Southern Escape

Land Tour

Christchurch → Christchurch

See the very best of New Zealand’s stunning South Island. Visit the scenic wonders of glacier country, Queenstown, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Dunedin, Aoraki/Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo/Takapo.

Highlights

Journey across the South Island from Christchurch on this world-famous rail journey. Ascend into the snow-capped Southern Alps, passing through striking scenery to Arthur's Pass.
Image Credit: Nic Staveley
Relax and unwind in your room at Copthorne Hotel and Apartments Queenstown Lakeview, which boasts sublime views of Lake Wakatipu and the snow-capped peaks of The Remarkables. You’ll be just a short stroll from Queenstown’s vibrant centre, allowing you to explore and make the most of all that this lively resort town has to offer.
Travel by vintage steamship across the breathtaking waters of Lake Wakatipu and indulge in a gourmet lakeside dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm. Enjoy a BBQ dinner with grilled meats, flavoursome vegetables and salads. And be sure to leave room for dessert. Gain a fascinating insight into local life on a high-country New Zealand farm during this memorable experience.
Images credit: RealNZ
Journey through the beautiful Fiordland National Park on your way to magnificent Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Once you arrive, set sail on a cruise along the full length of its pristine waters, basking in all the natural wonders you encounter.
Traverse the glorious alpine landscapes and immerse yourself in nature’s grandeur as you pass towering mountains and glacier-fed rivers. See New Zealand's tallest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, and stay at the Mount Cook Lodge. Indulge in a delicious seasonal menu, which incorporates the finest local ingredients at the Hotel's Alpine Restaurant.

From price

$4,795

$4,495

From price per person, twin share

Tour Provider	Travel Marvel
Number Of Days	8
Start Location	Christchurch , New Zealand
End Location	Christchurch , New Zealand
Age Range	Avg. 45+
Group Size	10 to 45
Tour Style	Premium
Tour Themes	No specific theme
Physical Rating	Easy to Moderate

Departure dates

From price per person, twin share

Start	End	Availability	Price
17 Oct 2026	24 Oct 2026	Available	$5,095 $4,795
24 Oct 2026	31 Oct 2026	Available	$5,095 $4,795
14 Nov 2026	21 Nov 2026	Available	$5,095 $4,795
21 Nov 2026	28 Nov 2026	Available	$5,095 $4,795
28 Nov 2026	05 Dec 2026	Available	$5,095 $4,795
05 Dec 2026	12 Dec 2026	Available	$5,095 $4,795
16 Jan 2027	23 Jan 2027	Available	$5,095 $4,795
23 Jan 2027	30 Jan 2027	Available	$5,095 $4,795
30 Jan 2027	06 Feb 2027	Available	$5,095 $4,795
13 Feb 2027	20 Feb 2027	Available	$5,095 $4,795
20 Feb 2027	27 Feb 2027	Available	$5,095 $4,795
27 Feb 2027	06 Mar 2027	Available	$5,095 $4,795
13 Mar 2027	20 Mar 2027	Available	$5,095 $4,795
20 Mar 2027	27 Mar 2027	Available	$5,095 $4,795
27 Mar 2027	03 Apr 2027	Available	$5,095 $4,795
03 Apr 2027	10 Apr 2027	Available	$5,095 $4,795
10 Apr 2027	17 Apr 2027	Available	$4,995 $4,695
17 Apr 2027	24 Apr 2027	Available	$4,995 $4,695
24 Apr 2027	01 May 2027	Available	$4,995 $4,695
08 May 2027	15 May 2027	Available	$4,795 $4,495
12 Sep 2027	19 Sep 2027	Available	$5,195 $4,695
19 Sep 2027	26 Sep 2027	Available	$5,195 $4,695
26 Sep 2027	03 Oct 2027	Available	$5,195 $4,695
03 Oct 2027	10 Oct 2027	Available	$5,295 $4,795
10 Oct 2027	17 Oct 2027	Available	$5,295 $4,795
24 Oct 2027	31 Oct 2027	Available	$5,295 $4,795
31 Oct 2027	07 Nov 2027	Available	$5,295 $4,795
14 Nov 2027	21 Nov 2027	Available	$5,295 $4,795
21 Nov 2027	28 Nov 2027	Available	$5,295 $4,795
28 Nov 2027	05 Dec 2027	Available	$5,295 $4,795
05 Dec 2027	12 Dec 2027	Available	$5,295 $4,795
12 Dec 2027	19 Dec 2027	Available	$5,295 $4,795
16 Jan 2028	23 Jan 2028	Available	$5,295 $4,795
23 Jan 2028	30 Jan 2028	Available	$5,295 $4,795
30 Jan 2028	06 Feb 2028	Available	$5,295 $4,795
13 Feb 2028	20 Feb 2028	Available	$5,295 $4,795
20 Feb 2028	27 Feb 2028	Available	$5,295 $4,795
21 Feb 2028	28 Feb 2028	Available	$5,295 $4,795
27 Feb 2028	05 Mar 2028	Available	$5,295 $4,795
05 Mar 2028	12 Mar 2028	Available	$5,295 $4,795
12 Mar 2028	19 Mar 2028	Available	$5,295 $4,795
19 Mar 2028	26 Mar 2028	Available	$5,295 $4,795
26 Mar 2028	02 Apr 2028	Available	$5,295 $4,795
02 Apr 2028	09 Apr 2028	Available	$5,195 $4,695
09 Apr 2028	16 Apr 2028	Available	$5,195 $4,695
16 Apr 2028	23 Apr 2028	Available	$5,195 $4,695
30 Apr 2028	07 May 2028	Available	$5,195 $4,695
14 May 2028	21 May 2028	Available	$4,995

Itinerary details

Day 1 - Arrive Christchurch

Arrive in Christchurch, a picturesque city known for its English influence, incredible natural surroundings, and lively local attractions. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers.

Day 2 - Christchurch, TranzAlpine Train, Fox Glacier

Today begins with an Insider Experience. Later, take a scenic drive along the West Coast. This stunning region is home to the Franz Josef/Waiau and Fox Glaciers, as well as spectacular lakes and rainforests.

Insider Experience – Ride the iconic TranzAlpine train to Arthur’s Pass

Journey through the heart of the Southern Alps, passing dramatic gorges, alpine rivers, and lush beech forests aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train. This scenic rail journey offers breathtaking views and a relaxing way to experience one of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes.

Day 3 - Fox Glacier, Queenstown

A stunning drive across Haast Pass brings you to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital. Here, enjoy an Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Bask in idyllic views at Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

Relax and unwind in your room, which boasts sublime views of Lake Wakatipu and the snow-capped peaks of The Remarkables. You’ll be just a short stroll from Queenstown’s vibrant centre, allowing you to explore and make the most of all that this lively resort town has to offer. Whether it's great food and wine, shopping or adventure that you're after, Queenstown has something just for you.

Day 4 - Queenstown

Today is free for you to spend at leisure. You’ll find plenty to see and do around Queenstown, from thrilling adventures through to simply relaxing and soaking in incredible views. Perhaps choose one of our exciting Enhance Your Journey options (additional expense). This evening, enjoy your Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining Savour a gourmet lakeside dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm, reached by a vintage steamship across Lake Wakatipu. Gain an insight into life on a high-country New Zealand farm.

Enhance Your Journey – Million Dollar Cruise Glide across the mystical waters of Lake Wakatipu, keeping your eyes peeled for local bird life as well as enormous trout, which swim in the lake’s waters.

Enhance Your Journey – Shotover Jet Boat Ride Those feeling adventurous can head out on a thrilling jet boat ride, roaring through narrow river canyons just centimetres from sheer rock walls.

Enhance Your Journey – Wine Sampler Tour Venture through New Zealand's southernmost wine region as you sample a selection of vintages from the local vineyards and wineries.

Day 5 - Queenstown, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Te Anau

Follow The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu to the incredible Fiordland National Park, where an Insider Experience awaits. Later, travel to the lakeside town of Te Anau.

Insider Experience – Cruise Milford Sound/Piopiotahi and enjoy spectacular scenery

Journey through the beautiful Fiordland National Park on your way to magnificent Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Once you arrive, set sail on a cruise along the full length of its pristine waters, basking in all the natural wonders you encounter.

Day 6 - Te Anau, Dunedin

Journey through the rugged countryside of Southland before arriving in Dunedin for a city tour. This picturesque city is known as the wildlife capital of New Zealand, where you can spot sea lions, fur seals, rare penguins and the world’s only mainland-breeding albatross colony. After being settled by Scots in 1848, the city has retained its Gaelic roots with its stunning Gaelic-inspired architecture, performances of the haggis ceremony and the finest-tasting whisky in the country.

Day 7 - Dunedin, Aoraki/Mount Cook

See the Mraki Boulders/Kaihinaki and visit the charming town of Oamaru. Journey to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park for a special Insider Experience. You may choose to enhance your journey with an amazing option on offer. Tonight, enjoy another special Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Farewell Dinner at The Hermitage's Alpine Restaurant Centrally located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, The Hermitage’s Alpine Restaurant serves delicious meals crafted from fresh, seasonal produce. The spectacular views provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience.

Insider Experience – Stay in the heart of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Traverse the glorious alpine landscapes of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and take in the spectacular surrounds as you pass towering mountains and glacier-fed rivers. Stay the night surrounded by sweeping views of New Zealand’s highest peak.

Enhance Your Journey – Glacier Explorer Cruise Step aboard a MAC boat for an up-close encounter with stunning icebergs on the terminal lake of the Tasman Glacier. Surrounded by the dramatic alpine landscape of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, you’ll glide across the milky-blue waters while learning about the glacier’s history, geology, and ongoing changes (additional expense).

Day 8 - Lake Tekapo/Takapō, Depart Christchurch

Journey alongside the shimmering waters of Lake Pukaki before stopping at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, a perfect photo opportunity with breathtaking lake views of Lake Tekapo/Takapō. Then continue on to Christchurch, where your journey concludes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose this tour?

This premium tour offers a comprehensive journey through the best of New Zealand's South Island, featuring exclusive 'Insider Experiences' such as the iconic TranzAlpine train ride, a cruise through the pristine waters of Milford Sound, and a Skyline gondola ride to the top of Bob's Peak. With a blend of stunning alpine landscapes, wildlife encounters in Dunedin, and high-quality dining, it provides a curated and luxurious way to see the region's most famous landmarks.

What type of traveller is this tour designed for, what type of traveller will enjoy this tour most?

This tour is designed for travellers who appreciate a premium experience and a mix of scenic beauty and curated activities. It is ideal for those who enjoy breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and a touch of luxury, as well as those who appreciate having a structured itinerary with a professional Tour Director to handle the details.

What are the pros and cons of this tour?

The pros include a high-end 'Premium' style, a wide array of highlights like Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Southern Alps, and the inclusion of unique experiences like the TranzAlpine rail journey. A potential con is that the tour covers a significant amount of ground across the South Island in 8 days, which may feel busy for some travellers.

Is this a good option for solo travellers, couples, or families?

This tour is a great option for couples and solo travellers looking to meet new people, as the itinerary emphasizes shared meals and a social atmosphere with fellow travellers. While not explicitly detailed for families, the 'Easy to Moderate' physicality and diverse activities make it accessible for various group types.

Is this tour better for first-time visitors or experienced travellers?

This tour is an excellent choice for first-time visitors to New Zealand, as it hits the most iconic highlights of the South Island, including Queenstown, Milford Sound, and Christchurch, ensuring you see the very best of the region's stunning scenery.

Is this suitable for people with mobility concerns?

The tour is rated as 'Easy to Moderate' in terms of physicality, which suggests it is accessible for many. However, specific accessibility details for all landmarks and transport are not provided, so we recommend contacting us for more detailed information regarding specific mobility needs.

Is this tour more focused on sightseeing, culture, or adventure?

The tour is primarily focused on sightseeing and natural beauty, emphasizing the stunning landscapes of the Southern Alps and Fiordland. However, it also incorporates cultural elements, such as the Gaelic roots of Dunedin, and offers optional adventure activities in Queenstown, such as the Shotover Jet Boat Ride.

What is the pace of this tour (fast-paced vs relaxed)?

The pace of the tour is moderate to fast, as it covers several major regions—including the West Coast, Queenstown, Fiordland, and Dunedin—within an 8-day window.

Does the itinerary feel rushed or relaxed?

The itinerary is efficiently packed with highlights to ensure you see the best of the South Island, though it provides some moments of relaxation, such as a free day in Queenstown and a relaxing rail journey on the TranzAlpine train.

Are key highlights and landmarks included?

Yes, the tour includes many of New Zealand's most famous landmarks, including the TranzAlpine train, Bob's Peak in Queenstown, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo, and the Moeraki Boulders.

Are language barriers handled by the guide?

While the text does not explicitly mention language translation services, the tour includes a professional Tour Director who accompanies the group to manage the journey and facilitate the experience.

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