South Island Wilderness Encounters Tour

This 14 day tour starts in Christchurch and finishes in Queenstown.

**Please be advised that certain aspects of this tour may operate on specific days of the week during the winter months. We recommend contacting one of our travel specialists to identify a departure date that suits your schedule.

Your journey begins with the iconic TranzAlpine rail crossing to the West Coast, where you will explore the limestone wonders of Punakaiki and the subterranean magic of glowworm caves. In Franz Josef, take to the skies for a glacier heli-hike before heading south to the alpine charm of Wānaka for an island cruise and walk. The adrenaline ramps up in Tāhuna / Queenstown with jet boat sprints and clay target shooting, followed by a deep dive into the prehistoric silence of Piopiotahi / Milford Sound on an overnight voyage. You will conclude this epic circuit back in Queenstown, soothing your muscles with a floating sauna session on Lake Wakatipu.

Accommodation type on this tour is: Hotel 4 star.

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: The Visitor Promise - Cultural Learning Course

Included activity: Ata Whenua - Shadowland Film at Fiordland Cinema

Included activity: Pure Wilderness Jet Boat with Fiordland Jet

Included activity: Te Anau Glowworm Caves with RealNZ

Included activity: Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise

Included activity: 60 Minute Social Sauna Session at Watershed Saunas Queenstown

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

Included activity: TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Christchurch to Greymouth Scenic Plus with Great Journeys NZ

Included activity: Underworld Rafting and Glowworm Experience with Underworld Adventures

Included activity: Okarito Lagoon Guided Kayak Trip with Okarito Kayaks

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

Included activity: Lake Cruise and Island Nature Walk with Eco Wanaka

Included activity: Epic Duo - Clay Target & Jet Sprint Boat

13 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Itinerary summary for: South Island Wilderness Encounters Tour

Day 1: Welcome to the Garden City of Ōtautahi / Christchurch
Accommodation: Sudima Christchurch City

Day 2: Cross the Southern Alps to the West Coast, then head north to Punakaiki and the Pancake Rocks
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

Day 3: A day of adventure in Paparoa National Park
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

Day 4: Head south to the Glacier Region, then explore Okarito Lagoon by kayak
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Day 5: Explore the glaciers by air and on foot
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Day 6: Allow plenty of time for photo stops during your drive through the Haast Pass to Wanaka
Accommodation: Edgewater Wanaka

Day 7: This morning you'll cruise to Mou Waho Island for a special wilderness experience
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Day 8: Today is yours to explore the best of the Queenstown region
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Day 9: Today you will venture out to Gibbston Valley for a thrilling Oxbow Adventure
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Day 10: Head south to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland
Accommodation: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

Day 11: Enjoy your day in picturesque Te Anau, perhaps board a Sea Plane or take a hike!
Accommodation: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

Day 12: Journey along the magnificent Milford Road for a night in Milford Sound
Accommodation: Overnight Boat in Milford Sound

Day 13: Return through Southland countryside to Queenstown
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Day 14: Depart Queenstown today