Itinerary
This is a 9 day small-size group tour that travels the South Island of New Zealand, starting and finishing in Christchurch.
Haere Mai — welcome to your South Island adventure!
Your journey begins in Christchurch, affectionately known as the Garden City for its expansive parks and beautiful green spaces. After checking in, enjoy a leisurely afternoon discovering the city at your own pace — perhaps explore its laneways for tucked-away cafés, browse the vibrant retail precinct, or hop aboard the historic tram for a relaxed loop around Christchurch’s landmarks.
This evening at 6:15pm, you’ll meet your tour guide and fellow travellers, followed by a group dinner — a perfect chance to connect and get excited for the days ahead.
Meals: Dinner
This morning, our South Island journey continues as we travel down the breathtaking east coast of New Zealand. Our first stop is the charming town of Oamaru, celebrated for its wonderfully maintained Victorian and Edwardian buildings. From there, we head to the famous Moeraki Boulders — enormous, perfectly round rock formations more than 60 million years old, scattered across the shoreline like ancient relics. Created deep beneath the earth and uncovered through natural erosion, these unique boulders make for an inspiring and memorable photo opportunity.
We then continue on to Dunedin, often referred to as New Zealand’s “Scottish City,” known for its striking historic architecture, lively creative community, and scenic harbour setting. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure — take a stroll through its character-filled streets, discover boutique stores, or settle into a welcoming café. It’s a wonderful mix of history, culture, and coastal charm.
Included Activities: Oamaru Visit, Moeraki Boulders, Baldwin Street
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, we make our way to the renowned Larnach Castle — a true Dunedin treasure. Completed in 1871 for William Larnach, it remains the only castle in New Zealand. Its beautifully curated grounds, recognised by the New Zealand Gardens Trust as a Garden of International Significance, are remarkable in both design and setting, offering sweeping views across the Otago Peninsula.
Our journey then leads us to Gore, where we step into the fascinating world of the Hokonui Moonshine Museum. Here, you’ll uncover the bold stories of Scottish settlers whose illicit whisky production turned the region into a hotbed of bootlegging. You’ll even get the chance to taste Old Hokonui, recreated from the original recipe once made in secret.
By evening, we arrive in Te Anau — the doorstep to Fiordland National Park and majestic Doubtful Sound. Settle into your accommodation and get ready for tomorrow’s unforgettable immersion into one of Aotearoa’s most unspoiled wilderness areas.
Included Activities: Larnach Castle Visit, Hokonui Moonshine Museum
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Leaving Te Anau this morning, we head to Manapouri, where a scenic boat ride carries us across the lake to West Arm. From there, a short coach trip takes us over the dramatic Wilmot Pass — famously the most expensive road ever built in New Zealand. We’ll pause along the way to take in the lush Fiordland rainforest and spectacular views stretching down to Doubtful Sound.
At Deep Cove, we board a comfortable catamaran for an immersive journey through Doubtful Sound, the largest and most peaceful of Fiordland’s fiords. Often described as Milford Sound’s quieter, more mysterious sibling, it offers awe-inspiring landscapes of sheer cliffs, untouched waters, and mist-draped peaks. Throughout the cruise, your guide will share fascinating insights into the area’s natural and cultural history, and you may spot local wildlife such as dolphins, fur seals, and even rare penguins.
After our wilderness experience, we continue on to Queenstown, where you’ll settle into a beautiful alpine hotel — your base for the next two nights.
Included Activity: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today is yours to make the most of Queenstown — a spectacular alpine destination famous for its adventure offerings and breathtaking scenery. If you’re keen to get out and explore, you might opt for an exhilarating ride on the iconic Shotover Jet or join an excursion into the historic goldmining landscapes of Skippers Canyon. For incredible panoramic views, take the gondola up to Bob’s Peak and enjoy lunch at the Skyline restaurant. You could even visit the bungy centre to watch thrill-seekers take the plunge — after all, bungy jumping was born right here in New Zealand!
If a slower pace is more your style, wander down to the lakefront for a relaxing drink, or enjoy a gentle walk through Queenstown’s leafy gardens.
With countless activities and experiences on offer, your local guide will be on hand to help you plan your perfect day and arrange any optional adventures.
Optional Activities: Jet Boating, Skippers Canyon Tour, TSS Earnslaw Cruise to Walter Peak, Skyline Gondola, and more
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, we set out on one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking road journeys. Our first stop is Arrowtown, a beautifully preserved settlement that still carries the charm of its gold-rush past. From there, we continue to Wānaka — a lakeside gem surrounded by towering mountains. Here, we’ll pause for lunch and enjoy some free time to take in the stunning alpine scenery.
As we travel further north, the route leads us along the wild and dramatic West Coast. Crossing the Haast Pass — part of a UNESCO World Heritage area — we’ll be treated to views of ancient rainforest, clear blue rivers, and impressive peaks. The remote township of Haast, framed by this extraordinary landscape and the powerful Haast River, offers a real sense of New Zealand’s untamed nature.
This evening, we come together for a group dinner at our hotel, the perfect opportunity to reflect on a day filled with spectacular sights.
Included Activities: Visits to Wānaka and Arrowtown
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, we continue north through the stunning landscapes of Westland National Park as we make our way into Glacier Country, home to the famous Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. This dramatic region has been carved by centuries of glacial movement and is now a unique blend of lush temperate rainforest set against towering alpine peaks.
We’ll pause at Lake Matheson, tucked within ancient forest and renowned for its glassy reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. A gentle walk leads to a beautiful viewing point where you can take in the lake’s iconic mirror-like scenery — a highlight for photographers and nature lovers alike.
By late afternoon, we arrive in the village of Franz Josef, surrounded by mountains and rainforest. You’ll have the chance to join an optional scenic helicopter flight, complete with a snow landing — an unforgettable experience, though one that relies heavily on suitable weather.
Included Activity: Lake Matheson Lookout
Optional Activity: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing (weather permitting)
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, we farewell Franz Josef and make our way north to Hokitika, a creative coastal town known for its beautiful Greenstone (pounamu) and vibrant arts scene. Here, we’ll stop at a Greenstone and glassblowing workshop to see skilled artisans at work and gain insight into the region’s traditional and contemporary craftsmanship.
We then continue to the TranzAlpine station, where we board one of the world’s most celebrated scenic rail journeys. As the train crosses the South Island, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of native forests, expansive plains, and dramatic snow-dusted peaks — a truly unforgettable experience.
At the end of the journey, we arrive in Christchurch and transfer to our hotel. This evening, we come together for a farewell dinner, a chance to share stories and celebrate our final night on tour.
Included Activities: Greenstone & Glassblowing Workshop, TranzAlpine Train Journey
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today marks the end of our journey together. After enjoying your final breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to your tour leader and the fellow travellers who’ve shared this adventure with you. Whether you’re heading home or extending your stay in Christchurch, we hope you depart with unforgettable memories and friendships that will last well beyond the tour.
Meals: Breakfast
