The South Island of New Zealand dials up the natural drama, whether you’re enjoying a Milford Sound/Piopiotahi tour through World Heritage listed wilderness or basking in the beauty of Franz Josef/Waiau on a tour. 9 days through the South Island, starting and finishing in Christchurch. Along the way: Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Town Centre. 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.
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This itinerary can be customised: extra nights, different rooms, more activities or a different vehicle. Tell us what you would change.
Your journey:ChristchurchClydeQueenstownHokitikaChristchurch
Welcome to Christchurch, your New Zealand South Island tour starts here. Since its 2010/11 earthquakes, Christchurch has reinvented itself in more ways than one. It’s time tonight to meet your Travel Director and travelling companions for a tour briefing and drinks. Staying in: Ibis Hotel Christchurch (1 night)
Christchurch is not only rebuilding itself after the devastating 2010/11 earthquakes, but is changing the way architects think about design. Case in point the mind-bending Cathedral, made largely of cardboard, and Turanga, the gold clad central library. You will view these on your city tour. From here, your outlook is the Canterbury Plains: the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd, snow-capped mountains and atmospheric towns. Your Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy Experience at Tekapo, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience hosted by passionate local specialists, will forever change the way you see the night sky. You’ll see for yourself it may be one of the quietest spots on the planet, yet it has one of the busiest skies in the universe. Staying in: Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel (1 night) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Your visit to Clyde will have your camera clicking non-stop. This charming historic town may be small, but it’s full of character, with its town centre designated as a historic precinct, featuring buildings from its gold mining past now transformed into cafes and shops. Next, head to Gore, the Country Music capital of New Zealand, before continuing toward Fiordland National Park and stunning Te Anau, set on the shores of the South Island’s largest lake. Take in the serenity - this is as good as it gets. Staying in: Distinction Luxmore Hotel (1 night) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
From the moment you step outside today, nature rules. Your route through Fiordland National Park is an intoxicating union of beech forests, alluvial flats, meadows and mirror-like lakes. Gin-clear rivers carve the countryside, with all roads leading to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Venture out into the pristine fiord on a sightseeing cruise for awe-inspiring scenery with towering cliffs, tumbling waterfalls and abundant wildlife. Staying in: Distinction Luxmore Hotel (1 night) Meals included: Breakfast
Follow state Highway 6, winding along the edge of Lake Wakatipu, the Devil’s Staircase from Kingston to Queenstown is a breathtaking stretch of road with a combination of lake and Mountain views. Visit the historic gold rush village of Arrowtown, where you can wander the streets lined with trees and character-filled boutiques, then continue to Queenstown for your two-night stay in the adventure capital of New Zealand. Tonight, glide across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue dinner and farm show. Staying in: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront (1 night) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
You’ve completed your Christchurch to Queenstown road trip, now it’s time to take in the sights. Take today at your own pace; you won’t be lost for things to do in Queenstown. Ask about optional experiences. Like adventure? Feel the wind in your hair on the high-octane jet boat ride, perhaps. There’s a reason why Queenstown is known as the "Adventure Capital of the World". Nature lover? Discover some of New Zealand’s feathered friends at Kiwi Park. Staying in: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront (1 night) Meals included: Breakfast
Try to keep count of today’s lakes. You’re leaving Lake Wakatipu behind, but Lake Dunstan awaits, as do its orchards. Pause to refuel on flavour-packed stone fruit. Then there’s Lake Hawea. Over the Haast Pass to the town of Franz Josef/Waiau, where, this afternoon you may choose an Optional Experienc* to fly over Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Staying in: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (1 night) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Swap snow for pounamu (native greenstone or jade) in Hokitika. Just when you thought your South Island trip couldn’t get any better, you’ll board the TranzAlpine train bound for Christchurch, through tunnels and over viaducts with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, beech forests, gorges and river valleys. Join your Travel Director tonight for dinner and drinks to celebrate your week touring New Zealand’s South Island. Staying in: Ibis Hotel Christchurch (1 night) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
New Zealand’s South Island never fails to wow. We hope you find the words to describe this epic New Zealand tour to your family back home. Meals included: Breakfast
This itinerary departs on the dates that suit you, subject to availability. Peak season (December to February) books out early, so enquire well ahead for summer travel.
Add nights, upgrade rooms, swap activities or extend into the other island. Tell us what you would change and we will re-quote, no obligation.
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.
Watch: Milford Sound on this itinerary
Still deciding? Worth a read: How many days do you actually need in New Zealand? · The best time to visit New Zealand, from people who live here
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.
How your money is protectedAvailability checked with our New Zealand operations team and confirmed in writing, not an automated estimate.
Quotes are free and carry no obligation. You pay a deposit only once the itinerary is right and you say go.
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.Questions before you enquire? Email hello@silverferntravel.com and ask. No form required.
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