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11 DAYS, 9 NIGHTS

$$$$$

Escorted New Zealand South Island Tour

Discover New Zealand’s South Island Wonders, from Fiordland and Glaciers to Fairy Tale Mountain Landscapes.
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Booking Code: AA-31109-SGPSI10

This Escorted New Zealand South Island Tour package is tailor-made for travelers eager to explore otherworldly natural beauty in a guided group tour. With destinations in Fiordland country, among glaciers, and nestled within mountain rainges, this itinerary promises unforgettable experiences at every turn. Whether you’re captivated by the stunning scenery, eager to delve into Maori culture, or craving adrenaline-pumping activities like luge rides and gondola adventures, this trip has something for everyone.

With included accommodations, meals, and activities, you can relax and focus on creating lifelong memories in the enchanting wonderland of New Zealand’s South Island.

Escorted New Zealand South Island

Escorted New Zealand South Island Tour Map

Day 1: International Flight to Christchurch
Days 2 – 11: Escorted New Zealand South Island
Day 11: International Flight from Christchurch

Escorted New Zealand South Island Tour Map
WHAT’S INCLUDED
ITINERARY
REQUEST A QUOTE
WHAT’S INCLUDED
ITINERARY
REQUEST A QUOTE
Escorted New Zealand South Island

What’s included in your
Escorted New Zealand South Island Tour

Accommodation

Christchurch (1 Night), Franz Josef (1), Queenstown (2), Te Anau (2), Dunedin (1), Twizel (1), Christchurch (1)

Flights

International – Los Angeles to Christchurch, Christchurch to Los Angeles

Transfers

Shuttle – Christchurch Airport to Accommodation (Return)

Day Tours

Christchurch – TranzAlpine Rail Journey, Christchurch City Sights Tour
Arrowtown – Lakes District Museum
Queenstown – Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
Milford Sound – Milford Sound Cruise and Lunch
Dunedin – Larnach Castle and Devonshire Tea, Dunedin City Sights Tour

Meals

9 cooked breakfasts; 8 sumptuous dinners including complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner and 2 specialty dinners; 1 lunch; 1 delicious morning tea; Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)

All Taxes and
Fuel Levies

(Except where noted)

Fully Guided
Tour

With fixed departure dates and itinerary

VISA ISSUANCE
REQUIRED (NOT
INCLUDED)

your itinerary details

DAY 1

International Flight, Los Angeles to Christchurch

The estimated cost for this package includes the average international airfare from Los Angeles. Request a quote for your preferred routing and travel dates. Your flight will cross the international date line overnight, putting you 1 day ahead in New Zealand. So according to a calendar it will take you 2 days to get to New Zealand, but really, it’s just an overnight flight!

DAY 2

Arrive Christchurch

Christchurch

Photo Credit : Chris Putnam

On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by your tour representative who will transfer you to your hotel. Meet your traveling companions over dinner.

Hotel: Distinction Christchurch
Meals: Dinner

Christchurch

Photo Credit : Chris Putnam

Franz Josef

Photo Credit : Vander Wolf Images Getty Images

DAY 3

Christchurch – Arthur’s Pass – Franz Josef

Franz Josef

Photo Credit : Vander Wolf Images Getty Images

This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur’s Pass located in the center of the Southern Alps. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing to Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Douglas Wing)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 4

Franz Josef – Queenstown

Franz Josef Glacier

Photo Credit : Holgs Getty Images Signature

See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast. Continue via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free and you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.

Hotel: Millennium Hotel Queenstown (2 Nights)
Meals: Breakfast

Franz Josef Glacier

Photo Credit : Holgs Getty Images Signature

Queenstown City View

Photo Credit : Skyice11 Getty Images

DAY 5

Queenstown

Queenstown City View

Photo Credit : Skyice11 Getty Images

Today is a free day to explore Queenstown. There are plenty of sightseeing options and your Coach Captain & Tour Guide are available to assist. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon or to get up close to a Kiwi bird. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner which the chef will prepare in front of you at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.

Meals: Breakfast & Specialty Dinner

DAY 6

Queenstown – Te Anau

Queenstown City Mountain

Photo Credit : Bobloblaw Getty Images

Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before traveling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. This innovative museum is heavily involved in the protection of the historic buildings scattered around town. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Tonight after dinner you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional).

Hotel: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau (Deluxe Room)(2 Nights)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Queenstown City Mountain

Photo Credit : Bobloblaw Getty Images

Milford Sound

Photo Credit : Travellinglight Getty Images Pro

DAY 7

Te Anau – Milford Sound – Te Anau

Milford Sound

Photo Credit : Travellinglight Getty Images Pro

Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy a picnic lunch onboard. This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available. You may like to visit the Fiordland Cinema, specially constructed to screen the locally filmed movie Ata Whenua – Shadowland which will take you on an unforgettable journey (optional).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 8

Te Anau – Dunedin

Dunedin Clocktower

Photo Credit : Dmitry Naumov

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ and enjoy an informative city tour. Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Dunedin Clocktower

Photo Credit : Dmitry Naumov

Mt Cook

Photo Credit : Rudi Suardi Getty Images Signature

DAY 9

Dunedin – Mt Cook – Twizel

Mt Cook

Photo Credit : Rudi Suardi Getty Images Signature

Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you continue to marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Travel to Twizel for your overnight stay.

Hotel: Distinction MacKenzie Country
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 10

Twizel – Christchurch

Christchurch

Photo Credit : Dream Artist

Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and see the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving into Christchurch for an informative city tour. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your new found friends.

Hotel: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Specialty Dinner

Christchurch

Photo Credit : Dream Artist

DAY 11

Depart Christchurch

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

Meals: Breakfast

Answers to your FAQs

To see all our most frequently asked questions, check out our full FAQ page.

OUR PROMISE

Whatever you want your custom tour of New Zealand to include, we’ll create
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