Explore all the South Island has to offer on this 9-Day adventure through its rugged, uncompromising natural beauty.
The South Island of New Zealand hosts an intense, rugged beauty that is hard to match. With dominating peaks in the Southern Alps, a dramatic coastline indented with intensely beautiful fjords and a rich, varied culture, there is so much to explore and you will get to see it all.
You will set out on two cruises and one incredible rail journey to explore very different aspects of the South Island. Firstly, you will set out to drink in the majesty of the spectacular Milford Sound. This fjord with its steep, jungle laden cliffs, is dotted with waterfalls, dramatic peaks and its waters bursting with wildlife, deserves all the international acclaim it gets.
Your second cruise is on the glacial Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by jagged mountain peaks on all sides, you will enjoy a delicious gourmet bbq as you start to wonder at the heavenly scenery. To top it all off, you finish your trip on one of the world’s greatest rail journeys, the TranzAlpine express.
You will spend time in the glorious city of Christchurch and adventure-filled Queenstown. You will discover the rich Scottish heritage of Dunedin and immerse yourself in the scandalous history of the beautiful Larnach Castle. This trip explores the South Island like no other, so jump on board and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.
3.5-star accommodation is provided throughout your tour.
This tour begins and ends in beautiful Christchurch. Upon arrival, you will be collected from the airport and taken to your first hotel. At the end of the tour, we will drop you back off at the airport to meet your onward flight.
Exclusions
Age restrictions
Group size
Passport & visa requirements
Travel insurance
Health & vaccination
Porterage
Tipping
Fitness requirements
Dietary requirements
Transfers
Documentation
Luggage limits
Luggage tags
Money matters
Name badge
Tipping
Smoking laws
Incidentals
Role of your Coach Captain & Tour Guide
Coach seat rotation
DealsAway savings
Itinerary amendments & changes
Surcharges
AMENDMENTS & CHANGES
Name change or corrections
Date changes
Refunds
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The South Island is absolutely packed with natural beauty. Evoking the Northern European countries of Norway and Scotland, the South Island really delivers in raw beauty and we wanted to make sure that we explored this outstanding element in all its splendour.
Milford Sound is a must on any visit to the South Island and your cruise and lunch on this otherworldly fjord will take your breath away. And of course, we had to include the TranzAlpine express, a rail journey like no other that takes you through mountainous passes and glorious valleys.
We also wanted to make sure that you get a chance to see what makes the people of the South Island tick, so we get in-depth in Queenstown, Christchurch and quirky Dunedin. We will explore the different sides of each of these contrasting urban environments so that when the trip comes to an end, you feel like you really know the South Island inside-out.
Quality Hotel Elms - Christchurch
Heritage Gateway Hotel - Omarama
Heritage Hotel - Dunedin
Distinction Hotel - Te Anau
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Lakefront - Queenstown
Heartland Hotel - Fox Glacier
Quality Hotel Elms - Christchurch
With its warm, bright and contemporary design, the hotel has been designed to maximise the beautiful surrounds, which live up to Christchurch’s reputation as the “garden city.” The beautifully manicured rose garden area offers an idyllic setting for relaxing, socialising, dining or just enjoying a glass of wine on a warm summer evening.
Heritage Gateway Hotel - Omarama
With modern styled, clean and comfortable rooms with beautiful views of the gardens and mountains you can be assured of a great night’s sleep at the Heritage Gateway.
Heritage Hotel - Dunedin
The rooms here are designed for comfort and space, a place to relax and unwind. Full of all the modern conveniences you would expect, Heritage Dunedin Leisure Lodge is located within two acres of beautifully kept garden for a relaxing, peaceful atmosphere.
Distinction Hotel - Te Anau
Your Deluxe Rooms are well-appointed, modern rooms, tastefully designed and decorated with plain, deep cream walls, complemented by luxurious gold bedspreads on queen-sized beds.
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Lakefront - Queenstown
Overlooking the beautiful rose gardens your room at the Copthorne is styled with comfort in mind. Sitting on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, the hotel is a haven of tranquillity with many walking routes winding along the edge of the lake.
Heartland Hotel - Fox Glacier
Right in the heart of Fox Glacier village, Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier offers ready access to the many natural attractions of the area. Enjoy the hotel's cozy evening atmosphere after a long day of exploring.