South Island Explorer - 12 days
South Island Explorer - 12 days
South Island Explorer - 12 days
12 Days Starting in Auckland and ending in Christchurch
Visiting: Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Greymouth, Fox Glacier, Wānaka, Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, Te Anau, Queenstown, Twizel
Tour operator:
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
18+The average age of passengers on these tours is between 55-75yrs. Pure Discoveries do not permit children.
Trip Styles:
Tour Overview
Beginning in Auckland, this 12-day tour travels from North to South Island and takes in a diverse mix of New Zealand's natural beauty and fascinating culture. Experience a traditional Maori Te Pa Tu celebration before visiting the active geothermal site and indigenous centre of Te Puia. Ride the famous Tranz-Alpine Railway across the breadth of the picturesque South Island, and cruise the waters of Milford Sound. See mighty Mt. Cook, make traditional pavlova at Lake Tekapo and end your tour in the city of Christchurch.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland
Location: Auckland
Upon arrival into Auckland you will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day offers free time to explore the local area.
Day 2: Auckland
Location: Auckland
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Auckland – Rotorua. This morning we enjoy an Auckland City tour with panoramic views from Bastion Point, Maori and Pacific Island displays at the Auckland Museum, the quaint Parnell Village, and the picturesque waterfront. Following this we leave Auckland and head to Rotorua, the heart of New Zealand's thermal and cultural region. When we arrive we will take part in a city tour before heading to our nights accommodation.
In the afternoon we have some time to relax before we visit Tamaki Maori Village for Te Pa Tu, an evening experience and feast that changes with the Maori lunar calendar. We experience Maori culture and feast on seasonal cuisine in the forest Pa surrounded by Tawa trees and bonfires. The 4-course fusion feast includes Hangi dishes served al fresco or in the dining room, depending on the weather.
In the summer, Tu Te Ra celebrates harvest and ancient Maori concepts of warfare and peace, whilst in winter, Tu Te Ihi celebrates the Matariki star cluster with rituals, energy, and passion. Return hotel transfers are included; other travellers will be on board.
Day 3: Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rotorua – Christchurch. In Rotorua, we'll experience both New Zealand's geothermal wonders and rich Maori heritage. Te Puia is a must-visit, featuring active geothermal sites, indigenous arts, crafts, and a Kiwi conservation project. Their welcoming culture means they treat you like family and we are treated with a private guide whilst we are here.
Following this we head to the Redwood Forest for a Redwood Treewalk Day Walk with 28 suspension bridges among 120-year-old Californian coastal redwoods. These elevated walkways offer a unique view of the undergrowth from 12 meters above the ground.
In the afternoon we fly to Christchurch. On arrival, we join punting boatmen in traditional Edwardian dress for a leisurely River Avon cruise through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. We then enjoy a stylish journey on a heritage tram through the ever-changing city centre.
Day 4: Christchurch
Location: Christchurch, Greymouth
Meals Included: Breakfast
Christchurch – Fox Glacier. Today we embark on the renowned Tranz-Alpine rail journey through the Southern Alps to Greymouth. We'll see the vast Canterbury Plains and farmland which is followed by the breathtaking gorges and valleys of the Waimakariri River. We then ascend into the Southern Alps which we then cross to reach the lush rainforests of Westland before concluding the journey at the town of Greymouth.
Driving further south we visit the town of Hokitika and its galleries of greenstone jewellery and artwork. Continuing to Hokitika Gorge we stretch our legs and discover the blue/green waters that pass through the rugged rocks. Following the road south we reach Franz Josef and then on to the Village of Fox which is where the huge rivers of snow and ice of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers flow from vast snowfields high in the Southern Alps, down almost to sea level. If the weather allows there is the option of a helicopter ride over the glaciers at an extra cost.
Day 5: Fox Glacier
Location: Fox Glacier
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fox Glacier – Wanaka. First thing today we visit nearby Lake Matheson which, when weather conditions are just right, perfectly mirrors Mount Cook in its waters creating a stunning visual effect. From here we head up over the Haast Past along the river road, which took more than 40 years to complete, travelling deep into Mt Aspiring National Park to Lake Wanaka and the picturesque resort town of Wanaka.
Day 6: Wanaka
Location: Wānaka
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in.
Today we have a choice of two included excursions. Option 1 sees you join an eco tour. Depart Wanaka by boat and escape civilisation as we cruise to an island where we hike through vibrant native vegetation to find a hidden mountaintop lake surrounded by small islands. We trek on to reach the island's summit for a 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka, its mountains and valleys, and the Arethusa Pool. Look out for the rare Buff Weka, a flightless bird extinct on Mainland NZ since 1920, which often joins visitors.
Option 2 is a 4WD adventure. We will explore a perfect mix of stunning scenery, history, and farm life in New Zealand's High Country. We will traverse remote back roads on an authentic farm with Lake Wanaka as our backdrop, surrounded by nature's beauty. We get up close to farm animals and visit historical sites, all while enjoying optional hikes through alpine meadows and lakeside forests, offering a unique insight into Wanaka's history, heritage, modern farming, and breathtaking landscapes.
When we return to Wanaka we have the afternoon at leisure to relax or enjoy the town.
Day 7: Wanaka
Location: Wānaka
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wanaka – Te Anau. We begin our day from Wanaka, stopping at the iconic Cardrona Pub. Then we venture through the Crown Range road to explore historic Arrowtown, a charming gold rush village nestled beneath majestic peaks near the Arrow River. We carry on along the scenic road between the Remarkables mountain range and stunning Lake Wakatipu before traversing a glacial valley turned farmland to reach Lake Te Anau, the South Island's largest freshwater lake and the entry point to Fiordland National Park.
Day 8: Te Anau
Location: Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, Te Anau
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Te Anau – Queenstown. The journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound is one of the most scenic drives you can experience. Fiordland National Park, part of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area is awe-inspiring, and features towering mountains and deep valleys sculpted by ancient glaciers. Milford Sound, famously dubbed the 'eighth wonder of the world' by Rudyard Kipling, is a breathtaking destination in any weather.
Following this we embark on a comfortable cruise, passing the iconic Mitre Peak to reach the Tasman Sea. Keep a lookout for seals and dolphins, which often grace the fiord's waters. After the cruise we retrace our route back to Te Anau and then journey through the Southland farmlands and circle the stunning Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown.
Day 9: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast
Nestled amid majestic mountains and on the pristine shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown's natural beauty and unique ambiance provide an ideal setting for a visit filled with adventure, exploration, or relaxation. Today, we have the freedom to choose our own activities: thrill-seekers might opt for activities like zip-lining at Bob's Peak, a heart-pounding Shotover jet-boat ride, or white-water rafting. For those of us seeking a more leisurely experience, we can enjoy a gondola ride to Bob's Peak or embark on a 4WD safari to Skippers Canyon. Queenstown also offers boutique wineries, local gardens, and a chance to cruise Lake Wakatipu on the elegant steamship TSS Earnslaw for a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm.
Day 10: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast
Queenstown – Twizel. This morning we head north through Kawarau Gorge and past the scenic Lake Dunstan. We cross the Central Otago Countryside to the Lindis Pass where we descend into the Mackenzie Basin where the Southern Alps dominate the horizon. We enjoy a picturesque drive along Lake Pukaki to arrive at Mt. Cook Village, nestled at the base of New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki/Mt. Cook. Our overnight stay awaits in the charming town of Twizel.
Day 11: Twizel
Location: Twizel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Twizel – Christchurch. Today we get to experience Kiwi culture by visiting a local home on Lake Tekapo's shores to learn the art of making Pavlova, a beloved New Zealand dessert. We enjoy our Pavlova during morning tea, taking in the stunning lake views. We admire the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, beautifully situated against the backdrop of the Southern Alps. Continuing our journey through the high country's tussock plains, passing through charming towns like Fairlie and Geraldine, en route to Ashburton we then travel across the fertile Canterbury Plains. Returning to Christchurch, there is free time to further explore.
Day 12: Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today our adventure in New Zealand comes to an end. A transfer takes you to Christchurch Airport for your flight home.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4-star hotels -
11 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 1 dinner
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11 nights 4 star hotels
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Airport arrival and departure transfers on day 1 and day 12
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Escorted by an expert local guide/driver with specialist local guides at some sites
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Economy class flight from Rotorua - Christchurch
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All relevant transfers and transportation in modern air-conditioned vehicle
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Christchurch Edwardian punt & heritage tram experience
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Tranz-Alpine rail journey from Christchurch - Greymouth
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Touring of Auckland & Rotorua
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Te Pa Tu Maori experience
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
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Items of a personal nature (telephone calls, laundry, travel insurance etc)
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Optional activities
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Tip for your tour guide driver. We recommend you allow $4 - 7 USD per day per traveller. Tipping your tour guide is an entirely personal gesture.
Check out our Q&As
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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