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Premium New Zealand South Island

Land Tour

Taking you from Christchurch to Queenstown via glaciers, wineries, lakes and fiords, this 10-day Premium trip showcases the natural beauty and thriving food and wine scene in New Zealand’s South Island. Forage for fresh ingredients with a local chef in Otago, cruise the quiet waters of Doubtful Sound and come face to face with endangered species – including New Zealand’s rarest kiwi bird – at a wildlife centre on the West Coast. Plus, board the TranzAlpine train for a world-class journey through the mountains, rivers and gorges of the Southern Alps. With a knowledgeable local leader to guide the way, you’ll get to know the history and stories of landscapes shaped by the elements over thousands of years.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.

2. A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. Due to the small properties we use there is only a limited number of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.

3. The Doubtful Sound overnight cruise ds not operate all year round. As a result, departures in May and June will instead spend the night at Milford Sound Lodge and enjoy a day cruise on Milford Sound.

4. Porterage is not available at all hotels on this trip and you will be required to handle your own luggage.

From price

$8,690
$6,952
From price per person, twin share
Tour Provider Intrepid Travel
Number Of Days
10
Start Location
Christchurch, New Zealand
End Location
Queenstown, New Zealand
Age Range
Avg. 30+
Group Size
1 to 12
Tour Style
Premium
Tour Themes
Adventure
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate

Departure dates

From price per person, twin share
Start End Availability Price
18 Sep 2026 27 Sep 2026 7 $8,690
$6,952
16 Oct 2026 25 Oct 2026 7 $9,690
$7,752
23 Oct 2026 01 Nov 2026 5 $9,495
30 Oct 2026 08 Nov 2026 4 $10,660
13 Nov 2026 22 Nov 2026 6 $9,690
20 Nov 2026 29 Nov 2026 10 $8,995
01 Dec 2026 10 Dec 2026 5 $10,090
11 Dec 2026 20 Dec 2026 6 $9,895
18 Dec 2026 27 Dec 2026 9 $9,295
15 Jan 2027 24 Jan 2027 8 $9,695
26 Jan 2027 04 Feb 2027 10 $9,725
12 Feb 2027 21 Feb 2027 7 $9,695
16 Feb 2027 25 Feb 2027 10 $9,345
19 Feb 2027 28 Feb 2027 11 $9,345
23 Feb 2027 04 Mar 2027 7 $9,695
26 Feb 2027 07 Mar 2027 4 $10,090
02 Mar 2027 11 Mar 2027 8 $9,895
05 Mar 2027 14 Mar 2027 12 $9,345
19 Mar 2027 28 Mar 2027 9 $9,345
26 Mar 2027 04 Apr 2027 11 $9,075
02 Apr 2027 11 Apr 2027 12 $8,630
09 Apr 2027 18 Apr 2027 10 $9,075
30 Apr 2027 09 May 2027 12 $8,630
11 Jun 2027 20 Jun 2027 11 $8,735
17 Sep 2027 26 Sep 2027 10 $9,695
15 Oct 2027 24 Oct 2027 12 $9,695
22 Oct 2027 31 Oct 2027 12 $9,985
29 Oct 2027 07 Nov 2027 12 $9,985
05 Nov 2027 14 Nov 2027 12 $9,985
12 Nov 2027 21 Nov 2027 12 $9,985
19 Nov 2027 28 Nov 2027 12 $9,985
26 Nov 2027 05 Dec 2027 12 $9,985
03 Dec 2027 12 Dec 2027 12 $9,985
10 Dec 2027 19 Dec 2027 12 $10,275
14 Dec 2027 23 Dec 2027 12 $10,275
17 Dec 2027 26 Dec 2027 12 $10,275
07 Jan 2028 16 Jan 2028 12 $10,275
14 Jan 2028 23 Jan 2028 12 $10,275
18 Jan 2028 27 Jan 2028 12 $10,275
21 Jan 2028 30 Jan 2028 12 $10,275
28 Jan 2028 06 Feb 2028 12 $10,470
01 Feb 2028 10 Feb 2028 12 $10,470
04 Feb 2028 13 Feb 2028 12 $10,470
11 Feb 2028 20 Feb 2028 12 $10,470
15 Feb 2028 24 Feb 2028 12 $10,470
18 Feb 2028 27 Feb 2028 12 $10,470
25 Feb 2028 05 Mar 2028 12 $10,470
29 Feb 2028 09 Mar 2028 12 $10,470
03 Mar 2028 12 Mar 2028 12 $10,275
10 Mar 2028 19 Mar 2028 12 $10,275
17 Mar 2028 26 Mar 2028 12 $9,985
24 Mar 2028 02 Apr 2028 12 $9,985
31 Mar 2028 09 Apr 2028 12 $9,695
07 Apr 2028 16 Apr 2028 12 $9,695
21 Apr 2028 30 Apr 2028 12 $9,695
28 Apr 2028 07 May 2028 12 $9,695
12 May 2028 21 May 2028 12 $8,995
29 Sep 2028 08 Oct 2028 12 $8,995

Inclusions

  • Meals: 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners.
  • Transport: Private vehicle.
  • Accommodation: Hotel (8 nights), Feature Stay (1 night).
  • Christchurch - Culinary Walking Tour Welcome Dinner.
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer.
  • Greymouth - Pounamu (Greenstone) Studio Visit.
  • Christchurch - Leader-led Orientation Walk.
  • Christchurch - Tranzalpine Scenic Train.
  • Punakaiki - Rocks & Blowhole Visit.
  • Okarito - Plant Project Restoration Activity.
  • Franz Josef – West Coast Wildlife Centre.
  • Franz Josef - Guided tour of West Coast Wildlife Centre.
  • Wanaka - Criffel Station Lunch Experience.
  • Doubtful Sound - Cruise.
  • Doubtful Sound - Cruise.
  • Gibbston Valley - Wine Tasting.
  • Arrowtown - Walking Tour.

    • Itinerary details

    Day 1: Christchurch
    Welcome to New Zealand! When you arrive in Christchurch, you’ll be met at the airport by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, followed by a walking food tour with a local Maori guide. As you explore the city’s less-trodden laneways and stroll along the riverside, make stops to try local bites that showcase excellent seasonal produce and learn about Maori culture and heritage. Your walking tour takes you to your final spot for tonight’s welcome dinner, where you can get to know your fellow travellers and toast to the start of your adventure.
    Day 2: Punakaiki
    This morning, board the TranzAlpine train for a scenic journey to Greymouth. This spectacular route takes you through the vast green of the Canterbury Plains, then passes through the Southern Alps, offering views of river gorges fringed with steep cliffs, glassy mountain lakes and winding rivers. As you soak up the views, you’ll tuck into a menu inspired by the regions surrounding you. From your seat in the Scenic Plus carriage, you’ll also have access to the open-air viewing carriage so that you can feel even closer to the nature around you. When you arrive, you’ll explore Greymouth, stopping into a boutique studio to learn about the prized West Coast jade known locally as Pounamu (Greenstone). Arrive at Punakaiki Resort by late afternoon – located in Paparoa National Park, this resort lies next to Punakaiki Beach and the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.
    Day 3: Franz Josef Glacier
    After breakfast, explore the Punakaiki Rocks and Blowholes before the drive to Franz Josef. Punakaiki, a town with less than 100 residents, is famed for its so-called Pancake Rocks. These layers of fossilised animals and plants, formed over 30 million years ago, were thrust above the surface by the moving earth and sculpted by wind and water. At high tide, the sea is forced through blowholes in the limestone to burst metres into the air – it’s an entertaining sight! Along the way, stop for lunch and then pay a visit to Okarito where you'll take part in a hands‑on restoration activity with the Okarito Plant Project, a community‑led initiative focused on regenerating native forests and protecting the unique ecosystems of the West Coast.
    Day 4: Franz Josef Glacier
    Begin your day with a self-guided walk to see the icy wonderland created by the Franz Josef Glacier – one of the steepest glaciers in New Zealand. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you may like to join an optional heli-hiking tour and get even closer to the glacier. Other optional activities include kayaking, a scenic cruise on Lake Mapourika or a soak in the hot tubs at Franz Josef. Ahead of your private tour tomorrow, you will also have access to the West Coast Wildlife Centre for you to explore at your own pace.
    Day 5: Wanaka
    This morning, take a private tour of the West Coast Wildlife Centre – home of the official breeding program for the world's rarest kiwi bird, the rowi. Also keep an eye out for tuatara (a reptile endemic to New Zealand). During your visit, your expert ranger will share behind‑the‑scenes insights into the conservation efforts taking place on the West Coast including how eggs are incubated and chicks are raised before being released into the wild. Then depart Franz Josef for the picturesque town of Wanaka, arriving by late afternoon. Located next to the resplendent Wanaka Station Park on the shores of Lake Wanaka, and a short stroll from Wanaka township, you'll be perfectly placed to enjoy all this popular town has to offer.
    Day 6: Wanaka
    Enjoy a sleep-in this morning or start your day with a hike up Mt Iron for a view over Lake Wanaka and the surrounding peaks. Central Otago is a region well-known for food and wine, and today you’ll visit the spectacular Criffel Station deer farm. Here, you’ll be shown around the farm by the family learning about the local produce and sustainable farming practices, followed by a delicious lunch.
    Day 7: Wanaka
    Say farewell to Wanaka after breakfast and begin the journey to Doubtful Sound / Patea – a lesser-known but stunning part of Fiordland National Park. Drive to Lake Manapouri, where you’ll hop on a ferry for a journey across the water, followed by a scenic drive to Deep Cove via Wilmot Pass – a subalpine road surrounded by dense rainforest. Here, you'll board your vessel and meet the crew for your Doubtful Sound Cruise. This Premium Signature Experience includes a delicious three-course dinner featuring local produce, and a resident naturalist who’ll share insights about the fiord’s history, flora and wildlife – including dolphins, seals and penguins. With fewer boats on the water than in Milford Sound and a more peaceful atmosphere, there’s a higher chance these creatures will pop up to say hello! If weather conditions allow, you might also like to explore by kayak.
    Day 8: Queenstown
    Start your day with a hearty cooked breakfast as the mist rolls over the cliffs, then get ready to explore some of the other nooks of the fiord this morning. After, return to Deep Cove to take the ferry back to Lake Manapouri and continue to Queenstown, arriving in the late afternoon. The rest of the evening is free for you to relax or explore this resort town, famed for its picturesque scenery and dramatic location on the edge of the Southern Alps.
    Day 9: Queenstown
    Soak up a free morning in Queenstown and wander at your own pace. Then, head to Arrowtown in the afternoon. This historic gold mining town is known for its heritage town centre and autumn festival – and is perfect to explore on foot. Learn about the town’s history on a leader-led walking tour and browse its shops and cafes. Then, head to Gibbston Valley to sample some of Central Otago’s famous drops at a well-known winery. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner with your group and say cheers to an amazing adventure.
    Day 10: Queenstown
    Your New Zealand adventure ends this morning after breakfast. As this trip spends little time in Queenstown, it’s recommended that you spend an extra day or two if you want to experience all the town has to offer. Your booking agent will be happy to book additional accommodation for you, just get in touch ahead of time.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    You should choose this Premium tour for its exclusive and high-end experiences, such as foraging for fresh ingredients with a local chef in Otago and a peaceful overnight cruise in Doubtful Sound. This trip offers the best accommodation, most comfortable transport, and the expertise of highly experienced leaders, ensuring a luxurious way to see the natural beauty and food scene of New Zealand's South Island.
    This tour is designed for travelers who appreciate a premium travel experience with a focus on comfort and exclusivity. Those who enjoy a blend of nature, wildlife, and gastronomy—specifically those interested in fine wines, local produce, and unique conservation efforts—will enjoy this tour the most.
    The pros include high-quality accommodations, exclusive experiences like the private ranger-guided tour of the West Coast Wildlife Centre, and a small group size of up to 12 people. A potential con is that porterage is not available at all hotels, meaning you will be responsible for handling your own luggage at certain stops.
    This tour is a great option for couples and solo travelers, as a Single Supplement is available for those traveling alone (subject to availability). While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the premium nature and diverse activities make it accessible to various pairings, though the small group size ensures an intimate experience.
    This tour is excellent for first-time visitors to New Zealand's South Island, as it covers a wide array of iconic highlights from Christchurch to Queenstown, including glaciers, lakes, and fiords, all guided by a knowledgeable local leader.
    The physicality rating for this tour is 'Easy to Moderate.' While it includes many comfortable transfers and cruises, it does involve activities such as self-guided walks to glaciers and walking tours in Arrowtown, so travelers with significant mobility concerns may wish to contact their agent for more specific details.
    This tour offers a balanced blend of all three. It focuses on sightseeing through the stunning landscapes of the Southern Alps and fiords, culture through visits to boutique jade studios and historic gold mining towns, and adventure through glacier visits and wildlife encounters.
    The pace of this tour is designed to be more relaxed, as is characteristic of the Premium style. It includes 'sleep-in' mornings and free time in towns like Queenstown and Wanaka, allowing you to enjoy the destinations without feeling rushed.
    The itinerary feels relaxed, providing a mix of guided activities and independent exploration. With dedicated free time in Queenstown and a slow-paced approach to the Premium experience, you have the opportunity to soak in the scenery at your own speed.
    Yes, the tour includes many key highlights such as the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, Franz Josef Glacier, Lake Wanaka, Doubtful Sound, and the historic town of Arrowtown, ensuring a comprehensive showcase of the South Island.
    While the text does not explicitly mention language barriers, the tour provides a knowledgeable local leader and expert rangers who guide the way and share the history and stories of the region, ensuring a smooth and informative experience for guests.
    Disclaimer:
    These FAQs have been generated with the assistance of AI to provide a general overview. They are intended as a starting point only and should be reviewed based on your knowledge, current supplier information and client requirements.
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