- 4.9/5 364 Latest reviews
- Destination: New Zealand
- Duration: 9 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Cuisine
About This Trip
Experience the very best of the South Island on this expertly crafted 9-day journey through New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures. Designed as a private and bespoke South Island tour, this itinerary blends pristine alpine scenery, dramatic fjords, charming coastal towns, and world-class food experiences into one seamless adventure. From snow-capped mountains and glacier-fed lakes to historic cities and wildlife encounters, every day showcases why the South Island is one of the world’s most spectacular travel destinations.
Begin in Christchurch and travel through the starlit skies of Lake Tekapo, the majestic peaks of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, and the adventure capital of Queenstown. Cruise through the iconic Milford Sound, explore the southern charm of Invercargill and Dunedin, witness rare wildlife along the Otago Coast, and end your journey in the French-inspired harbor town of Akaroa. With flexible pacing, handpicked accommodations, and personalized experiences, this South Island highlights tour is ideal for couples, families, and travelers seeking comfort, scenery, and unforgettable moments across New Zealand’s most celebrated island.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1
Christchurch - Lake Tekapo
Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, Lake Tekapo
2
Mt. Cook
Mt. Cook National Park
3 - 5
Queenstown
Milford Sound, Lake Wānaka, Queenstown Free Day with Optional Activities: Boat Cruising on Lake Wakatipu, Wineries Visit, etc.
6
Invercargill
Invercargill City Tour with Optional Activities: Bluff Oysters Tasting, Birdwatching on Stewart Island
7
Dunedin - Oamaru
Larnach Castle in Dunedin, Whitestone Cheese Factory in Oamaru, Penguins Watching at Oamaru Harbor
8
Akaroa
Akaroa Self-Guided Walk Tour
9
Christchurch
Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Christchurch – Lake Tekapo (230km | 3 hours)
Start your South Island adventure in Christchurch, the “Garden City” of New Zealand. Explore the city’s Botanic Gardens, Cardboard Cathedral, or take a tram ride through historic streets. Then drive to Lake Tekapo, one of the most iconic locations on the South Island. Admire its turquoise waters, surrounding lupin fields, and starlit skies at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
Enjoy a Dark Sky Dinner on the lakefront for a magical night under the stars, a must-do experience on your South Island tour.
Highlights: Lake Tekapo, Dark Sky Reserve, stargazing, Church of the Good Shepherd, Tekapo Springs, scenic drive
- Lake Tekapo
- Day 2: Lake Tekapo – Mt. Cook (103km | 1.5 hours)
Drive to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, a natural gem of the South Island. Hike the Hooker Valley Track for breathtaking views of New Zealand’s highest peaks, or take a helicopter flight over Tasman Glacier. The park is rich in wildlife including kea parrots, alpine birds, and chamois. Capture unforgettable alpine landscapes that make the South Island so famous.
Highlights: Mount Cook, Hooker Valley Track, Tasman Glacier, scenic hikes, wildlife spotting, alpine photography
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- Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
- Day 3: Mt. Cook – Queenstown (260km | 3.5 hours)
Depart Mount Cook and journey to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the South Island. Stop at Lake Wānaka to enjoy the view of the famous Wanaka Tree. This scenic drive showcases the dramatic Southern Alps, rivers, and valleys that define the South Island’s landscapes.
Arrive in Queenstown and explore Queenstown Gardens, stroll along the lakefront promenade, or enjoy a cruise on Lake Wakatipu.
Highlights: Lake Wānaka, Queenstown arrival, Southern Alps views, lakeside dining, scenic South Island drive
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- Queenstown
- Day 4: Queenstown Free Day
Spend a full day exploring Queenstown, a highlight of any South Island itinerary. Adventure seekers can bungy jump at Kawarau Bridge or skydive over Lake Wakatipu. Food and wine enthusiasts can enjoy tours at Gibbston Valley wineries. Families can take a relaxing lake cruise or visit Kiwi Birdlife Park.
Evening options include scenic rides to Bob’s Peak or hot springs for a relaxing end to your day. Queenstown perfectly captures the South Island’s blend of adventure and natural beauty.
Highlights: Adventure sports, wine tasting, Lake Wakatipu cruise, Kiwi wildlife, South Island experiences
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- Queenstown
- Day 5: Milford Sound Day Trip
Travel to Milford Sound, a must-see South Island highlight. The journey through Fiordland National Park offers waterfalls, rivers, and ancient rainforests. Embark on a cruise through Milford Sound to witness towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife such as dolphins, seals, and penguins.
Learn about the Māori legends and natural history of the fjord. Milford Sound is one of the most iconic experiences on the South Island of New Zealand.
Highlights: Milford Sound, fjord cruise, waterfalls, dolphins & seals, Fiordland National Park
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- Queenstown
- Day 6: Queenstown – Invercargill – Dunedin (200km + optional stops)
Drive south to Invercargill, the southernmost city on the South Island. Explore Queens Park, stroll tree-lined avenues, and taste the world-famous Bluff oysters. Bird lovers can visit Stewart Island, a haven for kiwi and other native birds.
Continue to Dunedin, a city rich in Victorian and Edwardian architecture, and enjoy the scenic Otago Peninsula, one of the South Island’s top wildlife spots.
Highlights: Invercargill, Bluff oysters tasting, Stewart Island wildlife, Dunedin architecture, scenic South Island coastal drive
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- Dunedin
- Day 7: Dunedin – Oamaru
Explore Dunedin, visiting Larnach Castle, with its historic interiors and manicured gardens. Drive to Oamaru, famous for its Whitestone Cheese and charming Victorian streets. At sunset, watch the little blue penguins return to Oamaru Harbor, one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences on the South Island.
Highlights: Larnach Castle, Whitestone Cheese Factory, Oamaru Penguins, heritage architecture, South Island wildlife
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- Oamaru
- Day 8: Oamaru – Akaroa – Christchurch (≈300km)
Travel to Akaroa, a French-inspired town on the South Island. Walk its cobblestone streets, enjoy harbor views, and taste local seafood. Akaroa is ideal for dolphin spotting tours. Continue to Christchurch along scenic routes through Banks Peninsula, soaking in some of the South Island’s most picturesque landscapes.
Highlights: Akaroa town walk, French architecture, harbor views, dolphin tours, scenic South Island drive
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- Christchurch
- Day 9: Christchurch Departure
End your South Island journey in Christchurch. Visit Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, or enjoy a farewell brunch at a local café. Depart with lifelong memories of glaciers, fjords, alpine lakes, wildlife, and the natural beauty that makes the South Island of New Zealand so iconic.
Highlights: Christchurch departure, last-minute city exploration, memorable South Island experiences
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