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Day 3: Te Anau Glowworm Caves with RealNZ (photo 2), The Ultimate Fiordland Adventure
South Island · Independent coach travel (self guided)

The Ultimate Fiordland Adventure

  • 7 days, 6 nights
  • Starts and ends in Christchurch
  • Hotel 4 star
FromNZ$4,345per person, twin share

Where you will go

3 places you sleep in over 6 nights. Select a place in the list to find it on the map.

Overnight stop, in route orderVisited on the wayScheduled coach, no guideStarts and ends in Christchurch. 3 overnight stops across 7 days, about 1,270 km of driving. Select a marker to open that day.

Overview

Independent coach travel (self guided). You travel on your own on scheduled coach services. Your seats and hotels are reserved; no guide travels with you. You are not left to it: your whole trip is in a travel app, and our New Zealand support team is a message or call away, seven days a week.

This 7-day Fiordland Explorer tour takes you to the breathtaking Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and the magical Glow Worm Caves of Lake Te Anau, with plenty of time left to experience the adventure-filled attractions of Queenstown, the Adventure Capital. 7 days through the South Island, starting and finishing in Christchurch. Along the way: Te Anau Glowworm Caves with RealNZ, Milford Sound Cruise and coach tour from Queenstown returning to Te Anau, TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner. 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.

  • 6 nights accommodation
  • 4 included activities
  • 8 meals included
  • 3 optional experiences

Explore more:South Island toursMilford Sound and FiordlandQueenstownFamily holidaysSolo travellersLuxuryChristchurch tours

What is included, and what is not

Included in the price

  • 6 nights of accommodation, hotel 4 star
  • Scheduled coach travel between destinations, seats reserved
  • 4 included activities and entries along the way
  • A detailed day by day itinerary with every booking reference
  • Support from a New Zealand based specialist while you travel
Included activities
  • Te Anau Glowworm Caves with RealNZ
  • Milford Sound Cruise and coach tour from Queenstown returning to Te Anau
  • TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner
  • Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo with Cheeky Kiwi

Not included

  • International flights to and from New Zealand
  • Travel insurance, which we recommend arranging on the day you pay your deposit
  • Meals other than the 8 meals listed in the itinerary
  • 3 optional experiences, each priced, which you can
  • Personal spending, tips and anything not listed as included

Anything here can be added. Extra nights, room upgrades, more activities or a different vehicle: tell us what you would change and we re-quote, no obligation.

Day by day

Christchurchview on Google Maps

Welcome to Ōtautahi / Christchurch, the South Island’s garden city, where historic heritage meets contemporary urban design. Whether you’re exploring the Avon River, wandering through expansive botanical gardens, or discovering contemporary art galleries, Christchurch offers plenty to uncover. As the gateway to the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps, the city is also the perfect base for refined farm-to-table dining, scenic adventures, and alpine escapes

Private Transfer Christchurch International Airport to Christchurch Accommodation

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.

Dinner onboard the Christchurch Restaurant TramOptionalNZ$155 pp

A truly unique dining experience in the heart of Christchurch. You’ll board New Zealand’s only dining tram for an unforgettable moving four-course restaurant experience. Enjoy a curated fine dining-style menu while taking in the city sights on your journey through the streets of central Christchurch. This experience includes a meal with multiple courses as the tramway route passes New Regent Street, the Avon River, High Street, and Victoria Square.

ChristchurchTourism New Zealand
TonightSudima Christchurch City

Sudima Christchurch City is a brand new 5-star boutique hotel, ideally located on Victoria Street. Amidst an array of cafes, restaurants and bars, stay only a martini olive pips’ throw from beautiful Hagley Park and Christchurch’s CBD. Experience the garden city in comfort and style.

Queenstownview on Google Maps

What better way to get from Christchurch to Queenstown than a small group, fully-guided day trip that combines all of the key southern highlights such as the famous Lake Tekapo, Aoraki-Mount Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier. The famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

TonightMillennium Hotel QueenstownBreakfast

Right in the heart of the action, the Millennium Hotel is just minutes from Queenstown’s central shopping and entertainment district. Outdoor activities such as bungy jumping, white water rafting and jet boating are just some of the easily accessible activities nearby in New Zealand’s adventure capital.

Te Anauview on Google Maps

Begin your Te Anau Glowworm experience with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau on board the luxury catamaran, Luminosa, to the western side of the lake. On arrival, you’ll enter the caves through Cavern House, where informative displays detail the history of this 12,000 year old underground network. You’ll then explore by limestone pathway while your guide points out hidden whirlpools, sculpted rock formations, and a rushing underground waterfall. See a magical display of thousands of glowworms as you glide through the darkness in a small boat.

Milford Sound Cruise and coach tour from Queenstown returning to Te Anau

Luxury coach transport from Queenstown to Milford Sound, with a 1 hour 40 minute cruise along the full length of the fiord. On boarding a RealNZ luxury glass-roofed coach in Queenstown, you will enjoy a relaxing trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. The coach driver provides an informative commentary. After a morning tea break in Te Anau, where you have the option of purchasing refreshments, the coach continues along the spectacular Milford Road. There is time for photo stops and short walks along the way. On reaching Milford Sound, you board the modern, spacious vessel for a leisurely cruise in the fiord. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and the wildlife. During the cruise your friendly crew provide commentaries in several languages and point out the sights such as Mitre Peak and the Pembroke Glacier. It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information, see here.

TonightDistinction Te Anau Hotel & VillasBreakfast and lunch

The Te Anau Hotel and Villas offers a range of accommodation from hotel rooms and suites to villas. Ideally located on the lake front this hotel is just a few minutes stroll from the shops, cafes and many activities Te Anau has to offer.

Queenstownview on Google Maps

From Pearl Harbour, Manapouri, you cruise across picturesque Lake Manapouri to West Arm and then travel by coach over Wilmot Pass through dense rainforest. There are opportunities along the way to examine the plant life and view the spectacular scenery. Once at Doubtful Sound you board the catamaran, Commander Peak, for a 3 hour cruise of beautiful Doubtful Sound to the Tasman Sea. On board there is excellent viewing of waterfalls, rainforest and mountains. Of particular interest, if sighted, are fur seals basking on the rocks, or a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins. Rare Fiordland crested penguins are sometimes encountered in the right season. An interesting on board commentary keeps you informed and on the return journey, the vessel’s engines are turned off and visitors are treated to the 'Sound of Silence'.

TonightMillennium Hotel QueenstownBreakfast and lunch

Queenstownview on Google Maps

Enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience, a delicious gourmet BBQ buffet meal, and a farm demonstration in a stunning lakeside setting. Take in the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and its surroundings as you cruise across the lake to the historic Walter Peak high country farm aboard the TSS Earnslaw Steamship. Enjoy the ambiance of the heart of the stately homestead while your Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant chef prepares a gourmet BBQ dinner. Your seasonal menu includes an extensive selection of local New Zealand produce, including succulent meats and a selection of delicious vegetables and salads. Complete your meal with your choice of delicious desserts, or New Zealand cheeses. After dinner, watch the farm dogs in action with a sheep-herding demonstration and say hello to the other farm animals. Finally, cruise home under the southern stars and enjoy the fresh night air as the lights of Queenstown draw ever closer.

Explore Queenstown

Queenstown, known in Māori as Tāhuna is celebrated as New Zealand’s ‘adventure capital'. Though Queenstown offers far more than a fast-paced, action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic, and scenic wonders. Whether you are looking for a scenic short walk or a longer one, you will find the perfect hike or bike trail in Queenstown. Explore Queenstown Gardens, or try out more challenging trails up to Ben Lomond Walkaway or Queenstown Hill Walking Track. Enjoy iconic views and take Queenstown Gondola up 450 metres to Bob’s Peak, or ride on the 100-year-old Steamship - the TSS Earnslaw - to Walter Peak Station for dinner and a farm tour. Browse the waterfront cafes and al fresco restaurants, try out the famous Fergburger, or grab a dessert at Patagonia Chocolates.

Shotover Jet Canyon Jet Boat RideOptionalNZ$199 pp

Shotover Jet is the only company permitted to operate in the Shotover River Canyons. It’s a thrilling ride! Skim past rocky outcrops at close range in your Shotover Jet 'Big Red', as you twist and turn through the narrow canyons at breathtaking speeds. And a major highlight - hold tight for the world-famous Shotover Jet full 360-degree spins! It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information please see here.

Queenstown Skyline Gondola RideOptionalNZ$69 pp

Hop aboard the Skyline Gondola - the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere! From which you can take in the awe-inspiring views of this spectacular landscape. Sit back and relax as you enjoy panoramic views of The Remarkables, Walter Peak, Cecil Peak, Coronet Peak and the magnificent Lake Wakatipu.

TonightMillennium Hotel QueenstownBreakfast and dinner

Christchurchview on Google Maps

This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with magnificent views of the famous Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier. The ultimate way to get from Queenstown to Christchurch. Led by famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

TonightSudima Christchurch CityBreakfast

Christchurchview on Google Maps

Enjoy a seamless, private transfer from your Christchurch city accommodation directly to the Christchurch Airport in time for your departing flight.

Keep this itinerary

Email yourself the day by day to read later or pass on, or with every day open.

Optional experiences

3 available

Not in the price, listed under the day each one happens. Tick any you want and every price on this page updates; your quote comes back with them costed. Or leave them and decide once you are here.

Day 1 · Christchurch
  • A truly unique dining experience in the heart of Christchurch. You’ll board New Zealand’s only dining tram for an unforgettable moving four-course…

Day 5 · Queenstown
  • Shotover Jet is the only company permitted to operate in the Shotover River Canyons. It’s a thrilling ride! Skim past rocky outcrops at close range…

  • Hop aboard the Skyline Gondola - the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere! From which you can take in the awe-inspiring views of this…

Nothing added yet.

Good to know

Departures

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.

Make it yours

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.

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.
Paying
A 20% deposit confirms your booking; the balance is due 70 days before travel. How your money is protected.

Watch: Milford Sound on this itinerary

Asked before booking

Something not answered here? , no quote attached.

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

FromNZ$4,345per person, twin share
Per day
NZ$621planning included
Travelling solo
NZ$5,995single occupancy

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

100% Pure New Zealand InsiderQualmark Gold, the official quality mark of New Zealand tourism

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.

When would you like to travel?

You will hear back within one working day. Quotes are free and there is no obligation to book.

  1. Tell us about your trip

  2. Get your firm quote

  3. Shape it until it fits

  4. Confirm with a 20% deposit

  5. Everything is booked for you

  6. Travel with us beside you

The Silver Fern Promise

You never hand over more than a small deposit

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 protected

A firm quote within one working day

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.

100% Pure New Zealand InsiderQualmark Gold, the official quality mark of New Zealand tourismInsider 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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