new zealand south island tours 7 days

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The 6 Best 7-Day Tours of the South Island ⛰️ [2024]

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, how to tour the south island in 7 days.

Seven days is definitely enough time to see some of the highlights of the South Island . However, you will want to make the most of your time by letting a local driver and guide sort out the logistics. Tours of the South Island are a great way to do that, with most organising accommodation, the itinerary and even some activities and meals. All you have to do is embrace New Zealand and its breathtaking landscapes. Check out some of our favourite tours in this list of 7-day tours of the South Island.

While you’re here, you might also be interested in The Best 7-Day Tours of the North Island . Plus, don’t forget to bookmark Travel by Bus in New Zealand: The Ultimate Guide for even more tips.

6 Tips for Planning a 7-Day Trip to the South Island

• Give yourself an extra day or two to allow for your travel time to and from your tour’s starting point, as well as time to explore your arrival town/city and get over the jet lag
• See if your chosen tour company has a Facebook Group ! You’ll be able to connect travellers who will be on your tour before departure
• Compare companies on comparison websites like TourRadar to make sure you find the best fit for your travel time, destination bucket list and more. Another advantage is that comparison websites have standard cancellation policies, unlike booking directly with some tour companies
• Don’t pack too much! You don’t be that guy that everyone has to make room for. Check out our tips in our New Zealand Packing List
• Plan some of the optional activities you will want to do prior to arriving in New Zealand, which will help make budgeting for your tour easier
• Make sure you have room in your budget for food! Not all tours include all meals. See How Much Does a Trip to New Zealand Cost? for typical meal prices in New Zealand.

Check out the 15 Tips to Make the Most of Your Bus Trip for more advice.

Wild Kiwi – Southern Voyager

Join the adventure, with a hint of luxury, on the Southern Voyager tour with Wild Kiwi . This “flashpacker” tour takes young travellers around the South Island in a luxury Mercedes vans, seeing the dramatic landscapes of Milford Sound , Queenstown and Franz Josef Glacier . Choose from a wide range of optional activities as you go and enjoy the convenience of breakfasts and accommodation in shared dorms all included (or upgrade to a private room). Tours start and end in Christchurch .

See how Wild Kiwi compares to other small-group adventures in The Best Small-Group Tours in New Zealand .

About Wild Kiwi’s Tours

Age Range : 18-30-something-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 18 Accommodation : Hostels and lodges Meals : All breakfasts and one dinner

Destinations on the 7-Day Tour

• Christchurch
• Lake Tekapo
• Milford Sound
• Franz Josef

Find out more about this tour on wildkiwi.com .

Intrepid Travel – Queenstown Southern Loop

Explore the southern end of the South Island on this off-the-beaten-track adventure with Intrepid Travel . Their Queenstown Southern Loop begins and ends in Queenstown , taking you to the must-see Milford Sound , as well as to the less-visited destinations of The Catlins and Stewart Island . There are a few physical activities involved but the tour is open to most age groups, whether you’re a young solo traveller, a couple in their 30s/40s or retired.

For alternative tours from Queenstown, check out  The Best New Zealand Tours Starting in Queenstown .

About Intrepid Travel’s Tours

Age Range : 15-99-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 12 Accommodation : Hotels and cabins Meals : Five breakfasts

Destinations on the 6-Day Tour

• The Catlins
• Stewart Island

Find out more about this tour by comparing Intrepid Travel on Tourradar .

Haka Tours – South Island Lick

Enjoy a week exploring the South Island from Christchurch to Christchurch with Haka Tours ! Their South Island Lick tour takes young adventurers through breathtaking landscapes on the way down to Queenstown . In Queenstown, you have a huge choice of adrenaline activities. You’ll also get to stay in the picturesque town of Wanaka before departing to the glacier country of Franz Josef . Heli-hike, carve your own greenstone pendant or visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre before heading back to Christchurch on a scenic train journey on the TranzAlpine train.

About Haka Tours’ Tours

Age Range : 18-39-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 16 Accommodation : Hostels and lodges Meals : All breakfasts

Find out more about this tour by comparing Haka Tours on Tourradar .

Topdeck – Delve Deep: New Zealand South Island

Journey from Christchurch to New Zealand’s lesser-known glacier, the Fox Glacier , with Topdeck on the Southern Explorer tour. After seeing the reflective Lake Matheson and the Fox Glacier , you and your new travel mates will head to the adventure capital, Queenstown ! One day is dedicated to a trip to the breathtaking Milford Sound , then you’ll travel back toward Christchurch via Lake Ohau and stop by a real working farm. Tours with Topdeck include accommodation in motels, lodges and hostels, as well as breakfast and a few other meals.

Check out more tours for 18 to 30-somethings in  The Best Backpacker Bus Tours in New Zealand .

About Topdeck’s Tours

Age Range : 18-39-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 36 Accommodation : Hotels and lodges Meals : Seven breakfasts, one lunch and three dinners

• Fox Glacier

Discover more of Topdeck’s tours over on Tourradar .

Kiwi Experience –

Southern crossing.

If you’ve only got just over a week to explore the South Island and you’re on a budget, you might as well join the small-group adventure with Kiwi Experience . Their Southern Crossing is a top choice, starting in Christchurch and hitting the highlights of Franz Josef via Arthur’s Pass , the adventure capital Queenstown and a day trip to Milford Sound .

For more tours from Christchurch, check out The Best New Zealand Tours Starting in Christchurch .

About Kiwi Experience’s Tours

Age Range : 18-49-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 16 Accommodation : Hostels Meals : All Breakfasts

Destinations on the 8-Day Tour

• Lake Hawea ( Wanaka )

Find out more about this tour by comparing Kiwi Experience on Tourradar .

Thrifty Tours – Glacierland

For an alternative loop of the South Island, as well as a way to save money by taking prearranged coaches and airport transfers rather than a fully guided bus tour, check out Thrifty Tours . They offer a 7-day itinerary called the “ Glacierland ” tour taking you to see the South Island’s glaciers, the glacier-carved Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park . The tour for all ages also features a side trip to the city of Dunedin , famous for its gothic architecture and wildlife on the Otago Peninsula . Accommodation is included in the tour in twin-share rooms in motels.

About Thrifty Tours’ Tours

Age Range : 1-1000-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 50 Accommodation : Motels Meals : One lunch

Find out more about this tour by comparing Thrifty Tours on Tourradar .

More About 7-Day Tours of the South Island

That’s it for our list of the best 7-day tours of the South Island! For more tours of the South Island, check out the following guides:

• South Island in One Week : New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary
• The Best National Bus Tours in New Zealand
• The Best 5-Day Tours of the South Island

Finally, compare all of your bus travel options in our complete guide, How to Travel by Bus in New Zealand .

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and approved by Robin, who is the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. With more than 15 years of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Robin has co-founded three influential tourism businesses and five additional travel guides for South Pacific nations. He is an expert in New Zealand travel and has tested over 600 activities and 300+ accommodations across the country.

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South Island New Zealand Tour - Pure South 7 Day

A distillation of the very best..

We’ve cherry-picked the very best destinations, hikes and experiences, combining them into an unforgettable 7 day South Island adventure. Day walk amongst the Southern Alps on our legendary Great Walks. Soar over peaks and valleys on a scenic plane flight, Alaska-style, deep into the Kiwi backcountry. Explore Milford Sound and day walk in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.

If you’re short on time or you’re just after the epic highlight reel, our Pure South itinerary is the perfect bite-sized morsel. It’s everything you’ve heard about and want to see during your time in New Zealand but weren’t sure how to piece together in such a short time.

With our wonderful Kiwi guides looking after all of the details of your holiday, you’ll quickly feel the stresses and strains of everyday life melt away. All you need to do is relax and enjoy the adventure. This is 7 days of the very best of the South Island and while you probably won’t want to go home at the end of it, you’ll be satisfied knowing that you made the absolute most of every moment! We think of it as a distillation of the very best!

Activity Level 2 to 4 :  Designed for you to have maximum flexibility. You can scale your activity level up to a 4, down to a 2, or anywhere in between every day so you can enjoy New Zealand at a pace that's right for you. Walk on well-formed tracks and enjoy a mixture of day walks and activities that showcase the best of New Zealand.  You can find a full breakdown of our activity levels plus details of each activity including elevation maps for each hike on our  Pure South Activity Levels page here.

Trip Style :   Throughout the trip you’ll enjoy delicious home-cooked and restaurant meals to fuel you for the adventurous days of walking and activities, and sleep soundly at night in comfortable ensuite accommodation that we have chosen specifically for their fantastic locations.

South ISLAND

Activity level 2 - 4

Very comfortable lodging

Price NZD$8999 NZD$8999 AUD$6499 USD$4799.00 +tax GBP£4399 CAD$6399.00 +tax ALL INCLUSIVE!

Pure south - 7 day route map.

Highlights of the Pure South - 7 Day

1: The Kepler Track Hike on one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, well-known for its awe-inspiring scenery.

2: Cruise Milford Sound An early morning cruise through our most famous fiord.

3: The Routeburn Track A heart-pumping day hike up to Key Summit for epic mountain views.

4: Siberia Valley A scenic flight into the wilderness, followed by a hike and thrilling jetboat ride.

5: Mt Aspiring National Park A morning hike takes you to the summit of Rocky Mountain for breath-taking panoramas.

6: Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park Take on an epic hike up to Sealy Tarns or the Hooker Valley for views of the tumbling glaciers of Mt Cook.

7: Hike Mt John  A stunning hike alongside the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki with epic views of the Southern Alps.

8: Akaroa Swim with the rarest and smallest dolphin in the world, the Hector’s dolphin.

Pure South - 7 Day Day-by-Day Itinerary

Kepler Track Te Anau

Lunch Dinner

Day 1 – Welcome & Hike Kepler Track

We’ve distilled down the very best experiences on the South Island for our Pure South trip, making sure you don't miss a thing on your New Zealand adventure! And it all starts today! 

After meeting your guides and fellow travellers in Queenstown, you’ll embark on your long-awaited New Zealand adventure.

Hike the Kepler Track

The Kepler Track is renowned for its vivid green moss, native beech forest, and stunning mountain ranges. We’ll walk the section from Rainbow Reach up to Moturau Hut. Following the Waiau River through beech forest and wetlands until we emerge out onto the spectacular viewpoint at the lakeside Moturau Hut. Cast your eyes out over beautiful Lake Manapouri, framed against a backdrop of Fiordland peaks. What a way to welcome you to New Zealand! Afterwards, we’ll head to our accommodation in Te Anau for a delicious home-cooked meal and the chance to rest up before tomorrow’s adventures.

Tonight we stay at Matai Lodge*

Cruise Milford Sound Hike Routeburn Track

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 2 – Cruise Milford Sound & hike the Routeburn Track

It’s time to rise and shine for your first full day of activities. We’ll head straight to Milford Sound for a beautiful morning cruise. After our relaxing morning on the water, it’s time to take on the Routeburn Track to Key Summit before ending the day back at your accommodation in Te Anau.

Cruise Milford Sound

This morning, we’ll head to Milford Sound for our scenic boat trip. Enjoy the crisp, fresh air and feel your everyday anxieties slip away as the tranquillity of the fiord washes over you. Have your cameras ready as you snap reels of photos of cascading waterfalls, towering peaks and native wildlife in action. Eventually, we’ll cruise back to dock to discover Fiordland National Park on foot, with a hike on part of the Routeburn Track.

Hike the Routeburn Track to Key Summit

Once back on dry land, we’ll head deeper in Fiordland’s wilderness for a heart-pumping hike on the world famous Routeburn Track up to Key Summit. A well-formed track leads us through lush beech forest and past tall tree ferns, with velvety mosses blanketing the rich earth underfoot. Native birdsong provides a beautiful soundtrack to our walk and as we climb higher, views of the Darran Mountains and Hollyford Valley stretch out beneath us providing a fitting reward for our efforts. You’ll sleep soundly tonight in your lakefront accommodation in Te Anau.

Tonight we stay at Matai Lodge again*

Bike or Walk Arrowtown Explore Wanaka

Day 3 – Bike or Walk Arrowtown & Explore Wanaka

Today we leave the rainforests of Fiordland behind and head for the high-country lakes of Central Otago. We’ll take to the trails - either by bike or on foot, it's your choice - to explore Queenstown’s stunning surrounds and the world-class wine-growing region of Gibbston Valley. We then head over the Crown Range to the pretty mountain resort town of Wanaka and gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park, where we’ll spend the night.

Bike or Walk Arrowtown to the Kawarau Bungy Bridge

Welcome to our backyard! Queenstown and the surrounding area is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, with many purpose-built tracks and trails ideal for hiking, biking or running. As part of your introduction to New Zealand, we’ll travel to the historic Arrowtown, a quaint old gold-mining settlement just a short drive from Queenstown. Today you’ll have the choice of either biking or walking the Arrow River Bridges Trail.

Explore Wanaka

A short but incredibly scenic drive over New Zealand’s highest sealed road at 1022m takes us into Wanaka, a favourite holiday spot for Kiwis. Nestled at the foot of snow-capped mountains, this lakefront town is Queenstown’s more relaxed cousin, although its equal in stunning scenery. It’s a great place to explore on your own for a bit – be sure to try out some of the local delicacies including meat pies, fantastic coffee, uniquely flavoured gelatos and craft beers.

Tonight we stay at Te Wanaka Lodge*

Bike Arrowtown

We’ll get fitted out with bikes before taking to the trail on two wheels. We’ll follow the Kawarau River along a wide trail, riding past homesteads, meadows and mountains out towards the famous Gibbston Valley vineyards and the world’s first commercial bungy bridge.

Hike Arrowtown

If you prefer to walk rather than cycle, we have an equally exciting alternative. You can still experience the beautiful Arrowtown trail that the cyclists do except you can do it on foot! Your driver will pick you up from the stunning Southern Discoveries swing bridge and drive you to the Kawarau bungy bridge to regroup with the rest of the team.

Mt Aspiring National Park Siberia Valley

Day 4 – Scenic flight into Mount Aspiring National Park, Hike & Wilderness Jet boat

Get ready for a real Kiwi backcountry experience - this is the stuff legendary holiday tales are made of! We’ll begin the day with a scenic flight deep into the heart of Mt Aspiring National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We land in an isolated valley where we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch with views that will knock your socks off. Sufficiently fortified, we’ll hike back down to the river where a jetboat will be waiting to whisk you back to civilisation and your comfortable bed in Wanaka.

Scenic Flight into Mount Aspiring National Park

Today's adventure begins on one of Southern Alps Air’s Cessna bush planes, taking in expansive views of the 355,000ha Mount Aspiring National Park. Look out across winding rivers, virgin beech forest, glaciated valleys, alpine lakes, glaciers and the towering Southern Alps, before landing on the remote Siberia Valley air strip. Once on the ground, we'll head up the valley to a backcountry hut with outrageous views of the surrounding peaks. 

Hike Siberia Valley

After a tasty picnic lunch on the deck of the hut, we'll begin our walk along a well-marked track through the thick forest linking the Siberia Valley to the Wilkin Valley wilderness below. Be on the lookout for native birds along the way and the many photo opportunities as you immerse yourself in nature. The track was originally used by Mount Albert Station to take stock into the valley for grazing. The track is 6.8km in length, the first half of which climbs gently 200m in elevation from the airstrip, before heading downhill for the second half of the walk - a total drop in elevation of 470m.

Wilderness Jet Boat Trip

Jet boats were invented in 1954 in New Zealand by Sir William Hamilton for the shallow waters of our braided rivers. Jet boating originally started on the Wilkin River in 1968 transporting venison out of the mountains before hiking and commercial work became more commonplace. On reaching the Wilkin River at Kerin Forks, jet boats will be waiting to take us for a thrilling 30-minute ride down the Wilkin and Makarora Rivers back to the Makarora Village. Get a whole different perspective on this dramatic valley as you watch the landscape rush by and feel the wind in your hair.

Tonight we stay at Te Wanaka Lodge again*

Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park Hike Aspiring National Park

Mt Cook Village

Day 5 – Hike Wanaka & Aoraki/Mount Cook

If you’re feeling energetic this morning, we’ll start the day off with a heart pumping hike up to Rocky Mountain. If you’d prefer a more relaxed start, there’s plenty to do in the town itself, from great coffee and boutique gift shops to a gentle amble along the beach and obligatory photo in front of Wanaka’s ‘giant hand’ sculpture. This afternoon it’s a change of scenery as we make our way to the Mackenzie Country, an area of jaw-dropping beauty, wide-open skies, glacial lakes and distant towering peaks. We’ll spend the next two nights staying at the foot of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook.

Hike Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain Track

We’ll kick the day off with a hike to Diamond Lake to appreciate the sweeping views out over the Southern Alps and Lake Wanaka, before carrying on up the Rocky Mountain trail. It’s a steady climb and one that will no doubt get your heart pumping, but with each passing step, the scenery just gets better and better, making it all worth it at the top.

Tonight we stay in the Aoraki/Mt Cook region*

Aoraki/Mt Cook Your choice

Day 6 – Your Choice in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Home to not only its namesake, known as “the Cloud Piercer” to Māori looming at 3,724 metres (over 12,000 feet), Aoraki Mount Cook National Park boasts a further 19 peaks topping more than 3,000 metres. These are the mountains where Edmund Hillary honed his skills before becoming the first to successfully summit Mount Everest with Tenzing Norgay in 1953. This incredible outdoor playground is a hiker’s paradise, and you have several experiences to choose from today. Get up close to the icebergs on a glacier boat tour, or even splurge on a heli-hike if you’d like. Check out the many hiking tracks and trails, or simply explore the village at your leisure. Whatever you decide, it’s an incredible place to spend the day.

After a full day of activities, we’ll meet up and return to our accommodation for a tasty meal and a chance to trade stories from the day as well as gaze up at the impressive night sky in this internationally recognised Dark Sky Reserve.

Tonight we stay in the Aoraki/Mt Cook region  again*

Hike to Red Tarns

Offering phenomenal views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the surrounding mountains the Red Tarns Track is one of Aoraki/Mt Cook's hidden gems. On a calm day, you'll enjoy incredible mirror-like reflections of Aoraki/Mt Cook that will leave a lasting memory of this magical spot.

Walk the Hooker Valley Track

This is one of the South Island’s most popular glacier country trails. Looking down from swing bridges over rushing rivers, you’ll walk a track that leads to an alpine lake complete with icebergs. For those with an interest in New Zealand flora, the Hooker Valley is one of the best places to see Mount Cook lilies in season.

Free time around Mount Cook Village

Today is a great opportunity to explore on your own. Visit the museum and planetarium at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Take some short walks around the area or just soak in the views with a coffee and good book.

Day 6 Optional Add-ons

Below are some of the optional add-ons you can also enjoy:

Glacier heli-hiking

Take a helicopter up to land high on the Tasman, New Zealand’s longest glacier. In the company of an experienced guide, you’ll don crampons to explore the dramatic ice caves of this frozen wonderland.  If you book this optional add-on it will replace this morning's hike to Red Tarns, after which you'll rejoin the group for an afternoon on the Hooker Valley Track.

Glacier lake boat tour

Hop aboard a Zodiac boat and set off across the iceberg-filled lake for an up-close encounter with the Tasman Glacier’s terminal face.  If you book this scenic boat tour it will replace this morning's hike to Red Tarns, after which you'll rejoin the group for an afternoon on the Hooker Valley Track.

Aoraki/Mt Cook Hike Mt John

Today we finish the trip in Queenstown.

Day 7 – Hike near Lake Tekapo

It’s our last morning together and the adventure isn’t quite over just yet. We’ll start today with a hike through the picturesque Mackenzie Country. We'll climb through forest and tussock until we reach a spectacular view of the surreal turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki before heading back to Queenstown to say our farewells. 

Hike Mt John 

This morning we’ll make the steady climb up Mount John though forest and tussock to the observatory at the top. As we walk, we’ll look out over 360-degree views across the impressive Mackenzie Basin flats and surrounding mountains and lakes. After our hike, we’ll check out the famous and much-photographed Church of the Good Shepherd, as well as Tekapo’s statue to the working dog, commissioned in 1968 by local farmers to pay tribute to the role these intelligent canines played in working the land.

*For logistical reasons, we may make small changes to our itineraries or accommodation from time to time.

Don’t take our word for it...

Jane Sinclair (Pure South, January 24)

Natalie Gustafson (Pure South, November 23)

Customer rating:

Photos of the Pure South - 7 Day

Pure south - 7 day accommodation.

Edgewater Resort.

Blossoms blooming at Edgewater Resort.

Mt Cook Lodge.

Frequently asked questions

It's very important to us that you have all your questions answered about our Pure South trip. We’ve collected some of the questions we get asked most often and answered them below. Or visit our general FAQ page here for more answers!

And if you still can’t find the answers you need, give us a call or send us an email and we’ll help you out!

How fit do I need to be for the Pure South?

The Pure South is designed for people who want to experience New Zealand's incredible array of outdoor adventures with the flexibility to explore at a pace that's right for you. With your two New Zealand guides you'll always have easier or more challenging options available so you can scale your activity level up or down to suit your preference. On the Pure South trip, you will walk between 3 to 5 hours each day on well-formed tracks. The average distance walked each day is 9km/5.6mi. 

Click here to go to a handy page  with a summary of the distances and approximate times for every walk and activity on our Pure South trip!

What is the accommodation like on the Pure South?

On the Pure South trip, you'll sleep soundly in comfortable accommodations that we have chosen specifically for their fantastic locations. You’ll meet friendly hosts and have a private ensuite room each night.   Click here to find out more about the accommodation on this trip.

What time does the Pure South trip start and finish?

Pick up information We can pick you up on the first day of your trip in  Queenstown  at:

8.30am  from the lobby of our city joining hotel - the Ramada Queenstown Central

9.00am from the lobby of our airport joining hotel- La Quinta Queenstown

9.15am  from the Queenstown International Airport

Drop off information We can drop you off on the last day of your trip in  Queenstown  at:

5.30pm  at Queenstown International Airport

5.45pm at our airport joining hotel - La Quinta Queenstown

6.15pm at our city joining hotel - Ramada Queenstown Central

When booking your flights, please make sure you:

Arrive  on day one to  Queenstown no later than 8:15am  International 8:45am  Domestic   Depart  on the final day from  Queenstown no earlier than 7.30pm  International  6.30pm  Domestic

**If your travel plans fall outside of these times please check with us  before you book .

What's not included on my Pure South tour?

Airfares to and from New Zealand. Airfares between the North and South Island of New Zealand if you are joining our Sweet North trip. Airport transfers. Travel insurance. Visas. Non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages with lunch and dinner.

What's included on my Pure South tour?

• Two experienced New Zealand Trails Guides to guide you on your tour.
• Activities, hikes and guides as shown in the itinerary.
• Accommodation as indicated in your final itinerary.
• All local taxes and gratuities.

New Zealand is not a tipping culture. If you'd like to show your appreciation to your guides with a tip it is very much appreciated but not an expectation on our trips. 

What hikes are included in the Pure South trip?

On the Pure South trip you'll experience the very best hiking the South Island has to offer including:

- Fiordland National Park: The Routeburn Track, The Kepler Track - Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park: Hooker Valley track, Sealy Tarns track. - Mt Aspiring National Park: Siberia Valley - Rocky Mountain and Diamond Lake near Wanaka

What activities are included on the Pure South trip?

On your Pure South tour you'll get the chance to experience some very special Kiwi activities including:

- Scenic plane flight into Siberia Valley - Jet boat down the Wilkin River - Nature cruise on Milford Sound - Bike or walk in Central Otago

Will I have WiFi or internet access throughout the trip?

Yes – we are well connected in New Zealand! You will have access to the internet, at your accommodation whether free or for a small fee, every night on your trip. While New Zealand is quite tech savvy the wifi at some accommodation may not be of the speed you are used to back home.

Is there electricity at all of the places we stay on the Pure South trip?

Yes, all of the places we stay on the Pure South trip have electricity.

Tell me about your safety standards

Safety is always our top priority. We take great pride in our impeccable safety record and our safety management plans. Your New Zealand Trails Guides are highly experienced outdoors professionals who are first aid qualified and fully equipped with a satellite phone, personal locator beacon and first aid kit. Our trips have direct access to our highly experienced operations team and other outside services 24 hours a day.

Biking isn't really my thing. Do you have other options?

If biking isn't really your thing no worries! We have lots of guests join us who prefer to walk instead of bike. The trails we bike on are shared walking/biking trails so you'll be able to join your guide on a walk of the Arrow River Trail instead of biking if you'd like.

What National Parks and Great Walks does the Pure South trip visit?

The Pure South visits three of New Zealand’s National Parks - Mt Aspiring, Fiordland and Aoraki/Mt Cook. You will have the opportunity to hike on two Great Walks, the Routeburn Track and the Kepler Track.

What kind of people will be on my Pure South trip?

Our guests are like-minded people from Australia, the UK, Canada and America, and come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. On average, we have a 50/50 split between men and women, with several single travellers on each trip as well as couples and friends travelling together.

If you would like to see the actual people that come on our Pure South Island tour, check out our  photo gallery.

Do I have to pay extra if I'm travelling by myself?

There is no additional charge for solo travellers on our trips. If you are a solo traveller, as many of our guests are, we will team you up with another solo traveller of the same sex to share with for the duration of your trip. If you would like to guarantee your own room as a solo traveller, then there is the option to pay a solo supplement.

Do you need any outdoors experience for the Pure South trip?

You certainly don’t need any technical outdoors experience to enjoy your New Zealand Trails trip. If you enjoy being out and about in the outdoors and are a generally active person who enjoys hobbies like walking, cycling, golf, tennis or dancing then you will have no problems at all with the walks and activities on your trip. 

You will need some biking experience to complete the bike ride on your trip. The trail is an undulating gravel track that is rated as an “easy” trail ride but you’ll need to have done some biking before to comfortably and safely take part in the bike rides. The activities on our trips are very flexible and many of our guests opt to walk instead of bike. The trails we bike on are shared walking/biking trails so you’ll be able to enjoy a walk with your guide if you prefer. 

How many people will be on my trip?

We run small-group tours, so along with your guides, there are typically 12 - 15 guests in your group. We have found keeping our group sizes small is the perfect way to make sure everyone has the best time.

What does going on a guided trip entail?

Coming on a guided trip with us means we take care of everything! Our small group tours have a maximum of 14 guests per trip along with your local, New Zealand guide and are designed to make it easy, fun and safe for you to explore on your New Zealand trip of a lifetime.

Before your trip: You’ll have a dedicated guest service team member to assist you every step of the way. From advising what you should pack to choosing the best flights to arrive for your trip on time and helping organize pre and post-trip accommodation. No matter when you book or how far in advance you plan your travel, our team is here to help.

During your trip: On your trip, you’ll have two dedicated local New Zealand guides who will take care of everything. They provide food, snacks and safety information, as well as arrange all of your activities and make sure you get where you need to be safely and on time. They’ll also share their extensive knowledge of our country and culture and provide flexibility so you can enjoy New Zealand at the pace that’s right for you.

After your trip: Your dedicated guest service team member will be there to support you. From helping book accommodation and advising on the best flights to sharing local knowledge on other activities you might enjoy or the best places to eat. You’ll also receive all the photos from your trip that your guides have collected along the way so you can cherish the memories of your adventure.

Can you help with pre/post-trip accommodation and flights?

Yes, we can! Our dedicated Guest Services team member Becky will be here to help every step of the way. She can advise you on which flights you should book to ensure you arrive for your trip on time, the best accommodation for you pre and post-trip and everything in between. She’s here to make sure your travel experience is seamless and stress-free.

How do we get around New Zealand? What happens with my luggage?

On day one of your trip, your guides will pick you up from either our joining hotel or the airport in a late-model Mercedes Benz Sprinter. This will be your vehicle for the duration of the trip and your luggage will travel with you in the luggage compartment. Each day we'll drive between 0.5 and 3 hours to reach our next destination. Our trips are carefully planned to give you the most time exploring the outdoors and any travel is always broken up with hikes, activities and coffee/bathroom breaks. You'll bring your small day pack with you inside the vehicle, with just your hiking essentials (jacket, water bottle, sun hat etc) and will be all you will need to carry with you when you are out exploring. Your luggage will stay in the vehicle until we reach our accommodation for the evening. 

If you are joining us on both a Sweet North and a South Island trip,  it is a very easy to transition between the South and North Islands. Our national airline  Air New Zealand operates several flights a day between Auckland and Queenstown or Christchurch. We leave the flights for you to organise so that you can choose where you would like to spend any extra time between your trips and the time that suits your plans. If you have any questions about the timings for your trips, or you would like any help at all, just ask us!  

Activity Level

The Pure South trip is an activity level 2 to 4, d esigned for you to have maximum flexibility. You can scale your activity level up to a 4, down to a 2, or anywhere in between every day so you can enjoy New Zealand at a pace that's right for you. Walk on well-formed tracks and enjoy a mixture of day walks and activities that showcase the best of New Zealand.  

Elevation Maps & Hike Information

Short on time? No worries. Discover the highlights of the South Island over 7 incredible days as you hike, bike, cruise on and soar over iconic New Zealand sights. You’ll enjoy tasty home-cooked meals and local restaurant cuisine, resting your head at night in very comfortable and perfectly located accommodations.

If you have a little more time up your sleeve, experience the best of both North and South over 12 days by combining this trip with our Sweet North .

Find your ideal dates below using the date picker and keep an eye on availability as our small groups fill up fast.

Thinking of visiting New Zealand in the next year or so?

We only run a limited number of departures each year and as you can see below, they fill up months in advance! Most of our guests lock in their trips at least a year out from travelling so they don't miss out on their preferred dates. If you have specific dates in mind, let’s chat!

Pure South - 7 Day – ready to book?

Ready to start your new zealand adventure.

A distillation of the best hiking New Zealand and the South Island has to offer, as well as unique Kiwi experiences and action-packed adventures, our Pure South is a smorgasbord. All you need to do is relax and enjoy the adventure.

What’s included:

✓ Local guides, small groups

✓ All food (except where noted on itinerary), transportation and activities

✓ All inclusive

✓ All accommodation

NZD$8999 AUD$6499 USD$4799.00 +tax GBP£4399 NZD$8999 CAD$6399.00 +tax per person (twin or double share)

Want more information?

Get a free New Zealand Trails brochure!

Too many options out there? Want to “do New Zealand” your way, with expert local guides to help?

Our FREE brochure has 36 pages of detailed itineraries, maps and behind-the-scenes tour info.

All you need – nothing you don’t.

If you’re still not sure, or just want to hear a friendly voice, contact Jodi!

GET OUR FREE BROCHURE

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7 Day New Zealand Tours & Trips

Filter for departure dates and price to find the right 7 day New Zealand tour with TourRadar. Choose from 57 trips with 447 customer reviews, that range from 4 up to 7 days.

57 New Zealand 7 day tour packages with 447 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

New Zealand: Best of the North Island

Definitely recommend to anyone looking for a holiday full of experiences.

• Sightseeing

Southern Voyager

Awesome trip, great guide and plenty of activities to do.

Coasts & Culture Tour

A really great tour to introduce you to the North Island. Perfect to see as much as possible in 7 days. We really enjoyed all of the activity options and freedom to pick and choose what you like.

• €75 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Northern Voyager

Amazing experience! So smooth and fun! Amazing people! Only downside is most of the activities are not included so there’s a significant additional cost. Once in a lifetime trip!

South Island Lick Tour

This tour is excellent for anyone wanting a quick trip to see all the major spots in the South Island. Heaps of amazing activities that you can do. Highly recommend going for walks at each spot to find all the hidden gems. :)

• Hiking & Trekking

New Zealand West Coast Adventure

Highlights in New Zealand North Island Escorted Coach Tour

Except for Cordis, Hotels could have been better. Tour guide, driver and sights weee excellent

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

New Zealand Panorama (7 Days)

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Ski, Snowboard & Snow

Ski New Zealand (7 Days)

Queenstown to Wellington Highlights - 7 Day Self Drive Tour

Everything was great with the except of the hotel accommodations in Wellington and Christchurch. The mattresses were absolutely awful. The beds were very springy and offered zero support. Woke up very sore each morning in those cities. Other than that, very very satisfied with Tour Radar.

• Coach / Bus

7 Day Auckland to Christchurch Highlights Tour

Iconic North (2024/2025, 7 Days)

Milford Sound Spectacular - 7 Day Self Drive tour

Super organisierte Tour mit den wichtigsten Highlights der Südinsel, schöne Hotels, toller Mietwagen, prompte Unterstützung durch Tourradar bei Fragen und Problemen

Southern Coast Cycle

Queenstown Southern Loop

Although Rod, the driver was very nice I felt that Intrepid had not organised the tour as well as previous Intrepid tours I have done. It was very overpriced for what was provided. The van had a broken seat belt attachment with a sharp edge which ruined a down jacket I had bought for the trip. I have asked Intrepid about it but received no reply.

What people love about 7 Day New Zealand Tours

My group was phenomenal, we all had a blast together. Our guide was very communicative, using WhatsApp and a photo circle to share information, resources and photos. I’m not used to hopping hostels, so that was a bit rough, definitively pack light and try to be organized. I should have done a better job researching temperature as well - as it got much colder than I was expecting. Overall the trip was incredible and I did everything I wanted to do.

One of the best experiences of my life, made possible by the incredibly talented and charismatic Daisy! This was well organized with all of the logistics taken care of for you while having the freedom to pick what activities interest you most. The group setting was fun and a nice bonding expensive of people from around the world. Some of the hostel stays were great, some were just ok, but all were clean and had the essentials.

Everyday was different. A well planned out tour giving a rich experience. You want to know what Maori culture is in a short time? This is it!!!!!!

Regions in New Zealand

• New Zealand South Island (39)
• New Zealand North Island (18)
• New Zealand Central North Island (10)
• Southland New Zealand (6)
• Milford Sound (7)
• Southern Alps (6)

Other Regions in New Zealand

• New Zealand South Island 7 day Tours (39)
• New Zealand South Island 2 week Tours (38)
• New Zealand South Island 10 day Tours (34)
• New Zealand South Island 3 week Tours (22)
• New Zealand North Island 10 day Tours (18)
• New Zealand North Island 7 day Tours (18)
• New Zealand Central North Island 10 day Tours (16)
• New Zealand North Island 2 week Tours (15)
• New Zealand North Island 3 week Tours (10)
• New Zealand Central North Island 7 day Tours (10)
• Otago 7 day Tours (8)
• New Zealand North Island 3 day Tours (7)
• Milford Sound 7 day Tours (7)
• Milford Sound 10 day Tours (7)
• Milford Sound 3 week Tours (7)
• New Zealand South Island 3 day Tours (6)
• New Zealand Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 2 Week New Zealand Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Best 3 Week New Zealand Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

New Zealand South Island Tours - over 60 great tour ideas

Experience dramatic scenery, landscapes and wonderful hospitality on a South Island New Zealand tour. We have over 120 great itineraries exploring the South Island by coach from escorted and guided tours to highly flexible Thrifty Tours which depart every single day. New Zealand's South Island has it all, from the beaches of Abel Tasman National Park to the thrill of a jet Boat ride in Queenstown or a heli hike on the West Coast glaciers. All our South Island New Zealand tours visit iconic locations of the south including Mt. Cook National Park, Milford Sound, Wanaka, Fiordland National Park, Dunedin, Franz Josef and Fox Glacier plus much more. Get in touch with us today to get the best advice on the best South Island tour for you.

Southern Highlights with Milford Sound

5 days, from christchurch to christchurch.

• New Zealand Independent Tour
• Pre and post tour options? Yes
• Viewed 762 times in the last 7 days

Enjoy 5 days exploring New Zealand's South Island with this excellent independent touring itinerary....

Enjoy 5 days exploring New Zealand's South Island with this excellent independent touring itinerary. Journey from Christchurch in a loop around the South Island. Cruise through Milford Sound, visit Mt. Cook National Park, explore the West Coast glaciers, and travel on the TranzAlpine scenic train.

Christchurch to Milford Sound and Queenstown

3 days, from christchurch to christchurch.

• Hotel 4 star
• Viewed 1139 times in the last 7 days

Enjoy the scenery of Canterbury, the Mackenzie country and Mt Cook National Park before arriving int...

Enjoy the scenery of Canterbury, the Mackenzie country and Mt Cook National Park before arriving into Queenstown. Take a fully escorted day tour to Milford Sound with Real Journeys.

Glaciers Overnight

2 days, from queenstown to christchurch.

• Viewed 766 times in the last 7 days

Short and sweet, this tour to the glaciers is a New Zealand bucket list experience.

8 day South Island Scenic Explorer

8 days, from christchurch to christchurch.

• Hotel 3 star
• Viewed 504 times in the last 7 days

A great 8 day tour which introduces you to Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown. Fiordland, Milford Sou...

A great 8 day tour which introduces you to Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown. Fiordland, Milford Sound and the West Coast Glaciers and includes the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train journey.

West Coast Escape with TranzAlpine

2 days, from christchurch to queenstown.

• Viewed 657 times in the last 7 days

Highlights include: The world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train • The wild West Coast • Vis...

Highlights include: The world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train • The wild West Coast • Visit Franz Josef Glacier •  Lakes Wanaka and Hawea • the Gibbston Valley • Queenstown

5 day Dunedin, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Mt. Cook

• Viewed 471 times in the last 7 days

This 5 day highlights tour includes Dunedin, Milford Sound including a cruise plus time in wonderful...

This 5 day highlights tour includes Dunedin, Milford Sound including a cruise plus time in wonderful Queenstown before returning to Christchurch via Mt Cook National Park.

3 day TranzAlpine Glaciers and Queenstown

3 days, from christchurch to queenstown.

• Viewed 644 times in the last 7 days

A classic 3 day itinerary this tour gets you from Christchurch to Queenstown in comfort on reliable ...

A classic 3 day itinerary this tour gets you from Christchurch to Queenstown in comfort on reliable small group tours. Witness the West Coast and southern lakes whilst enjoying the TranzAlpine Scenic Train and a stay in Queenstown.

5 Day Southern Highlights

• Viewed 352 times in the last 7 days

An introduction to the South Island including Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown, Fiordland, Milford ...

An introduction to the South Island including Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown, Fiordland, Milford Sound, the West Coast Glaciers and the TranzAlpine Scenic Train journey. An ideal tour to customise to your own schedule!

7 day Fiordland Explorer 4 star tour

7 days, from christchurch to christchurch.

• Viewed 361 times in the last 7 days

This 7 day Fiordland Explorer tour visits Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Lake Te Anau's Glow Worm Ca...

This 7 day Fiordland Explorer tour visits Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Lake Te Anau's Glow Worm Caves and leaves you with time to experience the Adventure Capital of Queenstown.

• Viewed 446 times in the last 7 days

Enjoy the scenery of Canterbury, the Mackenzie Country and the Southern Alps on your way to Queensto...

Enjoy the scenery of Canterbury, the Mackenzie Country and the Southern Alps on your way to Queenstown. Then take the time to enjoy a fully escorted day tour to Milford Sound with Real NZ.

Even with hundreds of New Zealand coach touring ideas we know that sometimes you need something special. That's why the team at NZCT are experts at designing New Zealand holidays to suit everyone. We can combine our Guided Coach Tours with a tailor-made independent tour in another part of New Zealand and then design a self drive holiday to finish off your itinerary. Whatever you can think of we can create so you get the New Zealand touring experience you deserve.

Our sister company, New Zealand Self drive Tours , specialises in just that - Self Drive Holidays across New Zealand. With over 200 great itinerary ideas to help inspire you there is something for everyone. Our team of NZ Specialists tailor-make each itinerary to suit you. With hundreds of accommodation options, activity ideas, a great rental car range and our expertise to pull it altogether you are guaranteed a great NZ Self Drive holiday.

New Zealand Fine Touring is the parent company of New Zealand Coach Tours. Started in 2004 New Zealand Fine Touring grew from a small home business to New Zealand's leading touring holiday planner. We operate many different channels such as New Zealand Coach Tours, New Zealand Self Drive Tours, Fine Tours New Zealand, Discover New Zealand, Thrifty Tours, Ski New Zealand, NZ Road Trip, Pure Journeys and our travel agent only business nzsidekick. Each channel specialises in a particulur style of touring holiday but we can also use our experience across all these channels to create a bespoke itinerary to suit anyone from anywhere. Check out New Zealand Fine Touring here .

South Island Tours & Holidays

New Zealand's South Island has alpine delights and natural wonders.

From hiking on glaciers to kayaking with dolphins, you can enjoy a range of active experiences while you’re surrounded by some of the most beautiful places in New Zealand’s South Island. If you’re looking for the perfect South Island itinerary, you’ve come to the right place. A New Zealand South Island tour promises breathtaking scenery, heart-pumping adrenaline activities, fascinating cultural experiences, and some of the best food and wine on the planet. If you're having trouble figuring out whether you should explore the South Island or the North Island of New Zealand, you simply have to look at all the fun experiences to be had, from overnight scenic cruises to cultural exchanges and exciting adventure tours. From sampling the region’s famous wine near Queenstown  to sleeping on Milford Sound and observing the famous kiwi bird in Christchurch , there are plenty of great things to do in New Zealand’s South Island.

Our South Island trips

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

South Island highlights

South island tour reviews.

Filter by rating

Walk New Zealand's Queen Charlotte Track

New Zealand South Island Adventure

Queenstown Southern Loop

New Zealand Uncovered (Northbound)

Cycle New Zealand: Otago Rail Trail

Articles of South Island

What is Greymouth known for?

7 Nelson walks that’ll take your breath away

Get your feed on at these top Wanaka restaurants

9 incredible things to do in Milford Sound

South Island vs. North Island: which part of New Zealand should you travel to?

Sip your way through the 8 best bars in Christchurch

Arrowtown: the ultimate guide to exploring Queenstown’s hidden gem

5 reasons to visit New Zealand’s South Island

Popular local destinations

South island travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

How do I get to the South Island?

The two major airports on New Zealand's South Island are Christchurch and Queenstown.

Flying into Christchurch is generally cheaper than flying into Queenstown, especially during ski season.

Vehicle ferry services, which also take foot passengers, travel between Wellington in the North Island and Picton at the tip of the South Island daily and take around three-and-a-half hours. 

Getting around the South Island

Most people hire a car or a motorhome or book a New Zealand tour to travel around the South Island of New Zealand.

InterCity buses are also available for long distance travel to the major towns in the South Island. 

When is the best time to visit the South Island?

If you would like to go skiing, the best time to visit the South Island is from late June to early September.

Visiting outside the school holidays is the best option if you aren't travelling with school-age children as New Zealand's South Island is popular for family holidays and gets busy during these times.

Summer is pleasantly warm with low humidity and days that are generally clear and sunny.

Winter sees snow on the mountains and in the middle of the South Island. Some inland roads can be closed due to snow, so plan your journey accordingly.

Spring sees fewer crowds and is ideal for hiking and outdoor pursuits. 

What should I pack for the South Island?

The weather in the South Island can be changeable so pack clothes you can layer plus a jumper or jacket, wet weather gear, a hat and a beanie.

Even if you are visiting in winter, a pair of shorts and a t-shirt is a good idea if you are planning on going hiking as it can be get surprisingly warm in the middle of the day during the cooler months. 

What should I wear in the South Island?

The South Island of New Zealand is a fairly casual place although locals do tend to dress up if they are 'hitting the town' at night in major towns like Queenstown or Christchurch.

Smart casual is the norm at most restaurants, aside from the signature 'date night' ones where people tend to dress up more. 

What is the internet access like in the South Island?

There is good WiFi coverage in major towns and tourist centres in the South Island of New Zealand but it is not uncommon to lose coverage in some situations such as when you are driving through mountains or hiking in remote areas. 

Can I use my mobile/cell phone in the South Island?

There is good mobile coverage in major towns and tourist centres in the South Island of New Zealand but it is not uncommon to lose coverage in some situations such as when you are driving through mountains or hiking in remote areas. 

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travellers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

New Zealand 7-Day Itinerary: Our EPIC New Zealand South Island Road Trip

Posted on Last updated: August 14, 2022

If like me you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, New Zealand is probably pretty high up on your travel bucket list. Or if you’re not as big a nerd as me you might just want to visit New Zealand regardless of your movie passions.

Either way, New Zealand is a beautiful country with the most stunning natural landscapes, which I absolutely loved visiting and recommend to everyone.

I spent 7 days in the South Island of New Zealand and did a self-drive road trip from Christchurch to Queenstown in a JUCY car.

In this post I’ve outlined our exact New Zealand 7-day itinerary, and any additional information I thought you might need to plan your own New Zealand South Island road trip.

So turn on Lord of the Rings in the background, take out that New Zealand travel guide, and start planning your New Zealand itinerary!

• 1.1 Renting a car & driving in New Zealand
• 1.2 Currency
• 1.3 Cuisine
• 1.4 Weather
• 2.1 Day 1: Arrive in Christchurch & hike the Sugarloaf
• 2.2 Day 2: Road trip to Lake Tekapo
• 2.3 Day 3: Drive to Mount Cook National Park & hike the Hooker Valley Track
• 2.4 Day 4: Hike in Wanaka & drive on to Queenstown
• 2.5 Day 5: Adventure activities in Queenstown
• 2.6 Day 6: Milford Sound cruise
• 2.7 Day 7: Last hike & fly out from Queenstown

The New Zealand road trip squad

Useful things to know for a New Zealand South Island road trip

Before we jump straight into my New Zealand South Island itinerary, I’ve included below some useful information to help you plan your own New Zealand road trip.

Renting a car & driving in New Zealand

Everybody says that to truly experience New Zealand you need to rent a car and do your own self-drive trip. That no organised tour or bus will give you the freedom you need to really see this beautiful country.

Having heard all this from different groups of friends, even if neither my friends nor me are the best drivers, we were committed to doing our own New Zealand road trip.

We rented a car with JUCY World for a week, and drove from Christchurch to Queenstown. We were a bit concerned about the mountain roads being hard to drive on.

However if you just remember to be sensible at all times; respect the speed limit, don’t overtake if there’s no overtaking lane and respect the traffic laws you will have no issues (might seem like obvious advice but we saw a lot of bad drivers while we were there)!

Many travellers also choose to do a New Zealand campervan trip . It will obviously be more expensive than a car, but it will allow you to save money on accommodation, plus, it gives you even more freedom!

Enjoying beautiful landscapes during our New Zealand South Island road trip with JUCY World

The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). The exchange rate when we visited was pretty good, a whooping 1 GBR : 1.91 NZD.

We found most things (be it food a the supermarket, a dinner out, cocktails etc) cost more or less twice of what they did back home though so it wasn’t a particularly cheap trip.

I’m not sure what I was expecting from New Zealand cuisine but I found it a bit underwhelming.

There was nothing wrong with it but most restaurants were very similar to those you would find back home in London, and we never really found anything “typical New Zealand”.

That said I’ve had some of the best burgers ever on this trip, so if you like burgers make sure to have one in New Zealand!

Somewhere on the road during our New Zealand South Island road trip

We visited New Zealand at the start of May, which is autumn time there. It was considerably colder than we expected and were ready for.

Temperatures ranged from a high of 12°C to a low of 3°C during the day and well below 0°C at night. When we decided to go star gazing in Lake Tekapo we had to take duvets from the hostel with us.

They say there are high chances for rain in May (130mm across 17 days) but we were lucky enough to only catch it one day out of seven, and were able to do all our hikes even if not in under the sun at least in cloudy but dry weather.

If you’re not sure what to pack, check out my Iceland summer packing list (different country and season but similar weather conditions) or this New Zealand winter packing list for ideas.

Approaching the summit of Roys Peak, high above the clouds

Our 7-Day Itinerary in New Zealand, South Island

This is the exact 7-day itinerary I did on my recent trip to New Zealand.

As we only had a limited amount of time, we decided to only visit South Island, as it seemed to have more activities and places we thought we would enjoy exploring.

This itinerary is only an indicative guide of how you could spend one week doing a road trip in the South Island of New Zealand.

It’s pretty packed as that’s what me and my friends love doing, edit it accordingly to create your own perfect New Zealand 7-day itinerary!

Day 1: Arrive in Christchurch & hike the Sugarloaf

We flew into Christchurch from Sydney early on the first day so that we could spend the rest of that day exploring the city and surroundings.

We had a lot of hikes planned for this trip so we decided to start off easy with a 1-hour loop hike for the first day.

We drove for about 20 minutes out of Christchurch and towards the Sugarloaf Scenic Reserve, a Port Hills landmark with a peak topped by a 120m television transmission tower and a popular hiking destination from Christchurch.

The view from the top of the Sugarloaf Scenic Reserve, New Zealand

We drove to the coffee shop “The Sign of the Kiwi” so that we could park there and start our hike somewhere where we could ask for advice on the best trails, what the hiking trails at this time of year and other information.

At the base of the hill is a sign with the name of the hikes, a map of the trails, information such as incline, length and estimated time it will take, and brief descriptions of all the hikes.

That way even if you’re like us and just rocking up to a hike with little information about it you can still figure out what to do. We decided to hike Mitchells Track , a 2.5km trail that should take around 1 hour.

If you’re a solo travellers and don’t fancy hiking alone, you can join a guided walk , to ensure you don’t get lost, have some company on the trails, and have a local guide share some interesting insights during the trail.

Click here to book your Christchurch Guided Walk & Scenic Drive!

Hiking below the television transmission tower of the Sugarloaf Reserve

It took us longer to do the hike since we had sandwiches with us and we decided to have a picnic at the peak. We also took detours every now and then to search for the best viewpoint.

The trail is pretty easy; there are some steep parts but also a lot of sections that are quite flat.

The views all throughout are simply stunning, considering it was one of the easiest and shortest hikes of the trip it definitely had the best ratio of views seen to effort put in to see them (not sure that’s a ratio that exists but you get what I mean).

We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the centre of Christchurch and then went to bed early so that we would be ready for the start of our road trip the following day.

A fun way to discover Christchurch is to join this vintage tram & gondola ride tour . That way you’ll see all the highlights of the city, plus a pretty cool viewpoint!

Click here to book your vintage tram & gondola ride tour in Christchurch!

Enjoying the view from the peak of the Sugarloaf, New Zealand

Where to stay in Christchurch

There are lots of places to stay in Christchurch, I listed below some of the best ones for every budget.

Budget:  City Centre Motel   – This is where we stayed. It’s a perfect budget stay in Christchurch; it’s quite basic, but very centrally located, with spacious and clean rooms.

Check out the prices and availability at City Centre Motel!

Mid-range: Wyndham Garden Christchurch Kilmore Street – Treat yourself without breaking the bank. Centrally located with spacious rooms, the rooms even have a laundry and drier!

Click here to see prices and availability at the Wyndham Garden Christchurch Kilmore Street!

Luxury: The George – This luxury property is the perfect place to treat yourself. Located next to Hagley Park North, it’s close to everything in Christchurch, but in a tranquil area.

Click here to book your stay at The George in Christchurch!

One of the suspension bridges of Hooker Valley Track in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

Day 2: Road trip to Lake Tekapo

On the second day we started our actual New Zealand self-drive road trip.

We set off at 8AM so that we could take our time with the 3-hour drive from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo. Most of this drive is on the highway so it’s pretty smooth and easy.

As we approached Lake Tekapo the drive became more scenic and even if it wasn’t highway anymore and with more bends it was still an easy drive.

As soon as we drove through the mountains and saw the first glimpses of the turquoise water of Lake Tekapo we fell in love.

Playing around on the shore of Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

We did a few stops along the way and arrived in Lake Tekapo around noon. We drove to our hostel to check in and ask about the hikes in the area. In case you’re wondering, yes we did this a lot.

We researched all the hikes online beforehand, but every time we got to a destination we always asked a local information desk or our hostel reception for updates about the hikes.

Just to make sure we had the most up to date information, that the hike was indeed open and not closed for snow or bad weather. 

From our hostel we drove for 3 minutes to Tekapo Springs, where we parked the car and set off on our hike of Mt John.

The view over Lake Tekapo from Mt John Summit, New Zealand

There are two hikes that you can do of Mt John; Mt John Summit Circuit Track and Mt John via lakeshore .

Both hikes start at the same spot, with a steep rise through the New Zealand forest. Once you get past the tree line you will find yourself walking around open tussock hill slopes.

At the top of Mt John you will find the Mt John Observatory and a café where you can relax for a bit and grab some food and drinks to freshen up after the steep hike.

From up here will have a fantastic view over the surrounding mountains and lakes, which will make the hike up well worth it!

The forest at the start of Mt John Summit Track in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

The view over Lake Tekapo from Mt John, New Zealand

To get back to Tekapo Springs you can either do the same trail you did to come up (this is the Mt John Summit Circuit Track) or walk on through the open hills and all along the lake (as you may have guessed, this is Mt John via lakeshore).

We chose the second option, combined to the section we had already walked to reach the peak it then became a 8-km hike that took us around 3 hours.

The walk back along the lakeshore is easier, since it’s longer it’s also less steep which makes it easier on the knees. All along the walk there are stunning views over Lake Tekapo which make the hike easier.

We finished the hike back at Tekapo Springs and went straight to our hostel to chill for a bit before heading out to explore the Tekapo township.

Just to give you a heads up now, there isn’t much to it. It’s a lovely town with some very scenic views (like the Church of the Good Shepherd) but if you’re looking for a wild nightlife, this probably isn’t the place.

| READ MORE: THE BEST DAY HIKES IN NEW ZEALAND  |

The lakeshore part of the Mt John hike around Lake Tekapo  

Hiking the Mt John via lakeshore hiking trail in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

That said, it is actually recognised as one of the best places in the world for stargazing. After dinner we drove back to the Mt John Observatory, in the hope of finding the best stargazing spot.

You can’t drive right up to the observatory by yourself, however if you find anywhere around the gate to park it will be dark enough to see the Milky Way.

We did it independently, but I won’t deny that whenever we heard a noise we’d get scared and get back in our car. Especially if you’re a solo traveller, it might be better to join a stargazing tour .

That way you’ll be right at Mount John Observatory, with a local guide telling you all about the amazing stars you’re seeing.

Click here to book your Mount John Observatory Stargazing tour!

The Milky Way seen from Lake Tekapo, New Zealand, world famous stargazing spot

Where to stay in Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo township isn’t particularly big, but there are still a couple of accommodation options for every budget.

Budget:  Lakefront Lodge Backpackers  – this is where we stayed, it’s located right on the shore of Lake Tekapo, offers both dorms and private rooms, and has a cool common area.

Check prices and availability at Lakefront Lodge Backpackers!

Mid-range: Alpine Studios – these cozy studios are the perfect place to treat yourself, but without breaking the bank.

Click here to book your stay at Alpine Studios in Lake Tekapo!

Luxury: Galaxy Boutique Hotel – this lovely boutique hotels offers spacious rooms with huge windows with a Lake Tekapo view, as well as skylights, so that you can see the Milky Way from your bed!

Don’t miss out, book your stay at Galaxy Boutique Hotel here!

The Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

Day 3: Drive to Mount Cook National Park & hike the Hooker Valley Track

We started day three slightly later since our next destination was only one hour drive away from Lake Tekapo; the famous Mount Cook National Park.

We drove past Lake Pukaki, another stunning lake with turquoise water, and reached Aoraki Mount Cook Village by 10AM.

From the town centre it’s a short 10-minute drive to the White Horse Hill Campground, the starting point of Hooker Valley Track.

Alpine memorial at the start of the Hooker Valley Track, New Zealand

Hooker Valley Track in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

Hooker Valley Track is a 10km return hike that takes you through Hooker Valley and ends at Hooker Lake, a lake where you can see icebergs floating around.

The hike is pretty flat for all the 10km, it’s a long walk but not particularly challenging. The valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, which add to the beauty and scenery of the hike.

We were moderately unlucky with the weather since it was very cloudy and the clouds were extremely low.

I saw moderately unlucky since it didn’t rain which is good (lucky) but the low clouds meant we didn’t actually have a view of the surrounding mountains (unlucky).

We didn’t even realise what we were missing on until the clouds lifted and we saw just how stunning the surrounding landscape was.

Hooker Lake with the icebergs floating in it

Hooker Lake in Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

If we thought Lake Tekapo was a small town with not much to do, we were not ready for Aoraki Mount Cook Village.

After our hike we asked our hostel recommendations for dinner and they told us there are only two restaurants in town, a higher end one inside the Hermitage Hotel and a cheaper pub.

We went for the pub, which had great burgers and pizzas. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a city girl born and raised, so I love occasionally disconnecting from the chaos of big cities.

We had a chill evening in the common room of our hostel (the YHA Mount Cook ) watching Lord of the Rings, the perfect evening for a New Zealand road trip.

Click here to book your stay at YHA Mount Cook!

Where to stay in Mount Cook Village

As I mentioned already, Mount Cook Village is pretty small and besides the YHA where we stayed, there are only three other hotels. If you don’t fancy staying in a hostel, here are the other hotel options for you.

Mid-range: Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge – this hotel has spacious rooms, amazing views of the mountains and friendly staff to help book excursions. The perfect mid-range accommodation option!

Click here to book your stay at Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge!

Luxury: The Hermitage Hotel Mount Cook – if you want to treat yourself, this 4-star hotel, with its spacious rooms, amazing views and top-notch service is the perfect place to do so!

Click here to see prices and availability at The Hermitage Hotel Mount Cook!

Day 4: Hike in Wanaka & drive on to Queenstown

Day 4 was the most intense of our New Zealand road trip. We had ahead of us a 4-hour drive to Queenstown, broken up by a 5-hour hike in Wanaka.

We set off at 7AM so that we could do the first 3-hour leg of our drive to Wanaka and be ready to hike by 10:30AM.

After a quick stop at the information centre to check the conditions of the hike, we decided to tackle Roy’s Peak, a 16km return hike with a 1.2km incline.

| READ MORE: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HIKING ROYS PEAK |

View from the top of Roy’s Peak, New Zealand

I’m not a professional hiker but I have always done a lot of sports growing up and I consider myself a moderately fit person. And yet I found Roy’s Peak incredibly tough.

We knew there was a 1.2km incline before setting off but I guess we didn’t realise just how steep that was. We thought the way up would be steep at parts and flat in others, but we were wrong.

There is no section of the hiking trail at any point in the 8km that is flat. It is all at an incline.

By the time you reach the peak you will be pretty tired and your quads will start to burn, but the view over the surrounding mountain peaks is well worth the hike.

We were there on a cloudy day and were actually unable to see the view over Wanaka and the surrounding lakes (which is meant to be the best part, ah well) but even being above the clouds was very beautiful.

Hiking up Roy’s Peak, New Zealand

I found the hike back down actually harder than the hike up. While it’s less tiring and won’t get you panting it will be tough on the knees.

The clouds had also partially lifted while we were hiking up which meant we had a bit of a view on the way down.

After this knackering hike we drove on for another hour and a half to Queenstown, where we checked into a private room at Nomads Queenstown Backpackers .

Check the latest prices and availabilities at Nomads Queenstown Backpackers!

View over Wanaka from Roy’s Peak once we were beneath the clouds

High above the clouds that were hiding our view of Wanaka

Where to stay in Queenstown

If hostels aren’t your thing, I have listed below a couple more accommodation options for other budgets.

Mid-range: Heartland Hotel Queenstown – this lovely hotel has both rooms and chalets, perfect for bigger groups or families, and is a great place to treat yourself, without breaking the bank.

Click here to see prices and availability at Heartland Hotel Queenstown!

Luxury: Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort – this is the perfect place to treat yourself and relax after all these tough hikes. Amazing lake views, spacious rooms and a 24/7 reception, what more could you need?

Click here to book your stay at Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort!

Day 5: Adventure activities in Queenstown

Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world. On the fifth day of our trip we decided to take a step back from driving and spend some time adventuring in Queenstown.

My friends and I actually separated for this day and all tried out different activities.

Laura went on an all-day climbing session and Ramis decided to go skydiving and bungee jumping on the same day (when you’re in the adventure capital of the world for only 3 days, you have to pack them with activities)!

What did I do? I went to a famous chocolate store, and hiked the Tiki Trail to a viewpoint over Queenstown. It was my first solo hike, and I actually had a great time hiking alone, I even made new friends along the way.

Click here to book your skydive experience in Queenstown!

Queenstown town centre

There is a gondola in Queenstown called the Skyline that will take you to the top of Bob’s Peak, where you can enjoy a beautiful view over Queenstown, the lake and surrounding mountains.

The gondola is pretty expensive; it’s 50 NZD for a return trip or 25 NZD one way. When I got to the base of the gondola I realised there was a sign showing the route for the hiking trail that would take you to the top of the gondola.

So despite being knackered from the previous days hikes, I decided to hike up a hill for 30 minutes and save myself 50 NZD.

The hike is called the Tiki Trail and there are signs on the way up to indicate the way. It’s a short hike, only one-hour return, but it’s pretty steep on the way up.

Hiking the Tiki Trail in Queenstown, New Zealand

It was a sunny day when I set off however on the way up the clouds started rolling in and by the time we made it to the top there wasn’t actually a view.

The whole peak was shrouded in clouds, I couldn’t even see the gondola right beneath me. I was glad I hadn’t paid 50 NZD just to see some clouds!

After the hike I spent some time wandering around the shops in the centre of Queenstown.

Whether you just want to spend a day chilling in the city, doing the hikes around Queenstown, or trying some of the adventurous activities here, I would definitely schedule a whole day in your New Zealand road trip itinerary just for Queenstown.

Views over Queenstown from the Tiki Trail

Day 6: Milford Sound cruise

Close to Queenstown is Milford Sound ; a fjord that has been acclaimed as New Zealand’s most famous travel destination and the 8th wonder of the natural world. With a premise like that, we couldn’t miss it!

We decided to do a tour to Milford Sound , even if we had our own car and could have driven there, since it would have been a lot of driving in one day (4 hours each way from Queenstown).

The roads are also very winding and tight, meaning it’s a tough drive if you’re not a good driver.

We decided to do a tour so that we could sit back and enjoy the stunning views, instead of having to focus on driving and making sure we were on the right road.

Click here to book your tour & cruise of Milford Sound!

Lady Elizabeth Bowen Falls in Milford Sound, New Zealand

Once we arrived in Milford Sound we embarked on a two hour cruise of the fjord. Despite being on the other side of the world, it reminded me a lot of my Norwegian fjords cruise .

The towering cliffs, huge waterfalls and lush green vegetation are a true natural wonder. There are coffee shops on the boat so that you can buy lunch if you didn’t bring one with you.

We were a bit unlucky in that it was a rainy day and the low clouds covered the peaks of the mountains, however I feel like they also added to the mood of the location.

| READ MORE: THE BEST MILFORD SOUND TOUR & CRUISE FROM QUEENSTOWN |

Cruising in Milford Sound, New Zealand

Stunning waterfalls in Milford Sound, New Zealand

Day 7: Last hike & fly out from Queenstown

On the last day our flight out of Queenstown was at 9PM, which gave us another full day in Queenstown.

Since we hadn’t actually been able to get a view when we hiked the Tiki Trail on Bob’s Peak, we decided to give Queenstown hikes another shot.

We checked out of Nomads Queenstown early so that we would have plenty of time to do the hike and without having to rush to the airport.

We did the Queenstown Hill hike , a trail that takes you to a different viewpoint over Queenstown.

Mountain views from Queenstown Hill, New Zealand

The Queenstown Hill hike is a return trail that can take between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on which route you take.

At one point the trail splits up and branches off into a shorter but steeper route, and a longer but more level one. The total length of the trail is between 1.7lm and 2.5km depending on which routes you take.

We personally did the longer but more level one on the way up and the steeper but shorter on the way down.

We wanted to be able to see both trails and we figured it was the best way to do it that wouldn’t exhaust us too much.

Hiking up Queenstown Hill, New Zealand

There is a first viewpoint where the trails meet again at a metal sculpture called the “Basket of Dreams”.

From here you can keep hiking to a more elevated viewpoint, which will give you an epic 360° view over both Queenstown and the surrounding valleys and mountains.

The view over Queenstown isn’t quite as good as it’s partly hidden by the hill that you just hiked up, however the views on the other side over the mountains are simply stunning.

I think even if we had been able to see the view from Bob’s Peak, this view would have still been better thanks to the variety and 360° angle.

The “basket of dreams” and the view from Queenstown Hill

We managed to get back to Queenstown around 12 and we decided to try Fergburger. Fergburger is a burger place in Queenstown, which has a reputation for being the best burger in the world.

With a premise like that, we couldn’t leave New Zealand without trying it! Only issue is that queues and waiting time usually start at 30 minutes and can go up to a couple hours.

We were not willing to wait that long however we were lucky that there was no queue after our hike so we managed to try these famous burgers and fuel up after all the walking.

In the afternoon we paid a quick trip to Arrowtown, a small town near Queenstown that we had been recommended.

It was very cute but to be entirely honest, there wasn’t much going on. From there we drove straight to the airport to drop off our JUCY World car and get ready for our flight.

Me looking incredibly happy with my Fergburger after hiking for 3 hours

Final thoughts on the ultimate New Zealand South Island 7-day itinerary

I hope my New Zealand 7-day itinerary was useful in giving you an idea of how you could spend one week in New Zealand and do your own South Island road trip.

Have you been to New Zealand before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

I personally loved the nature and stunning views in New Zealand, it’s definitely a country I want to visit again one day.

Next time I hope I get to visit also the North Island of New Zealand. If you’re looking for more New Zealand inspiration check out this New Zealand ultimate road trip guide .

Enjoyed reading my New Zealand South Island road trip 7-day itinerary? Pin it!

Tuesday 14th of May 2019

Hey Greta! Absolutely love the itinerary. And the pictures are breathtaking. I'm travelling to New zealand in June! Do you think this itinerary would work during the winter season too? I want to go for all the hikes but I'm apprehensive if I'd be able to do that with the weather.

Wednesday 29th of May 2019

Hi Aastha, glad you like my pics and blog! I think the overall itinerary will be fine, but for the individual hikes it really depends on the weather leading up to the day you want to do the hike. Some years it can still be quite hot in June whilst others it will get colder earlier. We were there around mid-May. It's hard to judge from here, personally I would ask local tourist information desks when you're there :) Hope this helps and that you have an awesome time in New Zealand!

Saturday 5th of January 2019

Hi Greta, May i ask for the Milford day trip, do you still remember which company you joined? There are so many over the internet but I'm not sure which one to take. There are 4 of us (2 adults 2 kids) hence wondering is it worth taking the day trip OR self drive is better? Thank you.

Hi Karen, we did the day trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound with JUCY (the same company we had rented our car with). We chose to do an organised tour since it's quite a lot of driving in one day (7+ hours), none of us felt confident enough to drive for that long in one day and we didn't have enough time to spend a night in Milford Sound. If you're not tight on time I would probably recommend doing that, self drive and staying a night there. If not a tour is probably the easiest option, the day trips all offer similar experiences really, I would just go for the one that has the closest pick up point to your hotel. Hope this helps :)

Tuesday 21st of August 2018

I am preparing to go to NZ in October and really appreciate your thorough review of the hikes! We would like to do some hikes in our time there but are not experienced hikers. It seems like many people who visit NZ are experienced, so having your perspective on how easy/tough the trails were, and the associated payoffs (the views!) is super helpful! It looks like you're wearing hiking boots or shoes in the photos. Did you find those necessary for the hikes you did, not including Roy's Peak? Based on your review and others i've read, Roy's Peak is definitely beyond our ability so we will skip it. Neither my husband nor I own hiking boots, and I'm wondering if it is worth the monetary investment and the room in our suitcases? Thanks again!

Thanks, glad you could find my post useful! I personally did all the hikes (including Roy's Peak) in trainers and so did my friends. Hiking boots are obviously an added benefit for hikes but if you have a comfortable pair of trainers you can get away without purchasing hiking boots. You should still check the weather forecast for when you visit though and make sure it's not raining, snowing etc and that you have appropriate footwear for the conditions you'll find. Hope you have an amazing time in New Zealand! :)

Saturday 16th of June 2018

The ultimate road trip! Beautiful photographs. Will definitely refer back to your itinerary when I finally make it to NZ. Thanks!!

Haha it really was the ultimate road trip! Thanks for the nice comment, glad you like my work and hope you'll find it useful in planning your own New Zealand road trip!

Wow, I haven´t been to New Zealand yet but your pictures look stunning. It must be a beautiful piece of earth. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for the lovely comment, glad you like my photos!

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Home » New Zealand South Island Itinerary 7 Days

New Zealand South Island Itinerary 7 Days

07 day warbirds over wanaka package 2024, nz$3599 per adult.

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07 Day Loop the South Island Package

Nz$3499 nz$3099 per adult, 07 day south island explorer holiday package, nz$3099 nz$2899 per adult, 07 day south island adventure holiday package, nz$3199 per adult, 07 day south island coast to coast package, nz$3099 per adult, 07 day south island must do package, nz$2899 per adult, 07 day south island discovery package, nz$3149 per adult, plan a new zealand south island itinerary for 7 days.

Choose from a range of all-inclusive package deals for your New Zealand South Island itinerary for 7 days.

With only one week in the South Island, careful planning is crucial. With the Southern Alps dividing the island, driving times are often much longer than they appear. Therefore, we take care to design each itinerary to maximise sightseeing and diverse experiences without too much driving.

For ambitious travellers, we pack the highlights of the island into the 7 Day Loop the South Island Package . This fast-paced itinerary travels along both sides of the Southern Alps, hitting iconic destinations such as Queenstown, Milford Sound, and Mount Cook along the way.

And for a more relaxed holiday, choose the 7 Day South Island Explorer Holiday Package and 7 Day South Island Discovery Package . Travelling up either side of the Southern Alps, these itineraries split the iconic loop into two less demanding weeks.

Finally, the 7 Day South Island Must Do Package focuses on the Queenstown/Fiordland/Wanaka region. This itinerary packs in some of the most remote and beautiful wilderness destinations on the South Island.

Each holiday package includes:

• Excellent 4-star accommodation
• Premium rental car with full insurance (or coach transport)
• A range of must-do activities

In addition, we can tailor your package to match your interests. For example, we can add, remove, swap out activities. Furthermore, we can upgrade your accommodation or modify the schedule to suit your timeframe.

Contact New Zealand Travel Organiser today to begin planning.

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Southern Dream - South Island Tours

Starts in Christchurch

Ends in Christchurch

Southern Dream Tour

Welcome to the Southern Dream Tour, a 9 days, 8 nights small-group tour through the best of New Zealand's South Island. This extraordinary South Island tour promises a once-in-a-lifetime journey through New Zealand's unmatched landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich cultural heritage.

Welcome to the Southern Dream Tour, a 9 days, 8 nights small-group tour through the best of New Zealand's South Island. This extraordinary South Island tour, starting and finishing in Christchurch, promises a once-in-a-lifetime journey through New Zealand's unmatched landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich cultural heritage.

Our South Island tour of New Zealand starts and ends in the 'Garden City' of Christchurch. Our tour encapsulates the very best of this enchanting region. From epic mountains and the rugged West Coast to dreamy lost worlds of the fiords, we welcome you aboard.

Our tour of New Zealand's South Island offers you a great variety of vibrant city life, historic towns, and your fair share of mesmerizing nature. Our luxury bus tour takes you through remarkable destinations, including Christchurch, Dunedin, Te Anau, Queenstown, Haast, and Franz Josef, each offering a unique blend of culture, history, and landscapes.

Experience the iconic Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise, the thrilling TranzAlpine Train ride, and a visit to the captivating Larnach Castle. From exploring heritage sites in Oamaru to uncovering the tranquillity of Lake Matheson and marvelling at the majestic Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, every day holds a new adventure!

Relax and enjoy our New Zealand South Island Bus tour with our experienced tour guide, with comfortable accommodations and delightful meals included. Our small group south island tours promises an intimate and unforgettable New Zealand experience, filled with rich memories and spectacular sights.

Join us on the 9-Day Southern Dream Tour and witness the very best that New Zealand's South Island has to offer. Each day brings a new destination, a new experience, and a new memory, making this South Island trip a journey of a lifetime!

Itinerary of the 9-Day Southern Dream Tour

• Experienced Tour Guide
• Small Group Tour - Max 24
• Luxury Coach Travel
• 8 nights' Accommodation
• 8 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 5 Dinners
• TranzAlpine Train Experience
• Greenstone and Glass Blowing Factory visit
• Seafood Experience in Haast
• Scenic Trip through the spectacular Haast Pass
• Blue Pools Walk
• Visit Arrowtown and Wanaka
• Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
• Hokonui Moonshine Museum
• Larnach Castle visit
• Moeraki Boulders

Season 2024 - 2025

• Single: NZ$6,495
• Twin-share: NZ$5,395

Prices per person, in New Zealand Dollar (NZD).

Amazing Views on this 9-Day South Island Tour

This is why so many travellers love to travel with kirra.

Travellers worldwide have fond memories and love sharing stories of their Kirra South Island Tours. We have been creating memorable New Zealand experiences since 1968. Our passion for this country is displayed through our unique itineraries.

See what's included in our Southern Dream Tour: 9-day New Zealand South Island Tour.

Superior Accommodation

8 nights accommodation in high-end hotels

Premium Coach

luxury coach and world-class tour guide

Small Group Tour

minimum of 9 travellers, maximum: 28

8 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 5 dinners included

Itinerary of the 9-day South Island Tour

Day 1: Arrival day to Christchurch

Haere Mai (Welcome) to your New Zealand journey which begins in Christchurch, also known as the Garden City thanks to the lush parks dotted around the city.

Check in to your hotel and spend the afternoon wandering the city streets to discover hidden eateries, indulge in some retail therapy in the city’s shopping district or hop on the tourist tram and explore the city sights. This evening you’ll have dinner at the hotel and meet your Guide and your new travelling companions.

Arrival: Anytime

Visit: Christchurch

Accommodation: Distinction Christchurch (or similar)

Meals Included: Dinner (arrival time-dependent)

Day 2: Christchurch to Dunedin

After breakfast this morning, we’ll continue our South Island tour down the east coast. We’ll pass through the township of Oamaru, home to some of the best-preserved heritage buildings in New Zealand before heading onto the mystical Moeraki Boulders.

Geological marvels that began to form about 60 million years ago, the Moeraki boulders were exposed by the erosion of sedimentary rocks over time and now stand along the beach as though they are sentinels guarding the coastline.

We’ll arrive in Dunedin with plenty of time for a rest and some exploration of the Scottish City.

Visit: Christchurch, Oamaru, Moeraki Boulders, Baldwin Street, Dunedin

Optional Activities: Speight’s Brewery Tour, Dunedin Train Station, Yellow Eyed Penguin Tour

Accommodation: Scenic Dunedin City or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3: Dunedin to Te Anau

This morning we’ll visit the famous Larnach Castle of Dunedin, the only castle in the country. We’ll explore the area, stroll through the magnificent gardens and enjoy the amazing views before departing for our next destination.

We’ll make a stop in Gore where we’ll explore Gore’s colourful past as a centre for illicit whisky distilling and bootlegging at the Hokonui Moonshine Museum. Learn about the adventures of the Scottish settlers and their exploits to avoid run-ins with the law and taste Old Hokonui made from the original recipe.

Later, we’ll drive to our destination for the evening, Te Anau - the gateway to Fiordland National Park and the spectacular Doubtful Sound.

Visit: Gore, Te Anau

Activitiy: Larnach Castle, Hokonui Moonshine Museum

Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Te Anau (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Te Anau via Doubtful Sound to Queenstown

Departing Te Anau this morning we’ll travel to Manapouri, where we’ll take a leisurely cruise across the lake to West Arm. This is followed by a short coach trip on New Zealand's most expensive road, travelling over Wilmot Pass and pausing along the way to experience the dense rainforest in Fiordland National Park and view the Doubtful Sound glistening below.

At Deep Cove, we’ll board a modern catamaran and set sail into the majestic fiord - a sight that is sure to take your breath away. Listen to the onboard commentary for an insight into the region’s history as you view the towering mountain ranges and soak up the breathtaking views of this unique and beautiful area of New Zealand. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, as penguins, seals and dolphins all enjoy spending time in the sound!

After exploring the magic of Fiordland National Park, we’ll make our way to the alpine resort of Queenstown where we’ll spend the next two nights.

Visit:: Lake Manapouri, West Arm, Deep Cove, Doubtful Sound, Queenstown

Activity: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

Accommodation: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Day at leisure in Queenstown

Today is yours to experience Queenstown, a picturesque alpine resort town known for its vast array of adventure activities. If you’d like to explore the area, we recommend taking a ride on the world-famous Shotover Jet Boat or taking a trip to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon.

For the best views of the town, travel to the top of Bob’s Peak by gondola and have lunch at the Skyline restaurant, why not make your way to the bungy centre to watch people hurling themselves off cliffs - bungy is a NZ invention after all!

Alternatively, make your way to the lakeside and enjoy a refreshing drink or stroll through Queenstown’s lush park. It's a great way to relax and enjoy world-class food on this part of the leg of our South Island bus tour

Day 6: Queenstown to Haast

This morning we’ll get to see some incredible scenery as we travel through Arrowtown, a picturesque village steeped in fascinating history relating to New Zealand's gold mining era.

Next, we’ll visit Wanaka, a popular township on the lake's edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop where we’ll enjoy lunch and spend some time enjoying the views.

Departing Wanaka, we’ll make our way north towards the east coast and the small town of Haast, a UNESCO world heritage site and home to the famous Haast River. This evening we’ll enjoy a group dinner together at our hotel.

Visit: Wanaka, Arrowtown, Haast

Accommodation: Heartland Haast (or similar)

Day 7: Haast to Franz Josef

Your coach travels north along the coast of the Westland National Park this morning, we’ll travel to the home of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. The West Coast is a remarkable part of the country that is shaped by dynamic glaciers and boasts lush rainforests that grow beneath towering mountains.

We’ll stop in Fox Glacier, where we can hike the gentle 2.6km track around Lake Matheson. Nestled amongst ancient forests and famous for mirror views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mount Tasman, Lake Matheson aka Mirror Lake is a serene and beautiful place to enjoy a stroll. This evening, we’ll spend the night in the township of Franz Josef, surrounded by rainforests and mountains, and enjoy a delicious group dinner together.

Visit: Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Lake Matheson

Accommodation: Scenic Franz Josef (or similar)

Day 8: Franz Josef to Christchurch

This morning our bus tour of New Zealand's South Island departs Franz Josef and travel north to the artistic town of Hokitika, famous for its beautiful Greenstone. We’ll visit the Greenstone and Glass-Blowing factory to see the work of some talented local artists before continuing to Greymouth, a historic town known for jade hunting and gold mining.

From Greymouth, we’ll board the Tranzalpine train, considered one of the world’s greatest one-day train journeys. Prepare to be blown away by epic vistas of forests, rolling plains and the snow-capped Southern Alps! At the end of the journey, we’ll transfer to our hotel in Christchurch, where we’ll enjoy a farewell meal together on our final tour evening.

Visit: Hokitika, Greymouth, Christchurch

Activity: Greenstone and Glass Blowing Factory visit, TranzAlpine Train Journey

Accommodation: Distinction Hotel Christchurch (or similar)

Day 9: Christchurch Departure Day

Today is the final day of the South Island tour, our trip has come to an end. Enjoy breakfast before saying a fond farewell to your tour leader and all your travel companions.

Whether you’re travelling home today or staying in Christchurch for longer, we hope you leave this tour with some happy memories and friends for life.

What Travellers Say About Kirra

"We had a wonderful experience. Our driver was a highly experienced bus driver, knowledgeable and proud of all things Kiwi, who took care of every one of the passengers."

"Thank you very much, as it was fantastic, made more-so by our guide/driver who could not have done more. His constant knowledgeable commentary, driving skills, and concern for everyone of us was exceptional."

"It was such a nice trip with you"

"We were in Arrowtown with Kirra Tours. The autumn colours were marvellous."

"I had the pleasure of one of your tours of the South Island. A beautiful country, lovely bunch of people on Coach. The best travel break I made from Ireland..."

"Throughly enoyed it"

"We had a brilliant time and were very lucky with the weather, particularly when we did some of the extracurricular activities."

Michael & Yvonne

"It was fantastic. Beautiful drive, all arranged by Kirra Tours."

Compare our Premium Coach Tours

7-Day Northern Explorer Tour: from Auckland to Wellington

9-Day Southern Dream: starts & ends in Christchurch

10-Day North & South Tour: Auckland to Christchurch

17-Day Ultimate New Zealand: explore both islands

Ready to book a kirra premium coach tour.

Visit your local travel agent or contact us directly to make a booking.

Southern Dream Tour: 9-Day New Zealand South Island Tours

Experience the best of New Zealand's South Island on our 9-Day Southern Dream Tour. We have created a tour based on our perfect South Island itinerary. Explore vibrant cities, breathtaking landscapes, and iconic attractions like Doubtful Sound, TranzAlpine Train, and Larnach Castle. Join us for an unforgettable journey filled with history, culture, and natural beauty.

Start your coach tour of New Zealand's South Island by diving into Christchurch's vibrant city life and beautiful gardens. We then, travel south to discover the preserved heritage of Oamaru and the natural wonder of the Moeraki Boulders. Journey further to explore the Scottish charm of Dunedin, before stepping into a world of Scottish settlers' adventures in Gore and uncovering the tranquillity of Te Anau.

Experience the grandeur of the Doubtful Sound with a breathtaking wilderness cruise, revealing a world of towering mountains and local wildlife. Spend a day leisurely exploring Queenstown, the adventure capital, offering thrilling activities from bungee jumping to tranquil lake strolls.

The South Island Tour continues to enchant you with a picturesque journey through Arrowtown and Wanaka, leading you to the stunning wilderness of Haast. Relish the majestic Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, get lost in the serene beauty of Lake Matheson, and explore the artistic town of Hokitika. Cap off this enchanting tour with the awe-inspiring TranzAlpine train journey, one of the world's greatest one-day train rides, before winding down in Christchurch.

With an experienced guide, comfortable luxury coach travel, and boutique accommodation, you can relax and immerse yourself fully in the New Zealand experience. The tour includes 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 4 dinners, with highlights like the seafood experience in Haast and a farewell dinner in Christchurch. Visit attractions such as the Larnach Castle, Hokonui Moonshine Museum, Moeraki Boulders, and so much more!

Come, explore, and fall in love with New Zealand on our 9-Day New Zealand tour for seniors of the South Island. Experience the essence of New Zealand's South Island - where every day unveils a new adventure, a stunning landscape, and an unforgettable memory!

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Privately Guided South Island 7 Day Tour

• Private Guided New Zealand Tours

Tour Overview

Day by Day Itinerary

PRIVATELY GUIDED LUXURY WITH ICONIC SCENERY & QUALITY EXCURSIONS

This South Island tour is jam-packed with magnificent landscapes and great sights. Enjoy the picturesque resort town of Queenstown, be amazed while cruising Milford Sound, experience old mining heritage, rare native birdlife, and famous southern hospitality on this leisurely holiday trip.

Milford Sound Nature Cruise, Scenic Flights Southern Alps, Fox and Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast – Punakaiki, TranzAlpine Train.

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First light travel.

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Planned by those with families, the Privately Guided New Zealand Family Adventure Holiday opens your child’s mind to a world of endless possibilities and wonder, while experiencing the best New Zealand has to offer. A seamless mixture of adventure and education that both you and your kids will love. Activities are age-appropriate and accommodations are family-friendly.

Best of Both Islands - A Privately Guided Tour of New Zealand

This private guided tour of New Zealand offers the perfect mix of exciting excursions and plenty of relaxing free time. Discover spectacular alpine scenery and the warmth of Rotorua’s Maori Culture and have close encounters with rare native wildlife on this unforgettable kiwi holiday. This is a leisurely holiday and a truly unique touring experience.

3 Week New Zealand Wide Private Tour

For those who enjoy easy adventure and outstanding sightseeing, with the comforts of home. This exclusive privately guided NZ tour showcases the very best parts of the country at a relaxing pace with multi-night stopovers along the way. This New Zealand Wide Tour stretches north to south showcasing the very best of what the country has to offer.

Pricing terms

The price is based on current exchange rates but is only an approximation. Please contact us for a final price

New Zealand South Island Tours - Self Drive, Bus & Coach

Explore iconic South Island New Zealand with these New Zealand South Island tours. From Nelson and Abel Tasman National Park to Franz & Fox Glacier. Wanaka, Queenstown, Milford & Doubtful Sounds, Dunedin, Stewart Island, Mt Cook National Park, Christchurch, Akaroa and Kaikoura we have a South Island New Zealand tour that suits you. Our range of New Zealand South Island Tours can be customised to suit you perfectly. With hundreds of accommodation and activity options we can tailor-make the perfect South Island itinerary.

Train, Fiord and Glacier

Duration: 6 days Christchurch to Christchurch

• Hotel 3 star
• Independent tour (bus & coach)

Spoil yourself with a New Zealand tour to a beautiful fiord, stunning glacier and finish with one of the best scenic rail routes of New Zealand's South Island. This vacation really is fantastic if you want to see some unique highlights in a short time frame. Contact us if you wish to alter this plan - we can design your holiday specifically for your needs!

• Viewed 630 times in the last 7 days

price pp from

twin share/double

Highlights of the Deep South

Duration: 4 days Christchurch to Christchurch

• Hotel 4 star

Enjoy a 4 day adventure which starts and finishes in Christchurch. Staying in 4 star accommodation you can be assured after your days of sight seeing you can come back and relax in luxury! Highlights include: The world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train, The wild West Coast, Visit Franz Josef Glacier, Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, the Gibbston Valley, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Mt Cook National Park.

• Viewed 766 times in the last 7 days

6 day South Island Encounter

Duration: 6 days Queenstown to Queenstown

A 6 day introduction to the South Island including Mt Cook National Park, Christchurch, Milford Sound and the West Coast Glaciers.  Highlights are the renowned TranzAlpine Scenic Train journey and the Milford Sound Nature Cruise.

• Viewed 647 times in the last 7 days

Southern Highlights with Milford Sound

Duration: 5 days Christchurch to Christchurch

Enjoy 5 days exploring New Zealand's South Island with this excellent independent touring itinerary. Journey from Christchurch in a loop around the South Island. Cruise through Milford Sound, visit Mt. Cook National Park, explore the West Coast glaciers, and travel on the TranzAlpine scenic train.

• Viewed 1324 times in the last 7 days

10 Day Southern Icons Adventure

Duration: 10 days Christchurch to Christchurch

This 10 day is one of our most popular, taking in the best of the South Island. With a great balance of included activities and free time, plus of course the must see locations you get to experience.

• Viewed 635 times in the last 7 days

West Coast Getaway with TranzAlpine

Duration: 2 days Christchurch to Queenstown

Highlights of this tour include, the TranzAlpine Train, Queenstown and Franz Josef.

• Viewed 689 times in the last 7 days

4 day Glaciers, Queenstown and Milford Sound Highlights

The South Island of New Zealand is home to some of the world's most breathtaking scenery! This 4 day tour starting and finishing in Christchurch is from the comfort a coach, so you can sit back and take it all in.

• Viewed 621 times in the last 7 days

Was NZD$3,000

6 day Queenstown, Milford Sound and Glacier Highlights

Starting and finishing Christchurch this tour visits Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown, Fiordland, Milford Sound and the West Coast Glaciers before taking the TranzAlpine Scenic Train journey across the Southern Alps.

• Viewed 984 times in the last 7 days

10 day Glaciers and Overnight Fiordland

Starting in Christchurch cross the Southern Alps on board the Tranz Alpine train. Explore the West Coast Glaciers before heading south to Queenstown. Venture into Milford Sound for an incredible overnight experience. The World Heritage area of Mt Cook National Park is also a highlight.

• Viewed 508 times in the last 7 days

Southern Scenic Wonders

This classic 9 day tour introduces you to Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown. Fiordland, Milford Sound and the West Coast Glaciers and includes the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train journey.

• Viewed 506 times in the last 7 days

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West Coast Escape with TranzAlpine

Highlights include: The world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train • The wild West Coast • Visit Franz Josef Glacier •  Lakes Wanaka and Hawea • the Gibbston Valley • Queenstown

• Viewed 558 times in the last 7 days

Nearly all our guests customise our tour ideas. That's what we do! Our expert team of New Zealand specialists can design a holiday itinerary to suit you perfectly. A tailor made package can be created for you in no time and doesn't cost you any more than one of our 'off the shelf' ideas. So get in touch with the team today to start your plans.

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Self Drive Holidays 7 Day South Island Express Self Drive

Short but fun holiday featuring Milford Sound and Queenstown

Travel Time ~14 hrs

Distance 1,163 kms

Start Christchurch

Finish Queenstown

7 Day South Island Express Self Drive

This trip is perfect for those looking for a short holiday that will take them to the South Island of New Zealand. You will begin your self drive adventure in the city of Christchurch. Take the time to explore this fine city and visit attractions like the new ReStart Mall before driving across the Canterbury Plains and on to Lake Tekapo.

Visit the famous Mt Cook before making your way to Te Anau and enjoying a cruise of the breathtakingly beautiful Milford Sound.  Stop off in Queenstown, which is famous for its adventure activities and superb views of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps.

Read more about this tour

Christchurch - Lake Tekapo - Te Anau- Milford Sound - Queenstown

Arrive Christchurch

Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

Travel Time: 2 hrs 45 mins

Distance: 243 kms

Lake Tekapo to Te Anau

Travel Time: 5 hrs 50 mins

Distance: 514 kms

Te Anau to Queenstown via Milford Sound

Travel Time: 5 hrs 45 mins

Distance: 406 kms

Depart Queenstown

Upon arrival in Christchurch, you will collect your rental car from the airport.  Enjoy the afternoon in the city at your own leisure for the remainder of the day.  We recommend that you visit the ReStart Mall in the city, the International Antarctic Centre or the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.

Overnight Accommodation in Christchurch

Drive across the Canterbury Plains on this day as you make your way to the beautiful town of Lake Tekapo.  Once here, you can take your time to explore and visit such sites as the Earth and Sky Observatory, enjoy a scenic flight over Mt Cook or visit the Church of The Good Shepherd and Collie Dog Memorial.  Included in this self drive package is an entry pass to the Tekapo Springs Hot Pools so take advantage of this while you are here!

Overnight accommodation Lake Tekapo

Leave Lake Tekapo in the morning and travel along the shores of Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook. Enjoy a short walk in the area or sign up for one of the sightseeing activities at the Hermitage Hotel.  Take your pick from various boat cruises on the Tasman Lake that will take you to see the Tasman Glacier. Other activities include ski plane flights, helicopter flights or you could visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. After your stop at Mt Cook, you can continue over the scenic Lindis Pass and travel through the towns of Twizel and Cromwell as you head for Te Anau.

Overnight accommodation in Te Anau

Depart in the morning and travel along the scenic Milford road to the Fiordland National Park. Make sure that you stop several times along the way to make the most of the many photo opportunities of the Mirror Lakes, Lower Hollyford Track and other sights. Drive through the Homer Tunnel and enjoy a nature cruise at Milford Wharf. 

This cruise around Milford Sound takes 2 hours and your onboard guide will take you to see the best sights including waterfalls and wildlife. After your cruise, you will head back to Te Anau and travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown.

Three nights accommodation in Queenstown

Once in Queenstown, you will have the rest of the day to enjoy as many of the local activities as you can. Jetboat riding on the Shotover River, whitewater rafting, hot air ballooning and visits to the high country farm are some of the most popular activities in the area. The city also has  several ski fields open during the winter months (mid June to early October) so, if you visit during this time, you can enjoy some snow and skiing fun.

You will have an additional day to explore Queenstown and enjoy even more of the local activities. An evening ride on the Skyline Gondola up to Bob's Peak will let you enjoy the very best panoramic views of the city as well as the Remarkables mountain range. Tuck into a buffet dinner at the Skyline restaurant, at the top of Bob's Peak, before enjoying a gondola ride back down.

Enjoy your final day at leisure in Queenstown before returning your rental car and continuing with your trip or returning home. 

Day 1, Arrive Christchurch

Day 2, Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

Day 3, Lake Tekapo to Te Anau

Day 4, Te Anau to Queenstown via Milford Sound

Day 5, Queenstown

Day 6, Queenstown

Day 7, Depart Queenstown

Additional Information

Cost per person.

May to September 2019

* PLEASE NOTE *

Prices are estimates only, and are subject to availability and exchange rates when booking, seasonal or holiday price surcharges (such as Christmas/New Year and Easter); as well as special events that may be on. Please forward a request and we will be happy to forward a quote.

• Car hire excess fees of NZ$3500 + GST applies. This will be imprinted on a credit card upon collecting the vehicle. Excess reduction options are available at an additional cost per day. 
• Airport/Ferry pick up fee of NZ$45+ GST applies. This must be paid direct in New Zealand. 
• Car parking fees may apply in some locations.
• Deposit: $200 per person at time of booking
• Full Payment: 60 Days before travel
• Airfares (if applicable): Paid in full no more than 6 days after booking

Cancellation Charges

• Cancellation Fees up to 100% can apply after booking. Extra deposits or full payment may be requested to cover these charges prior to booking.

6 nights accommodation

• 1 Night Christchurch
• 1 Night Lake Tekapo
• 1 Night Te Anau
• 3 Nights Queenstown

6 days car hire (CDAR Compact Auto: Toyota Corolla or Similar)

Entry to the Tekapo Hot Pools

Milford Sound Cruise

Skyline Gondola and Buffet Dinner

Itineraries

All itineraries can be amended or combined with other itineraries. Please advise amendments when requesting a quote.

International flights can be included from Australia for all Australian residents.

Optional Extras

Lake tekapo.

Mt Cook Scenic Flight

A “once in a lifetime” flight covering 200 kilometres of absolutely breathtaking scenery, the milky blue waters of Lake Tekapo, the Godley River, New Zealand’s highest mountains and snowfields with 12 major glaciers. Cross the Southern Alps, the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, pass close by Mt Cook and the Caroline Face then over the Tasman Glacier and Lake Pukaki before returning to Lake Tekapo.

Shotover Jet

Shotover Jet is New Zealand’s most popular and instantly identified visitor activity. Nothing you have experienced will have you prepared for the excitement of a Shotover Jet ride. From the moment the accelerator hits the floor your adrenaline hits the roof as you speed through the towering, rocky canyons of the famous Shotover River. Your driver skillfully whips the boat past rocky outcrops, and skims around crags and boulders, rock faces blur in your peripheral vision, white crystals of water spray with every turn, you grip the safety rail for reassurance and let out a whoop of excitement as the driver spins the boat around in its own length and you experience the 'trademark' Shotover Jet 360° spin.

TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Station

Take a TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm - join a fascinating farm tour and enjoy a delicious morning or afternoon tea. Tour departs 10.00am, 12.00 noon and 2.00pm.

Tekapo Hot Pools

Tekapo Springs offers 3 adjoining hot pools for you to sit back, relax and enjoy yourself while looking out to the stunning Lake Tekapo. After relaxing in the hot pools, be sure to visit Tekapo Springs' day spa, skating rink, tube park & cafe.

Milford Sound Nature Cruise

Get up close & personal with Milford Sound on this leisurely nature cruise. Experience the spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces or watch out for dolphins, seals and in season, the rare Fiordland blue crested penguins.

Skyline Gondola Ride & Buffet Dinner

A great night out is to enjoy a dinner up the top of the Skyline Gondola at the Stratosfare, which serves up a mouth-watering buffet of legendary proportions. After dinner, set back & relax with a drink or cocktail fron the bar and take in the spectacular scenery before returning to Queenstown on the Gondola.

Book this self drive tour below

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You might also be interested in these:

Read more about 7 Day South Island Express Self Drive

Read more about 7 Day Milford Sound Highlights Self Drive Tour

Read more about 7 Day Northern Scenes Self Drive

Read more about 7 Day Southern Highlights Milford Sound Self Drive

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New Zealand: Sweet As South

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The one that uncovers the spellbinding south island, on an eye-widening 9-day adventure

9 days, 1 country

Accommodation

4 nights in Hostel, 3 nights in Lodges, 1 night in Hotel

8 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners

Average 45 people

Expert Trip Manager + Driver Team + Local Guides

Experience the best of South! From Lake Ohau to Queenstown to Christchurch - it's an adventure you won't want to end. Start off on a scenic flight over Mt. Cook then get ready to hit Queenstown, the adventure Capital of the World. Try bungy, or you can opt to take a stunning Milford Sound cruise. In Franz Josef you'll hike a glacier before your tour ends in Christchurch.

On the road to Net Zero

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Same trip, west loop. See glaciers before lakes.

Same trip, east loop. See lakes before glaciers.

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Only $200 deposit to book

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No booking fee, no change fee

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Your money is safe with us and the TTC Promise. Book today and enjoy the benefits of flexible travel dates and money guarantee. Contiki is part of the TTC Family. Learn more

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What's the diff between Eastbound & Westbound?

The only difference between the trips is that they travel in different directions. Everything else is the same. On an Eastbound trip, you’ll depart from Christchurch and see Lake Ohau before the Franz Josef.  For Westbound, you’ll depart from Christchurch and travel to Franz Josef glacier before visiting Lake Ohau.

Are all the Free Time Add-Ons available weather permitting?

Yes, all outdoor adventure activities will only be available weather permitting for your safety. Some Free Time Add-Ons may still be available according to the company policies and health & safety protocols. Your Trip Manager will be in touch with all suppliers in case weather conditions disrupt any bookings.

Can I book a twin-share room on this trip?

Yep, you’ll be able to book private twin-share room as an add-on supplement if you’re travelling together with another person.

General FAQs

What is contiki.

Contiki are the world leaders in organized youth travel. We’ve been providing amazing travel experiences for young travellers, from 18-35 years old, since 1962. Imagine how good you would be at something if you had been doing it for more than 60 years?

Everything about Contiki is deeply rooted in our two values ‘Make Every Moment Count’ and ‘We’re About People’. We don’t just talk, we walk the walk and live by our brand philosophy of ‘ Travel.Together. ’ which means to travel with one another, with the destinations we visit, the people and cultures we enjoy and the environment.

You’ve never experienced travel like this.

Why only 18-35?

Focusing on 18-35 year olds allows us to tailor a dramatically more powerful travel experience and an itinerary so fun it feels like all of your best Friday nights combined.

Tailoring to select ages brings together like minded, likeable people, and allows us to use Social Travel planning to build great groups of people so fast you’ll wonder if you’ve been friends forever.

What destinations can I go to with Contiki?

A sunrise, shoreline or bright light for every whim. We are proud to offer more than 350 Global trips, intelligently designed for a seamless and simple social travel experience. Visit our search page to discover your perfect travel destination.

How does it work?

We’re reinventing hassle free travel. Whether you are a solo traveller or group you can be rest assured that there has been tonnes of planning behind every trip.

Booking with Contiki means you are saying yes to a smile inducing trip where the typically stressful elements just seem to magically happen.

No one does trips like Contiki, essential accommodation, transport, reservations and so much more is all taken care of. You can multiply the magic with trip add ons and numerous customisations for your free time.

Every single Contiki social travel trip is managed by one of our expert Trip Managers, who are there to provide hands-on support and ensure your trip runs smoothly whilst you stay in the moment.

From 2022 your good time will be good for the planet as all Contiki trips are carbon natural. Find out more here.

How many other travellers are on each trip?

Group sizes are completely dependent on where and how you choose to travel with Contiki. 

In Europe and in most of North America and New Zealand, group sizes can range between 24 – 53 awesome travellers. 

In regions like Asia, Australia, Africa and Latin America, and on some North America and New Zealand trips, our group sizes are considerably smaller – as low as 12 or up to 30 travellers max.

Detour trips offer a different type of experience and max out at 16 people led by a local host.

Wondering what is so great about travelling together? Check out the Contiki Social travel page.

Each group is administered according to our strict Covid policies which can be viewed here.

What’s included?

All essential trip elements have been catered to ensure a great time, with great people in great places. But you mean more specifically right?

Your accommodation, essential trip transport, and a good handful of meals are included in the cost of your Contiki trip (on most trips we offer breakfast every day, plus a hand-picked selection of authentic and tasty meals). 

To fill your days and Insta feeds we have Included Experiences, which are basically the sights and activities we think you just can’t afford to miss. Of course you also get our expert and highly trained team of Contiki staff to support throughout.

A day by day breakdown of inclusions and Free Time Add-Ons are available on the trip specific pages. 

We always try to accommodate special requests such as birthdays, proposals etc. Please chat to our team and we can explore how we may support the request.

What’s not included?

Contiki social travel trips have a large degree of flexibility built into them to enable you to truly own your experience. This means that some trip elements are not included in the initial cost and may require additional budgeting. 

Flights to and from your starting and ending points are not included in the cost of your trip. These can be added on during the booking process either online or via our contact center or booked independently by you.

Each trip contains the right amount of free time for you to explore or indulge your travel desires. We offer Free Time Add-Ons, which are additional experiences that are not included in the overall price. These add ons are highlighted on the specific trip page. Your Trip Manager will highlight these to you and organise their booking on trip. Exceptions may apply where pre booking is required but this will be made known to you in your pre departure information.

A number of meal times are left open for you to explore a region and its foodie offerings in greater detail, so budgeting for your taste in non-catered meals is important. 

Travel insurance and visas are also not included in the cost of your trip, and should be booked separately.

What are Contiki's sustainability credentials?

Travel comes with responsibilities. That’s why we’re determined to travel sustainably and consciously, and that’s why we’re willing to take a stand on issues closest to our hearts. Find out more details here . With the help of our four-point Climate Action Plan, we're now on a journey to Net Zero - committing to carbon reductions and evolving to support the transition to a low-carbon future. Find out more details here .

Do I need to purchase travel insurance for this trip?

Yes! It’s a requirement of traveling with Contiki that you take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, evacuation expenses, personal liability & loss of personal property and Covid related expenses before you travel with us. It’s also super important to check that your insurance covers all of the activities you’ll be trying out, particularly any adventure activities (for all you adrenaline junkies). For more information check out our full travel insurance FAQs.

Can I stay in my destination a few days before/after the trip starts/ends? And can Contiki help me arrange this?

Yes and yes! You can add pre- and post-trip accommodation to your booking in one of three ways:

When booking your trip online

In the 'My Travel Portal' after you've made your booking

By calling us any time on 0808 281 1120

In certain cities, you may even be able to secure a preferential rate for you pre- or post-trip accommodation.

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