Wellington & South Island - 14 days Tour by On The Go Tours

14 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 55 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Wellington, New Zealand

Ends

Christchurch, New Zealand

Highlights

Abel Tasman National Park – Cruise the waters of this national park and enjoy optional hiking across wild beaches and through lush scenery

Te Anau - Ride the Fiordland Jet across Lake Te Anau and along the Waiau River, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and pristine wilderness

Wanaka - Choose from an ecological tour to a serene island on Lake Wanaka or a 4X4 excursion into the surrounding countryside

Te Anau - Stay beside the largest lake on the South Island and the gateway to Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park – Journey through New Zealand's great wilderness, enjoying the breath-taking scenery as you travel

Milford Sound – Pass through incredible Fiordland National Park and enjoy a cruise on Milford Sound - look out for dolphins!

Queenstown – Spend a free day here exploring as you please, with optional zip-lining, rafting, or a 4X4 safari

Mount Cook – Drive along the shores of Lake Pukaki and enjoy views of New Zealand's highest peak

Lake Tekapo – See a tiny church set against a majestic backdrop, one of New Zealand’s most photographed spots

Christchurch – End your adventure in the city, with an included punting experience and a farewell group dinner

Milford Sound – Pass through incredible Fiordland National Park and enjoy a cruise on Milford Sound - look out for dolphins!

Queenstown – Spend a free day here exploring as you please, with optional zip-lining, rafting, or a 4X4 safari

Mount Cook – Drive along the shores of Lake Pukaki and enjoy views of New Zealand's highest peak

Lake Tekapo – See a tiny church set against a majestic backdrop, one of New Zealand’s most photographed spots

Christchurch – End your adventure in the city, with an included punting experience and a farewell group dinner

Itinerary

From Wellington’s urban buzz to the wilds of New Zealand’s South Island, this 14-day sightseeing trip is thoughtfully crafted for mature travelers seeking an easy yet comprehensive adventure. Cross the Cook Strait to Nelson’s sun-kissed shores, hike among Abel Tasman’s lush trails, and marvel at the surreal Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki. Traverse Glacier Country, savor tea with locals at Lake Tekapo, and stand in awe before Mt Cook’s towering peaks. Cruise the dramatic Milford Sound and conclude in the vibrant city of Christchurch. The tour’s unique selling point is its curated balance of iconic natural wonders and genuine local encounters, offering a seamless, comfortable journey through the South Island’s greatest treasures in one memorable tour package.

day 1 - Welcome to Wellington

Welcome to Wellington! Today is yours to explore New Zealand's friendly capital city. Wander Oriental Parade, explore Cuba Street's unique boutiques, and don't miss the enlightening Te Papa, the national museum.

OverNight:Wellington

day 2 - From North to South Island

Wellington – Nelson. Today we cross the Cook Strait on one of the most picturesque ferry journeys in the world. Often accompanied by dolphins riding the bow wave, we arrive in Picton on the South Island. We travel to Blenheim, nestled in the heart of the renowned Marlborough wine country. What could be a more perfect way to savour this region, celebrated for its Sauvignon Blanc, than indulging in wine tasting at one of Marlborough's top wineries? From here we head to the delightful town of Nelson, where we spend the next two nights.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Nelson

day 3 - Abel Tasman National Park

Travelling before October 2026: Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in.

We spend today soaking up the beauty of Abel Tasman National Park, with its golden coves, turquoise lagoons and forest ranges. Since there are few roads in this national park we see the sights of it by boat instead. Boarding a small cruiser at Kaiteriteri we head out to enjoy the scenery with plenty of stops along the way for swimming and exploring on foot. Arriving back in Kaiteriteri after the cruise, you have three options.

Option 1 is to relax in the town of Kaiteriteri at leisure.

Option 2 is to join a shorter 7km (2.5 hour) self-guided walk to fabulous Anchorage Beach.

Option 3 is to join a longer 10.5km (4 hour) self-guided walk to Anchorage Beach, including the scenic highlights of the South Head lookout, the famous Falls River swing-bridge, and Cleopatra’s Pool.

After these activities are completed, we transfer back to Nelson for the evening.

Travelling in or after October 2026:Today, we spend the day soaking up the beauty of Abel Tasman National Park, with its golden coves, turquoise lagoons and lush forest ranges. Since there are few roads in this stunning national park, we explore it by water.

Boarding a comfortable cruiser at Kaiteriteri, we enjoy a full scenic cruise along the park’s spectacular coastline. Glide past tranquil bays, watch for seals and birdlife, and admire the views of beaches and granite headlands. There are opportunities to step ashore for short walks and photos before we return to Kaiteriteri in the afternoon.

We then transfer back to Nelson for the evening.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Nelson

day 4 - Nelson Lakes National Park & Punakaiki

Travelling before October 2026:Nelson – Punakaiki. This morning, we journey through the captivating Nelson Lakes National Park, which features rugged peaks, lush forests, glacial lakes, and the majestic Southern Alps. We take some time to explore the charming village of St. Arnaud, before turning inland along the Buller River Gorge, a stunning scenic drive. We then follow the coastline south to the small settlement of Punakaiki. This area is renowned for its wild and untamed shoreline, as well as the famous 'Pancake Rocks' – striking limestone formations that stand as a remarkable testament to the forces of nature.

Travelling in or after October 2026:Nelson – Kaikoura. This morning, we journey through the picturesque landscapes of the Marlborough region, known for its rolling vineyards and rugged coastline. Continuing south, we arrive in Kaikōura, famed for its dramatic mountain-meets-ocean scenery and rich marine life.

This afternoon, enjoy your choice of included activity, Option 1: Whale Watch Cruise – Head out to sea on a comfortable catamaran and marvel at the resident sperm whales, as well as dolphins, fur seals, and seabirds.

Option 2: Wings Over Whales – Take to the skies for a scenic flight offering a unique perspective of Kaikoura’s whales and breathtaking coastline.

Afterwards, relax and take in the stunning coastal views before we settle in for the night.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Punakaiki / Kaikoura

day 5 - Franz Josef & Fox Glacier

Travelling before October 2026: Punakaiki – Fox Glacier. Leaving Punakaiki behind, we travel on to Hokitika on the West Coast, where we visit its galleries of greenstone jewellery and artwork. Continuing to Hokitika Gorge, we stretch our legs and discover the blue/green waters that pass through the rugged rocks. Following the road south, we reach Franz Josef and then on to the village of Fox, which is where the huge rivers of snow and ice of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers flow from vast snowfields high in the Southern Alps, down almost to sea level. If the weather allows there is the option of a helicopter ride over the glaciers at an extra cost.

Travelling in or after October 2026: Kaikōura – Fox Glacier. We follow the coast south to Christchurch and board the world-famous TranzAlpine train, one of the great rail journeys of the world. Crossing the fertile Canterbury Plains, we climb through the Waimakariri Gorge and across the Southern Alps to reach Arthur’s Pass.

On arrival in Greymouth, we rejoin our coach and journey down the wild West Coast. We stop in Hokitika to browse its galleries of greenstone (pounamu) jewellery and artwork, then take a short walk to the vivid blue waters of Hokitika Gorge. Continuing south through lush rainforest and along the rugged coastline, we reach the spectacular glacier region and the village of Fox.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Fox Glacier

day 6 - Mt Aspiring National Park

Fox Glacier – Wanaka. First thing today we visit nearby Lake Matheson which, when weather conditions are just right, perfectly mirrors Mount Cook in its waters creating a stunning visual effect. From here we head up over the Haast Past along the river road, which took more than 40 years to complete, travelling deep into Mt Aspiring National Park to Lake Wanaka and the picturesque resort town of Wanaka.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Wanaka

day 7 - Wanaka

Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in.

Today we have a choice of two included excursions. Option 1 sees you join an eco tour. Depart Wanaka by boat and escape civilisation as we cruise to an island where we hike through vibrant native vegetation to find a hidden mountaintop lake surrounded by small islands. We trek on to reach the island's summit for a 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka, its mountains and valleys, and the Arethusa Pool. Look out for the rare Buff Weka, a flightless bird extinct on Mainland NZ since 1920, which often joins visitors.

Option 2 is a 4WD adventure. We will explore a perfect mix of stunning scenery, history, and farm life in New Zealand's High Country. We will traverse remote back roads on an authentic farm with Lake Wanaka as our backdrop, surrounded by nature's beauty. We get up close to farm animals and visit historical sites, all while enjoying optional hikes through alpine meadows and lakeside forests, offering a unique insight into Wanaka's history, heritage, modern farming, and breathtaking landscapes.

When we return to Wanaka we have the afternoon at leisure to relax or enjoy the town.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Wanaka

day 8 - Wanaka to Te Anau

Travelling before October 2026:Wanaka – Te Anau. We begin our day in Wanaka, stopping at the iconic Cardrona Pub. Then we venture through the Crown Range road to explore historic Arrowtown, a charming gold rush village nestled beneath majestic peaks near the Arrow River. We carry on along the scenic road between the Remarkables mountain range and stunning Lake Wakatipu before traversing a glacial valley turned farmland to reach Lake Te Anau, the South Island's largest freshwater lake and the entry point to Fiordland National Park.

Travelling in or after October 2026: Wanaka – Te Anau. We begin our day with a stop at the iconic Cardrona Pub, then travel over the scenic Crown Range road to explore historic Arrowtown, a picturesque gold rush village nestled by the Arrow River.

From here, we continue through stunning high-country scenery to Woodstone Farm, where we gain a fascinating insight into life on a working sheep and beef farm. Enjoy meeting the animals and learning how farming is carried out in this remote but beautiful part of New Zealand.

Arriving in Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park, we cap the day with an exhilarating Fiordland Jet experience — skimming across Lake Te Anau and along the Waiau River with breathtaking mountain backdrops and a taste of pure wilderness.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Te Anau

day 9 - Fiordland National Park & Milford Sound

Te Anau – Queenstown. The journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound is one of the most scenic drives you can experience. Fiordland National Park, part of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area is awe-inspiring, and features towering mountains and deep valleys sculpted by ancient glaciers. Milford Sound, famously dubbed the 'eighth wonder of the world' by Rudyard Kipling, is a breathtaking destination in any weather.

We embark on a comfortable cruise, passing the iconic Mitre Peak to reach the Tasman Sea. Keep a lookout for seals and dolphins, which often grace the fiord's waters. After the cruise we retrace our route back to Te Anau and then journey through the Southland farmlands and circle the stunning Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Queenstown

day 10 - Exploring Queenstown

Nestled amid majestic mountains and on the pristine shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown's natural beauty and unique ambiance provide an ideal setting for a visit filled with adventure, exploration, or relaxation. Today, we have the freedom to choose our own activities: thrill-seekers might opt for activities like zip-lining at Bob's Peak, a heart-pounding Shotover jet-boat ride, or white-water rafting. For those of us seeking a more leisurely experience, we can enjoy a gondola ride to Bob's Peak or embark on a 4WD safari to Skippers Canyon. Queenstown also offers boutique wineries, local gardens, and a chance to cruise Lake Wakatipu on the elegant steamship TSS Earnslaw for a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Queenstown

day 11 - Journey to Mt Cook

Queenstown – Twizel. This morning we head north through Kawarau Gorge and past the scenic Lake Dunstan. We cross the Central Otago Countryside to the Lindis Pass where we descend into the Mackenzie Basin where the Southern Alps dominate the horizon. We enjoy a picturesque drive along Lake Pukaki to arrive at Mt. Cook Village, nestled at the base of New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki/Mt. Cook. Our overnight stay awaits in the charming town of Twizel.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Twizel

day 12 - Twizel to Christchurch

Twizel – Christchurch. Today we get to experience Kiwi culture by visiting a local home on Lake Tekapo's shores to learn the art of making Pavlova, a beloved New Zealand dessert. We enjoy our Pavlova during morning tea, taking in the stunning lake views. We admire the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, beautifully situated against the backdrop of the Southern Alps. Continuing our journey through the high country's tussock plains, passing through charming towns like Fairlie and Geraldine, en route to Ashburton we then travel across the fertile Canterbury Plains to reach Christchurch, a city that combines post-earthquake regeneration with a rich blend of heritage, culture, and innovation.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Christchurch

day 13 - Christchurch

This morning we embark on a leisurely punt cruise along the River Avon in the company of boatmen sporting straw boaters and Edwardian attire as we glide through the picturesque Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Following this we experience the evolving cityscape of Christchurch from the comfort of a beautifully restored heritage tram. As our journey together is coming to a close, we'll conclude the day with a laid-back farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Christchurch

day 14 - Saying Goodbye

Today our adventure in New Zealand comes to an end. A transfer takes you to Christchurch Airport for your flight home.

Meals:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

13 nights 4 star hotels

Meals

13 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 1 dinnerMilford Sound cruise & lunch

Transport

Airport arrival and departure transfers on day 1 and day 14All relevant transfers and transportation in modern air-conditioned vehicle

Guide

Escorted by an expert local guide/driver with specialist local guides at some sites

Others

Ferry across the Cook StraitTouring of ChristchurchWine tasting at one of Marlborough’s premier wineriesAbel Tasman National Park cruise'Pancake Rocks' visit at PunakaikiLocal eco-guided tour or an authentic 4WD adventure at WanakaMorning tea at a local home on the shores of Lake TekapoChristchurch Edwardian punt & heritage tram experienceWhale Watch or Wings Over Whales in Kaikoura (Travelling in or after October 2026)Tranz Alpine Train journey Christchurch - Fox Glacier (Travelling in or after October 2026)Fiordland Jet & Woodstone Farm (Travelling in or after October 2026)Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.

What's Excluded

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