Discover New Zealand’s South Island

8-Day Panoramic Journey

Experience the awe-inspiring natural beauty and unique cultural highlights of New Zealand’s South Island on an unforgettable 8-day tour. This VIP small-group adventure (maximum 8 guests) offers you an exclusive journey with comfortable business-class transportation, exceptional hotel accommodations, and plenty of once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Tour Overview

Duration: 8 Days | Group Size: Up to 8 Guests
Departure Days: Every Monday, Saturday, and Sunday
Language: English-led services (with local expert guides providing insights into every destination)

Your adventure begins in Christchurch where our guide awaits you at the airport (for arrivals between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm). Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a brief city tour of Christchurch before settling in at your hotel. The journey then unfolds through majestic landscapes—from the starlit skies of Lake Tekapo to the rugged peaks of Mt. Cook and from the charm of Dunedin to the world-renowned Milford Sound cruise.

Your Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Arrival in Christchurch

• Airport Meet & Greet: Our guide welcomes you at Christchurch Airport (arrival between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm).
• City Exploration: For arrivals before 2:00 pm, enjoy a brief walking tour—visit the Canterbury Museum, Avon River, and iconic bridges.
• Overnight: Golden Hotel, Christchurch (or equivalent)

Day 2: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

• Journey Highlights: Depart from Christchurch heading toward Tekapo—renowned for its dreamlike starlit skies.
• Scenic Stops: Visit John’s Hill for panoramic lake and mountain vistas, enjoy a coffee at one of the world’s most scenic lookout cafés, and snap a must-see photo at the Good Shepherd Church.
• Optional Evening Activity: Join an exclusive stargazing session under one of the world's darkest skies.
• Overnight: The Godley Hotel, Lake Tekapo (or equivalent)
• Note: For some tour dates, an extra NZD 50 per person may apply for accommodations in Tekapo.

Day 3: Lakes, Mountains & Oamaru

• Highlights: Travel past Lake Pukaki and approach New Zealand’s highest peak, Mt. Cook.
• Experiences: Take a short hike on the Tasman Trail or optionally join a helicopter ice trek (self-funded).
• Local Taste: Savor a tasting session of alpine salmon at a local high-country fish farm before arriving in the historic town of Oamaru.
• Overnight: Brydone Hotel, Oamaru (or equivalent)

Day 4: From Oamaru to Te Anau via Dunedin

• Scenic Drive: Depart Oamaru and explore the natural marvel of the Moeraki Boulders and the charming Katiki Lighthouse.
• Urban Pause: Enjoy a break in Dunedin’s vibrant city center—stroll Baldwin Street and sample local cuisine.
• Evening Enchantment: Continue to Te Anau with an optional visit to the magical glowworm caves (self-funded).
• Overnight: Kingsgate Hotel, Te Anau (or equivalent)

Day 5: Milford Sound Cruise & Queenstown Arrival

• Unforgettable Cruise: Depart from Te Anau aboard a luxury cruise to explore the towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls of Milford Sound.
• Destination: Land in Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World,” where luxury meets natural beauty.
• Overnight: Two nights at the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa (or equivalent)

Day 6: Queenstown – Leisure & Skyline Adventure

• Free Day: Enjoy a relaxing day in Queenstown at your leisure.
• Optional Activity: Collect your special Queenstown Skyline voucher to ride the iconic cable car or try exciting activities such as bungee jumping, paragliding, or jet boating.

Day 7: Queenstown to Fox Glacier via Arrowtown, Wanaka, and More

• Scenic Route: Begin with a visit to the historic gold-rush town of Arrowtown then explore the vibrant fruit market in Cromwell.
• Natural Wonders: Discover Wanaka’s picturesque lakes and the solitary “Tree of Wanaka” with its dramatic backdrop.
• Adventure On: Enjoy views of Lake Matterhorn before arriving at Fox Glacier’s charming town.
• Overnight: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier (or equivalent)

Day 8: Fox Glacier to Christchurch – A Grand Finale

• Morning Drive: Depart from Fox Glacier heading along the scenic coastal route.
• Stops Along the Way: Visit the artisanal stone town of Hokitika, then the historic Greymouth before the final leg.
• Departure: Arrive in Christchurch in time for your departure transfer (recommend flights departing after 6:00 pm).

Tour Features & Highlights

• ✅VIP Small-Group Experience: Maximum 8 guests per tour for a personalized journey.

• ✅Comfortable Transportation: Travel in 5–12 seater business-class vehicles, ensuring style and comfort.

• ✅Expert Local Guides: Knowledgeable guides lead you through iconic sites and hidden gems.

• ✅Scenic Wonders: See New Zealand’s eight natural marvels in one trip, from glacial lakes to towering mountains.

• ✅Luxury Accommodations: Enjoy upgraded stays, including five-star hotel experiences in Queenstown and boutique options along the route.

• ✅Curated Culinary Experiences: Savor gourmet meals including upgraded Fjord-style lunches, multi-cuisine dinners, and exclusive high-country salmon tastings.

• ✅All-Inclusive Service: All gratuities, transfer fees, and select entrance fees are included for a worry-free journey.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Included in Your Tour Package:

• Transportation: Airport transfers in Christchurch plus private group transfers throughout the journey.

• Accommodations: 7 nights of quality hotels (including hotel ratings as indicated in our itinerary) with daily breakfast included.

• Meals: 7 breakfasts, 4 themed meals, and 1 tasting meal (includes selections such as Japanese cuisine, alpine salmon tasting, and Fjord self-service lunches).

• Attractions: Tickets for key attractions such as the Queenstown Skyline Gondola and Milford Sound cruise.

• Service Fees: All service charges and tips are included.

Not Included (Self-Funded Items):

• International airfare to/from Christchurch.

• Personal expenses (e.g., extra meals, souvenirs, telephone, personal entertainment).

• Optional activities and experiences (e.g., helicopter tours, extended guided tours, additional excursions) must be booked separately.

• Any additional hotel supplement fees if applicable.

• Important: For flight delays beyond the designated pick-up times at Christchurch Airport, guests are responsible for making their own arrangements to the next destination.

Important Information & Booking Terms

• Flexible Itinerary: We reserve the right to adjust the schedule on Day 1 (for airport pick-ups and city tours) to ensure a smooth experience.

• Travel Essentials: Guests should bring personal toiletries (some hotels may not provide basics such as toothbrushes or slippers), and note that New Zealand operates on 230V/240V power with Type I plugs.

• Customs Advisory: Do not bring prohibited items (e.g., fresh produce or plants) into New Zealand. Please check customs regulations prior to travel.

• Payment & Cancellation:

  • A cancellation fee applies if changes are made within 15–30 days before departure (50% of the booking amount), and 100% for cancellations 15 days or less prior.

  • If payment is made via Stripe, a 3.5% processing fee will apply on non-refundable cancellations not caused by our error.

• Limited Availability: Due to New Zealand’s high tourist demand, hotel supplement fees may apply at short notice—please verify with our customer service team.

Optional Add-On Experiences

Enhance your journey with these exciting self-funded options:

• Maori Cultural Village Experience in Rotorua: From 90-minute guided tours with authentic performances to lunch-included packages.

• Adventure Activities in Queenstown: Options include high-altitude skydiving, bungee jumping, paragliding, and jet boating with competitive rates.

• Helicopter and Glacier Adventures: Enjoy glacier hikes or scenic helicopter tours near Mt. Cook (adults starting at NZD 875).

For a complete list and pricing details on self-funded activities, please contact our customer support.

👉Ready to Explore? Reserve Your Spot Now!

Transform your dream of discovering New Zealand’s majestic South Island into reality. Book today and enjoy a truly once-in-a-lifetime VIP experience that blends luxury, adventure, and breathtaking natural beauty.