This was a fabulous overview of the entire country. Highlights were the wilderness experiences - the forest bathing and the sound of silence on Doubtful Sound. This was a trip of a lifetime!! Well done.
We had a wonderful time on tour with Santo our tour director and Pete our driver who both took extra care of my elderly parents who had mobility issues
The places we went to were amazing and the meals provided excellent. The accommodation is what one expects in New Zealand but every care was taken to make sure we had everything we needed
We were sad when our South Island tour ended
Join a tour which embodies the Southern Spirit. This unforgettable adventure blends rugged natural beauty with unique local experiences. Explore the untouched wilderness of Stewart Island and stay beachside at Punakaiki. Enjoy hands-on fun at Real Country, discover the dramatic Franz Josef Glacier, and unwind in sunny Nelson near Abel Tasman National Park. From Queenstown’s alpine adventure to a highlight dinner at Invercargill’s Transport World and Wellington’s scenic charm—this tour showcases the best of Aotearoa.
Comprehensive look at New Zealands South Island with an excellent guide in Isabelle who went to great lengths to make our trip both enjoyable and informative.
Consistantly good with the accommodation and sights as well.
Good weather, good time of year.
People on the trip were friendly.
Bus driver and guide were most helpful and friendly
Great trip. The guide was great, the driver did a great job and the people themselves were friendly and accommodating. The first picture below is with the guide Chantzee after we walked up "the steepest street in the world" in Dunedin, Baldwin street, the second is of Milford Sound.
New Zealand’s South Island has a reputation as one of the most naturally beautiful places on earth, yet it still manages to defy expectations. On this 10-day round trip from Christchurch, you’ll be met with astonishing sight after astonishing sight as a local leader shows you what they love about their country. Get your heart racing in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, discover the laidback delights of postcard-perfect Wanaka, stand in awe of the Franz Josef Glacier, and cross the Southern Alps on one of the world’s most spectacular train journeys. Between glacial lakes and snow-capped peaks, you’ll soon see what all the fuss is about.
We were able to see and enjoy a large range of events, sites and experiences, that made this trip one of our most memorable. There were a number of optional experiences which enabled us to access opportunities to engage in our interests.
Dramatic peaks, glittering glaciers and geothermal wonders await on this 18-day Premium adventure through New Zealand. With a passionate local leader to guide the way, you’ll journey through a landscape shaped by the elements over thousands of years. Begin in the volcanic North Island, where you'll sip your way around wineries on Waiheke Island, explore the mythical world of Hobbiton and experience the generous hospitality of Tamaki Māori Village. Then, make your way to the South Island to walk through the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy, forage for fresh ingredients with a local chef in Wanaka and cruise the calm, quiet waters of Doubtful Sound.
Step into a captivating world of dazzling peaks, glittering glaciers, icy blue lakes and misty rainforests – it could only be New Zealand. Tucked among these awe-inspiring landscapes you’ll find contemporary cities and laidback little towns, every bit as intriguing as their epic surroundings. Spend 20 days uncovering the very best of New Zealand with a local leader at the wheel. In the South Island, the high-adrenaline activities of Queenstown, fabulous wineries of Marlborough, and awe-inspiring scenery of Franz Josef await. In the North Island, travel through the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, chill out on the beaches of Coromandel and Raglan, explore the otherworldly landscapes of Tongariro National Park and get to know Wellington’s creative side.
The tour operator was amazing. I fell in love with New Zealand. Simon was great guide and the small tour group made it even better as we all became close friends. I would highly recommend the tour operator to all my friends and Family. I loved every moment that I was in New Zealand. I would come back in a heart beat and travel with the operator again.
Fall in love with the highlights of this 10 day South Island itinerary that takes you on a circuit of spectacular mountains, lakes, rivers, glaciers, waterfalls and rainforests and gives you the opportunity to enjoy all the bucket list adventures you could wish for.
Created for travellers in their mid-thirties and upwards, on this New Zealand South Island itinerary you’ll visit Christchurch, Queenstown, Lake Wanaka, Lake Tekapo (and Lake Wakatipu, Lake Mapourika, Lake Hawea, plus more lakes!), the Mackenzie Country, and Franz Josef, plus you’ll get to take one of the world’s greatest train rides! Your comfortable 3–4 star accommodation on tour includes a boutique hotels and a rainforest retreat.
We’ll travel from the wide plains of Canterbury, through the mountains and lakes of Central Otago, to the glaciers and pristine rainforest of the West Coast via the spectacular Haast Pass. By the end of this New Zealand South Island itinerary, you will have lost count of the number of times you’ve uttered the words: “Wow!”, “So beautiful!” and “It’s breathtaking!”.
You’ll have the opportunity to swim, kayak, jet boat, skydive, hike, bike, see kiwis, relax in hot pools, eat and drink like a local, and more.
But only if you want to; this is your trip, and it’s designed to be flexible. Across this 10 day South Island itinerary we include some of the things that we reckon are absolute essentials, but rather than force you into activities you’re not so sure of, we leave the choice up to you. You can pre-book activities that you definitely want to do before the trip starts, and then add more while you’re on tour.
As our tours are made up of a combination of tours, the composition of your group may change throughout your tour (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch are the hubs where the group may change).
Experience the best of New Zealand’s South Island on this twelve-day guided tour. Travel on the TranzAlpine, one of the world’s great train journeys, to the wild West Coast. Discover the Franz Josef Glacier on a guided walk with local experts. Journey along the Haast River in an enclosed jet boat, then travel to the picturesque former mining village of Arrowtown. Take time to explore the charming town of Queenstown: here, you can choose a guided e-bike tour or join a boutique wine tour, then dine on exceptional fare at one of its most exclusive restaurants. Journey through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, where you’ll enjoy a half-day guided walk along the famous Milford Track — often described as the finest walk in the world. Travel to the ‘Edinburgh of the South’, Dunedin, to sample craft gin at Dunedin Craft Distillers. End your adventure in Christchurch, where you will toast your travels during a celebration dinner.
