Skip to product information
8-Day New Zealand South Island Whale Watching Small Group Tour

8-Day New Zealand South Island Whale Watching Small Group Tour

10 reviews

$3,199.00 USD
Destination
Room Type
Season
Get more info & free inquiry
Payment methods
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Google Pay
  • Mastercard
  • Shop Pay
  • Visa
Details

Christchurch Round Trip · Small Groups · 4–5 Star Hotels · Driver-Guide


Why Choose This Tour?

  • Small Groups (2–8 People): Relaxed and personalized travel, no crowded buses

  • Whale Watching Experience: Witness majestic whales up close in Kaikoura (ticket included)

  • Iconic Destinations: Milford Sound Cruise with lunch, Aoraki/Mt Cook, and Tekapo Dark Sky Reserve

  • Premium Accommodation: 4-star hotels throughout, with 2 nights upgraded to 5-star in Queenstown

  • Gourmet Dining: Rock grill experience, Fiordland lobster, roast lamb, and venison specialties

  • Optional Adventures: Skydiving, paragliding, penguin watching, glowworm caves, helicopter glacier hikes


Detailed 8-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Christchurch Arrival – Oamaru – Penguin Viewing – Rock Grill Dinner

  • Pick-up from Christchurch Airport by professional bilingual driver-guide.

  • Scenic drive to Oamaru, known for its historic Victorian architecture.

  • Evening visit to Oamaru’s famous Blue Penguin Colony to watch penguins return from the sea (weather permitting).

  • Enjoy a unique rock grill dinner experience where you cook your own steak or seafood on a heated stone.

  • Overnight stay in Oamaru.

Day 2: Oamaru – Moeraki Boulders – Lighthouse – Dunedin – Te Anau

  • Morning visit to the Moeraki Boulders, perfectly spherical stones along the beach.

  • Stop by a scenic lighthouse for photo opportunities.

  • Head to Dunedin, known for its Scottish heritage and Otago Peninsula wildlife.

  • Drive to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park.

  • Overnight in Te Anau.

Day 3: Te Anau – Milford Sound Cruise – Queenstown

  • Morning journey through Fiordland National Park, one of New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine routes.

  • Enjoy a scenic cruise on Milford Sound with buffet lunch included, surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls.

  • Afternoon drive to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital.

  • Free evening to explore Queenstown’s lakefront and nightlife.

  • Overnight stay in Queenstown (5-star upgrade).

Day 4: Queenstown Free Day (Optional Activities)

  • Enjoy a full day of freedom in Queenstown.

  • Choose from optional activities (at extra cost):

    • Skydiving, paragliding, or bungee jumping

    • TSS Earnslaw steamship cruise & farm tour

    • Winery tours or jet boating on Shotover River

  • Evening at leisure to try Queenstown’s famous Fergburger or local fine dining.

  • Overnight stay in Queenstown (5-star upgrade).

Day 5: Queenstown – Wanaka – Mt Cook National Park – Tekapo Stargazing Town

  • Scenic drive via Wanaka, with a photo stop at Lake Wanaka and its iconic “lone tree”.

  • Continue to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park for breathtaking alpine scenery.

  • Optional helicopter flight and glacier landing (weather permitting).

  • Evening arrival at Lake Tekapo, part of the UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve.

  • Stargazing experience (optional) or enjoy the peaceful lakeside.

  • Overnight in Tekapo.

Day 6: Tekapo – Church of the Good Shepherd – Mt John Observatory – Alpaca Interaction – Christchurch

  • Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, one of New Zealand’s most photographed spots.

  • Stop by Mt John Observatory for panoramic views of Lake Tekapo.

  • Visit a local alpaca farm for a fun and family-friendly animal interaction.

  • Drive back to Christchurch.

  • Overnight in Christchurch.

Day 7: Christchurch – Kaikoura Whale Watching – Christchurch

  • Morning transfer to Kaikoura for an unforgettable whale-watching experience (cruise ticket included).

  • Spot sperm whales and, depending on season, possible sightings of dolphins and seals.

  • Return to Christchurch in the evening.

  • Overnight in Christchurch.

Day 8: Christchurch Free Time – Airport Drop-off

  • Enjoy free time in Christchurch for shopping or city strolls (Re:START Mall, Botanic Gardens).

  • Transfer to Christchurch Airport for departure.


What’s Included

  • 7 nights in premium hotels (Queenstown 2 nights upgraded to 5-star)

  • 7 breakfasts & 5 specialty dinners (including lobster, lamb, venison)

  • Professional bilingual driver-guide (English/Chinese)

  • Milford Sound Cruise with lunch & Kaikoura whale watching tickets

  • Airport transfers (at designated times)


Not Included

  • International flights

  • Optional activities & personal expenses

  • Travel insurance

  • Transportation during free time


Important Notes

  • Visa: Most travelers require a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). Check requirements before booking.

  • Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended for all travelers.

  • Weather: South Island weather changes quickly; bring layered clothing and waterproof jackets.

  • Luggage: 1 checked bag (max 23kg) + 1 carry-on per person included. Extra luggage may incur additional fees.

  • Physical Requirements: Moderate walking required for sightseeing. Optional activities (e.g., skydiving) may have age or health restrictions.

  • Deposit & Payment: A non-refundable deposit of 30% is required at booking; balance due 30 days before departure.

  • Child Policy: Child pricing applies to ages 2–12 when sharing a room with two paying adults.

Customer Reviews

Based on 10 reviews
100%
(10)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
S
Sarah K.
Unbeatable Experience

The whole tour was fantastic. Milford Sound and the whale watching were the best parts.

B
Ben H.

Can't get enough of the views in the South Island! Milford Sound is a must-see.

E
Emily W.
Perfect South Island Tour

Loved the whole tour, especially the Milford Sound cruise. Worth every penny.

J
John D.

The whale watching in Kaikoura was amazing. One of the best experiences of my life!

R
Rachel L.
Beautiful Scenery, Great Guide

The South Island is stunning. Our guide made everything so easy, and the sights were unreal.

You Might Also Like...