Explore New Zealand’s South Island on a 4-day private tour. Experience Queenstown, Milford Sound, Mount Cook, and more. Book your adventure now!
Auckland - Flight to Queenstown - Queenstown City Explore - Te Anau - Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Auckland - Begin this multi-day adventure in a relaxed and delightful manner! Catch your flight from Auckland to Queenstown.
Queenstown - Enjoy a hassle-free airport pickup in Queenstown. Visit the renowned Queenstown Gardens, situated on a scenic peninsula surrounded by Lake Wakatipu. These gardens provide a tranquil escape with breathtaking views. After exploring the gardens, take a leisurely walk through central Queenstown to soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Following this peaceful interlude, brace yourself for the thrill of twin V8 engines as you jet boat down the Shotover/Kawarau River. Reaching speeds of up to 95 km/h, experience the adrenaline rush with multiple 360-degree spins.
Te Anau - Take a scenic drive to Te Anau and check into your hotel. Refresh and get ready for the famous Te Anau Glowworm Cave tour.
Te Anau Glowworm Caves - Discover the fully guided underground caves and be amazed by the thousands of glowworms lighting up the darkness like a starry sky. These glowworms, known as Arachnocampa luminosa, are unique to New Zealand and found only in the country’s caves. They create a captivating display with their soft blue-green light, crafting a magical ambiance. The Te Anau Glowworm Caves are a must-see for nature enthusiasts and those seeking an enchanting experience. End this day with beautiful memories.
Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Milford Sound - Begin your day with a convenient hotel pickup in Te Anau. Enjoy the scenic drive to Milford Sound, where you’ll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Take advantage of scenic photo stops like Eglinton Flats, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford Valley Lookout, Falls Creek, and Monkey Creek along the way to capture the landscape’s beauty. Upon arriving at Milford Sound, embark on a cruise to experience the fiord’s stunning beauty up close. Marvel at the towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Enjoy a scenic return drive to Queenstown.
Skyline Queenstown - Upon arriving in Queenstown, check into your hotel. Ride the Queenstown Gondola, considered the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere. At the top, enjoy spectacular views of The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Walter and Cecil Peak, and Queenstown itself. Spend quality time exploring the area and engaging in fun activities like luge rides and open-air chairlifts. Take in the mesmerizing panoramic views. Afterwards, ride the Gondola back down, where you’ll be picked up and dropped off at your hotel to relax and recharge for another epic day exploring Aoraki Mount Cook.
Queenstown - Lindis Pass - Lake Pukaki - Aoraki Mount Cook (Hooker Valley and/or Tasman Glacier View Track) - Lake Tekapo
Lake Pukaki - Visit Lake Pukaki, a stunning glacier-fed alpine lake known for its mesmerizing turquoise waters. Marvel at this natural wonder’s beauty as you take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak.
Aoraki/Mt. Cook - The drive towards Mount Cook offers awe-inspiring views. Upon reaching Mount Cook, immerse yourself in the mesmerizing scenery. Either hike through the famous Hooker Valley Track and/or Tasman Glacier View Track to soak up the area’s wild beauty or engage in other activities like a helicopter ride, depending on weather conditions. Look out for the kea, the world’s only alpine parrot. Continue driving towards Lake Tekapo.
Tekapo Stargazing - Upon reaching Lake Tekapo, check into your hotel and recharge. In the evening, take advantage of the opportunity to participate in a stargazing activity in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the largest Dark Sky Reserves in the world. Lake Tekapo is renowned for its stunning night skies, free from light pollution, offering a breathtaking view of the stars. This experience is perfect for astronomy enthusiasts and anyone looking to marvel at the beauty of the universe.
Lake Tekapo - Castle Hill - Arthur’s Pass National Park - Otira Viaduct Lookout - TranzAlpine Train - Christchurch
Lake Tekapo - Start your day with a pickup from your hotel in Lake Tekapo. Visit the famous ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ and enjoy its picturesque setting against the backdrop of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. Take a brief, leisurely walk along the shores of Lake Tekapo.
Lake Lyndon - Take a break at Lake Lyndon as you drive towards Arthur’s Pass. This picturesque lake offers a serene setting to stretch your legs and take in the surrounding natural beauty. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore, or simply relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere before continuing the drive to Arthur’s Pass.
Castle Hill - Visit Castle Hill and marvel at the photogenic landscape of stunning limestone rock formations. This location has served as a backdrop for famous Hollywood movies, showcasing its unique and breathtaking scenery. Capture the beauty of this natural wonder and immerse yourself while taking a short loop walk.
Arthur’s Pass National Park - Explore the natural beauty of Arthur’s Pass National Park with a leisurely walk along the Devil’s Punchbowl Walking Track or the Arthur’s Pass Walking Track. These tracks wind through lush native bush, offering glimpses of stunning waterfalls and providing a peaceful escape into the heart of the park. As you stroll, keep an eye out for native birdlife and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Otira Viaduct Lookout - Enjoy the stunning views from the Otira Viaduct Lookout, which offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
TranzAlpine Train - Board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train at Arthur’s Pass Station for a breathtaking ride through stunning landscapes. Disembark at Christchurch Railway Station, where you will be picked up. Our enchanting journey concludes as we bid you farewell at your preferred location in Christchurch.
- Accommodation for 3 nights in 3.5 to 4.5-star handpicked hotels with breakfast (optional)
- Standard Economy Arrival Flight Ticket (2 bags/person - 23+7 kg) from Auckland to Queenstown
- Guide-driver exclusively for your group
- Private transportation
- On-board WiFi
- Packaged snacks & chocolates
- Use of charging cables & emergency rain gear
- Entry tickets for Milford Sound Cruise, Jet Boating & Gondola with Luge Rides (optional)
- Entry tickets for TranzAlpine Train, Stargazing in Dark Sky Reserve, Glowworm Caves Tour (optional)
- Packaged water bottles
- Alternatives provided if any optional activity is canceled by activity provider or unavailable
- Food & Drinks (except 3 x breakfast with “With Hotels & Entry Tickets” option)
- Travel Insurance
- Anything not described in the inclusions
Embark on an unforgettable 4-day journey through New Zealand’s stunning South Island, exploring many of its major attractions. Start your tour in Auckland, one of the major gateways to NZ, and conclude in the vibrant city of Christchurch. Experience Queenstown’s beauty while exploring Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown Gardens, and lakeside streets. Thrill at 360-degree spins on a jet boat and enjoy panoramic views from Skyline Queenstown. Discover the enchanting Te Anau Glowworm Caves and the sparkling waters of Milford Sound. Immerse yourself in the majestic scenery of Mount Cook and the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki. Enjoy stargazing at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places in the world for night sky viewing. Drive to Arthur’s Pass, marveling at the unique rock formations of Castle Hill, before returning on the iconic TranzAlpine Scenic Train. Throughout the tour, enjoy a private vehicle & knowledgeable guide-driver exclusively for your group.
- Travelers should have their own comprehensive travel insurance
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
