A little bit city, a little bit country. 9 days through the South Island, starting and finishing in Christchurch. Along the way: Christchurch, Franz Josef Glacier, 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.
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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:ChristchurchHaastTekapoChristchurch
You don’t have to arrive in Christchurch early, but we recommend you do, this South Island city has some of New Zealand’s most innovative architecture, not to mention forward-thinking restaurants and bars. Tonight, it’s time to meet your Travel Director and travelling companions for drinks. Staying in: Ibis Hotel Christchurch (1 night)
Your South Island Tour starts on a literal high as you jump aboard the TranzAlpine train, crossing the Canterbury Plains towards the Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass. This is one of the world’s most scenic rail experiences, through tunnels and over viaducts with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, beech forests, gorges and river valleys. At the other end of the line is Hokitika, the home of pounamu (native greenstone or jade). Just when you thought your day couldn’t get any better, Franz Josef town twinkles on the horizon. This afternoon, you may choose an optional experience to fly over Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier). Staying in: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (1 night) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Over the Haast Pass, alpine drama awaits. The Southern Lakes deserve their name: there are almost more waterways here than you can count. First up there’s lovely Lake Wanaka, with its Instagrammable shoreline of poplars and willows. Followed by oh-so-blue Lake Hawea and Lake Dunstan, where you’ll pause to refuel on flavour-packed stone fruit. As tempting as it is to linger in Arrowtown’s movie-set-like streets, lined with trees and character-filled boutiques, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables await in Queenstown. Staying in: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront (1 night) Meals included: Breakfast
The adventure capital of New Zealand doesn’t disappoint when it comes to activities that are fast and furious. Take your pick from optional experiences. You could explore the natural drama of Skippers Canyon. Prefer life at a more leisurely pace? Step into The Lord of the Rings movie scenery or sip your way through surrounding vineyards. Wherever you wander, make sure you’re back in time to glide across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue dinner. Staying in: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront (1 night) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Nature rules today as you motor from the Mirror Lakes through the Cleddau Valley. But this is just a teaser of what’s to come: World Heritage listed Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. A cruise across this dreamy expanse will give you goosebumps, its string of waterfalls creating a misty curtain across sheer escarpments. Look out for fur seals, they’re a common sight here. The road back through Fiordland National Park is an intoxicating union of beech forests, alluvial flats, meadows and gin-clear rivers, carving up the countryside en route to Te Anau. And just when you thought things couldn’t get any more magical, set on the edge of the South Island’s largest lake, Te Anau is the perfect place to savour some peace and relaxation after the spectacle of the day. Staying in: Distinction Luxmore Hotel (1 night) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
The South Island’s biggest lake is a blissful place for an invigorating morning walk. If it doesn’t set your pulse racing, than your outlook of rolling green hills dotted with doe-eyed sheep surely will. This pastoral countryside surrounds the city of Dunedin. While away the afternoon in atmospheric art-lined alleys or perhaps on an optional experience sipping a lager or two in Speight’s Brewery (a national institution), or visit grand Larnach Castle. You could venture further afield to discover the wildlife that thrives in this pretty pocket of the country. Staying in: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City (1 night) Meals included: Breakfast
Time is on your side this morning. Sleep in or take a stroll. Make a stop en route to Omarama in Oamaru, known for its Victorian heritage buildings. Staying in: Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel (1 night) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
If there’s a lake with a more vivid turquoise colour than Tekapo, we’re yet to see it. It’s made even more dramatic by snow-capped mountains, the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd and atmospheric towns that surround. Your Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy Experience at Tekapo, hosted by passionate local specialists, will forever change the way you see the night sky. Back on earth, you’re becoming reacquainted with Christchurch, your in-the-know Travel Director pointing out the city’s miraculous transformation over the last decade. Local spirit is strong here. Tonight, enjoy drinks to toast your adventure. Staying in: Ibis Hotel Christchurch (1 night) Meals included: Breakfast
If you feel like you’ve only seen the tip of the South Island’s iceberg, you’d be correct. This beguiling part of the country could keep travel enthusiasts entertained for eons. Thankfully, we have more itineraries, ask your Travel Director and start planning your next trip to New Zealand. 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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