Christchurch-Akaroa-Christchurch

Christchurch - Begin this multi-day tour in a relaxed and delightful manner! Your journey starts with a convenient hotel pickup in Christchurch.

Akaroa - Travel to the charming, French-inspired village of Akaroa. In Akaroa, visit an adorable alpaca farm where you can interact and cuddle with these delightful animals. After spending quality time with the alpacas, embark on a 2-hour nature cruise. This cruise offers a unique opportunity to learn about Akaroa’s fascinating history and wildlife, including the chance to encounter the world’s rarest and smallest dolphins, the Hector’s dolphins. After an exciting day exploring Akaroa, return to Christchurch and be dropped off at your hotel.

Christchurch–TranzAlpine Train–Otira Viaduct–Arthur’s Pass National Park–Castle Hill–Lake Lyndon–Lake Tekapo

TranzAlpine Train - Start your day with a pickup from your accommodation in Christchurch. Board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train for a breathtaking ride through stunning landscapes. Disembark at Arthur’s Pass Railway Station, where you will be greeted and taken to your next destination.

Otira Viaduct Lookout - Enjoy the stunning views from the Otira Viaduct Lookout, which offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

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.

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.

Lake Lyndon - Take a break at Lake Lyndon as you drive towards Lake Tekapo. 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 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–Lake Pukaki–Aoraki Mt Cook (Hooker Valley and/or Tasman Glacier View Track)–Lindis Pass–Queenstown

Lake Tekapo - Start another beautiful day with a pickup from your hotel in Lake Tekapo. Visit the renowned ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ and take in its picturesque setting against the backdrop of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. Enjoy a brief, leisurely walk along the shores of Lake Tekapo.

Lake Pukaki - Visit Lake Pukaki, a stunning glacier-fed alpine lake known for its mesmerizing turquoise waters. Marvel at the beauty of this natural wonder 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. Opt for the Hooker Valley Track, featuring famous swing bridges, and catch a glimpse of ice at Hooker Lake. Alternatively, choose the Tasman Glacier Walks for a different perspective. Look out for the kea, the world’s only alpine parrot. Before leaving, make a brief stop at the Mount Cook Visitor Centre to learn more about the history and significance of this remarkable place.

Mount Cook Airport - It’s time to embark on a scenic helicopter ride. Soar above the stunning valleys and peaks of Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park in one of the modern helicopters. Experience breathtaking views of Aoraki/Mt. Cook and the surrounding snow-capped ranges as you fly. Relax and enjoy this unique experience with onboard commentary from the pilot.

Queenstown City Explore

Queenstown - Start your beautiful day in Queenstown with a pickup from your hotel. Visit the famous Queenstown Gardens, located on a picturesque peninsula surrounded by Lake Wakatipu. These gardens offer a peaceful retreat with stunning views. After exploring the gardens, take a leisurely stroll through the streets of central Queenstown to experience the city’s cheerful vibes. Relax by the shores of Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand’s longest lake. After this moment of calmness, prepare yourself to experience the power of twin V8 engines as you jet boat down the Kawarau or Shotover River. Reaching speeds of up to 95 kmph, enjoy the adrenaline rush with multiple 360-degree spins.

Skyline Queenstown - After jet boating, there’s more to enjoy. Take a ride on the Queenstown Gondola, which is believed to be the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere. Upon reaching the top, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Walter and Cecil Peak, and, of course, Queenstown itself. Spend quality time at the top exploring the area, or engaging in fun activities like thrilling luge rides and open-air chairlifts. Watch the sunset from this vantage point. Afterwards, take a return ride on the Gondola back down, where you will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel to relax and recharge for another epic day, exploring Milford Sound.

Queenstown – Milford Sound - Te Anau Glowworm Caves – Te Anau

Milford Sound - Start this unforgettable day with a pickup from your Queenstown hotel. Enjoy the scenic drive towards Milford Sound, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Take advantage of scenic photo stops along the way to capture the beauty of the landscape. Upon reaching Milford Sound, embark on a cruise to experience the stunning beauty of the fiord up close. Marvel at the towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife that call this area home. After the cruise, make your way back to Te Anau, enjoying the scenic drive through the rugged landscapes of Fiordland National Park.

Te Anau Glowworm Caves - After returning to Te Anau, refresh and prepare for the famous Te Anau Glowworm Cave tour. Explore the fully guided underground caves and marvel at the thousands of glowworms illuminating the darkness like a starry sky. These glowworms, known as Arachnocampa luminosa, are unique to New Zealand and are found exclusively in the country’s caves. They create a mesmerizing display as they emit a soft blue-green light, creating a magical atmosphere. The Te Anau Glowworm Caves are a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a truly enchanting experience. Finish this day full of beautiful memories by checking in at your Te Anau hotel, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Te Anau - Queenstown - Optional Flight to Christchurch - Christchurch

Queenstown - Be picked up from your hotel in Te Anau. Sit back and enjoy the scenic drive to Queenstown, taking in the stunning landscapes along the way. Experience the wonder of New Zealand’s unique wildlife at the Kiwi Park in Queenstown. Get up close to the iconic kiwi bird, along with a variety of other native species, in a natural and immersive environment. Learn about the park’s conservation efforts and the importance of preserving New Zealand’s precious biodiversity. It’s time to say goodbye as you are dropped off in Queenstown. You can either start another adventure or catch your optional departure flight to Christchurch. May these memories stay with you forever.

• Optional Entry Ticket: Alpaca Farm Tour & Nature Cruise Ticket at Akaroa
• Guide-driver exclusively for your group
• Private transportation
• Optional Entry Ticket: Stargazing Activity Ticket at Lake Tekapo
• If any optional activity is canceled by activity provider or unavailable, alternatives provided
• Use of charging cables & emergency rain gear
• Optional Entry Ticket: Gondola with luge rides, Thrill Jet Boating & Kiwi Park Ticket at Queenstown
• Optional Entry Ticket: TranzAlpine Train Ticket - Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass
• Optional Entry Ticket: Cruise Ticket at Milford Sound
• Optional: Standard Economy Departure Flight (2 bags - 23+7 kg) from Queenstown to Christchurch
• Optional Entry Ticket: Helicopter ride ticket at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
• Optional: Accommodation for 5 nights in 3.5 to 4.5-star handpicked hotels with breakfast
• On-board WiFi
• Optional Entry Ticket: Glowworm Caves Tour Ticket at Te Anau
• Packaged snacks & chocolates
• Packaged water bottles

• Food & Drinks (except 5 x breakfast with “With Hotels & Departure Flight” option)
• Travel Insurance
• Anything not described in the inclusions

This exclusive 6-day, 5-night tour provides an ideal mix of daily travel, covering most of the top attractions in New Zealand’s South Island, along with optional curated activities and accommodations. Discover the highlights of the South Island without the stress of planning which attractions to see, where to stay, or what activities to engage in, all without the need to drive long distances yourself. The itinerary is designed to offer a leisurely experience.

Relish the luxury of a private tour tailored for your group. Enjoy the expertise of a knowledgeable guide-driver and a vehicle dedicated solely to your group throughout the journey.

Take advantage of the flexibility to select your preferred activities or choose from a variety of 10 exciting, handpicked optional activities, such as a scenic helicopter ride, a Nature Cruise, an Alpaca farm tour, a TranzAlpine scenic train ride, stargazing at Dark Sky Reserves, jet boating, a Gondola ride, a Kiwi park visit, a cruise at Milford Sound, and a unique tour of the Te Anau Glowworm caves. Opt to conclude your tour in either Queenstown or Christchurch.

• Travelers should have their own comprehensive travel insurance

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.