Vacation Overview
Tour Details
Discover the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand’s South Island on this immersive journey through dramatic coastlines, pristine fiords, vibrant alpine towns, and unique wildlife sanctuaries. From the heritage charm of Dunedin and the untouched wilderness of Stewart Island to the majesty of Milford Sound and the adventure capital of Queenstown, the New Zealand Scenic South Escape combines iconic landscapes with unforgettable experiences.
Highlights:
- Private arrival transfer Dunedin Airport/Hotel
- 2 nights Dunedin, Fable Dunedin, Classic Queen
- Castle, Cruise and Penguin Place Experience
- One-way Dunedin to Invercargill via the Catlins Small Group tour
- 2 nights Invercargill, Distinction Invercargill, Executive Suite
- Round-trip coach transfer Invercargill to Bluff
- Round-trip ferry transfer Bluff to Stewart Island
- Bush, Beach and Waterfall Tour, Stewart Island
- One-way Dunedin to Te Anau Small Group Tour
- 1 night Te Anau, Distinction Te Anau, Lake View Hotel Room
- Overnight Cruise on the Milford Sound on the Milford Mariner including transfers from Te Anau
- 1 night Te Anau, Distinction Te Anau, Lake View Hotel Room
- Te Anau Glow Worm Caves
- One-way Te Anau to Queenstown transfer
- 2 nights Queenstown, QT Queenstown. QT King
- Best of Queenstown Tour
- One-way Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka Small Group Tour
- 1-night Franz Josef, Te Waonui Hotel, Deluxe room including Dinner
- Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight
- One-way from Franz Josef to Christchurch, via Hokitika including the TranzAlpine Rail
- 2 nights Christchurch, Rydges Latimer Christchurch, Deluxe King
- Full-day Akaroa & Banks Peninsula including Swim with The Dolphins Experience
- Private departure transfer Christchurch Hotel/Airport
Meals Included:
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Dunedin; Arrive Dunedin
Upon arrival at Dunedin Airport, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in the heart of this charming heritage city. Settle into the elegant Fable Dunedin and spend the remainder of the day exploring Dunedin’s Victorian architecture, vibrant cafés, and scenic waterfront at your leisure.
Day 2: Dunedin; Dunedin Wildlife & Heritage Experience
Today’s excursion combines history, wildlife, and spectacular scenery. Visit New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle, perched high above Otago Harbour, before enjoying a scenic harbour cruise. Continue to Penguin Place, a private conservation reserve dedicated to protecting the rare, yellow-eyed penguin, where you’ll observe these fascinating birds in their natural habitat.
Day 3: Invercargill; Dunedin to Invercargill via The Catlins
Travel south on a small group journey through the rugged beauty of The Catlins. Along the way, discover dramatic coastlines, waterfalls, native rainforest, and windswept beaches before arriving in Invercargill for a two-night stay in New Zealand’s southernmost city.
Day 4: Invercargill; Stewart Island Adventure
Transfer by coach to Bluff and board the ferry to Stewart Island, renowned for its untouched wilderness and rich birdlife. Enjoy the Bush, Beach and Waterfall Tour, exploring secluded bays, native forest, and scenic coastal landscapes before returning to Invercargill later in the day.
Day 5: Te Anau; Invercargill to Te Anau
Journey north through Southland’s picturesque countryside to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park. Surrounded by mountains and lakes, Te Anau offers a peaceful introduction to one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural regions.
Day 6: Milford Sound; Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
Travel deep into Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, where you’ll board the Milford Mariner for an unforgettable overnight cruise. Sail past towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and rainforest-covered peaks while enjoying onboard dining and the serenity of this iconic fiord.
Day 7: Te Anau; Te Anau Glow Worm Caves
Following your cruise, return to Te Anau and later explore the magical Glow Worm Caves. Journey by boat across Lake Te Anau before entering a hidden underground world illuminated by thousands of tiny glow worms.
Day 8: Queenstown; Te Anau to Queenstown
Travel through stunning alpine scenery to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital. Upon arrival, settle into your stylish lakeside accommodation and enjoy free time to explore the town’s vibrant dining scene and spectacular lakefront setting.
Day 9: Queenstown; Best of Queenstown Tour
Experience the highlights of Queenstown and the surrounding region on a comprehensive sightseeing tour showcasing breathtaking alpine landscapes, local culture, and iconic viewpoints.
Day 10: Franz Josef Glacier; Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka
Depart Queenstown and travel through the beautiful lakeside town of Wanaka before continuing along the dramatic West Coast to Franz Josef Glacier. This scenic journey showcases rugged mountains, lush rainforest, and ever-changing landscapes.
Day 11: Christchurch; Twin Glacier Helicopter Experience & TranzAlpine Rail
Take to the skies on a spectacular helicopter flight over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers for panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and icy landscapes. Continue north to Hokitika before boarding the world-famous TranzAlpine Rail journey across the Southern Alps to Christchurch.
Day 12: Christchurch;
Day 13: Christchurch;
12 Breakfast, 2 Dinner