Premium New Zealand South Island
Premium New Zealand South Island
$6210
Premium New Zealand South Island
10 Days Starting in Christchurch, New Zealand and ending in Queenstown, New Zealand
Visiting: Christchurch, Punakaiki, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Queenstown
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Premium New Zealand South Island" tour and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of New Zealand. This journey begins in Christchurch, where you'll enjoy a welcome dinner featuring local produce. Traverse the stunning Arthur's Pass to Punakaiki, explore the iconic Pancake Rocks, and savor craft brews at Monteith's Brewery. Experience the thrill of a jetboat ride on the Shotover River and a serene overnight cruise on Milford Sound, surrounded by majestic fjords. Discover the rare Rowi kiwi at the West Coast Wildlife Centre and indulge in a chef-led foraging experience in Wanaka. With guided walks, wine tastings, and encounters with New Zealand's unique wildlife, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of the South Island's natural wonders and culinary delights. Conclude your adventure in Queenstown, with its vibrant atmosphere and stunning vistas.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: The Fable Christchurch or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
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 officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, followed by a welcome dinner at a tiny restaurant and natural wine bar featuring produce from the Canterbury region. Enjoy a three-course dinner celebrating local producers at a restaurant that champions sustainability.
Included Activities:
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Day 2: Christchurch / Greymouth / Punakaiki
Location: Punakaiki
Accommodation Name: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a morning stroll with your leader around some of the landmarks of Christchurch. Then, set off for Punakaiki, driving through Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill – the spectacular mountain scenery may look familiar, as parts of The Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings movies were filmed here. After lunch in Moana, enjoy a short stop at Lake Brunner – the largest lake in the South Island. Spend the afternoon in Greymouth, stopping into a boutique studio to learn about the prized west coast jade known locally as Pounamu (Greenstone). Then, continue to Monteith's Brewery, considered the original home of New Zealand craft brewing for a tour and tasting. Arrive at Punakaiki Resort by late afternoon – in Paparoa National Park, this resort lies next to Punakaiki Beach and the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Hokitika / Franz Josef
Location: Franz Josef
Accommodation Name: Rainforest Retreat Deluxe Tree Hut or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, explore the Punakaiki Rocks and Blowholes before the drive to Franz Josef. Along the way, stretch your legs at the charming west coast town of Hokitika and enjoy an exhilarating treetop adventure on a walk through the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. In the afternoon, take a private ranger-guided tour of the West Coast Wildlife Centre – home of the official breeding programme for the world's rarest kiwi, the Rowi. Also keep an eye out for tuatara (a reptile endemic to New Zealand). Arrive in Franz Josef in the late afternoon, where you’ll have a free evening.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Franz Josef
Location: Franz Josef
Accommodation Name: Rainforest Retreat Deluxe Tree Hut or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Optional Activities:
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Day 5: Makaroa / Wanaka
Location: Wanaka
Accommodation Name: Edgewater Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Depart Franz Josef for the resort town of Wanaka – the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park, located in the Otago region. Stop along the way at Makorora and visit the Aspiring Biodiversity Trust – an organisation that strives to protect and restore indigenous biodiversity. After lunch, take a guided flora and fauna walk with a local ornithologist and ecologist. Keep an eye out for endangered birds as you learn about how the Aspiring Biodiversity Trust is working to reduce predators and save some of New Zealand’s rarest species. Arrive in Wanaka by late afternoon and settle into your home for the next two nights – a homestead built on the site of a former sheep station. 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.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Wanaka
Location: Wanaka
Accommodation Name: Edgewater Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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 for a chef-guided tasting and foraging tour, followed by a delicious lunch.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Milford Sound
Location: Milford Sound
Accommodation Name: Milford Sound Overnight Cruise (Feature Stay)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart Wanaka for the drive to Te Anau. Along the way, take in the scenic drive across the Crown Range by the shores of Lake Wakatipu. After lunch, continue to your embarkation point for your Feature Stay – an overnight cruise surrounded by the spectacular Milford Sound, also known by its Te Reo (Maori) name Piopiotahi. Aboard your purpose-built vessel, enjoy a full-length journey of the fjord out to the Tasman Sea, with the possibility to see wildlife such as seals, penguins and dolphins in the warmer months. You’ll also have access to a specialist guide with information on the fjord's history and natural environment. For those who are keen, kayaking and/or small boat tours allow a truly immersive experience of this special place. Finish your day with a delicious three-course dinner before settling down in your cosy cabin.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Milford Sound / Te Anau / Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Ramada Queenstown Central or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a leisurely onboard breakfast surrounded by some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery, you’ll disembark and travel to Queenstown with plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs along the way. After another stop in Te Anau for lunch, you’ll arrive with plenty of time to check into your boutique hotel in Queenstown and head out for dinner.
Day 9: Arrowtown / Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Ramada Queenstown Central or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, take a jetboat ride on the Kimi Akau (Shotover River), deep into the Shotover Canyons. Speeding over water as shallow as 10 cm, this is an amazing white-water experience, operated by the Ngai Tahu Maori people, who have a centuries-old connection with this land. After, head on a leader-led walk through the heritage town of Arrowtown, then enjoy a wine tasting at Gibbston Valley. Maybe toast the end of your journey with a New Zealand-inspired gin and tonic or glass of Otago wine at a bar and restaurant with arguably the most spectacular views in all of Queenstown.
Included Activities:
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Day 10: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your New Zealand adventure ends this morning after breakfast. As this trip spends very 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.
What's Included
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Christchurch - Welcome Dinner
Enjoy a welcome dinner in Christchurch featuring local produce from the Canterbury region.
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Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Receive a complimentary transfer from the airport to your hotel upon arrival in Christchurch.
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Greymouth - Monteith's Brewery Tour & Tasting
Participate in a tour and tasting at Monteith's Brewery, the original home of New Zealand craft brewing.
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Greymouth - Pounamu (Greenstone) Studio Visit
Visit a boutique studio in Greymouth to learn about the prized west coast jade known as Pounamu.
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Christchurch - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Take a leader-led orientation walk around Christchurch to explore its landmarks.
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Lake Brunner - Nature Walk
Enjoy a nature walk at Lake Brunner, the largest lake in the South Island.
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Hokitika - West Coast Treetops Walk
Experience an exhilarating treetop adventure on a walk through the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy in Hokitika.
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Franz Josef - West Coast Wildlife Centre Visit with Ranger
Take a private ranger-guided tour of the West Coast Wildlife Centre, home to the world's rarest kiwi, the Rowi.
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Punakaiki - Rocks & Blowhole Visit
Visit the Punakaiki Rocks and Blowholes, a natural wonder in Paparoa National Park.
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Makaroa - Aspiring Biodiversity Trust Lunch
Enjoy lunch at the Aspiring Biodiversity Trust, an organization dedicated to protecting indigenous biodiversity.
What's Not Included
Optional Activities
Optional activities such as heli-hiking, kayaking, and scenic cruises are not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with private vehicles, experience the thrill of a jet boat ride, and enjoy a scenic cruise boat journey, providing a diverse and exciting transportation experience throughout your New Zealand adventure.Accommodation
Enjoy a comfortable stay in New Zealand with 9 nights at various hotels, including The Fable Christchurch, Scenic Hotel Punakaiki, Rainforest Retreat Deluxe Tree Hut, Edgewater Hotel, and Ramada Queenstown Central, ensuring a relaxing and memorable experience.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.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the Milford Sound visit?
During the Milford Sound visit, you will embark on an overnight cruise aboard a purpose-built vessel. This experience includes a full-length journey of the fjord out to the Tasman Sea, with opportunities to see wildlife such as seals, penguins, and dolphins. You will also have access to a specialist guide who will provide information on the fjord's history and natural environment. Additionally, there are options for kayaking and small boat tours for a more immersive experience.
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What activities are available in Franz Josef?
In Franz Josef, you can take a self-guided walk to see the Franz Josef Glacier. For those seeking more adventure, optional activities include a heli-hiking tour to get closer to the glacier, a scenic cruise on Lake Mapourika, kayaking excursions, and soaking in the hot tubs at Franz Josef.
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What is the focus of the visit to the Aspiring Biodiversity Trust in Makaroa?
The visit to the Aspiring Biodiversity Trust in Makaroa focuses on learning about the efforts to protect and restore indigenous biodiversity. You will take a guided flora and fauna walk with a local ornithologist and ecologist, where you can observe endangered birds and learn about the Trust's work to reduce predators and save some of New Zealand's rarest species.
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What culinary experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several culinary experiences such as a welcome dinner in Christchurch featuring local produce, a chef-led food and foraging experience at Criffel Station in Wanaka, and a wine tasting at Gibbston Valley. Additionally, there is a farewell aperitivo in Queenstown.
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What is the significance of the Shotover River jetboat experience?
The Shotover River jetboat experience is significant as it takes you deep into the Shotover Canyons, operated by the Ngai Tahu Maori people who have a centuries-old connection with the land. This exhilarating ride speeds over water as shallow as 10 cm, providing an amazing white-water experience.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit for future tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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