The Classic South Island Explorer Itinerary

Haere Mai and welcome to New Zealand. Spend your first day exploring Christchurch at a relaxed pace with a full day tramway pass.

Christchurch, the South Island’s gateway, sits between the Canterbury Plains and the Pacific Ocean. Discover the city with an all-day Christchurch Tram pass, offering a charming way to explore key sights. Visit Riverside Market, a lively hub of eateries and boutiques, or enjoy a peaceful punt along the Avon River. Take in historic landmarks, the Botanic Gardens, and the city’s relaxed charm before your New Zealand adventure continues tomorrow.

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

A day of alpine beauty, scenic walks, and unforgettable stargazing in New Zealand’s high country.

Collect your rental vehicle this morning and travel to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. The National Park lies within the UNESCO-listed Te Wāhipounamu, home to Aoraki / Mount Cook (3,724m) rising above the Southern Alps. Known to Māori as Aoraki, or “Cloud Piercer,” it is surrounded by over 150 peaks, glaciers, turquoise lakes, and vast alpine landscapes. Wander scenic trails, breathe in crisp mountain air, and take in ever-changing vistas. As night falls, enjoy big sky stargazing at The Hermitage Hotel, where pristine dark skies reveal dazzling constellations in unforgettable clarity.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Approximate Distance: 330 km | 205 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Mount Cook - 2 Nights

Join a boat tour for a unique alpine adventure among glaciers, icebergs, and breathtaking mountain scenery.

Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is home to the remarkable Tasman Glacier and its terminal lake. Travel from Mount Cook Village into the Tasman Valley, followed by a gentle alpine walk through this dramatic landscape. Board a MAC boat to explore the glacier’s ever-changing ice face and drifting icebergs, shaped by wind and currents. Passionate guides share insights into this dynamic environment, making each journey unique. Get closer than ever before—have you ever seen, touched, or stood beside an iceberg?

Included Meals: Breakfast

Journey from the alpine heights to the coast, ending the day with a magical penguin encounter.

Depart Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and travel south through the sweeping Mackenzie Basin toward the charming coastal town of Oamaru, known for its beautifully preserved Victorian architecture and creative arts scene. En route, stop at the fascinating Moeraki Boulders, where perfectly rounded stones dot the shoreline. Continue to Oamaru for a premium evening experience at the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, watching little blue penguins return ashore at dusk.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 210 km | 130 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Oamaru - 2 Nights

Experience the charm and history of Oamaru, where culture meets coastal beauty.

Oamaru is a delightful town that draws history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking a relaxed coastal escape. Admire its stunning Victorian architecture and stroll through the historic precinct, exploring galleries, quirky shops, and local craft stores. Wander along the scenic waterfront or enjoy peaceful coastal walks. As evening falls, visit the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony to witness little blue penguins returning ashore, blending cultural exploration with unforgettable wildlife encounters in this unique New Zealand destination.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Explore Dunedin and Larnach Castle, blending history, architecture, and coastal charm.

Depart Oamaru and journey south through scenic Otago toward Dunedin, celebrated for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture. Explore the historic streets before visiting the iconic Larnach Castle for a guided tour of the grand mansion and its beautifully manicured gardens. Conclude the day with a leisurely stroll along Dunedin’s waterfront, soaking in harbor views and the city’s unique blend of history, charm, and coastal atmosphere.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Dunedin - 2 Nights

Experience the wildlife wonders of Otago Peninsula on a day full of marine encounters.

This morning, board an Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise around Taiaroa Head and its dramatic cliffs. Watch playful New Zealand Fur Seals at their breeding colonies and keep an eye out for albatross, petrels, dolphins, and other marine life. Later, encounter the shy Hoiho, or Yellow-Eyed Penguin, in its natural habitat. Described by environmentalist Dr. David Bellamy as “the finest example of eco-tourism in the world,” the peninsula offers an unforgettable combination of scenic beauty, rare wildlife, and immersive coastal experiences.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Embark on a scenic journey from Dunedin to the wild and unspoiled Catlins.

Depart Dunedin and travel south along the rugged coast to the Catlins, a region where time feels paused and nature reigns. Explore lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and remote beaches, home to rare wildlife including three penguin species such as the Hoiho (Yellow-Eyed Penguin), Hooker’s Sea Lions, Hector’s Dolphins, Elephant Seals, and New Zealand Fur Seals. Immerse yourself in the Catlins’ pristine landscapes, encountering unique coastal ecosystems and the charm of a bygone New Zealand lifestyle.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a full day to immerse yourself in the wild beauty of The Catlins.

The Catlins is a rugged coastal paradise where dense rainforests meet untamed seas. Spend the day exploring hidden waterfalls, windswept cliffs, and secluded beaches alive with penguins, sea lions, and native birds. Visit the iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse or marvel at the dramatic Cathedral Caves. With untouched landscapes and abundant wildlife, this free day offers nature lovers and adventurers a serene, off-the-beaten-path escape filled with unforgettable coastal scenery.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Travel from the rugged Catlins coast to the enchanting landscapes of Te Anau and experience a glowworm cave tour.

Depart The Catlins and journey southwest through scenic southern South Island landscapes toward Te Anau, a region of pristine lakes and lush forests featured in The Lord of the Rings. Spend the afternoon kayaking, flight-seeing, hiking, or fishing to immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings. In the evening, join a Glowworm Caves Cruise across Lake Te Anau, exploring limestone passages and a grotto lit by thousands of glowworms for a truly magical experience.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 230 km | 143 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours

Accommodation: Te Anau - 2 Nights

Embark on an adrenaline-filled adventure from river to sky in Fiordland.

Cruise the Upper Waiau River to Lake Manapouri on a thrilling jet boat, enjoying high-speed spins and river rapids. Along the way, spot trout, listen to native birds, and visit three iconic The Lord of the Rings locations. Take a short walk in Fiordland National Park before stepping onto a seaplane floating on Lake Manapouri. Soar over dramatic mountains and the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area, landing at Te Anau to complete this unforgettable journey.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Embark on an unforgettable journey into the wild beauty of Doubtful Sound.

Begin at Lake Te Anau and travel through forested mountains surrounding Lake Manapouri. Ascend Wilmot Pass for your first breathtaking view of Doubtful Sound / Patea, its deep blue waters carved by glaciers and framed by towering peaks. Keep watch for seabirds, dolphins, seals, and penguins as you glide through the fiord on sit-on kayaks. Enjoy freshly prepared New Zealand cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, combining adventure, wildlife, and stunning scenery into an unforgettable Fiordland experience.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Doubtful Sound - 1 Night

Relax and enjoy a scenic journey from the mountains to Queenstown’s lakeside charm.

Take your time traveling to Queenstown, watching the landscape shift from rugged mountain ranges and mirror-like lakes to the winding Kawarau River Gorge and lush green farmland. In the evening, board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Enjoy a gourmet barbecue at the Colonel’s Homestead, take a short farm tour, and return to Queenstown with a lively piano sing-along.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Approximate Distance: 175 km | 109 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Queenstown - 3 Nights

Take a day trip to Glenorchy and experience the thrill and beauty of ziplining through alpine wilderness.

Travel from Queenstown through scenic valleys and along Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy, gateway to untouched wilderness. Take on the Paradise Ziplines adventure, gliding across eight lines over alpine streams and lush Oxburn Valley beech forest. Marvel at stunning views of Mt Aspiring National Park and Paradise, soaring meters above sparkling waters in a dramatic gorge. Return to Queenstown after this exhilarating 1-kilometer journey through ever-changing, unforgettable scenery.

Approximate Distance: 45 km | 28 miles  Total Driving Time: 45 mins (each way)

Embark on a full-day journey through the best sights and flavors of Central Otago. 

Your expert wine guide will take you through three unique subregions: Gibbston, Bannockburn, and Cromwell. Explore New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave, enjoy a cheeseboard paired with wine, and savor a five-course lunch cooked in retired oak barrels, each matched with a perfect wine. Visit the historic settlements of Arrowtown and Old Cromwell (time permitting), and discover fascinating stories of pioneering history and the region’s wine heritage. The tour concludes with a return to your accommodation.

Included Meals: Lunch

Experience a scenic drive from Queenstown to Wanaka over the iconic Crown Range. 

Wind through dramatic mountain roads, passing rugged peaks, tussock-covered valleys, and charming alpine villages. Stop at lookout points to admire panoramic views and capture unforgettable photos. Descend into the picturesque Cardrona Valley, home to historic gold-mining relics, before arriving in Wanaka, a vibrant lakeside town nestled beside crystal-clear waters and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Explore its boutique shops, cafes, and stunning lakefront. This full-day drive blends adventure, history, and breathtaking landscapes, offering a perfect introduction to the beauty of Central Otago.

Approximate Distance: 70 km | 44 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 15 mins

Accommodation: Wanaka - 2 Nights

Set out on an unforgettable journey across the sparkling waters of Lake Wānaka. 

Cruise to Mou Waho Island, a predator-free sanctuary home to rare native wildlife, including the curious Weka. Join a knowledgeable local conservation guide for a scenic hike, discovering the efforts to protect New Zealand’s endangered species. At the island’s summit, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views with no signs of human habitation in sight. This immersive experience perfectly blends nature, conservation, and some of the most striking scenery Central Otago has to offer.

Venture along one of New Zealand’s most unforgettable drives, from Wanaka to Franz Josef. 

Traverse high mountain passes before descending into lush, ancient rainforest and the windswept West Coast. Beauty unfolds at every turn, from cascading waterfalls to tranquil woodland walks—perfect for stopping and enjoying a picnic. Along the way, soak in dramatic landscapes and ever-changing scenery. Nestled in a rainforest clearing, Franz Josef Glacier Village sits at the heart of Westland National Park, offering a gateway to glaciers, native wildlife, and one of the country’s most diverse and stunning regions.

Approximate Distance: 285 km | 177 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 2 Nights

Experience one of Aotearoa’s most thrilling adventures with the Glacier Heli Hike. 

Today, you will be swept off your feet on an exhilarating helicopter ride over majestic mountains, offering sweeping panoramic views. Once on the glacier, the adventure continues with over two hours of hiking across stunning ice formations. Slide through narrow crevasses, crawl between towering ice walls, explore shimmering blue ice tunnels, and rest in serene ice caves. Witnessing the occasional glacier calving adds a dramatic finale. Combining adrenaline, awe-inspiring scenery, and hands-on exploration, this hike is often the highlight of a New Zealand visit.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a full day of scenic driving and the iconic TranzAlpine train journey.

Begin your morning with a coastal drive to Greymouth, pausing in Hokitika to explore artisan shops showcasing sacred Māori pounamu (greenstone)—a locally carved pendant makes a meaningful keepsake. Upon arriving in Greymouth, drop off your car and board the TranzAlpine Scenic Rail Journey. Renowned as one of the world’s great train rides, the journey winds through dramatic gorges, river valleys, and over massive viaducts before descending into Christchurch, offering an unforgettable blend of coastal charm, cultural treasures, and breathtaking alpine scenery.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 175 km | 109 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage! Today we say farewell. We take care of your transfer to Christchurch Airport where you will board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.

Included Meals: Breakfast