Explore South Island New Zealand - 5 to 9 Day Tours

Explore the diverse landscapes of Canterbury and the prominent peaks of the Southern Alps in this 9-day exploration of Christchurch, Mt Cook, Queenstown and Franz Josef.

This itinerary is one of our most popular South Island tours. In just 9 days capture the essence of the South Island's cities, lakes, mountains, fiords, glaciers and many more attractions.

A 5 day tour of the spectacular South Island. Visit Queenstown, explore Fiordland, Milford Sound, the West Coast Glaciers, and finally experience the TranzAlpine Scenic Train journey.

This 8 day scenic route will give you a wonderful 'taste' of the South Island’s beauty and diversity. Beginning with the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train journey from Christchurch to the West Coast town of Greymouth.  From there you will explore the countryside of the West Coast, Otago, Southland, Fiordland and Canterbury.  Along the way highlights include the glaciers of the West Coast, adventure in Queenstown, Te Anau the gateway to Fiordland National Park and magnificent Mt Cook National Park.  You'll also explore the south's two largest cities of Christchurch and Dunedin.

This 9 day tour takes you to the icons of the South Island, with extra nights in Fiordland and Queenstown you'll have time to discover the charms of each destination.

Starting in Christchurch, you’ll travel through the Mackenzie Country to Mt Cook National Park.  Here you’ll get up close to floating icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Lake.  From Mt Cook head south to Te Anau, where you spend a relaxing evening at the exclusive Fiordland Lodge.  The next day you will drive the spectacular Milford Road, where you board the Milford Mariner for your overnight cruise in this untouched wilderness.  Marvel at the waterfalls and the clear night skies.  On returning to land, you’ll drive north to Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula.  The next day take the coastal road north to Christchurch.

Explore the South Island in 9 days, from Christchurch to Aoraki Mt Cook, Queenstown and Franz Josef. This is an unforgettable vacation for the whole family.

From Christchurch you’ll journey south through the Mackenzie high country and past turquoise waters of Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki before arriving into Mt. Cook National Park.

This 8 day scenic route will give you a wonderful 'taste' of the South Island’s beauty and diversity. Visit its two largest cities, Christchurch and Dunedin, Mt Cook National Park and Te Anau the gateway to Fiordland National Park. You then experience the excitement of Queenstown before heading north to the unique West Coast Glacier region. The finale to this tour is crossing the Southern Alps on board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train as you return to Christchurch. Along the way you will stay at magnificent luxury retreats set in breath-taking locations.

Discover two of the South Island’s highly regarded boutique wine regions while exploring the magnificent scenery of the Southern Alps, Southern Lakes and West Coast on this 9 day adventure tour.

This 8 day scenic route will give you a wonderful 'taste' of the South Island’s beauty and diversity. Visit its two largest cities, Christchurch and Dunedin, Mt Cook National Park and Te Anau the gateway to Fiordland National Park. You then experience the excitement of Queenstown before heading north to the unique West Coast Glacier region. The finale to this tour is crossing the Southern Alps on board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train as you return to Christchurch. Along the way you will stay at boutique properties offering personalised service.

Starting in Christchurch, travelling into Mackenzie county to Lake Tekapo. You will pass Lake Pukaki with views of Mt Cook on route to Queenstown.  Your first night in Queenstown you'll cruise Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Station for a farm show and gourmet BBQ.  From Queenstown you will enjoy a spectacular flight to Milford Sound.  Once in Milford sound you will take a scenic nature cruise, before flying off to Mt Aspiring National Park for the amazing Dart River Safari. Next day you will be travelling north stopping at Franz Josef before heading back to Christchurch via the Tranz Alpine Train.

This short South Island highlights tour takes you through the countryside of Canterbury, Otago, Southland and the West Coast. Along the way you’ll pass alpine lakes, enjoy views of the Southern Alps, explore the historic city of Dunedin and ride the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train.

This 8 day scenic route will give you a wonderful 'taste' of the South Island’s beauty and iconic attractions.  Along the way you’ll experience exciting adventure while getting up close to icebergs in Mt Cook National Park and landing on a glacier on the West Coast.  With many included activities and fantastic family accommodation, this is the ultimate taste of the south.

Starting and finishing in Queenstown this tour begins with a journey to the world famous Mt. Cook National Park, where Sir Edmund Hillary prepared to conquer Everest.  You then continue onto the evolving city of Christchurch, where you'll have a day to explore this remarkable city.  From Christchurch take the spectacular Tranz Alpine Scenic Train to Greymouth. The West Coast Glaciers are next and two nights allow time to enjoy one of the many guided walk options or scenic flights. Then back to Queenstown where you'll have time to relax or enjoy the countless activities on offer here.

A short highlights tour that takes you to the most magnificent locations in Canterbury, Otago, Southland, Fiordland and the West Coast. Visiting Mt. Cook, Dunedin, Te Anau, Christchurch and Franz Josef Glacier and including one scenic flight, a thrilling iceberg encounter on the Tasman Glacier Lake and the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train.

Starting and finishing in Christchurch this tour begins the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train from Christchurch to the wild West Coast. The West Coast Glaciers are next and two nights allow time to enjoy one of the many guided walk options or scenic flights. Then to Queenstown for two nights with time to relax or enjoy the countless activities here. You finish with a journey along the base of the Southern Alps, staying in the magnificent Mt Cook National Park before returning to Christchurch.

This South Island loop takes you along the coast between the South’s two largest cities, Christchurch and Dunedin exploring some great wildlife locations on the way.

Travel from our capital city of Wellington all the way south to the 'Adventure Capital' of Queenstown. After crossing the Cook Strait and passing through the Marlborough Sounds you'll arrive in the South Island, where your introduced to the wines of the Marlborough region.  Continuing sound you'll visit the marine wildlife mecca of Kaikoura for a whale watching adventure.  In Mt. Cook National Park you'll get up close to the icebergs of the Tasman Glacier lake before the final leg of your travels takes you to the alpine adventure capital of Queenstown.

Experience the best of New Zealand’s South Island, from vibrant cities and serene lakes to majestic mountains, fiords, and glaciers. Perfect for those with limited time, this itinerary showcases the region's top highlights.

Starting in Christchurch this tour will see you tour through the centre of the South Island, a real slice of paradise. From the bustling centre of Christchurch's redeveloped CBD to the crystal clear waters and clear night skies of the McKenzie.

A mesmerizing journey through the heart of New Zealand's South Island, where breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage await at every turn. 

This 8 day scenic route will give you a wonderful 'taste' of the South Island’s beauty and diversity. Visit its two largest cities, Christchurch and Dunedin, Mt Cook National Park and Te Anau the gateway to Fiordland National Park. You then experience the excitement of Queenstown before heading north to the unique West Coast Glacier region. The finale to this tour is crossing the Southern Alps on board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train as you return to Christchurch.

From Christchurch you’ll journey south through the Mackenzie high country and past turquoise waters of Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki before arriving into Mt. Cook National Park.  You’ll then enjoy two nights in Queenstown surrounded by spectacular mountain vistas.  Its then on to the West Coast glaciers, where there’s time for a scenic flight if you choose.  The final leg of your travels takes you along the rugged coastline to Greymouth where you board the TranzAlpine for your scenic train journey back to Christchurch.

Get the whole family excited as you traverse the mountains and alpine lakes of the South Island on this family tour from Christchurch to the adventure capital of Queenstown.

Explore the South Island on this 8 day circumnavigation. Visit Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown, Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park and the West Coast Glaciers. Complete your trip with a train journey across the Southern Alps back to Christchurch.

Starting in Christchurch, travelling into Mackenzie county to Mt Cook. From Mt Cook journey south via Queenstown to Te Anau. From Te Anau you can take the day to drive the return trip along the stunning Milford Road to reach Milford sound, where you will take a scenic nature cruise. The next day you will travel through Southland to Otago, stopping in Dunedin before heading back to Christchurch.

This short loop of the lower South Island visits the Mackenzie high country and Lake Tekapo first. With views of Mt Cook National Park you continue south to the 'Adventure Capital' of Queenstown

This short South Island highlights tour takes you through the countryside of Canterbury, Otago, Southland and the West Coast. Along the way you’ll pass alpine lakes, enjoy views of the Southern Alps, explore the historic city of Dunedin and ride the world famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train.

Explore two of the South Island’s popular wine regions while enjoying the magnificent views of the Waipara Valley, Mt Cook National Park and Central Otago.

Leaving Christchurch you will journey into Mackenzie county and the alpine village of Lake Tekapo. The following day you will pass Lake Pukaki with views of Mt Cook on route to the ‘adventure capital’ of Queenstown. From Queenstown you will take a luxury coach to Milford Sound, where you’ll enjoy a scenic nature cruise in the pristine fiord. You then travel north stopping at Franz Josef for a night to explore the glacier, before heading back to Christchurch via the Tranz Alpine Train.

Cross the Southern Alps via Arthurs Pass and then travel the West Coast to the Southern Lakes region and the adventure playgrounds of Wanaka and Queenstown, staying at premier lodges along the way.