Southern Spectacular

10 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
96%
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Group Tour
Just like the name suggests, the New Zealand South Island tour showcases this spectacular island in-depth. Find yourself exploring South Island’s cities, gliding across Milford Sound, seeing the beauty of the wild West Coast, topped off with the TranzAlpine train and beyond in 10 incredible days.
$5,092
From$4,915
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

What's this trip about?

    Just like the name suggests, the New Zealand South Island tour showcases this spectacular island in-depth. Find yourself exploring South Island’s cities, gliding across Milford Sound, seeing the beauty of the wild West Coast, topped off with the TranzAlpine train and beyond in 10 incredible days.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeGroup - max of 40 people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transport
Start CityChristchurch (Nz)
End CityChristchurch (Nz)

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • 50 Plus
  • Local Immersion & Homestays
  • Education / Learning

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic Sightseeing
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 40

Trip includes

    • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
    • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
    • Porterage where hotels provide this service
    • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
    • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
    • All land transport shown. All transfers shown
    • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
    • Optional Experiences and free time

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Welcome to Christchurch

Welcome to Christchurch! (Flights to arrive prior to 4pm). Kick off your New Zealand South Island tour in this city that is rebuilding itself after the devastating 2011 earthquake. There’s plenty to see and your hotel near Cathedral Square in the heart of the city is ...

Day 2: Through Scenic Wonderland to Twizel

Begin your day with a sightseeing tour of Christchurch featuring the Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Earthquake Memorial, Bridge of Remembrance, and streets lined with bars, cafes, and riverside markets. Then go from city to country as you make your way to the quaint ...

Day 3: Dunedin, City of Scottish Heritage

A day of epic natural landscapes and cute colonial towns await you on your journey to Scottish inspired Dunedin, travelling along the Waitaki River en route to the quirky town of Oamaru. You'll feel like you’re stepping back into the Victorian era as you stroll the tr...

Day 4: Te Anau, Gateway to Fiordland

Enjoy plenty of stunning scenery as you make your way through farmlands to Te Anau. Travel through sheep farms into forested, rugged mountains into the Fiordland National Park and the South Island's largest lake to Te Anau. A truly memorable thrill awaits you next, ex...

Day 5: Milford Sound Contrasts With Queenstown

Begin your day travelling through Fiordland National Park past native rainforests, beech forests, alluvial flats, and meadows. Passing Mirror Lakes, catch the reflection of the surrounding mountains shimmering in the water. Wind your way through the Homer Tunnel, wher...

Day 6: Queenstown, It's All Yours

Explore Queenstown that you’ve been dreaming of today with plenty of adventure-filled Optional Experiences to choose from. Join a tour to Skippers Canyon, or go for maximum adventure riding the adrenaline pumping Skippers Jet. This evening it’s time to relax and Dive ...

Day 7: Spectacular Franz Josef

It’s a day of epic scenery into untamed wilderness as you head through Central Otago to the West Coast. Your first stop is the restored gold mining settlement of Arrowtown. As you walk down its tree-lined avenues and have a look at the 19th-century wooden buildings, y...

Day 8: Punakaiki, Coastal Forest

Awaken to a day filled with natural and man-made beauty. You have time to explore Franz Josef/Waiau, perhaps visiting the West Coast Wildlife Centre to see kiwi birds, before traveling to Hokitika for a lunch break. Then soak in the natural surroundings as you head to...

Day 9: Christchurch, City of Contrasts

The grand adventures continue on your last full day in New Zealand. Begin at Greymouth’s Monteith's Brewery where a Local Specialist shares the history and stories of this iconic brand founded in 1868. Sample some of their ever-changing, innovative brews like the summ...

Day 10: Farewell Christchurch

It’s been a beautiful time but sadly all good things must come to an end. Your New Zealand South Island tour concludes this morning after breakfast with a fond farewell before your transfer to the Christchurch Airport (flights anytime).

Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,915
Price per day$492
Last Updated: 3/30/2025

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Trafalgar Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
35,362
Great
9,316
Average
2,788
Disappointing
851
Terrible
560
J

John Carroll

Mar 2025

Written on

Southern Spectacular

Great experience! I wish I could spend days at every s...

M

Marjorie Grier

Mar 2025

Written on

Southern Spectacular

A lot of time on the coach, but fabulous tour. Feel like I saw all the highlights!

A

Arlene Shemaka

Feb 2025

Written on

Southern Spectacular

New Zealand South Island was truly spectacular. Our itinerary was paced just right and the optional experienced gave us the opportunity to customize the trip. Our ...

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Other Trafalgar Reviews

T

Trusted Customer

Mar 2025

Written on

imperial Europe review

It was a well-planned itinerary and our travel director was well-knowledged.

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Logistics

Accommodation

  • Distinction
  • Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel
  • Scenic Southern Cross
  • Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
  • Millennium
  • Scenic Franz Josef Glacier
  • Scenic Punakaiki
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • 9 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
  • 5 Dinner (D)
  • 1 Regional Dinner (RD)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
  • 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
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Trip ID
trafalgar-ZCQR2M24

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