13 Day The Great Southern Tour 

Welcome to New Zealand! Upon arrival you will be picked up for your private transfer from Christchurch International Airport to your hotel.

CHRISTCHURCH/OTAUTAHI – Located on a level plain, Christchurch is defined by its historic past and vibrant future. The willow and oak-lined River Avon meanders through its heart, where you can enjoy a punt ride or explore the sprawling Botanic Gardens. Much of the city’s unique charm comes from its blend of old and new; elegant stone buildings sit alongside striking contemporary architecture. Following a series of earthquakes, the city has been thoughtfully and creatively rebuilt, resulting in innovative new spaces like the Transitional Cathedral and Margaret Mahy Playground. This spirit of renewal makes Christchurch an exciting hub for arts, culture, and dining, while its proximity to both the stunning Canterbury Plains and the volcanic Port Hills offers easy access to outdoor adventures.

Start the day with a fantastic introduction to Christchurch on a Discover Christchurch Morning Tour Your guide will provide commentary on the devastating 2011 earthquake and the city’s ongoing revitalization. You’ll visit significant sites like Mona Vale homestead, the Port Hills for spectacular city views, and the seaside suburb of Sumner before returning to the central city.

Following your tour, uplift your Compact SUV rental and enjoy the freedom to explore the Canterbury region your way. You might choose to cruise up to the Port Hills for stunning views, or head north to Waipara’s scenic vineyards. Looking for more adventure? Ask our consultants about optional tours to Akaroa, a charming French settlement, or Kaikōura, renowned for whale watching

Today, prepare your camera for this is a spectacular trip that takes you inland from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo. You’ll pass through the Canterbury Plains and enter the Mackenzie Country, with breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and the vibrant turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo.

LAKE TEKAPO/TAKAPŌ – located in the Mackenzie country, with fantastic views of the surrounding Alps. The Lake’s unusual turquoise colour is given by fine rock-flour, which is dust ground by glacial movement and held in suspension by the Lake’s waters. The Lake is also well known for its brown and rainbow trout.

Tonight, you will be joining the Summit Experience – At Mt John Observatory at Dark Sky Project for a world-class stargazing experience. You’ll be taken to the summit of Mount John, the scientific heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. Your guide will provide a captivating tour of the Southern Hemisphere sky, using a powerful, state-of-the-art telescope to show you constellations, planets, and nebulae, all while sharing stories and scientific knowledge.

Set off on your adventure further southeast to Dunedin. The route takes you through Ōamaru, a town well-known for its beautiful Victorian architecture and a colony of little blue penguins. Continue along the Otago coast, passing through lush farmland and river valleys. Your journey concludes as you arrive in Dunedin, a city rich in Scottish heritage and culture.

DUNEDIN/OTEPOTI – often called the “Edinburgh of the South”, Dunedin was settled by the Scottish settlers that came to New Zealand. It is a city of spires, of towers, gables and roofs with turrets, and gracious, generally stone, buildings. Dunedin is also home to the Albatross and Penguin colonies plus many species of New Zealand wildlife.

Once in Dunedin, kick off your first New Zealand wildlife adventure with a visit to Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance. Take a 90-minute Wildlife & Penguin guided tour that offers an exclusive opportunity to view the endangered yellow-eyed penguins and little penguins. You will learn about the conservation efforts to protect these birds, visit a rehabilitation center, and take a nature walk through the reserve. The tour is a unique and impactful way to support conservation while seeing a variety of native wildlife.

Begin your journey of the heritage-rich city of Dunedin, enhanced by two handpicked, unforgettable experiences woven into today’s adventure:

Start your day with a visit to the short but memorable Royal Albatross Centre, Unique Tour. This exclusive 90-minute private tour provides an intimate experience with the magnificent Northern Royal Albatross. With a dedicated expert guide, you will learn about the breeding cycle of these majestic birds and their conservation. You’ll view the albatross from a secluded, glass-fronted observatory and explore the historical Fort Taiaroa, which offers insights into the area’s human history.

Then step back in time with a visit to Larnach Castle and Gardens, a gothic revival masterpiece built in 1871. Your entry gives you access to the castle’s restored interior, where you can learn about the history of the Larnach family. You can also explore the stunning gardens of international significance and climb the tower for panoramic views of the Otago Peninsula and surrounding harbor.

Todays journey takes you southwest from Dunedin, passing through some lovely rural areas and smaller towns. The landscape is a mix of farmlands and high country, and as you get closer to Te Anau, you’ll start to feel the grandeur of the mountains and lakes that make up Fiordland. Te Anau is a great place to stay overnight before heading into Milford Sound.

This afternoon you go into the dark on RealNZ’s fantastic Te Anau – Glowworm Caves Tour. You’ll embark on a guided journey into the enchanting Te Anau Glowworm Caves, where rushing underground streams and luminous glowworms create a magical experience unlike any other. Your adventure begins with a scenic cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Te Anau aboard one of our purpose-built vessels. On arrival at Cavern House, explore fascinating displays that uncover the caves’ geology and history before your guide leads you into the underground labyrinth. Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will highlight the caves’ unique features and share captivating stories about their formation and discovery. Marvel at twisting limestone passages, sculpted rock formations, swirling whirlpools, and a thundering underground waterfall. The journey culminates in a hidden grotto, where you’ll drift silently by boat beneath a sparkling canopy of glowworms unique to New Zealand.

TE ANAU – the focal point of the Fiordland National Park, the country’s most rugged and remote. Lake Te Anau sprawls at the feet of high rugged mountains with its South, Middle and North fiords probing into the ranges. The Lake, New Zealand’s second largest, is 417 metres deep.

Sit back and relax for the day as you join RealNZ’s Coach/ Cruise/ Coach Tour to Milford Sound. Take the time to enjoy the best of Milford Sound with a leisurely cruise. Exploring the length of the fiord you’ll learn about the history of the region and benefit from the knowledge of your specialist nature guide. Experience the cool spray of a waterfall as you move in close to sheer rock faces or watch out for dolphins, seals and, in season, the rare Fiordland crested penguins. Your experienced skipper will tailor the cruise to take into consideration weather and recent wildlife sightings, ensuring you’ll see the best that Milford Sound has to offer on the day.

Leave Te Anau and follow the highway east across open farmland. You will pass through Mossburn and Lumsden before entering the Wakatipu Basin with its spectacular mountain views. Your journey concludes as you arrive in Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

QUEENSTOWN/TAHUNA – is the South Island’s most popular resort, set alongside the shores of Lake Wakatipu, under the gaze of the Remarkables Ranges. See the contrast of smooth glacier rounded hills, and jagged mountain summits that reach high above the ancient ice floor. The town is renowned for its jet boating, bungy-jumping, skiing and awe-inspiring scenery. Local story has it, that the gold prospectors of the 19th century pronounced the town as “fit for any Queen”, and so she was called Queenstown.

There’s so much to experience in and around Queenstown, you’ll be truly spoilt for choice today. To start we’ve included one of the region’s most iconic adventures, the exhilarating Shotover Jet ride. In the evening, take the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak and enjoy a memorable dinner with panoramic views.

Still craving more? Talk to your consultant about adding optional activities tailored to your interests.

This is an incredibly scenic journey that links the adventure hub with the West Coast glaciers. You’ll travel over the Haast Pass, a route with lush rainforest and past towering mountains. The scenery transforms dramatically as you travel up the West Coast, with lush native bush and dramatic coastal views before you arrive at the glaciers.

FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER/WAIAU – originally named Victoria, after Queen Victoria of England, geologist Julius Von Haast, renamed it, Franz Josef, after the current Emperor of his homeland, Austria. The Glacier is pale blue/green ice that has retreated and advanced many times over the years. A walk from the carpark to the Glacier terminal will give you some impressive views and an idea of the immense size of the Glacier itself. The township of Franz Josef is a small town based around the tourist and supply trade.

Start your day with a scenic adventure on the Franz Josef Wilderness Tours Cruise and Walk. This unique tour offers a two-and-a-half-hour immersion into the untouched beauty of the Franz Josef region. You’ll begin with a tranquil cruise across Lake Mapourika, a scenic gem known for its mirror-like reflections of the surrounding Southern Alps and ancient rainforest. Your knowledgeable guide will share local stories and point out native birdlife as you glide across the calm water. The highlight of the trip is an exclusive landing at the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where you’ll embark on a guided walk along a private rainforest trail. This is a rare opportunity to experience a Jurassic-like ecosystem, with towering trees and a lush undergrowth, all while learning about the conservation efforts for the critically endangered Rowi kiwi.

Spend the afternoon exploring the charming Franz Josef Village, or fuel your adventurous spirit with an optional heli hike or the breathtaking Grand Traverse scenic flight.

Today you’ll drive from Franz Josef to Greymouth to drop your car off and begin an epic train journey aboard the TranzAlpine. Experience one of the world’s most scenic train rides, traveling through the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island. The journey takes you through the mountains of Arthur’s Pass to the farmlands of the Canterbury Plains through river gorges, offering incredible views from the open-air viewing carriage.

All aboard for the countries best train ride with The Great Journeys of New Zealand – TranzAlpine: Greymouth to Christchurch. Travel on the world famous TranzAlpine Train from Greymouth to Christchurch, enjoying the incredible scenery along the way. The journey will take you coast-to-coast through the ‘Great Divide’ and the indomitable spine of mountains that partitions New Zealand’s South Island. From your carriage you’ll see the lush green valleys of the West Coast, the spectacular Southern Alps, beautiful gorges and river valleys and the fields of the Canterbury Plains. Your train journey is 223.8 kilometres long with 16 tunnels and 5 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 metres. An open-air viewing carriage allows you to get even closer to the stunning scenery and provides many opportunities to photograph your favourite spots.

You will be met by Hallmark Limousines at the Christchurch Train Station for your private transfer to your Christchurch city hotel.

Head to Christchurch Airport by private transfer and leave New Zealand ready to share your extraordinary memories and plan your next trip down to see us.