South Island Tours
Explore some of the purest natural landscapes you’ll ever experience on one of our South Island tours.
Some of the country’s most spectacular scenery fills the South Island; from the golden beaches of Abel Tasman to glacial valleys and star-filled skies, the South Island offers adventure in all its forms.
Friday 29 January – Saturday 6 February 2021 ~ Preservation Inlet Cruise (9 days)
An ultimate voyage of discovery, an exploration of five of New Zealand’s southernmost and seldom visited fiords; Chalky and Preservation Inlets as well as the stunning Doubtful, Dusky and Breaksea Sounds. A hidden gem of New Zealand, this is definitely a cruise of a lifetime.
COST: From $4900 per person
Tuesday 9 February – Saturday 13 February 2021 ~ Molesworth Station & Rainbow Mountain (5 Days)
Molesworth Station is New Zealand’s largest farm at over 180,000 hectares and supports the country’s biggest herd of cattle. It is divided into two sections and this tour will encompass both areas. The farm contains threatened native plants and animals and unique landforms. Our tour features Alpine lakes, mountain passes, rivers, geological faults, 100 year old homesteads, native flora and fauna plus the wildlife. A truly unbelievable tour!
COST: From $2,575 per person
Book and pay in full by Monday 12 October 2020 and receive a $100.00 discount per person!
Wednesday 10 February – Monday 15 February 2021 ~ Burt Munro Challenge (6 Days)
One of New Zealand’s major motorsport events, the Burt Munro Challenge has developed a strong following since it commenced in 2006. The event attracts top New Zealand riders and provides fantastic entertainment, plenty of excitement, and lots of famous southern hospitality. Enjoy four days of challenge events plus admission to Motorcycle Mecca and Bill Richardson Transport World.
COST: From $2,480 per person
Book and pay in full by Monday 12 October 2020 and receive a $100.00 discount per person!
Wednesday 17 February – Monday 22 February 2021 ~ Destination Dunedin (6 Days)
Dunedin is a city of gracious dignity and charm, unique landscapes and fascinating cultural history. Our six day tour of this southern city discovers all aspects of Dunedin, from the incredible wildlife on the Otago Peninsula, the fascinating Victorian and Edwardian architecture, the beautiful gardens of Larnach Castle and Glenfalloch, and the history of the Speights Brewery. We also include a visit to Oamaru to see the worlds smallest penguins in their natural environment at the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, and travel through the Catlins, a place of natural beauty and abundant wildlife.
COST: From $2,650 per person
Book and pay in full by Tuesday 20 October 2020 and receive a $100.00 discount per person!
Thursday 25 February – Thursday 4 March 2021 ~ Top of the South Cycling Tour (8 Days)
Taste the Tasman on this Top of the South cycling tour, enjoy panoramic coastal and mountain views. Take a day out to experience the Abel Tasman National Park before cycling the Wilderness Trail on the historic bush railway trail passing through wetlands and native bush.
COST: From $4,850 per person
Book and pay in full by Wednesday 28 October 2020 and receive a $150.00 discount per person!
Friday 5 March – Monday 8 March 2021 ~ North Canterbury Wine Festival (4 Days)
Set under the oaks in Glenmark Domain is “the coolest little wine festival in the country”. North Canterbury Wine & Food Festival 2020 was one to remember with over 4,000 attending to enjoy some of New Zealand’s most-loved wine and food. By attending this event you are supporting the local harvesters, all the while being entertained chilled with pockets of entertainment, immersing yourself in conversation with other lovers of local produce and hopefully fall in love with everything that North Canterbury has to offer you!
COST: From $1,870 per person
Book and pay in full by Thursday 5 November 2020 and receive a $75 discount per person.
Wednesday 10 March – Tuesday 16 March 2021 ~ Stewart Island Discovery Expedition (7 Days)
Discover New Zealand’s third and most southernmost island, Stewart Island, on a small boat cruise. Each day will bring something new – rambles along deserted beaches, wildlife encounters, kayaking, guided rainforest walks, or perhaps you will simply relax on deck amidst the sensations, scenes and moods that sum up the island. Following your voyage to Bluff, you’ll explore Stewart Island’s eastern shoreline, including the renowned wildlife sanctuary of Ulva Island.
COST: From $3,485 per person
Thursday 11 March – Sunday 14 March 2021 ~ Hokitika Wild Foods Festival (4 Days)
Hokitika held its first Wild Food Festival back in 1990 and the event has since gathered a huge following. The region has long had a reputation for being the place where things are done a little differently. Thanks to this popular food festival, produce from the region’s larder is now available to everyone, and people are coming from all over New Zealand to sample the delights.
COST: From $1,890 per person
Book and pay in full by Wednesday 11 November 2020 and receive a $75.00 discount per person!
Friday 12 March – Tuesday 30 March 2021 ~ South Island Value Tour (19 Days)
Enjoy the splendour of the South Island scenery while enjoying a relaxing coach tour with an experienced driver delivering an informative commentary throughout, and all the while enjoying good company with like-minded travellers. Staying in quality 3.5 star hotel accommodation with daily breakfasts, this tour gives you the freedom to select where you may wish to dine each evening to suit your taste and budget, which also helps to keep your tour cost down. This touring itinerary comprehensively explores the South Island from the top to the bottom and everywhere in between. Pack your camera and a comfy pair of shoes and get ready to explore some of the worlds best scenery with Leisure Time Tours!
COST: From $3,995.00 per person
Monday 22 March – Saturday 27 March 2021~ Nelson and Farewell Spit (6 Days)
Farewell Spit is an area of outstanding natural beauty stretching 30 kilometres into the Tasman Sea. Designated a bird sanctuary since the 1930s, Farewell Spit is a haven for over 90 birdlife species. Not accessible to the public, the only way to access this hidden gem is by a tour. On this 6 day tour, we also enjoy some time in Nelson and the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park, before travelling to the garden city of Christchurch via the alpine village of Hanmer Springs.
COST: From $2290 per person
Book and pay in full by Friday 21 November 2020 and receive a $75.00 discount per person!
Thursday 1 April – Tuesday 6 April 2021~ Focus on Fiordland Easter Tour (6 Days)
Escape for Easter break to the enchanting landscapes of Fiordland, the most south western corner of our country. Carved by glaciers over 100,000 years the landscape is one where waterfalls cascade hundreds of metres into deep black fiords; where ancient rainforest clings to mountains and where shimmering lakes and granite peaks look as they did a thousand years ago. Encompassing two of the fiords, experience the pure and remote Doubtful Sound and tick off the bucket list by spending a night on the beautiful Milford Sound and waking up to the sun rising over the dramatic vistas of Milford Sound.
COST: From $2700 per person
Friday 2 April – Wednesday 7 April 2021~ Wheels at Wanaka (6 Days)
Wheels at Wanaka combines individual vehicle shows including; Vintage Fair: steam and stationary engines, tractors and farming heritage, cars, motorcycles and trucks – vintage, classics and exotics, earthmovers and heavy machinery. Buzzing with energy, Wheels at Wanaka is huge! With over 50 acres of entertainment, outputting tonnes of horsepower, tractor dancing and pulling, 4WD, motor bike and rally car displays and earthmoving pit extravaganza and a full-on parade ground programme.
COST: From $3025 per person
Book and pay in full by Thursday 3 December 2020 and receive a $100.00 discount per person!
Monday 5 April – Friday 16 April 2021~ South Island Food & Wine Tour (12 Days)
A fantastic opportunity to experience our country’s amazing wines, beers and tasty foods while exploring the South island and some of its top locations. Enjoy tours of top wineries in Marlborough, the Tasman and Central Otago plus activities including a Coastal Pacific scenic train journey and a cruise in the Abel Tasman.
COST: From $5800 per person
Book and pay in full by Sunday 6 December 2020 and receive a $150.00 discount per person!
Tuesday 6 April – Saturday 17 April 2021~ South Island Solos Tour (12 Days)
If you’re looking to get out and see some of our amazing country, but would like some travelling companions, then this is the trip for you! Join like-minded individuals on a travel adventure in the South Island. This relaxing tour starts in Wellington and crosses to Picton before exploring along almost the entire length of the South Island allowing you plenty of sightseeing opportunities.
COST: From $5,490 per person
Book and pay in full by Monday 7 December 2020 and receive a $150.00 discount per person!
Wednesday 21 April – Tuesday 4 May 2021~ South Island Autumn Tour (14 Days)
The South Island or the ‘Mainland’ boasts beautiful beaches, spectacular mountain ranges, stunning scenery, and of course the ‘salt of the earth’ & friendly locals that you’ll meet along the way. The South Island is a spectacular land, which has been uplifted by extraordinary earth forces. The landscape is so different from the rolling green hills of the North Islands that it is akin to travelling to another country.
COST: From $5000 per person
Book and pay in full by Tuesday 22 December 2020 and receive a $150.00 discount per person!
Thursday 8 July – Thursday 15 July 2021 ~ Stewart Island Discovery Expedition (8 Days)
Discover New Zealand’s third and most southernmost island, Stewart Island, on a small boat cruise. Each day will bring something new – rambles along deserted beaches, wildlife encounters, kayaking, guided rainforest walks, or perhaps you will simply relax on deck amidst the sensations, scenes and moods that sum up the island. Following your voyage to Bluff, you’ll explore Stewart Island’s eastern shoreline, including the renowned wildlife sanctuary of Ulva Island.
COST: From $3,940 per person
Friday 3 September – Saturday 11 September 2021 ~ Preservation Inlet Cruise (9 days)
An ultimate voyage of discovery, an exploration of five of New Zealand’s southernmost and seldom visited fiords; Chalky and Preservation Inlets as well as the stunning Doubtful, Dusky and Breaksea Sounds. A hidden gem of New Zealand, this is definitely a cruise of a lifetime.
COST: From $5230 per person
Thursday 23 September – Wednesday 29 September 2021 ~ Southland & Stewart Island (7 days)
Discover the deep south with its rugged and ever changing landscapes; rocky bluffs, enchanting forests, beautiful sandy beaches and a wealth of wildlife and spectacular views. This is a world where nature dominates a land secluded and untouched . Explore the sights, sounds and welcoming communities of Southland and Stewart Island with Leisure Time Travel.
COST: From $3330 per person
Thursday 30 September – Wednesday 6 October 2021 ~ Southern Gardens & Historic Homes (7 days)
If you’re looking for inspiration for your garden or home, or are simply interested in history and garden design, what better way to spark creativity than to explore the South Island on a trip encompassing Victorian Villas, local gardens, historic homes and lodges, sculptures parks and top vineyards. Join us on this special interests tour travelling from Blenheim down to Dunedin.
COST: From $3260 per person
