add-on for those craving adrenaline.

Nelson Lakes and Hanmer Springs

The tour then moves to Nelson Lakes National Park, famous for its pristine waters and mountain scenery. A quick photo stop here is a great chance to capture that “legendary wharf jump” (if you’re brave enough). From there, the journey takes you to Hanmer Springs, a resort town known for its relaxing thermal pools. One of the reviewers highlights how relaxing the pools are after days of exploring, calling it a “remarkable town for relaxation and indulgence.”

Free Day in Hanmer Springs and Adventure Activities

Day 6 is dedicated to leisure, with included entry to the thermal pools. But Hanmer Springs also offers a range of adventure activities like jet boating, quad biking, or forest hiking. While these are not included, the options allow you to tailor your day for relaxation or adventure depending on your mood.

Artistic and Scenic Stops En Route to Christchurch

Before returning to Christchurch, the tour visits Iron Ridge Quarry Sculpture Park, set in beautiful North Canterbury countryside. The sculptures here, overlooking the Waipara River Valley, add a creative note to your trip. Reviewer comments suggest it’s a worthwhile stop for those interested in art and landscape.

Final Day in Akaroa and Phatu Penguins

On your last day, you’ll visit Akaroa, a delightful harbor town with French and Maori influences. Its colorful cottages and quaint streets make for a perfect final stop. The included Phatu Penguin tour offers insights into conservation efforts and native flora and fauna, enriching your understanding of local wildlife. Many travelers appreciate the chance to see penguins in their natural habitat and learn about ongoing conservation projects.

With a price tag of around $992.30 per person, including some activities and accommodations, the tour provides a comprehensive and curated experience. It’s especially good for those who want to see a wide range of sights without the hassle of planning individual transportation, accommodations, or activities. The small group size fosters a more personal experience, and the knowledgeable guides often receive praise for their energy and flexibility, as one reviewer notes about their driver Tina.

While the tour is packed, it strikes a nice balance between guided exploration and free time, allowing travelers to decide whether to relax at thermal pools or take part in optional activities like skydiving or jet boating. The inclusion of unique experiences such as visiting a sheep farm, sampling local wines, and wildlife tours make it a well-rounded, authentic taste of the South Island.

What makes this tour stand out is its combination of stunning scenery, cultural insights, and small-group charm. It’s perfect for first-time visitors, solo travelers, or couples wanting a thorough but relaxed overview of the South Island’s best parts.

This experience is ideal for travelers who appreciate small group settings and want to see highlights with the guidance of locals. If you’re short on time but eager for a full and authentic experience—from glaciers to beaches to alpine towns—this tour covers all bases. It’s also suitable for those interested in wine, wildlife, and unique New Zealand activities like skydiving or thermal bathing.

However, if you prefer a more leisurely pace or personalized private tours, you might find this a little structured. But for most, the value of included activities, ease of travel, and expert guides outweighs the packed schedule.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, as the tour is designed to be flexible and inclusive, but some activities like skydiving are optional and not included.

Are accommodations included?
While the overview mentions accommodations, specifics aren’t detailed here. The tour is all-inclusive, so you can expect comfortable lodging as part of the package.

What is the group size?
The maximum number of travelers is 16, which helps keep the experience intimate and allows for more personalized attention from guides.

Can I customize activities?
Some activities like jet boating or skydiving are not included, so you can choose to participate based on your interests. The tour provides a good balance of scheduled and optional activities.

How much free time is there?
The itinerary includes free days or times, especially in Hanmer Springs, where you can relax or pursue additional adventures.

What’s the transportation like?
The tour uses comfortable transportation suitable for the scenic drives, including stops at key points along the route.

What makes this tour good value?
Considering the included experiences, sightseeing, and small-group setting, the price provides access to many highlights without the stress of planning. Many reviews mention the quality of guides and the beauty of the locations.

Are meals included?
Meal details aren’t specified here, but since some activities like wine tasting are included, it’s likely that meals are paid separately unless otherwise noted.

What’s the best time of year to go?
While not specified, the best weather for outdoor activities like hiking, beach visits, and wildlife tours would typically be during New Zealand’s spring through early autumn months.

The 8 Day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour offers an engaging, well-rounded glimpse of New Zealand’s South Island—highlighting natural beauty, local culture, and unique experiences. It delivers great value for those wanting a guided, comfortable adventure that balances sightseeing with authentic interactions. The small-group format and knowledgeable guides make it especially appealing for travelers who appreciate intimacy and local insight.

While it is a fairly full schedule, the variety of stops and optional activities mean you can tailor part of your trip to match your interests. If you’re after a memorable journey with a good mix of scenery, culture, and fun, this tour deserves serious consideration.

To sum it up, this tour is perfect for first-time visitors, small-group enthusiasts, and travelers eager to see a broad cross-section of the South Island’s top sights without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. It’s a great choice for those who value expert guidance, scenic beauty, and authentic experiences—making your New Zealand adventure truly unforgettable.