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South Island Wilderness Encounter

This 14 day tour starts in Christchurch and finishes in Queenstown.

**Please be advised that certain aspects of this tour may operate on specific days of the week during the winter months. We recommend contacting one of our travel specialists to identify a departure date that suits your schedule.

Begin your South Island escape in Christchurch, the garden city. Experience the iconic TranzAlpine Train to Greymouth, marvelling at panoramic views of majestic mountains and verdant landscapes. Adventure through Paparoa National Park with an exhilarating black-water rafting and glowworm cave experience. Travel to Franz Josef and unwind in a secluded rainforest retreat, soaking in your own private hot tub. Continue to Wanaka, where you’ll cruise across Lake Wanaka to a hidden island. Next, arrive in Queenstown, New Zealand’s luxury adventure capital. Explore the famed Routeburn Track on a guided scenic walk. Delight in premium wine tastings at renowned Gibbston Valley wineries, then board the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamship to Walter Peak for a gourmet dining experience. Journey to Fiordland, home to some of the planet’s most untouched beauty. Take a breathtaking flight over Dusky and Doubtful Sounds, followed by a jet boat ride across Lake Manapouri and a walk through ancient forests. In Milford Sound, stay overnight aboard the Milford Mariner, waking to serene views of this iconic fjord. Conclude your bespoke South Island journey back in Queenstown, reflecting on your unforgettable luxury adventure through New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes.

Accommodation type on this tour is: Boutique Lodges & Hotels.

This tour also features:

Included activity: The Visitor Promise - Cultural Learning Course

Included activity: Private Transfer Christchurch International Airport to Christchurch Accommodation

Included activity: Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App

Included activity: Ata Whenua - Shadowland Film at Fiordland Cinema

Included activity: Southern Sounds Discover with Fiordland Helicopters

Included activity: Pure Wilderness Jet Boat with Fiordland Jet

Included activity: Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise

Included activity: Private Transfer Accommodation to Christchurch Train Station with Christchurch Touring

Included activity: TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Christchurch to Greymouth Scenic Plus with Great Journeys NZ

Included activity: Underworld Rafting and Glowworm Experience with Underworld Adventures

Included activity: Okarito Lagoon Guided Kayak Trip with Okarito Kayaks

Included activity: Franz Josef Glacier Helihike with Franz Josef Glacier Guides

Included activity: One Hour Private Tub with Waiho Hot Tubs

Included activity: Lake Cruise and Island Nature Walk with Eco Wanaka

Included activity: Full Day Routeburn Guided Walk with Nomad Safaris

Included activity: TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

Included activity: Half Day Gibbston Wine Tour with Black NZ

11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners, 1 special dinner

Itinerary summary for: South Island Wilderness Encounter

Day 1: Welcome to Christchurch
Accommodation: The George Hotel

Day 2: Journey across the Southern Alps and discover the iconic Pancake Rocks
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

Day 3: Adventure day in Paparoa National Park
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

Day 4: Head south to the Glacier Region, then explore Okarito Lagoon by kayak
Accommodation: Westwood Lodge

Day 5: Explore the glaciers by air and on foot
Accommodation: Westwood Lodge

Day 6: Allow plenty of time for photo stops during your scenic drive through the Haast Pass to Wanaka
Accommodation: Edgewater Wanaka

Day 7: This morning you'll cruise to Mou Waho Island for a special wilderness experience
Accommodation: Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel

Day 8: From Queenstown you'll travel to Glenorchy for an alpine hike on the Routeburn Track
Accommodation: Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel

Day 9: Today is yours to explore the best of the Queenstown region
Accommodation: Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel

Day 10: Journey down south to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland
Accommodation: The Cinema Suites

Day 11: Discover the Southern Sounds - hidden gems of Fiordland
Accommodation: The Cinema Suites

Day 12: Experience overnight cruise in magnificent Milford Sound
Accommodation: Overnight Boat in Milford Sound

Day 13: Enjoy scenic Milford road and then through Southland countryside to Queenstown
Accommodation: Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel

Day 14: Farewell Queenstown