The Classic South Island Explorer

Lake Wanaka
21
Days

The Classic South Island Explorer

Whilst this base itinerary focuses on the lower half of the South Island, if you want to switch things up and include the top instead, then we can make this happen. Challenge us to create something truly unique and we will accept!

Share your dream trip and let us create the once-in-a-lifetime getaway you deserve...

Why Choose Us:

100% Customisable

Best Value Guarantee

24/7 Support

The Classic South Island Explorer Tour Map

Visited Locations

Christchurch City
Dunedin City
Fiordland National Park
Franz Josef
Glenorchy
Greymouth
Hokitika
Mount Cook National Park
Oamaru
Queenstown
Te Anau
The Catlins

First Light Travel

Duration
21 Days
Starts
Christchurch
Finishes
Christchurch
Type
Self Guided
Transport
Rental Vehicle
Accom
100% Customisable

Inclusions

Flexibility Promise
Rental Vehicle
13 Nights Accommodation
15 Breakfasts
2 Lunches
3 Dinners
Dedicated Travel Consultant
Dedicated Guest Services Team
Full 24 Hour Support
Christchurch Tram Tour
Mount Cook Stargazing
Tasman Glacier Boat Tour
Oamaru Blue Penguin Tour
Larnach Castle Self-Guided Tour
Dunedin Wildlife Cruise
Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour
Fiordland Jetboat & Fly Experience
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
TSS Earnslaw Cruise & BBQ Dinner
Glenorchy Ziplining
Queenstown Gourmet Food & Wine Tour
Mou Waho Island Cruise & Guided Walk
Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike
TranzAlpine Scenic Plus Train Journey
Detailed Daily Itinerary and Vouchers
Private Airport Transfers

Highlights

Church of the Good Shepherd
Doubtful Sound
Franz Josef Glacier
Lake Tekapo
Lake Wakitipu
The Tasman Glacier
See the Full Itinerary
Pricing Tailored to You
Start Planning Start Planning
Milford Sound
christchurch
mt cook
Glacier Explorer
Sea Lions
Glowworms
Doubtful Sound
Dart River
Wanaka
TranzAlpine

Google Rating

5
590 reviews

TripAdvisor Rating

5
480 reviews
Classic

Reviews of this tour....

Lake Wakatipu
5

Cate's South Island Road Trip

Australia
10 Dec 2025

Thank you, Nicole, for making our trip so stress-free and enjoyable. You and First Light made sure that we got to visit all the beautiful places that we wanted to see, and your on-the-ground knowledge meant that we avoided the crowds and really had the opportunity to see New Zealand at its most beautiful. We'll be back! Highview Apartments in Queenstown was fantastic. Located just out of central Queenstown, it gave us the perfect view across the lake. We even had the perfect view of the aurora from the balcony there.
 

View all reviews on this tour

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Pricing terms

The price is based on current exchange rates but is only an approximation. Please contact us for a final price