The Essential South Island

This 9 day tour starts in Christchurch and finishes in Christchurch.

Discover the South Island’s wonders, starting in vibrant Christchurch before heading to Aoraki/Mt Cook for a glacial adventure. Explore Queenstown and cruise on the TSS Earnslaw, then journey to the awe-inspiring Doubtful Sound. Visit the breathtaking Franz Josef Glacier and conclude your trip with the iconic TranzAlpine scenic train back to Christchurch.

Accommodation type on this tour is: Boutique Lodges & Hotels.

Rental car insurance included

Rental car inclusions: Unlimited kilometres,airport/ferry terminal fees, additional drivers.

This tour can be customised to suit you precisely - just request here.

This tour also features:

Included activity: Private Transfer Christchurch International Airport to Christchurch Accommodation

Included activity: Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App

Included activity: Glacier Explorers

Included activity: Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre Museum and Theatre Explorer Pass with Hermitage

Included activity: TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

Included activity: Gondola Ride with Skyline Queenstown

Included activity: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown with RealNZ

Included activity: Franz Josef Glacier Helihike with Franz Josef Glacier Guides

Included activity: TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch

Included activity: Shared Transfer from Christchurch Train Station to Christchurch CBD Accommodation with Christchurch Touring Company

Included activity: Private Transfer from Christchurch Accommodation to Christchurch Airport with Christchurch Touring Company

8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 special dinner

Itinerary summary for: The Essential South Island

Day 1: Arrive into the Garden City, Christchurch
Accommodation: Merivale Manor House

Day 2: Journey to Aoraki-Mt Cook, where an afternoon of exciting alpine activities awaits.
Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Wing Premium Plus

Day 3: Travel through the arid landscapes of Lindis Pass and Central Otago to Queenstown
Accommodation: The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi

Day 4: Discover Queenstown and try some of thrilling adventures
Accommodation: The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi

Day 5: Venture to the remote Patea-Doubtful Sound for your wilderness cruise
Accommodation: The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi

Day 6: Travel the Haast Pass to the West Coast home to Franz Josef Glacier
Accommodation: Westwood Lodge

Day 7: Discover the remarkable world of ice atop the Franz Josef Glacier with a helihike
Accommodation: Westwood Lodge

Day 8: Drive north along the stunning West Coast Road and take the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch
Accommodation: Merivale Manor House

Day 9: Explore Christchurch before you travel home