| Checkpoint / Feature | 6-Day (Highlights) | 8-Day (Discovery) | 11-Day (Grand) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ideal For | Short holiday — see core South Island with a relaxed pace. | Full-week break — want deeper South Island coverage. | First-timers — want North & South in one trip. |
| Key Checkpoints | Christchurch · Kaikoura (whales) · Akaroa · Lake Tekapo · Mt Cook · Wanaka · Queenstown | All 6-Day checkpoints + Milford Sound (cruise) · Te Anau · Dunedin · Oamaru (penguins) | All 8-Day checkpoints + Auckland · Hobbiton · Rotorua (Maori culture) · Waitomo Glowworm Caves |
| Pace | Balanced — core highlights, not rushed. | Moderate — longer drives, more sights. | Comprehensive — two-island immersion with comfortable rhythm. |
| Start / End | Start: Christchurch · End: Queenstown | Start/End: Christchurch (loop) | Start: Auckland · End: Christchurch (loop) |
| Accommodation & Meals | 5 nights (4★) · 5 B / 4 L / 4 D (typical) | 7 nights (4★) · 7 B / 5 L / 5 D (typical) | 10 nights (4★) · 10 B / 8 L / 8 D (typical) |
| From Price | NZD 2,599 | NZD 3,649 | NZD 4,899 |
| View 6-Day | View 8-Day | View 11-Day |
Why choose it: Best for short holidays — see the South Island’s signature views without rushing.
- Christchurch city walk (Cardboard Cathedral, Botanic Gardens)
- Kaikoura whale watching (included)
- Lake Tekapo & Mt Cook scenic drives
- Queenstown leisure & optional adventure activities
Highlights: Includes 6-Day checkpoints plus Milford Sound, Te Anau, Dunedin & Oamaru penguin colony.
- Milford Sound fjord cruise
- Te Anau glowworm caves
- Dunedin city & Otago Peninsula wildlife
- Oamaru blue penguins
Full immersion: First-timers can explore North & South in one trip. Combines Maori culture, Hobbiton, glowworm caves with South Island highlights.
- Auckland city & Hobbiton (Lord of the Rings set)
- Rotorua geothermal & Maori cultural experiences
- Christchurch → Kaikoura → Akaroa → Tekapo → Mt Cook → Wanaka → Queenstown → Milford Sound → Te Anau → Dunedin → Oamaru
Unique experiences designed to add unforgettable moments to your trip. Prices are in NZD per person.
Experience a classic punt ride along the picturesque Avon River, admiring the charming cityscape and natural beauty.
Adult: 42 NZD
Child: 30 NZD (under 15)
Gaze at the mesmerizing Southern Hemisphere night sky in an international Dark Sky Reserve.
Adult: 119 NZD
Child: 99 NZD (3-16 yrs)
Combine a thrilling helicopter ride with an unforgettable glacier hike on New Zealand's highest peak.
Adult: 875 NZD
Witness the breathtaking alpine landscapes of Mount Cook from above on a spectacular scenic flight.
Adult: 499 NZD
Child: 449 NZD (6-12 yrs)
Journey into a magical underground world illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms.
Adult: 150 NZD
Child: 80 NZD (5-15 yrs)
Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush with a skydive over Queenstown, offering incredible panoramic views.
15,000 ft: 535 NZD
12,000 ft: 430 NZD
9,000 ft: 345 NZD
Take the leap with a thrilling bungy jump from iconic locations around Queenstown.
Kawarau Bridge: Adult 320 NZD, Child 280 NZD (10-14 yrs)
Nevis Bungy: From 395 NZD per adult
Soar high above Queenstown with a tandem paragliding experience, enjoying unparalleled views of the landscape.
325 NZD per adult
Step back in time aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship, offering scenic cruises and optional farm tours or dining experiences.
Steamship + Farm Tour + Lunch/Dinner: Adult 189 NZD, Child 95 NZD
Steamship + Farm Tour + Tea: Adult 149 NZD, Child 75 NZD
Steamship + Horse Ride + Tea: Adult 249 NZD, Child 199 NZD (min age 7)
Steamship Only: Adult 109 NZD, Child 55 NZD
Thrill-seeking on the water with a high-speed jetboat adventure or a unique ride in the semi-submersible Shark Boat.
Jetboat (60 min): From 149 NZD per adult, 75 NZD per child
Shark Boat (30 min): From 149 NZD per adult, 75 NZD per child
Please Note: We highly recommend adding optional activities at the time of registration to ensure availability. We are not responsible for activities booked through other channels if they conflict with itinerary changes.
Michael
“I’ll guide you through every step.”
Sarah
“Tell me your dream, we’ll shape it.”
Akhil
“I’ll make sure it’s smooth & fun.”
Olivia
“Relax—we’ll plan this together.”
Lucas
“Step by step, no rush.”
Laura
“Your ideas, my expertise.”
Why TravelTides
Each itinerary is built from scratch by our New Zealand travel experts — no templates, no fixed schedules, just your dream journey made real.
Comfort Stays
3–5 star hotels or boutique lodges included in every tour.
Private Vehicles
Modern Mercedes-Benz fleet with experienced local drivers.
Tailored Routes
Flexible itineraries customized to your interests and schedule.
Concierge Service
24/7 multilingual support throughout your journey.
When to Visit New Zealand
Plan your trip with the ideal season for activities and scenery.
Sep–Nov
Mild weather, blossoming landscapes, fewer crowds.
Dec–Feb
Warm, ideal for hiking, beaches & outdoor adventures.
Mar–May
Crisp days, colorful foliage, perfect for photography.
Jun–Aug
Skiing, fewer tourists, scenic snowy landscapes.