Explore the South Island of New Zealand
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.
- 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
Your fare excludes:
- Flights and travel insurance
Day 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
Day 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 wine
- Stay: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef (2 nights)
Day 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
Day 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 wine
- Stay: Hotel St Moritz Queenstown (3 nights)
Day 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
Day 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
Day 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 wine
- Stay: Milford Sound Lodge, Fiordland National Park (2 nights)
Day 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
Day 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 wine
- Stay: Distinction Dunedin Hotel (2 nights)
Day 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
Day 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 wine
- Stay: Hotel Montreal, Christchurch
Day 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.
Please note prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.
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
Multiple departures available between October 2023 and March 2025, call our local travel team on 1300 414 198 for full details and to book your seat.
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)
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
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