Explore New Zealand's South Island

Explore the National Parks and natural areas of the South Island. You begin with a whale watching adventure in Kaikoura, before heading to Abel Tasman National park for a guided kayak and walk. Then you journey down the wild West Coast to Punakaiki, Franz Josef and Westland National Park. Take a heli-hike from Franz Josef before travelling to the alpine village of Wanaka. Mt Cook National Park is next with a full day to explore and a Glacier Explorers iceberg encounter. Heading east you reach Dunedin, before heading to Te Anau and Fiordland National park. You venture deep into the pristine forests and fiords with a Milford Track guided day walk and Doubtful Sound cruise. Then it’s onto your final destination of Queenstown.  

This loop of the lower South Island follows much of the spectacular coastline where wildlife abounds.  In Dunedin you’ll enjoy a full day encounter with the unique marine life that inhabits the Otago Peninsula before heading south along the wild Catlins coastline to the deep south.  A real highlight of this tour is exploring the remote Stewart Island. As well as the iconic Milford Sound, you’ll also venture into Mt Aspiring National Park on a Dart River Jetboat Safari from Queenstown.  On the beautiful West Coast you’ll marvel at the glaciers during your on-ice adventure, before crossing the Southern Alps on board the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train back to Christchurch.

This comprehensive tour of the South Island begins with a West Coast exploration, including the majestic glaciers.  You then carve a figure 8 through Arthur's Pass to Kaikoura and on to the top of the South Island.  Enjoy a detailed exploration of Abel Tasman National Park before heading south to Punakaiki and the upper West Coast.  After boarding the TranzAlpine scenic train you travel through to Christchurch, where you have a free day to explore.  Then continue south along the East Coast to Dunedin, then onto the Magical Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound before you return to Queenstown after your epic South Island adventure.

This comprehensive tour of the South Island begins in Queenstown with the Dart River Safari, setting the scene for the adventures to come.  You’ll travel a figure 8 across the South Island taking in the spectacular scenery of mountains, glaciers, aqua blue lakes, white sandy beaches and lush rainforests.  Along the way you’ll have many opportunities to get up close to the wildlife and have some wild times of your own.  With fantastic self-catered accommodation this is the ideal choice for families.

Welcome to the South Island Discovery, where breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture await you. This tour offers an unforgettable adventure through New Zealand's South Island, from majestic mountains and pristine beaches to charming towns and bustling cities. Whether you're a nature lover, a wildlife enthusiast or a thrill-seeker, this journey has something for everyone.

This comprehensive tour carves a figure eight through spectacular South Island scenery.  From Christchurch travel through the Mackenzie Country to Mt Cook, then on to Otago and Dunedin. An exploration of the remote Doubtful Sound in Fiordland National Park follows, before heading north to Queenstown and then to the West Coast Glaciers. Crossing the Southern Alps enjoy a night in Arthur's Pass National Park before heading to the east coast and Kaikoura. Enjoy the Marlborough wine region and the golden sands of Abel Tasman National Park before turning south along the wild west coast. You return to Christchurch on board the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train.

Starting and finishing in the 'adventure capital' of Queenstown This comprehensive South Island itinerary visits every South Island must see location including Milford Sound, Mt Cook National Park, Christchurch and Akaroa, Kaikoura, Abel Tasman National Park and Nelson, Hanmer Springs and the West Coast Glaciers.

This comprehensive tour carves a figure eight through spectacular South Island scenery. From Christchurch travel through the Mackenzie Country to Mt Cook then on to Otago and Dunedin. A detailed exploration of Fiordland National Park follows, before heading north to Queenstown and then to the West Coast Glaciers. Crossing the Southern Alps enjoy a night in Arthur's Pass National Park before heading to the east coast and Kaikoura. Enjoy the Marlborough wine region and the golden sands of Abel Tasman National Park before turning south along the wild west coast. You return to Christchurch on board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train.