8 Day Southern Crossing Small Group Tour

Discover the 8 Day Southern Crossing Small Group Tour – An Honest Look

If you’re dreaming of experiencing New Zealand’s South Island without the hassle of planning every detail, this 8-day Southern Crossing tour might catch your eye. While we haven’t personally been on this exact trip, reviews and descriptions paint a pretty tempting picture of a well-organized, scenery-packed adventure. It’s designed for travelers who want to see a lot without the stress of organizing accommodation and transport, since those aspects are taken care of in the package.

What we really like about this tour are two key things: First, the all-inclusive setup means you can truly relax and focus on enjoying the sights rather than stressing over where to stay or what to do next. Second, the diversity of landscapes you’ll get to see—from glaciers to lakes, mountains, and charming towns, there’s a real sense of variety packed into just over a week.

That said, a potential consideration is that with a tightly packed itinerary, you might find some days a bit long, especially the full-day excursions like Milford Sound or the drive from Queenstown to Lake Tekapo. If slow travel or a more relaxed pace is your style, this might feel a bit rushed at times. But overall, it’s a solid choice for those who want to maximize their South Island experience in a limited timeframe.

This tour seems ideal for those who want a comprehensive snapshot of the South Island, particularly if you’re okay with a group setting and don’t mind some early mornings. It also appeals to solo travelers, thanks to the small group size and the chance to meet others sharing similar interests. Whether you’re into adventure or just want to soak in the breathtaking views, this trip could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• All-inclusive: Accommodation and some activities are covered, making logistics easier.
• Diverse scenery: From glaciers and lakes to mountain passes and towns, expect plenty of visual variety.
• Group size: Limited to 16 travelers, creating a cozy, personable experience.
• Flexible Christchurch exploration: You can enjoy the city before or after the tour at your leisure.
• Adventure options: Opportunities for hikes, walks, and even bungy jumping for thrill-seekers.
• Well-reviewed: The 5-star rating from past travelers suggests high satisfaction.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Day 1: Christchurch

Your journey kicks off in Christchurch, New Zealand’s largest city on the South Island. It’s a lively spot with art, exhibitions, and a friendly vibe. The tour begins here at around 8:00 am, setting the stage for what’s ahead. We love starting in a city that offers some free time to explore, so you can get your bearings or enjoy a coffee before heading out into the scenic countryside.

Day 2: Arthur’s Pass National Park & Devils Punchbowl

Driving from coast to coast over the Southern Alps, this route through Arthur’s Pass National Park is often called one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand. The landscape alternates between rugged mountains and lush forests, giving you a real sense of the diverse terrain. Stops at the Devils Punchbowl and Castle Hill add to the visual feast. These spots are great for snapshots, and the sheer grandeur of the rock formations is impressive. The stop at Devils Punchbowl is often highlighted as a highlight, especially for nature lovers.

Day 3: Franz Josef

Arriving in Franz Josef, you’ll find yourself surrounded by glaciers and rainforest. This small town is a hub for outdoor adventures and is perfect for a free day to explore at your own pace. Past travelers have appreciated the chance to soak in the scenery with minimal planned activities, giving you room to breathe and enjoy the moment.

Day 4: Franz Josef Glacier & Lake Matheson

A highlight on this day is the visit to Franz Josef Glacier itself. While the tour doesn’t specify glacier hikes, the included wildlife centre visit ensures you can see the largest kiwi incubation and hatching facility on the South Island—an engaging experience, especially if you’re interested in New Zealand’s unique fauna.

Later, a walk around Lake Matheson offers one of the most iconic views in New Zealand. Known for its mirror-like reflection of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps, it’s a spot that truly rewards calm, clear days. The dark waters make for excellent photos, and this peaceful walk is a great way to unwind after more active days.

The afternoon involves heading up Highway 6 to Lake Hawea, an outdoor adventurer’s playground where you can swim, kite surf, or just enjoy the stunning mountain backdrop. The scenery here is often praised as breathtaking.

Day 5: Wanaka & Kawarau Suspension Bridge

Wanaka, with its laid-back vibe and stunning lake views, is a favorite stop. It’s a good place to enjoy some lakeside tranquility, with optional activities like kayaking or simply wandering the charming streets.

The highlight for adrenaline junkies is a stop at the Kawarau Suspension Bridge, renowned as the world’s first commercial bungy jump site. While bungy jumping isn’t included, the opportunity to stand on the iconic bridge and watch daredevils leap is a memorable experience. For those not interested, the scenic area around the bridge is still worth a quick visit.

Day 6: Queenstown

Queenstown needs little introduction—it’s often called the adventure capital of New Zealand. The tour offers a full day here, giving you plenty of time to soak in the stunning mountain setting or opt for adrenaline activities like jet boating or skydiving. Those seeking a more relaxed day can enjoy lakeside cafes and scenic walks.

Day 7: Milford Sound

No South Island trip feels complete without a visit to Milford Sound, and this tour makes sure you don’t miss it. The early start is worth it for the breathtaking drive through fjord-like scenery, with stops in quaint towns for breakfast. Once at Milford, you’ll enjoy an included experience—likely a boat cruise—allowing you to see the towering cliffs, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife from the water.

Day 8: Lake Tekapo & the Church of the Good Shepherd

Your final day takes you to Lake Tekapo, famous for its intensely blue waters and picturesque setting. The optional visit to the Church of the Good Shepherd on the lake’s shores is a classic photo opportunity. The calm, stunning environment offers a relaxing end to your South Island adventure.

The Value of This Tour

At $1,178.47 per person, this tour provides a fairly rundown of the South Island’s highlights. Given that most travelers book this about 58 days in advance, it seems to fill a niche for those wanting a guided experience with accommodations sorted ahead of time. When you consider that many activities are included—like the wildlife centre visit and the Milford Sound cruise—the value becomes clearer. In addition, the tour size capped at 16 people keeps the experience intimate without feeling isolated.

Past reviews praise how much scenery travelers get to see despite the limited time, with one reviewer calling it “very recommendable” especially for solo travelers. The convenience of not having to worry about daily logistics seems to be a major selling point, allowing you to focus on the views, the trip, and making new friends.

What’s Noteworthy

While the itinerary is packed, it’s worth noting that some days involve early starts and full schedules, which can be tiring. That’s typical of guided tours aiming to cover a lot in limited time. Also, the fact that some activities like bungy jumping are optional and not included means you can tailor your thrill-seeking or relax accordingly.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This tour caters well to travelers who want a well-rounded itinerary and prefer having their accommodations arranged. It’s great for solo travelers, small groups, or couples eager to see the South Island’s top sights without the hassle of planning every detail. If you’re into scenic drives, iconic views, and a mix of gentle walks with adventure options, you’ll find plenty to love here.

It’s probably less ideal for travelers seeking a very relaxed pace or those wanting to spend more time exploring fewer places. Also, if you’re not keen on early mornings or long days, some parts of the schedule might feel a bit intense.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people will be in the group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 16 travelers, creating a friendly group size that’s small enough to feel personal but still social.

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, many reviews recommend it for solo travelers, especially since you get to meet others during the trip, and the small group size helps foster connection.

What’s included in the price?
Most of the accommodation and some activities are included, which simplifies planning. Specific activities like the wildlife centre visit and Milford Sound cruise are part of the package, but some optional activities, like bungy jumping, are not included.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 58 days ahead of time, so planning early is a good idea to secure your spot and lock in the best rates.

What’s the general pace of the tour?
Expect some full days with early starts, especially to Milford Sound and Queenstown. The schedule is packed but balanced with free time and scenic stops.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 6 days before the start for a full refund. Cancellations less than that are subject to different refund policies, so it’s important to plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This 8-day Southern Crossing tour offers a thoughtful way to see what makes the South Island so special without the stress of organizing everything yourself. The scenery alone—glaciers, lakes, mountain passes, and charming towns—makes it a compelling choice for travelers eager to soak in New Zealand’s natural beauty.

The inclusion of key highlights, cozy group size, and the ability to relax in well-chosen accommodations set this tour apart. While the schedule is busy, travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and light adventure will find it offers excellent value.

If you’re looking for a guided experience that hits all the scenic high points, meets like-minded people, and takes care of the logistics, this tour could be just what you need. Just be prepared for some full days and early starts, and you’ll be rewarded with memories of one of the world’s most striking landscapes.

Feel free to ask if you want more insights or specific tips about this tour!