6 places you sleep in over 9 nights. Select a place in the list to find it on the map.
1Overnight stop, in route orderVisited on the waySmall group vehicle with your driver guideStarts and ends in Christchurch. 6 overnight stops across 10 days, about 1,810 km of driving. Select a marker to open that day.
Overview
Guided tour, small group. A driver guide travels with you the whole way, in a smaller group and a smaller vehicle than a full-size coach.
Explore the dramatic landscapes of the spectacular South Island while travelling Business Class on wheels on the Ultimate coach, with a maximum of 20 travellers. 10 days through the South Island, starting and finishing in Christchurch. Along the way: Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown. Every night is booked and the travelling is handled, so the itinerary below is what you actually do rather than a list of things you could arrange yourself.
On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as you meet your travelling companions. Staying in Hotel Sudima Christchurch City or similar 5 Star Accommodation Being in the hub of the city means you are within walking distance from shopping, activities and attractions. At Sudima Christchurch City you will find the rooms reflect the New Zealand landscape with tones and textures to create a relaxed atmosphere. The rooms have been tastefully decorated and offers guests comfort and space with a plush bed, beautiful luxury linen and a New Zealand based artists' work features on the headboard for you to enjoy as you relax. Meals included: Dinner
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 centre of the Southern Alps. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing to the township of Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers. Staying in Hotel Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef 5 Star Accommodation Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef is truly luxurious and can be found in an area of native rainforest which has been carefully preserved. All the guest room balconies look out into the rainforest, which contains mature trees up to 20m high. Guests get a real sense of seclusion and privacy during their stay. Lavishly appointed guest rooms, generously proportioned and featuring the highest standard of room amenities, such as your own personal pillow menu, natural wool mattress underlay and high-speed Internet access. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 at leisure, you may choose to to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants. Staying in Hotel Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown (2 nights) 4 Star Plus Accommodation Queenstown, New Zealand’s mountain playground, is one of the great alpine regions of the world and the charming Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown Hotel calls this place home - the resort offers a hotel experience certain to leave you breathless. Set on the scenic slopes of Ben Lomond Mountain, Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown offers an alpine charm. Crafted from centuries-old schist stone and cedar, this comfortable and sophisticated Queenstown hotel is the perfect place to relax. Unwind in a room where timeless charm meets contemporary comfort with all the essentials thoughtfully considered making every stay feel effortlessly relaxed. Meals included: Breakfast
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with many optional activities available. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride or a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner featuring a menu of seasonal, fresh and locally sourced food at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSSEarnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown. Staying in Hotel Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown 4 Star Plus Accommodation Queenstown, New Zealand’s mountain playground, is one of the great alpine regions of the world and the charming Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown Hotel calls this place home - the resort offers a hotel experience certain to leave you breathless. Set on the scenic slopes of Ben Lomond Mountain, Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown offers an alpine charm. Crafted from centuries-old schist stone and cedar, this comfortable and sophisticated Queenstown hotel is the perfect place to relax. Unwind in a room where timeless charm meets contemporary comfort with all the essentials thoughtfully considered making every stay feel effortlessly relaxed. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner, Speciality Dinner
Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling 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. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional). Staying in Hotel Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas (2 nights) 4 Star Accommodation Surrounded by extensive, colourful gardens and a short stroll to the spectacular Lake Te Anau, this elegant 4 star hotel and villa accommodation sets the tone for your stay in one of the world’s most breathtaking regions. You will stay in a spacious and superbly appointed room. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a nature cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy lunch onboard. This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available. You might like to cap off your Fiordland experience by watching the breathtaking film, Ata Whenua - Shadowland, which screens at the Fiordland Cinema (optional). Staying in Hotel Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas 4 Star Accommodation Surrounded by extensive, colourful gardens and a short stroll to the spectacular Lake Te Anau, this elegant 4 star hotel and villa accommodation sets the tone for your stay in one of the world’s most breathtaking regions. You will stay in a spacious and superbly appointed room. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Journey via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ and enjoy a city tour. Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear the tragic and scandalous tales on a guided tour. Indulge in an Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom, followed by time to stroll through this Garden of International Significance. Staying in Hotel Distinction Dunedin Hotel 4.5 Star Accommodation 2024 Travellers Choice Winner and ranked in the top 20 of all hotels in NZ on TripAdvisor. The Distinction Dunedin Hotel is elegant, luxurious and located in the rejuvenated and vibrant Warehouse Precinct in the heart of the city. The ideal combination of style and functionality. These air-conditioned Dunedin Studios offer a cloud-like super king bed and modern ensuite bathroom with a luxurious dual fixture walk-in rain shower plus complimentary Distinction toiletries. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you travel to Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. Staying in Hotel The Hermitage Hotel 4 Star Accommodation Set in the stunning Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, The Hermitage Hotel is surrounded by awe-inspiring glaciers, sparkling terminal lakes, rushing rivers, and the towering Aoraki/Mt Cook, Australasia’s tallest peak at 3,724 metres. This iconic hotel boasts a range of exceptional restaurants and bars, along with 164 well-appointed rooms. Whether you’re here for adventure or relaxation, The Hermitage provides the ultimate gateway to explore one of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning there is the opportunity to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving in Christchurch for an introductory city sights tour. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your newfound friends. Staying in Hotel Sudima Christchurch City or similar 5 Star Accommodation Being in the hub of the city means you are within walking distance from shopping, activities and attractions. At Sudima Christchurch City you will find the rooms reflect the New Zealand landscape with tones and textures to create a relaxed atmosphere. The rooms have been tastefully decorated and offers guests comfort and space with a plush bed, beautiful luxury linen and a New Zealand based artists' work features on the headboard for you to enjoy as you relax. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner, Speciality Dinner
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday. Meals included: Breakfast
Good to know
Departures
10 Day Ultimate South Island runs on set dates. These are the departures still open, with what each one costs per person, two sharing.
Availability checked 26 October 2026 from the operator's own bookings. Guaranteed means the operator has confirmed the departure will run; sold out dates stay on the list so you can see what is left.
A date not listed is not being sold. Choose one and your quote comes back against that departure, at that departure's price.
Before and after
The tour itself runs as published. Nights in Christchurch before it starts or in Christchurch after it ends, and any of the optional experiences, can be added to your quote.
Never travelling alone
Your whole itinerary lives in a smart travel app with live vouchers, maps and daily guidance, and your own travel specialist is reachable seven days a week while you are on the road. If plans change, we rearrange them in real time.
Who you are booking with
Operator
This itinerary is operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand operator. We book it for you and stay your point of contact.
Silver Fern Travel
Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist (Insider), IATA certified, based in Auckland, New Zealand.
Prices
Quoted from the operator's own booking engine and refreshed weekly. The figure on this page is the one you will be quoted.
Yes, and most guests change something. Add nights, upgrade rooms, swap activities or start from a different city: tell us what you would change and we re-quote 10 Day Ultimate South Island at no cost and no obligation.
A professional driver-guide from our New Zealand operations team, on the ground with you throughout. Every itinerary we sell is operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand tour operator, the highest grading in the country's official quality mark.
10 Day Ultimate South Island runs on 31 scheduled departure dates, listed with their prices on this page. Choose one when you enquire and your quote comes back against that departure, usually within one working day.
9 nights in hotel 4 star. Every property is confirmed by name on your written quote, before you pay anything, so you can look each one up before you commit.
Nothing to enquire. A firm written quote arrives within one working day; if you go ahead, a 20% deposit per person (minimum NZ$250) confirms every booking and the balance is due 70 days before travel, with the exact date on your quote. Deposits can be paid by card, which keeps your card scheme's dispute protections in play.
No payment to enquire; a firm quote within one working day. Lowest priced travel dates, two sharing. International flights not included. A 20% deposit confirms your booking, with the balance due 70 days before travel. How your money is protected
Itineraries operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand operator. Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure Insider.
Request a quote for this trip
No payment, no obligation. A specialist replies with a firm quote within one working day.
Nothing to enquire, nothing until your quote is confirmed in writing, and never more than your deposit until the balance falls due 70 days before travel. Deposits can be paid by card, which keeps your card scheme’s protections in play.
Availability checked with our New Zealand operations team and confirmed in writing, not an automated estimate.
No booking fees, and nothing to pay to enquire
Quotes are free and carry no obligation. You pay a deposit only once the itinerary is right and you say go.
One person, before and during your trip
The same specialist plans your trip and is reachable while you are travelling, alongside in-country support seven days a week.
Insider status, Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme. IATA certified. Every itinerary is operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand tour operator.
