Southern Spotlight
The South Island of New Zealand dials up the natural drama, whether you’re enjoying a Milford Sound/Piopiotahi tour through World Heritage listed wilderness or basking in the beauty of Franz Josef/Waiau on a tour. And in between are cities that take your breath away. Queenstown tour, anyone?
- 26 Apr 2026 – 04 May 2026
from $5,574 pp twin share * - 13 Sep 2026 – 21 Sep 2026
from $5,040 pp twin share * - 27 Sep 2026 – 05 Oct 2026
from $5,411 pp twin share * - 04 Oct 2026 – 12 Oct 2026
from $5,305 pp twin share * - 11 Oct 2026 – 19 Oct 2026
from $5,040 pp twin share * - 01 Nov 2026 – 09 Nov 2026
from $5,411 pp twin share * - 08 Nov 2026 – 16 Nov 2026
from $5,305 pp twin share * - 15 Nov 2026 – 23 Nov 2026
from $5,411 pp twin share * - 29 Nov 2026 – 07 Dec 2026
from $5,305 pp twin share * - 06 Dec 2026 – 14 Dec 2026
from $5,040 pp twin share * - 13 Dec 2026 – 21 Dec 2026
from $5,040 pp twin share * - 20 Dec 2026 – 28 Dec 2026
from $5,305 pp twin share * - 27 Dec 2026 – 04 Jan 2027
from $5,411 pp twin share * - 10 Jan 2027 – 18 Jan 2027
from $5,465 pp twin share * - 17 Jan 2027 – 25 Jan 2027
from $5,574 pp twin share * - 24 Jan 2027 – 01 Feb 2027
from $5,574 pp twin share * - 31 Jan 2027 – 08 Feb 2027
from $5,574 pp twin share * - 07 Feb 2027 – 15 Feb 2027
from $5,465 pp twin share * - 14 Feb 2027 – 22 Feb 2027
from $5,574 pp twin share * - 21 Feb 2027 – 01 Mar 2027
from $5,465 pp twin share * - 28 Feb 2027 – 08 Mar 2027
from $5,574 pp twin share * - 07 Mar 2027 – 15 Mar 2027
from $5,574 pp twin share * - 14 Mar 2027 – 22 Mar 2027
from $5,574 pp twin share * - 21 Mar 2027 – 29 Mar 2027
from $5,465 pp twin share * - 28 Mar 2027 – 05 Apr 2027
from $5,574 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
- Day 1 – Welcome to Christchurch:
Since its 2010/11 earthquakes, Christchurch has reinvented itself in more ways than one. It’s time tonight to meet your Travel Director and travelling companions for a tour briefing and drinks. - Day 2 – Christchurch – Omarama:
Christchurch is not only rebuilding itself after the devastating 2010/11 earthquakes, but is changing the way architects think about design. Case in point the mind-bending Cathedral, made largely of cardboard, and Turanga, the gold clad central library. You will view these on your city tour. From here, your outlook is the Canterbury Plains: the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd, snow-capped mountains and atmospheric towns. Your Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy Experience at Tekapo, hosted by passionate local specialists, will forever change the way you see the night sky. You’ll see for yourself it may be one of the quietest spots on the planet, yet it has one of the busiest skies in the universe. - Day 3 – Omarama – Te Anau:
Your visit to Clyde will have your camera clicking non-stop. This charming historic town may be small, but it’s full of character, with its town centre designated as a historic precinct, featuring buildings from its gold mining past now transformed into cafes and shops. Next, head to Gore, the Country Music capital of New Zealand, before continuing toward Fiordland National Park and stunning Te Anau, nestled on the shores of the South Island’s largest lake. Immerse yourself in the serenity – this is as good as it gets. - Day 4 – Milford Sound/Piopiotahi Day Trip:
From the moment you step outside today, nature rules. Your route through Fiordland National Park is an intoxicating union of beech forests, alluvial flats, meadows and mirror-like lakes. Gin-clear rivers carve the countryside, with all roads leading to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Venture out into the pristine fiord on a sightseeing cruise for awe-inspiring scenery with towering cliffs, tumbling waterfalls and abundant wildlife. - Day 5 – Te Anau – Queenstown:
Follow state Highway 6, winding along the edge of Lake Wakatipu, the Devil’s Staircase from Kingston to Queenstown is a breathtaking stretch of road with a combination of lake and Mountain views. Visit the historic gold rush village of Arrowtown, where you can wander the streets, lined with trees and character-filled boutiques, then continue to Queenstown for your two-night stay in the adventure capital of New Zealand. Tonight, glide across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue dinner and farm show. - Day 6 – Queenstown Free Time:
Take today at your own pace; you won’t be lost for things to do in Queenstown. Like adventure? Feel the wind in your hair on the high-octane jet boat ride, perhaps. There’s a reason why Queenstown is known as the “Adventure Capital of the World”. Nature lover? Discover some of New Zealand’s feathered friends at Kiwi Park (both own expense). - Day 7 – Queenstown – Franz Josef/Waiau:
Try and keep count of today’s lakes. Leaving Lake Wakatipu behind. But Lake Dunstan awaits, as do its orchards. Pause to refuel on flavour-packed stone fruit. Then there’s Lake Hawea. Over the Haast Pass to the town of Franz Josef/Waiau, where, this afternoon you may choose to fly over Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere (own expense). - Day 8 – Franz Josef/Waiau – Christchurch:
Swap snow for pounamu (native greenstone or jade) in Hokitika. Just when you thought your adventure couldn’t get any better, you’ll aboard the TranzAlpine train bound for Christchurch, through tunnels and over viaducts with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, beech forests, gorges and river valleys. Join your Travel Director tonight for dinner and drinks to celebrate your week touring New Zealand’s South Island. - Day 9 – Farewell from Christchurch:
New Zealand’s South Island never fails to wow. We hope you find the words to describe this epic New Zealand tour to your family back home.
Highlights
- Explore the stunning Milford Sound/Piopiotahi and Franz Josef/Waiau glaciers.
- Marvel at the breathtaking cities and landscapes of the South Island.
- Enjoy an included Queenstown tour to experience the region’s highlights.
The South Island of New Zealand dials up the natural drama, whether you’re enjoying a Milford Sound/Piopiotahi tour through World Heritage listed wilderness or basking in the beauty of Franz Josef/Waiau on a tour. And in between are cities that take your breath away. Queenstown tour, anyone?
Inclusions
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience – Witness the universe at Tekapo’s Dark Sky Project, where stargazing meets astronomical insights Embark on a cruise in Milford Sound/Piopiotahi and admire towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and untouched fiord scenery Cruise Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak on TSS Earnslaw Steamship Relish a gourmet BBQ Dinner and Farm Show at Walter Peak High Country Farm See Franz Josef Glacier from a panoramic viewpoint Experience one of the world’s great train journeys aboard the TranzAlpine through the Southern Alps View the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo.
- Day 1 highlights Welcome to Christchurch: Since its 2010/11 earthquakes, Christchurch has reinvented itself in more ways than one. It’s time tonight to meet your Travel Director and travelling companions for a tour briefing and drinks.
- Day 2 highlights Christchurch – Omarama: Christchurch is not only rebuilding itself after the devastating 2010/11 earthquakes, but is changing the way architects think about design. Case in point the mind-bending Cathedral, made largely of cardboard, and Turanga, the gold clad central library. You will view these on your city tour. From here, your outlook is the Canterbury Plains: the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd, snow-capped mountains and atmospheric towns. Your Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy Experience at Tekapo, hosted by passionate local specialists, will forever change the way you see the night sky. You’ll see for yourself it may be one of the quietest spots on the planet, yet it has one of the busiest skies in the universe.
FAQs
- Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown
- Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel
- Distinction Luxmore Hotel
- Ibis Hotel Christchurch
- Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 9 days and 8 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 26 Apr 2026 and 05 Apr 2027, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Are discounts available?
Seasonal or loyalty discounts may be available on selected departures at the time of enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
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