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Tour · Inspiring Journeys · 11 nights

Explore the South Island of New Zealand

  • Marvel at Milford Sound
  • Walk a section of the famous Milford Track
  • See the South Island's Southern Alps
From
$9,610 pp twin share
$12,866 pp solo share
11 nights
Enquire
You have missed the boat

This holiday is no longer available — but we can help you find something else.

Find me something similar or call 1300 414 198
Departs 8 October 2023 Returns 9 March 2025
Duration11 nights
OperatorInspiring Journeys
StyleTour
HighlightImmersive small group journey
Uncover unique locations, secret trails, striking landscapes, natural treasures and roads less travelled on this true exploration of New Zealand's South Island

Discover New Zealand on this Inspiring Journey through the natural treasures of the South Island. From the still waters of Milford Sound and snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps to the rolling hills of Central Otago, delve into the beauty of landscapes that have remained unchanged for millennia.

Indulge in a local dining experience in Queenstown at one of the towns exclusive restaurants. Sample some of New Zealand's Brewery in Dunedin.

Explore a section of the world-famous Milford Track with a half day guided walk. Your passionate local nature guide will enrich your time spent on the trail and share the rich history and stories and why the flora and fauna are so unique and special. Journey down the Haast River in a fully enclosed jet boat, explore the remarkable glacial valley where temperate rainforest thrives.

Dive in deep and immerse yourself into the natural wonders of the Milford Sound with specialists nature guides sharing their insightful knowledge of this majestical area.

Take in the spectacular views of the South Island's Southern Alps and the vast Canterbury Plains as your journey to Arthurs Pass on the TranzAlpine. One of the great train journeys of New Zealand. Wake up in the majestic Milford Sound while staying at the bespoke Milford Sound Lodge. Relax in Franz Josef's geothermal hot pools.

When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs
8 October 2023
Returns 9 March 2025
Returns
9 March 2025
Duration
11 nights
From pp twin share
$9,610 pp
From pp solo cabin
$12,866 pp

Multiple departures available between October 2023 and March 2025.

Travel 9 October 2023

  • from $9,610 per person twin share
  • from $12,866 solo traveller

Travel 3 February 2025

  • from $10,095 per person twin share
  • from $13,430 solo traveller

Please note that prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change without notice.

Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Day by day

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Welcome to Christchurch

    On arrival at Christchurch Airport you'll be driven by private car to your hotel. Spend some time at leisure to relax or explore on your own. Perhaps visit the Christchurch Botanical Garden or take a ride on the Christchurch Tram. In the evening meet your Journey Director for a Welcome Reception.

     Welcome Reception Stay: Hotel Montreal, Christchurch
  2. 2

    Christchurch – Franz Josef

    It's all aboard the TranzAlpine train. Rated as one of the world's great scenic railway journeys, you'll travel in comfort across the Canterbury Plains through to the Southern Alps. From Arthur's Pass, visit the small town of Hokitika, the heritage and cultural centre of the West Coast, to learn about the importance of Pounamu, better known as jade or greenstone. Later we continue to Franz Josef. Your eco-friendly accommodation is set amid native bush, with an emphasis on relaxation and rejuvenation. This evening, why not enjoy Franz Josef's local geothermal hot pools or perhaps a massage.

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with wineStay: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef (2 nights)
  3. 3

    Franz Josef 'Relaxed Start'

    After a relaxed start we explore this area, where a local guide explains the history behind the mighty Franz Josef Glacier.

    Included Meals: Breakfast
  4. 4

    Franz Josef – Queenstown

    This morning it’s time for an adventure as we journey down the Haast River in a purpose built, fully enclosed river jet boat. After a lunch stop at Makarora then travel on to Arrowtown where there is time to explore this historic gold-mining village on the Arrow River.Continue to Queenstown for an orientation tour. Tonight, dinner is included at your hotel.

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with wineStay: Hotel St Moritz Queenstown (3 nights)
  5. 5

    Queenstown at Leisure

    Enjoy Queenstown your way! Perhaps join a wine tour and taste some of Central Otago’s world-renowned Pinot Noir or view The Lord of the Rings film locations on a scenic tour of Queenstown and Glenorchy.Tonight, you can dine at one of the local restaurants along the waterfront in town or simply relax at your hotel.

    Included Meals: Breakfast
  6. 6

    Queenstown at Leisure

    Make the most of your extended stay in Queenstown. Why not sit back and enjoy a peaceful cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand’s oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station, take a jet boat ride down the mighty Shotover River.Or simply relax, shop or enjoy time at one of the many cafés and restaurants while soaking up the alpine views. Tonight, enjoy a highlight dinner at one of Queenstown’s exclusive restaurants.

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Local Dining Experience
  7. 7

    Queenstown – Te Anau, Milford Sound

    Travel south along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau on the shores of the South Island’s largest lake. Later you’ll travel through the rainforest of the UNESCO-listed World Heritage site of Fiordland National Park, sighting glaciers and mountain ranges onto the amazing Mirror Lake before driving through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel.Tonight, stay at the magical Milford Sound Lodge, with views of the Cleddau Valley.

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with wineStay: Milford Sound Lodge, Fiordland National Park (2 nights)
  8. 8

    Milford Track Walk & Milford Sound Cruise

    Wake up to the startling beauty of Milford Sound.This morning, explore a section of the famous Milford Track on an easy going half day guided walk.This place is steeped in rich history and stories, the flora and fauna are unique and special.This afternoon aboard the Southern Discoveries vessel sit back and relax as a specialist nature guide introduces you to the natural wonders of Milford Sound often called the ‘eighth natural wonder of the world’.

    Included Meals: Breakfast, dinner with wine
  9. 9

    Milford Sound, Gore, Dunedin

    We leave the majestic Fiordland National Park for the fertile sheep-dotted pastures of South Otago. Travel through Te Anau known for its beautiful lake and on to the country musical town of Gore for lunchtime, before arriving in Dunedin, New Zealand’s southernmost city. Enjoy dinner tonight at Parcels Restaurant at your hotel.

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with wineStay: Distinction Dunedin Hotel (2 nights)
  10. 10

    Dunedin 'Relaxed Start'

    Enjoy a relaxed start this morning, before taking a guided tour oat Emerson’s Brewery, sample the tasty craft beer before an afternoon at leisure.Relax or continue exploring Dunedin as you wish. Perhaps ride the historic Tairei Gorge Railway or take a wildlife cruise of the Otago Pennisula.

    Included Meals: Breakfast
  11. 11

    Dunedin – Christchurch

    Travel up the east coast of the South Island via Oamaru and Timaru. On arrival in Christchurch embark on a sightseeing tour of the city to learn about its rebirth after the devastating 2011 earthquake.

    Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with wineStay: Hotel Montreal, Christchurch
  12. 12

    Farewell from Christchurch

    Say farewell to your fellow travellers as your journey comes to an end and we transfer you to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight.

    Included Meals: Breakfast

    Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

  • 11 nights in quality accommodation
  • 18 meals including 11 Full buffet Breakfasts, 7 Dinners with wine, Welcome Drinks
  • Specialist team of two highly experienced Journey Director and Driver Guide
  • Local Specialists (Guides)
  • Mixture of boutique, unique and 5-star hotels

Not included

  • Flights and travel insurance
Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

Accommodation on your tour includes:

  • Hotel Montreal, Christchurch (1 night)
  • Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef, (2 nights)
  • Hotel St Moritz Queenstown (3 nights)
  • Milford Sound Lodge, Fiordland National Park (2 nights)
  • Distinction Dunedin Hotel (2 nights)
  • Hotel Montreal, Christchurch (1 night)
From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

Flight Information

Flights are not included in holiday price.

  • Day 1: Flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Christchurch Airport
  • Day 12: Flights to depart anytime from Christchurch Airport

What To Bring:

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
  • Warm layers in cooler months, and a waterproof
  • Camera
  • A sense of adventure

Fitness Level

  • Low level of fitness required
Ready to lock in?

Book this tour

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

Enquire about this tour
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Travel at 60 Social Getaways

Travel further when you're not travelling alone

Our Social Getaways are small-group holidays designed especially for over-60s Australians who want the freedom of a great trip without the work of planning every detail. A Travel at 60 host travels with the group, the operator handles the logistics, and you get to focus on the bit that matters — the people, the places, and the stories you'll bring home.

Open to solo travellers too. Many of our travellers book on their own and find their feet quickly in a friendly group of like-minded Australians. Reduced single-supplement options are available on most departures — ask one of our consultants and we'll talk you through what's offered on this trip.

  • A friendly Travel at 60 host — an Australian face on the ground, looking out for the group from day one.
  • Curated local guides & boutique suppliers — the same operators we'd book for our own families.
  • Real itineraries, not whirlwind tours — comfortable transfers, breathing room, and the “off the beaten track” stops the big bus tours skip.

Want to talk it through? Call 1300 414 198 7 days a week, Queensland time, and one of our consultants will walk you through it.

— The team at Travel at 60

A Travel at 60 host with travellers on a Social Getaway
From (twin) $9,610 pp
From (solo) $12,866 pp
Enquire