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

Departures & Pricing

Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Itinerary

1. 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 Travel Director and travelling companions for a tour briefing and drinks.

2. 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 local specialists, 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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 Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Your cruise on this World Heritage listed expanse will give you goosebumps, a string of waterfalls creating a misty curtain across sheer escarpments.

6. 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 Kiwi Park (both own expense). 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.

7. 7

   Queenstown - Franz Josef / Waiau

   Try and keep count of today’s lakes. Leaving Lake Wakatipu behind. But Lake Dunstan awaits, as do its orchards. Pause to refuel on flavour-packed stone fruit. Then there’s Lake Hawea. Over the Haast Pass to the town of Franz Josef/Waiau, where, this afternoon you may choose to fly over Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere (own expense).

8. 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.

9. 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.*

Accommodation

›

›

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.

You might also like

Package · Grand Pacific Tours · 10 nights

Solo Traveller Tour of New Zealand's South Island

• Return airfares from your homeport with return airport transfers included
• Experienced Tour Leader and Professional Coach Captain travel with you throughout
• Ten cooked breakfasts and eight dinners provided, including two specialty dinners

Departs 21 February, 2027

From $10,169 pp solo

Discover more

Package · AAT Kings · 17 nights

18 Day New Zealand Culture & Nature Tour

• 17 breakfasts and 6 dinners included throughout your journey
• Exclusive guided tour and dinner at Transport World in Invercargill
• Interactive All Blacks Experience included in Auckland

Departs 19 March, 2026 + More Dates

From $9,612 pp twin From $12,470 pp solo

Discover more

Tour · AAT Kings · 9 nights

Tour New Zealand's Natural Splendour

• Enjoy nine breakfasts, two lunches and five dinners included throughout
• Travel Director, driver guide and local guides included throughout
• Stargaze at Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

Departs 13 March, 2026 + More Dates

From $7,152 pp twin From $9,114 pp solo

Discover more