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Tour Title:

Best of South Island – Premium Tour with Glaciers, Lakes & Fiords

 

Tour Overview :

Discover the very best of New Zealand’s South Island on this 10-day premium small group adventure. From the dramatic peaks of Fiordland to the ice-carved valleys of the West Coast, this tour blends world-class nature, iconic landmarks, and authentic Kiwi hospitality — all without the stress of planning. Travel in comfort, stay in quality 4-star hotels, and explore six national parks across a landscape of glaciers, lakes, and wild coastlines.

 

Tour Highlights (Key Selling Points):

  • ✅ Small group format (max 10 guests) for personal experience

  • ✅ Hand-picked 4-star accommodations with daily breakfast

  • ✅ Guided by a professional, friendly English-speaking escort

  • ✅ Travel through 6 national parks, from Fiordland to Aoraki

  • ✅ Cruise across Doubtful Sound – a remote wilderness fiord

  • ✅ Walk beside Fox Glacier and witness roaring blowholes

  • ✅ Explore heritage towns like Arrowtown and Dunedin

  • ✅ Flexible time for optional activities (skiing, penguin viewing, etc.)

  • ✅ Scenic drives through Arthur’s Pass, Haast Pass & Mackenzie Basin

  • ✅ Free bottled water, no hidden fees, stress-free itinerary

 

What Makes This Tour Unique?

This is not just another sightseeing tour — it’s a curated journey through the most breathtaking and culturally rich regions of the South Island, guided by a passionate local expert. What sets us apart:

  • 🌿 Six National Parks in one tour, showcasing the diversity of NZ’s natural heritage

  • 🧭 Designed with comfort and depth in mind — perfect for travelers aged 45+

  • 🚐 Boutique vehicle travel: avoid big buses, explore more hidden gems

  • 🏞️ Carefully balanced pacing: no hotel hopping every night, more time to enjoy

  • 🎯 You’re not a tourist here — you’re a welcomed guest, with a story to follow

                                                                ITINERARY

 

 

 

Day 1 – Arrival in Christchurch

Attractions

  • Canterbury Museum
    Explore New Zealand's rich cultural and natural history — from Māori heritage to Antarctic exploration.
    ⏱ Stop time: 1 hour – Free

  • Christchurch Botanic Gardens
    Stroll through themed gardens, native bush, and floral displays in the heart of the Garden City.
    ⏱ Stop time: 45 minutes – Free

Meals

  • Breakfast: Not included (arrival day)

  • Lunch: Not included

  • Dinner: Not included

Accommodation

  • 4-star hotel in Christchurch (e.g., Crowne Plaza or equivalent). Comfortable rooms, centrally located, breakfast included.

🗓️ Day 2 – Across the Alps to the Pancake Rocks

Attractions

  • Arthur’s Pass National Park Drive
    Drive through one of New Zealand’s most iconic mountain passes — connecting East and West across snow-capped peaks and forested gorges.
    ⏱ Stop time: 1.5 hours – Free

  • Otira Viaduct Lookout
    A stunning viewpoint showcasing alpine engineering and soaring landscapes.
    ⏱ Stop time: 20 minutes – Free

  • Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes (Paparoa National Park)
    Marvel at layered limestone formations shaped by 30 million years of ocean pressure. Blowholes impress during high tide.
    ⏱ Stop time: 45 minutes – Free

Meals

  • Breakfast: Included

  • Lunch: Not included (recommendations provided)

  • Dinner: Not included

Accommodation

  • 4-star hotel in Hokitika (Ocean View Room or equivalent), breakfast included.

🗓️ Day 3 – West Coast Wilderness to Glaciers

Attractions

  • Hokitika Gorge (Optional)
    A short walk through lush native bush to brilliant turquoise waters, suspended bridge and photo opportunities.
    ⏱ Stop time: 30 minutes – Free

  • West Coast Scenic Drive
    Travel the wild and remote coast — from driftwood beaches to lush rainforest, every turn offers a new vista.
    ⏱ Stop time: En route – Free

Meals

  • Breakfast: Included

  • Lunch: Not included

  • Dinner: Not included

Accommodation

  • 4-star Tree Lodge or equivalent in Franz Josef Glacier, breakfast included.

🗓️ Day 4 – Glaciers to Wanaka via Haast Pass

Attractions

  • Fox Glacier Viewpoint
    See the icy tongue of this mighty glacier from a safe distance, nestled in temperate rainforest.
    ⏱ Stop time: 30 minutes – Free

  • Haast Pass Scenic Drive (Mount Aspiring National Park)
    Winding through mountains, waterfalls, and river valleys — this route is one of South Island’s most scenic alpine crossings.
    ⏱ Stop time: Scenic drive with photo stops – Free

  • Lake Hawea & Lake Wanaka Lookouts
    Enjoy panoramic lake views framed by the Southern Alps.
    ⏱ Stop time: 30 minutes – Free

Meals

  • Breakfast: Included

  • Lunch: Not included

  • Dinner: Not included

Accommodation

  • 4-star hotel in Wanaka, centrally located with breakfast included.

🗓️ Day 5 – Arrowtown, Gibbston & Queenstown Arrival

Attractions

  • Arrowtown Heritage Walk
    Wander the preserved gold rush village, rich in colonial and Chinese settler history.
    ⏱ Stop time: 1 hour – Free

  • Gibbston Valley Wine Region
    Famous for Pinot Noir and alpine vineyards — optional tasting stop.
    ⏱ Stop time: 1 hour – Optional tasting fee

  • Queenstown Lakefront
    Scenic arrival in NZ’s adventure capital, nestled beside Lake Wakatipu.
    ⏱ Stop time: 30 minutes – Free

Meals

  • Breakfast: Included

  • Lunch: Not included

  • Dinner: Not included

Accommodation

  • 4-star hotel in Queenstown, breakfast included.

🗓️ Day 6 – Choose Your Adventure: Ski or Scenic Day

Attractions

  • Coronet Peak Ski Field (Seasonal)
    Ski or snowboard NZ’s most iconic resort with views over Lake Wakatipu.
    ⏱ Stop time: 5 hours – Ski rental & pass not included

  • Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak
    Ride above Queenstown for incredible views and optional luge rides or lunch.
    ⏱ Stop time: 2 hours – Gondola fare not included

Meals

  • Breakfast: Included

  • Lunch: Not included

  • Dinner: Not included

Accommodation

  • 4-star hotel in Queenstown, breakfast included.

🗓️ Day 7 – Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

Attractions

  • Fiordland Scenic Drive (Te Anau & Wilmot Pass)
    Remote wilderness roads and lakes guide you into Fiordland National Park.
    ⏱ Stop time: 3 hours including ferry – Free

  • Doubtful Sound Cruise (Fiordland National Park)
    A full-day cruise through one of the world’s most pristine, untouched fiords — waterfalls, dolphins, and raw nature.
    ⏱ Stop time: 5 hours – Cruise included

Meals

  • Breakfast: Included

  • Lunch: Included onboard cruise

  • Dinner: Not included

Accommodation

  • 4-star hotel in Manapouri or Te Anau, breakfast included.

🗓️ Day 8 – Manapouri to Dunedin via Nugget Point

Attractions

  • Southern Scenic Route
    Pass through the Catlins — coastal cliffs, sheep pastures, and forest valleys.
    ⏱ Stop time: En route – Free

  • Nugget Point Lighthouse
    Dramatic coastal cliffs and iconic lighthouse views.
    ⏱ Stop time: 45 minutes – Free

  • Otago Peninsula Wildlife Sights
    Evening excursion for albatross, fur seals, and optional penguin viewing.
    ⏱ Stop time: 1.5 hours – Free (penguin viewing extra)

Meals

  • Breakfast: Included

  • Lunch: Not included

  • Dinner: Not included

Accommodation

  • 4-star hotel in Dunedin, breakfast included.

🗓️ Day 9 – Mount Cook Region via High Country Salmon

Attractions

  • Drive via Oamaru & Twizel
    See the changing landscapes from coast to alpine interior.
    ⏱ Stop time: En route – Free

  • High Country Salmon
    Enjoy a stop at the famous salmon farm fed by glacier waters. Optional tasting available.
    ⏱ Stop time: 30 minutes – Free

Meals

  • Breakfast: Included

  • Lunch: Not included

  • Dinner: Not included

Accommodation

  • 4-star hotel in Tekapo, breakfast included.

🗓️ Day 10 – Tekapo to Christchurch

Attractions

  • Mount John Lookout & Lake Tekapo
    Final scenic views over turquoise waters and snow-dusted peaks.
    ⏱ Stop time: 1 hour – Free

  • Return to Christchurch
    Drive back through the Canterbury Plains.
    ⏱ Stop time: 3 hours – Free

Meals

  • Breakfast: Included

  • Lunch: Not included

  • Dinner: Not included

Accommodation

  • Tour ends upon arrival in Christchurch (no accommodation provided).

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