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South Island Explorer - 12 days

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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.

Start

Auckland

End

Christchurch

Destination

Christchurch

Days

12

Pace

Medium

Range

Handpicked

Max Group Size

Min 15 - Max 16

Min Age

15

Map Image

Trip Code: SIEXP

Trip Highlights

Why you'll love this trip

  • Auckland - Enjoy the view from Bastion Point, visit Auckland Museum and the waterfront on a guided city tour

  • Rotorua - Visit the Te Puia geothermal site and a Kiwi conservation project, plus experience a Te Pa Tu Maori cultural evening

  • Redwood Forest - Cross a series of suspension bridges and elevated walkways to appreciate the towering redwood trees which are more than 100 years old

  • Christchurch – See the city with an included punting experience and a ride on a restored heritage tram

  • Tranz-Alpine Rail Journey - Cross the Southern Alps on this famous rail journey, taking in some of the South Island's fastest scenery

  • Wanaka - Choose from an ecological tour to a serene island on Lake Wanaka or a 4X4 excursion into the surrounding countryside

  • Milford Sound - Pass through incredible Fiordland National Park and enjoy a cruise on Milford Sound - look out for dolphins!

  • Lake Tekapo – See a tiny church set against a majestic backdrop, one of New Zealand’s most photographed spots

Day by Day Itinerary

Itinerary

Trip route map

What's Included & Excluded

What's Included

11 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 1 dinner
11 nights 4 star hotels
Airport arrival and departure transfers on day 1 and day 12
Escorted by an expert local guide/driver with specialist local guides at some sites
All relevant transfers and transportation in modern air-conditioned vehicle
Economy class flight from Rotorua - Christchurch
Christchurch Edwardian punt & heritage tram experience
Tranz-Alpine rail journey from Christchurch - Greymouth

Not Included

International flights and visas
Items of a personal nature (telephone calls, laundry, travel insurance etc)
Optional activities
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.

Is This Trip Right for You?

Is this trip right for you?

  • There are some long travelling days on this trip, but it’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.

  • This trip requires a moderate level of fitness as it involves some walking and swimming, allowing you to really get among nature. Please bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, a swimsuit and comfortable clothing.

  • Multiple activities on this trip are subject to weather and water conditions and on occasion, may be cancelled for safety or operational reasons. In the case of cancellation, we will endeavour to find a suitable replacement activity.

Book Your Adventure

Ready to embark on this incredible journey? Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot today.

Tour Details

Duration12 days
StartAuckland
EndChristchurch
StyleGroup Tours
Max Group16 people

Pricing

Starting from
AUD $10,750
per person
✓ Best available price

Dates and availability

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