Premium New Zealand South Island

Intrepid Travel · 10 days
Premium New Zealand South Island
Premium New Zealand South Island
Premium New Zealand South Island
Premium New Zealand South Island
Premium New Zealand South Island
Premium New Zealand South Island
Premium New Zealand South Island
Premium New Zealand South Island
Premium New Zealand South Island
Premium New Zealand South Island
Premium New Zealand South Island
Premium New Zealand South Island
Premium New Zealand South Island
Premium New Zealand South Island
Premium New Zealand South Island
10 Days
From AUD $8650
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(16 reviews)

Premium New Zealand South Island

Premium New Zealand South Island

Intrepid Travel · 10 days
Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Unknown

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Taking you from Christchurch to Queenstown via glaciers, wineries, lakes and fiords, this 10-day Premium trip showcases the natural beauty and thriving food and wine scene in New Zealand’s South Island.

Highlights

  • Embark on an Exclusive cruise in Doubtful Sound / Patea – Patea means ‘place of silence’ in Maori, and you’ll soon see why. Coast past sheer cliffs and waterfalls and learn about the local wildlife with an onboard naturalist.
  • Savour the flavours of the Otago region with an Exclusive chef-led food and foraging experience at a high-country deer station.
  • Explore Arrowtown – a heritage town that dates back to the gold rush era – and taste some of Central Otago’s best drops at a well-loved winery in Gibbston Valley.
  • Enjoy a ranger-guided walk around the aptly named Blue Pools that feed the Makarora River and learn about the important work of the Aspiring Biodiversity Trust to reduce predators and save some of New Zealand’s rarest species.
  • Take a backstage tour of the West Coast Wildlife Centre which is helping to save the critically endangered rowi and Haast tokoeka kiwi birds from extinction.

Trip Details

Duration

10 days

Transportation

Private vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Christchurch, New Zealand

Finishes

Queenstown, New Zealand

Accommodations

Unknown

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Christchurch
Welcome to New Zealand! When you arrive in Christchurch, you’ll be met at the airport by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, followed by a welcome dinner at a restaurant featuring produce from the Canterbury region. Enjoy a three-course dinner celebrating local producers at a restaurant that champions sustainability.

Included Activities:

  • Christchurch - Welcome Dinner
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Accommodation:

  • The Fable Christchurch or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Christchurch / Greymouth / Punakaiki
Take an orientation tour with your leader around some of the landmarks of Christchurch. Then, set off for Punakaiki, driving through Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill – the spectacular mountain scenery may look familiar, as parts of The Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings movies were filmed here. After lunch in Moana, enjoy a short stop at Lake Brunner – the largest lake in the South Island. Spend the afternoon in Greymouth, stopping into a boutique studio to learn about the prized west coast jade known locally as Pounamu (Greenstone). Then, continue to Monteith's Brewery, considered the original home of New Zealand craft brewing for a tour and tasting. Arrive at Punakaiki Resort by late afternoon – in Paparoa National Park, this resort lies next to Punakaiki Beach and the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.

Included Activities:

  • Greymouth - Monteith's Brewery Tour & Tasting
  • Greymouth - Pounamu (Greenstone) Studio Visit
  • Christchurch - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Lake Brunner - Nature Walk

Accommodation:

  • Scenic Hotel Punakaiki or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Hokitika / Franz Josef
After breakfast, explore the Punakaiki Rocks and Blowholes before the drive to Franz Josef. Along the way, stretch your legs at the charming town of Hokitika and enjoy an exhilarating treetop adventure on a walk through the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. In the afternoon, take a private ranger-guided tour of the West Coast Wildlife Centre – home of the official breeding program for the world's rarest kiwi bird, the rowi. Also keep an eye out for tuatara (a reptile endemic to New Zealand). Arrive in Franz Josef in the late afternoon, where you’ll have a free evening.

Included Activities:

  • Hokitika - West Coast Treetops Walk
  • Franz Josef - West Coast Wildlife Centre Visit with Ranger
  • Punakaiki - Rocks & Blowhole Visit

Accommodation:

  • Rainforest Retreat Deluxe Tree Hut or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Franz Josef
Begin your day with a self-guided walk to see the icy wonderland created by the Franz Josef Glacier – one of the steepest glaciers in New Zealand. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you may like to join an optional heli-hiking tour and get even closer to the glacier. Other optional activities include kayaking, a scenic cruise on Lake Mapourika or a soak in the hot tubs at Franz Josef.

Optional Activities:

  • Franz Josef - Lake Mapourika Scenic Cruise (125 NZD)
  • Franz Josef - Waiho Hot Tubs - from (89 NZD)
  • Franz Josef - Heli-Hiking Tour - from (695 NZD)
  • Franz Josef - Kayaking Excursion - from (149 NZD)

Accommodation:

  • Rainforest Retreat Deluxe Tree Hut or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Makarora / Wanaka
Depart Franz Josef for the resort town of Wanaka – the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park in the Otago region. Stop along the way at Makarora and visit the Aspiring Biodiversity Trust – an organisation that strives to protect and restore indigenous biodiversity. After lunch, take a guided flora and fauna walk with a local ornithologist and ecologist. Look out for endangered birds as you learn about how they’re working to reduce predators and save some of New Zealand’s rarest species. Arrive in Wanaka by late afternoon and settle into your home for the next two nights. Located next to the resplendent Wanaka Station Park on the shores of Lake Wanaka, and a short stroll from Wanaka township, you'll be perfectly placed to enjoy all this popular town has to offer.

Included Activities:

  • Makaroa - Aspiring Biodiversity Trust Lunch
  • Makaroa - Guided Flora and Fauna Walk with Local Ornithologist

Accommodation:

  • Edgewater Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Wanaka
Enjoy a sleep-in this morning or start your day with a hike up Mt Iron for a view over Lake Wanaka and the surrounding peaks. Central Otago is a region well known for food and wine, and today you’ll visit the spectacular deer station of Criffel Station. Here, you’ll be shown around the farm by the family before doing a chef-guided foraging and tasting tour, followed by a delicious lunch.

Included Activities:

  • Wanaka - Criffel Station Lunch Experience

Accommodation:

  • Edgewater Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Wanaka / Doubtful Sound
Say farewell to Wanaka after breakfast and begin the journey to Doubtful Sound / Patea – a lesser-known but stunning part of Fiordland National Park. Drive to Lake Manapouri where you’ll hop on a ferry for a one-hour journey across the water, followed by a scenic drive to Deep Cove via Wilmot Pass – a subalpine road surrounded by dense rainforest. Here, you'll board your vessel and meet the crew for your Doubtful Sound Cruise. This Premium Exclusive Experience includes a delicious three-course dinner featuring local produce, and a resident naturlist who’ll share insights about the fiord’s history, flora and wildlife – including dolphins, seals and penguins. With fewer boats on the water than in Milford Sound and a more peaceful atmosphere, there’s a higher chance these creatures will pop up to say hello! If weather conditions allow, you might also like to explore by kayak.

Included Activities:

  • Doubtful Sound - Cruise

Accommodation:

  • Doubtful Sound Cruise (Feature Stay) (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Doubtful Sound / Queenstown
Start your day with a hearty cooked breakfast as the mist rolls over the cliffs, then get ready to explore some of the other nooks of the fiord this morning. After, return to Deep Cove to take the ferry back to Lake Manapouri and continue to Queenstown, arriving in the late afternoon. The rest of the evening is free to relax or explore this resort town, famed for its picturesque scenery and dramatic location on the edge of the Southern Alps.

Included Activities:

  • Milford Sound - Day Cruise

Accommodation:

  • Millenium Queenstown or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Queenstown
Soak up a free morning in Queenstown and wander at your own pace. Then, head to Arrowtown in the afternoon. This historic gold mining town is known for its heritage town centre and autumn festival – and perfect to explore on foot. Learn about the town’s history on a leader-led walking tour and browse its shops and cafes. Then, head to Gibbston Valley to sample some of Central Otago’s famous drops at a well-known winery. Tonight, maybe go for a farewell dinner with your group and say cheers to an amazing adventure.

Included Activities:

  • Queenstown - Lake Whakatipu Steamboat Cruise
  • Queenstown - Walter High Peak Country Farm visit and BBQ dinner

Accommodation:

  • Millenium Queenstown or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Queenstown
Your New Zealand adventure ends this morning after breakfast. As this trip spends little time in Queenstown, it’s recommended that you spend an extra day or two if you want to experience all the town has to offer. Your booking agent will be happy to book additional accommodation for you, just get in touch ahead of time.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $8,650
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 10 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Taking you from Christchurch to Queenstown via glaciers, wineries, lakes and fiords, this 10-day Premium trip showcases the natural beauty and thriving food and wine scene in New Zealand’s South Island.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 18 Sep 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.5
Brian
Traveled, January 2024

01/22/2024

Summer was the best (she told me to say that , but it is true. She always had everything organized, timely, communicated very well. She looked out for and took care of everyone and made everyone feel special. We have a trip lined up for Japan, that leader has there work cut out for them to meet the expectation Summer has provided for us . We look forward to our next trip with Intrepid.

5.0
Yvette
Traveled, January 2024

01/16/2024

Perfect balance between planned activities and free time so there is freedom to explore through more physical activities, or relaxing and enjoy the amazing scenery and food. Highly recommend this amazing trip.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989