New Zealand South Island Discovery
New
Discover New Zealand’s spectacular South Island on this 10-day journey, starting and finishing in Christchurch. Travel in Premium Economy comfort through some of the island’s most dramatic landscapes, from the Southern Alps and West Coast glaciers to the lakes and peaks of Queenstown and Fiordland. Highlights include the world-famous TranzAlpine Rail Journey, a cruise aboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw, and a memorable Milford Sound cruise with lunch. You’ll also explore historic Dunedin, visit Larnach Castle, and take in the beauty of Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo. With plenty included, this tour blends scenery, comfort and classic South Island experiences.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Trip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Tour Overview
Duration
10 daysHotel Rating
4 star hotelsStarts
ChristchurchEnds
ChristchurchMinimum Age
16 years oldMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in New Zealand that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - Escorted by a professional driver-guide and experienced tour leaderCountry
New ZealandMeals Included
Breakfast: 9, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 8Passengers
€3,755.00
Trip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max 32
Trip Type
Group Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who stays with you throughout the entire journey. From start to finish, they manage logistics, offer insights at every stop, and are on hand to assist with anything you need. You may also enjoy sightseeing with local expert guides, as per the Inclusions. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - Escorted by a professional driver-guide and experienced tour leaderGroup Size
Min 1 / Max 32Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who stays with you throughout the entire journey. From start to finish, they manage logistics, offer insights at every stop, and are on hand to assist with anything you need. You may also enjoy sightseeing with local expert guides, as per the Inclusions. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Group ToursTrip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Trip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Christchurch
On arrival in Christchurch, you are met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as you meet your tour leader and fellow travellers before dinner.
Please note: For arrivals later than 8.00pm, dinner is not included.
Day 2 - Experience the TranzAlpine & Travel to Franz Josef
This morning we board the TranzAlpine, widely regarded as one of the world’s great train journeys. Travelling through river valleys, deep gorges and over towering viaducts, we climb to Arthur’s Pass in the heart of the Southern Alps. Rejoining our coach, we continue to Hokitika, well known for its greenstone, before travelling on to Franz Josef. There is time here to take an optional scenic flight over the glaciers, weather permitting.
Day 3 - Discover the West Coast & Journey to Queenstown
Today we travel south along the West Coast, taking in views of the snow-capped Southern Alps and passing through Fox Glacier township. We continue via Haast Pass, a region of striking natural beauty, before arriving in picturesque Queenstown. Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, this year-round resort is one of New Zealand’s most scenic destinations. This evening is free for you to dine at one of the many local restaurants.
Day 4 - Explore Queenstown & Cruise Lake Wakatipu
Today is yours to enjoy at leisure in Queenstown. Our crew will be on hand to assist with the wide range of optional activities available. You may choose to experience the excitement of a jet boat ride or join a heritage tour into scenic Skippers Canyon.
This evening we board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. At the Colonel’s Homestead, enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner featuring seasonal, fresh and locally sourced produce. After dinner, there is time for a short farm tour before we reboard the TSS Earnslaw and cruise back to Queenstown, complete with a sing-along around the piano.
Day 5 - Uncover Arrowtown & Travel to Te Anau
Enjoy a relaxed start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, a charming former gold mining settlement. Here we visit the Lakes District Museum. We then continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Later, you may wish to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves on an optional excursion.
Day 6 - Experience Milford Sound & Return to Te Anau
We depart Te Anau and travel through spectacular Fiordland scenery to Milford Sound. Here we board our cruise for a memorable journey through this magnificent fiord. See landmarks such as Bowen Falls and the towering Mitre Peak while enjoying lunch on board. This afternoon we return to Te Anau, with some free time available. You may like to round off the day by watching Ata Whenua - Shadowland at the Fiordland Cinema - an optional experience.
Day 7 - Discover Dunedin
Travelling via Gore and Balclutha, we make our way to Dunedin, often known as the Edinburgh of the South, where we enjoy a city sights tour. We then continue along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle. On our guided tour, we hear the tragic and scandalous story behind New Zealand’s only castle. We also enjoy a delicious Devonshire Tea and have time to explore the gardens, recognised as a Garden of International Significance.
Day 8 - Journey through the Waitaki Valley & Travel to Twizel
This morning we farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru, a town known for its distinctive limestone buildings. Following the Waitaki River, we pass Lake Benmore and continue into the Mackenzie Country, where we marvel at Aoraki / Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. There is an opportunity to take an optional scenic flight over the Southern Alps, weather permitting. We then continue to Twizel for our overnight stay.
Day 9 - Explore Lake Tekapo & Return to Christchurch
We travel to Lake Tekapo, famous for its striking turquoise waters. Here we view the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before continuing to Christchurch for a city sights tour. This evening, enjoy a pre-dinner drink before our farewell dinner, where we reflect on the journey and the memories shared along the way.
Day 10 - Goodbye Christchurch
After a memorable New Zealand holiday, it is time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Please note: If you depart the hotel before the restaurant opens, breakfast is not included.
Trip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Tour Reviews
Trip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Trip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Trip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Prices & Dates
'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Triple' prices (if available) are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of their own room, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room.
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