Tour · Costsaver · 8 nights

Southern Wonders

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most regions
Expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Extensive variety of Choice Experiences to personalise your trip

$4,870 pp twin share

8 nights

Enquire

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Southern Wonders Guided Tour Map 2026-27-28

Departs 28 September 2026 Returns 6 April 2027

Duration8 nights

OperatorCostsaver

StyleTour

HighlightDiscover the natural wonders and cultural highlights of New Zealand's South Island on this 8-night tour, from Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown and Christchurch

Journey through stunning landscapes on the TranzAlpine train. Explore the charming towns of Arrowtown and Dunedin. Cruise the majestic Milford Sound and see its towering cliffs

A little bit city, a little bit country. A whole lot of nature, and just as much culture. This tour of New Zealand's South Island is the perfect sampler for a first-time visit to the country. Franz Josef Glacier, Milford Sound, Queenstown and Christchurch await you.

$4,870

pp twin share

Enquire

Refundable until 90 days before departure. No pressure.

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When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs

28 September 2026

Returns

6 April 2027

Duration

8 nights

From pp twin share

$4,870 pp

28 Sep 2026 - 06 Oct 2026
from $5,411 pp twin share *
26 Oct 2026 - 03 Nov 2026
from $4,869.89 pp twin share *
16 Nov 2026 - 24 Nov 2026
from $5,411 pp twin share *
07 Dec 2026 - 15 Dec 2026
from $5,411 pp twin share *
14 Dec 2026 - 22 Dec 2026
from $5,305 pp twin share *
28 Dec 2026 - 05 Jan 2027
from $4,869.89 pp twin share *
04 Jan 2027 - 12 Jan 2027
from $5,465 pp twin share *
11 Jan 2027 - 19 Jan 2027
from $5,016.60 pp twin share *
18 Jan 2027 - 26 Jan 2027
from $5,465 pp twin share *
25 Jan 2027 - 02 Feb 2027
from $5,016.60 pp twin share *
01 Feb 2027 - 09 Feb 2027
from $5,465 pp twin share *
08 Feb 2027 - 16 Feb 2027
from $5,574 pp twin share *
15 Feb 2027 - 23 Feb 2027
from $5,465 pp twin share *
22 Feb 2027 - 02 Mar 2027
from $5,016.60 pp twin share *
01 Mar 2027 - 09 Mar 2027
from $5,465 pp twin share *
08 Mar 2027 - 16 Mar 2027
from $5,016.60 pp twin share *
15 Mar 2027 - 23 Mar 2027
from $5,465 pp twin share *
22 Mar 2027 - 30 Mar 2027
from $5,016.60 pp twin share *
29 Mar 2027 - 06 Apr 2027
from $5,016.60 pp twin share *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

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

Day by day

Itinerary

1
Welcome to Christchurch
Kia ora and welcome to Christchurch, the ‘Garden City’ with a fresh, easy vibe. After arriving, take some time to do things your way. Stretch your legs in the riverside parks, browse the city centre or simply relax and reset after the flight. Tonight, meet your Travel Director and your fellow travellers for a friendly tour briefing and drinks. You’ll get the inside scoop on what’s coming up, plus a few handy tips to help you make the most of every stop. Then it’s an early night or a quick stroll. Your call.
2
Christchurch - Franz Josef/Waiau
Your South Island adventure kicks off with a classic. Board the TranzAlpine train and cruise towards Arthur’s Pass, rolling through tunnels and over viaducts with big views of snowy peaks, icy rivers and deep gorges. From there, head to Hokitika, the West Coast’s heritage hub and a great place to see pounamu, New Zealand greenstone. Then it’s onwards to Franz Josef/Waiau, gateway to the Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Want the wow factor? Choose a scenic helicopter flight for a bird’s-eye view, and if the weather plays nice you may even land on the ice.
3
Franz Josef/Waiau - Queenstown
Today is packed with scenery and tasty pit stops. Travel over Haast Pass where waterfalls tumble beside the road and mountain backdrops keep showing off. The Southern Lakes region rolls into view with Lake Hāwea and Lake Dunstan looking seriously photogenic. You’ll pause at the Jones Family fruit stall to refuel with sweet, flavour-packed stone fruit. Then it’s onto Arrowtown, a former gold rush village with tree-lined streets and boutique shops that feel straight out of a film set. Later, arrive in Queenstown with Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables setting the scene for your next few days.
4
Queenstown Free Time
Queenstown is all about choice, so today you set the pace. Want fast and fun? Add a Choice Experience high-octane jet boat ride and feel the spray and speed. More into nature? Try another Choice Experience with a visit Kiwi Park to meet some of New Zealand’s feathered locals. Wine fans can sip their way through nearby vineyards. However you spend the day, be sure to be back in time for tonight’s highlight. Glide across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue dinner. Good food, great views, holiday sorted.
5
Queenstown - Te Anau
From the first moment today, nature takes charge. Travel past Mirror Lakes and through the dramatic Cleddau Valley as you make your way towards Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. This World Heritage-listed wonder delivers the goosebump moments, with towering cliffs and waterfalls creating a misty curtain across the fiord. Keep watch for dolphins, they’re often spotted here. After your cruise, journey back through Fiordland National Park where beech forests, meadows and gin-clear rivers shape the landscape. By evening, you’ll arrive in Te Anau, calm and beautiful on the edge of the South Island’s biggest lake. Breathe it in.
6
Te Anau - Dunedin
Start the morning with a lakeside stroll if you fancy it. Te Anau is at its best early, when the water is glassy and the air feels extra crisp. Then say goodbye to Fiordland’s forested slopes and roll on to Dunedin, often called the Edinburgh of the South. This city has a stylish, historic feel with plenty to explore. Spend the afternoon your way, maybe in art-filled lanes, local cafes or a cold one at Speight’s Brewery. You could also take a Choice Experience to visit grand Larnach Castle or head out to spot wildlife like seals and penguins. Your Travel Director will point you in the right direction.
7
Dunedin - Omarama
No alarms if you don’t want them, time is on your side this morning. Take a relaxed wander through Dunedin, perhaps along George Street or around Otago University’s impressive grounds. If gardens are your thing, you can also seek out New Zealand’s oldest public gardens for a peaceful start. Then it’s on to Oamaru, known for its stately tree-lined streets and handsome limestone buildings that give the town a distinctive look. Grab a photo, browse a little and enjoy the change of pace before continuing inland. Tonight you’ll settle into Omarama, a small place with wide skies and a real ‘get away from it all’ feel.
8
Omarama - Christchurch
This morning, the Canterbury Plains put on a show. Expect turquoise lakes, mountain peaks and small towns with plenty of character. Stop in Tekapo for an Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy Experience hosted by passionate Local Guides. It’s quiet, calm and the kind of night sky moment you’ll talk about long after the trip. Then it’s back to Christchurch where your Travel Director will guide you through the city’s comeback story on a sights tour. See the Transitional Cathedral, built largely from cardboard and view Tūranga, the striking gold-clad central library. You’ll feel the energy of a city that’s rebuilt with creativity and grit.
9
Farewell from Christchurch
If you feel like you’ve only seen the tip of the South Island’s iceberg, you’d be correct. This beguiling part of the country could keep travel enthusiasts entertained for eons. Thankfully, we have more itineraries – ask your Travel Director and start planning your next trip to New Zealand.