10 Days • 9 Nights
South Island Explorer
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll ride the TranzAlpine train across the Southern Alps, walk on the Franz Josef glacier, gaze up at Aoraki/Mount Cook, the country's highest peak, cruise the majestic Milford Sound, and soak up the adventure and lakeside beauty of Queenstown. Scenic drives, star-filled skies and jaw-dropping vistas fill the days.
With comfortable hotels, scenic touring and the key experiences arranged, it is the South Island at its most spectacular.
Trip Highlights
- The TranzAlpine scenic train across the Alps
- A glacier walk at Franz Josef
- Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak
- The turquoise lakes of the Mackenzie Country
- A cruise on the majestic Milford Sound
- Adventure and scenery in Queenstown
- The dark skies of the Mackenzie reserve
- The complete South Island in ten days
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 10-day journey.
Arrive in the 'Garden City' and settle in, with a welcome dinner and a stroll through the botanic gardens.
Ride the TranzAlpine across the Southern Alps to the West Coast, then travel to the Franz Josef glacier.
A glacier walk or scenic flight at Franz Josef, then the spectacular Haast Pass drive to lakeside Wanaka.
Explore lovely Lake Wanaka, then travel over the Crown Range to Queenstown, the adventure capital.
The Skyline Gondola, a TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak, and your choice of adventure — jet boat, bungy or wine.
A full-day journey to the majestic Milford Sound, cruising beneath its cliffs and waterfalls, overnighting in Te Anau.
Travel through the Mackenzie Country, past the turquoise Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki, to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Explore Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak — a valley walk to the glacier lakes, an optional scenic flight, and the famous dark skies at night.
A scenic drive back to Christchurch across the Canterbury Plains for a final evening.
A final breakfast before your transfer to Christchurch airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and scenic touring throughout
- 9 nights in hand-picked South Island hotels
- Daily breakfast and a welcome dinner
- The TranzAlpine train and a Franz Josef glacier experience
- Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Mackenzie Country lakes
- A Milford Sound cruise from Te Anau
- Queenstown sightseeing and the Skyline Gondola
- All listed activities and entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from New Zealand
- NZeTA and International Visitor levy fees
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional activities and adventure experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Visitors from visa-waiver countries must obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) online before travelling, which includes the International Visitor levy. Others need a visitor visa; we can advise
- Currency: The currency is the New Zealand Dollar. New Zealand is largely cashless, with cards and contactless payment accepted almost everywhere
- Driving: New Zealanders drive on the left. Roads are scenic but often winding, and distances take longer than they look, so we build in realistic drive times (or you can self-drive)
- Seasons reversed: New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, so summer is December to February and winter (with skiing in the south) is June to August. Spring and autumn are quieter and beautiful
- Four seasons in a day: The weather changes quickly, especially in the mountains, so pack warm and waterproof layers even in summer, along with strong sun protection for the intense UV
- Biosecurity: New Zealand has strict biosecurity, so declare all food, plant and animal items on arrival and clean any hiking boots or camping gear to protect the country's unique nature
- Sandflies: The West Coast and Fiordland (including Milford Sound) have persistent sandflies, so bring insect repellent for those areas
- Best time: New Zealand is a year-round destination; summer is best for hiking and the outdoors, winter for skiing in the south, and autumn for golden landscapes and wine country
- Tipping: Tipping is not customary or expected in New Zealand, which keeps things simple
- Connectivity & power: A local SIM or eSIM gives good coverage in towns and along main routes. Power is 230V with the Australian-style type I plug, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, such as a Maori hangi feast or a wine-country lunch. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy New Zealand's superb food and wine.
Are transfers and touring arranged?
Yes — your airport transfers, scenic touring and activities are arranged for you, with the option of private guides, coach touring or a self-drive itinerary to suit your style.
Do I need a visa for New Zealand?
Visitors from visa-waiver countries need an NZeTA, applied for online before travel. We guide you through the requirements for your nationality.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer (December-February) is ideal for hiking and the outdoors, winter (June-August) for skiing in the south, and autumn for golden colours and wine. New Zealand is beautiful year-round.
Should we do a self-drive or guided tour?
Both work wonderfully — self-drive gives freedom and flexibility on New Zealand's scenic roads, while a guided or private tour takes care of everything. We can tailor either to you.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, islands, activities and hotels can all be tailored, and we can add Milford Sound, a glacier, wine country, adventure sports or luxury lodges. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we travel between the islands?
By a short scenic flight or the Interislander ferry across Cook Strait between the North and South Islands — both included and arranged as your route requires.
Can we walk on the glacier?
Yes — a guided glacier walk or a heli-hike at Franz Josef takes you onto the ice among crevasses and seracs; a scenic helicopter flight is a spectacular alternative, both weather-dependent.
Why is the Mackenzie Country famous for stars?
The Mackenzie region around Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook is an International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places on earth for stargazing, with astonishingly clear night skies.
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