South Island Explorer

This 13 day tour starts in Christchurch and finishes in Christchurch.

Starting and finishing in Christchurch this tour visits Mt. Cook National Park, travels through the Southern Lakes region and into the deep south. Time to explore Dunedin and wildlife of the Otago Peninsular before crossing the rich farmland of Southland toward Te Anau and Fiordland National Park. There is a full day to explore Milford Sound including a Real Journeys Nature Cruise. Then to Queenstown for two nights with time to relax or enjoy the countless activities here. The West Coast Glaciers are next and two nights allow time to enjoy one of the many guided walk options or scenic flights. Return to Christchurch aboard the world famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train. Along the way you will stay at magnificent luxury retreats set in breath-taking locations.

Accommodation type on this tour is: Luxury Lodges.

Rental car insurance included

Rental car inclusions: Unlimited kilometres,airport/ferry terminal fees, additional drivers.

Tour pack: Includes detailed driving instructions, maps, guide books and much more.

This tour can be customised to suit you precisely - just request here.

This tour also features:

Included activity: Private transfer Christchurch International Airport to your accommodation

Included activity: Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App

Included activity: TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch

Included activity: Private Transfer Christchurch Train Station to your accommodation

Included activity: Private transfer accommodation to Christchurch Airport

Included activity: Dinner at Camp Estate, Larnach Castle

Included activity: Fiordland Lodge

Included activity: Milford Sound Cruise and picnic lunch with RealNZ

12 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners, 2 special dinners

Itinerary summary for: South Island Explorer

Day 1: Arrive into Christchurch City
Accommodation: Hotel Montreal

Day 2: Explore the evolving city of Christchurch or take a day trip to Akaroa
Accommodation: Hotel Montreal

Day 3: Today you'll enjoy a scenic drive through Canterbury and the MacKenzie Country
Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Wing Premium Plus

Day 4: Leaving the MacKenzie Country you'll follow the Waitaki River to the coast, where you'll turn south for Dunedin
Accommodation: Camp Estate at Larnach Castle

Day 5: Enjoy a day exploring Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula
Accommodation: Camp Estate at Larnach Castle

Day 6: Travel through the rich farmland of South Otago and Southland to reach Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland
Accommodation: Fiordland Lodge

Day 7: Take the remarkable Milford Road to Milford Sound for your cruise in the fiord
Accommodation: Fiordland Lodge

Day 8: Travel through rolling Southland countryside then follow Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown
Accommodation: Azur Lodge

Day 9: Today is free to either relax or try one of the thrilling activities that Queenstown is famous for
Accommodation: Azur Lodge

Day 10: Take the Crown Range Road to Wanaka before travelling the spectacular Haast Pass to the West Coast
Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Day 11: Take the day to explore Westland National Park and the amazing glaciers
Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Day 12: Drive north along the stunning West Coast Road and take the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch
Accommodation: Hotel Montreal

Day 13: Depart Christchurch today