See All
Rated 0 out of 5
Experience the dramatic landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island on this 10-day journey that dives deep into its natural and cultural wonders. From the adventure hub of Queenstown to the glacier-carved fiords of Milford Sound, the untamed wilderness of the West Coast, and the scenic grandeur aboard the TranzAlpine train, this tour captures the island’s diversity in all its glory. Along the way, explore charming towns, alpine vistas, and unique wildlife, creating an unforgettable South Island adventure.
10 days, 1 country and 7 cities
9 nights accommodation
9 Breakfasts 1 Lunch 6 Dinners
Balanced
Arrive in Christchurch (flights to arrive prior to 4pm) and settle into your hotel near Cathedral Square. Kick off your South Island adventure with drinks alongside your Travel Director and fellow travellers. Spend the evening exploring the city at your leisure—wander along the Avon River, admire the Botanic Gardens, visit the Christchurch Casino, or stroll through Cashel Mall.
Begin your day with a sightseeing tour of Christchurch, visiting the Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Earthquake Memorial, and Bridge of Remembrance. Travel into the countryside through Geraldine, stopping at Talbots Forest Cheese for a tasting and lunch. Continue to Lake Tekapo and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd before enjoying a Be My Guest afternoon tea at the home of retired farmers Angie and Stan Taylor. Learn about local farming life and enjoy Pavlova freshly prepared by Angie. End the day in Twizel with a classic New Zealand dinner.
Travel along the Waitaki River to Oamaru, a charming Victorian town with tree-lined streets and limestone buildings. Continue to Dunedin, New Zealand’s ‘mini Edinburgh,’ for a free afternoon to explore. Optional experiences include Larnach Castle, Speight’s Brewery, City to Sea Wildlife Tour, or the Bread to Bottle Tour. Conclude the day with dinner in Dunedin.
Journey through farmlands and forested mountains into Fiordland National Park and along Lake Te Anau. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience on a jet boat ride to Pomona Island, a conservation project protecting native plants and wildlife. Optional experiences include a visit to the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves. End the day with dinner at your hotel.
Travel through Fiordland National Park, past Mirror Lakes, and through Homer Tunnel into the Cleddau Valley. Cruise Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, witnessing waterfalls, Mitre Peak, and possibly fur seals. Continue to Queenstown for your overnight stay. Optional: Air Milford scenic flight back to Queenstown.
Spend the day exploring Queenstown at your leisure. Optional activities include Skippers Canyon tour, jet boating, Kiwi Park, Lord of the Rings Scenic Tour, and boutique wine tours. In the evening, enjoy a Dive Into Culture experience with a TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue dinner and farm show.
Travel through Central Otago, stopping at Arrowtown and Cromwell’s Jones Family fruit stall, then onward to Lakes Hawea and Wanaka. Cross Haast Pass to the West Coast and arrive at Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Optional experiences include a helicopter flight over the glacier or the Haast River Safari Jet Boat.
Depart Franz Josef, optionally visiting the West Coast Wildlife Centre, before stopping in Hokitika for lunch. Continue to Punakaiki to view the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Enjoy dinner at your eco-friendly waterfront hotel.
Stop at Greymouth’s Pounamu Pathway for a cultural insight into local Māori heritage. Enjoy lunch at Monteith's Brewery before boarding the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch, one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Celebrate your South Island adventure with a farewell dinner showcasing Canterbury cuisine.
After breakfast, your New Zealand South Island tour concludes. Transfer to Christchurch Airport for onward flights.
There are no reviews yet.
Be the first to review “Southern Spectacular”