Is the South Island Big Loop suitable for children?

Yes, this tour is designed for all ages from 2+ years, with comfortable travel and accessible stops.

Are meals included in the tour price?

Yes, all breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks are included along with beverages.

Does the tour include any guided hikes?

While primarily a scenic driving tour, there are opportunities to walk and explore key sights at stops.

What kind of vehicle is used for the trip?

Late-model, air-conditioned coaches or vans provide comfortable transport throughout.

Can I participate in the Milford Sound cruise?

Yes, a scenic cruise at Milford Sound is a core part of the itinerary and included in the package.

How physically demanding is the tour?

The trip is rated moderate, requiring general mobility for short walks, with no technical skills needed.

South Island Big Loop Adventure with Koru Scenic Tours

Koru Scenic Tours offers an unrivaled journey through New Zealand’s South Island with the South Island Big Loop, a seven-day odyssey covering diverse landscapes from Christchurch all the way back again. This comprehensive tour packs the island’s essential natural wonders into a carefully paced loop, perfect for travelers seeking immersive discovery without the rush.

The route begins in Christchurch, Canterbury’s key urban hub, before heading north to the rugged Kaikoura Coast. The wild coastline, featuring dramatic cliffs and the chance to spot marine mammals, sets the tone for what’s ahead. Early stops like Motunau Beach and the Hurunui River Mouth introduce coastal and riverine ecosystems unique to the region.

From Picton, the journey sweeps into the Marlborough Sounds with its intricate waterways, then inland to Nelson and the Buller River corridor, culminating in the geological curiosity of Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks. These limestone formations and the surging blowholes offer prime photo ops and a tactile sense of the region’s dynamic earth processes.

Day three traverses the West Coast’s temperate rainforest to Haast, pausing to witness glacier-fed rivers and iconic glaciers like Franz Josef and Fox, alongside the mirror-like Lake Matheson. Continuing east through Haast Pass, the itinerary captures high waterfalls and alpine scenery before tracing lakes Wanaka and Hawea, stopping in Queenstown and Te Anau.

The tour’s highlight is Milford Sound, best experienced via an included scenic cruise that delivers panoramic fiord views and steep rainforest slopes. The route continues south, winding through the Catlins Conservation Park, where coastal photos of Nugget Point lighthouse and dense native bush are must-sees.

With expert guides, comfortable transport, all meals, and accommodations provided, this trip suits adventurers keen on culture, geology, and wildlife wrapped up in one epic island loop. Koru Scenic Tours’ South Island Big Loop distills New Zealand’s outdoor splendor into a singular, accessible experience, perfect for those ready to move beyond the ordinary.