9- day New Zealand South Island Exploration (Christchurch Return)

Your fare excludes:

Day 1 - Welcome to Christchurch

Since its 2010/11 earthquakes, Christchurch has reinvented itself in more ways than one. It's time tonight to meet your travelling companions for a Welcome Reception.

Day 2 - Christchurch - Omarama

Christchurch is not only rebuilding itself after the devastating 2010/11 earthquakes but is changing the way architects think about design. Case in point the mind-bending Cathedral, made largely of cardboard, and Turanga, the gold-clad central library. You will view these on your city tour. From here, your outlook is the Canterbury Plains: the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd, snow-capped mountains and atmospheric towns. Your Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy Experience at Tekapo, hosted by passionate guides, will forever change the way you see the night sky. You'll see for yourself it may be one of the quietest spots on the planet, yet it has one of the busiest skies in the universe.

Day 3 - Omarama - Dunedin

Oamaru, with its Victorian heritage buildings, stands proud before you journey further south toward the Edinburgh of the South: Dunedin. It’s easy to while away the afternoon in the city’s atmospheric art-lined alleys. Or venture further afield to discover the wildlife that thrives in this pretty pocket of the country – fur seals among them. Thirsty? Visit Speight's Brewery, a New Zealand institution.

Day 4 - Dunedin - Te Anau

Dunedin’s Scottish ancestry is everywhere you look, from the manicured grounds of Otago University to the city’s main George Street. Rolling green hills dotted with doe-eyed sheep are replaced by soaring mountains as you weave your way into Fiordland National Park and the South Island’s biggest lake and the town of Te Anau. Soak up the serenity – it doesn’t get any better than this.

Day 5 - Te Anau - Queenstown

From the moment you step outside today, nature rules. Your route through Fiordland National Park is an intoxicating union of beech forests, alluvial flats, meadows, and mirror-like lakes. Gin-clear rivers carve the countryside, with all roads leading to your Milford Sound/Piopiotahi tour. Cruising this World Heritage-listed expanse will give you goosebumps, a string of waterfalls creating a misty curtain across sheer escarpments. 

Day 6 - Queenstown Free Time

Take today at your own pace. Like things fast and furious? Feel the wind in your hair on the high-octane Skippers Jet, perhaps. There’s a reason why Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the country. Nature lover? Discover some of New Zealand’s feathered friends at a wildlife centre. Wherever you wander, make sure you’re back in time to glide across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue Highlight Dinner.

Day 7 - Queenstown - Franz Josef / Waiau

Try and keep count of today’s lakes. Leaving Lake Wakatipu behind, Arrowtown appears on the horizon. We know you’ll want to linger in the movie-set-like streets, lined with trees and character-filled boutiques. But Lake Dunstan awaits, as do its orchards. Pause to refuel on flavour-packed stone fruit. Then there’s Lake Hawea followed by Lake Wanaka, with its Instagrammable shoreline of poplars and willows. Over the Haast Pass to the town of Franz Josef, where, this afternoon you may choose to fly over Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere.

Day 8 - Franz Josef / Waiau - Christchurch

Swap snow for pounamu (native greenstone or jade) in Hokitika. Just when you thought your adventure couldn’t get any better, you’ll aboard the TranzAlpine train bound for Christchurch, through tunnels and over viaducts with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, beech forests, gorges, and river valleys.

Day 9 - Farewell from Christchurch

New Zealand’s South Island never fails to wow. We hope you find the words to describe this epic New Zealand tour to your family back home. 

Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.

Departing 30 Mar 2025

• From $5,320 per person twin share*
• From $7,000 per person sole traveler*

Departing 27 Apr 2025 / 18 Jan 2026 / 1 Feb 2026 / 15 Feb 2026 / 1 Mar 2026 / 15 Mar 2026 / 29 Mar 2026

• From $5,216 per person twin share*
• From $6,867 per person sole traveler*

Departing 14 Sep 2025 / 28 Sep 2025 / 2 Nov 2025 / 16 Nov 2025 / 7 Dec 2025 / 14 Dec 2025 / 28 Dec 2025

• From $5,063 per person twin share*
• From $6,665 per person sole traveler*

Departing 26 Apr 2026 / 17 Jan 2027 / 31 Jan 2027 / 14 Feb 2027 / 28 Feb 2027 / 14 Mar 2027 / 28 Mar 2027

• From $6,075 per person twin share*
• From $8,000 per person sole traveler*

Departing 13 Sep 2026 / 27 Sep 2026 / 18 Oct 2026 / 1 Nov 2026 / 15 Nov 2026 / 6 Dec 2026 / 13 Dec 2026 / 27 Dec 2026

• From $5,910 per person twin share*
• From $7,780 per person sole traveler*

Call our team today to find out more on 1300 414 198. We can also assist with booking International flights and accommodation as part of your overall travel plans.

Please note: Exact itineraries may vary slightly depending on the departure date. Your full itinerary will be shown on your confirmation invoice.

A​ccommodation throughout this tour:

•  Wyndham Garden
• Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel
• Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
• Distinction Luxmore Hotel
• Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown
• Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Need airfares, additional accommodation, or sightseeing options before or after your tour? Our friendly travel team can assist you with this. Call today on free call 1300 414 198 for prices.

Flight Information:

• Day 1: Flights to arrive by 4:00 pm into Christchurch Airport
• Day 9: Flights to depart any time from Christchurch Airport

Airline schedules may change at short notice. Please consider possible flight disruption when booking your flights.​

Fitness Requirements:

• Low level of fitness required

What to Bring:

• Water bottle
• Warm layers in cooler months
• Camera
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat