7 Day Peaks & Fiords Tour 

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

Tonight, you may wish to add on our suggested optional to enjoy a unique Christchurch Tramway dinner to experience the city’s vibe. Chat with your consultant to add to your tour.

Today you will head off early and pick up your Compact SUV car rental and then prepare your camera for this is a spectacular trip that takes you inland from Christchurch. 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 and Lake Pukaki. The route then leads you directly to Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain.

MOUNT COOK/AORAKI – whose Māori name “Aorangi” means “Cloud Piercer” is some 3753.5 metres high and surrounded by a host of massive peaks. Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain, and can quite often be surrounded by cloud, constantly vulnerable to the fast changing weather patterns of an alpine climate.

Tonight, you’ll experience Big Sky Stargazing: a 90-minute guided tour where you can explore stars, planets, and galaxies through powerful telescopes in a world-famous dark sky reserve at The Hermitage.

A long and comprehensive journey that takes you from the heart of the Southern Alps to the remote beauty of Fiordland. You’ll travel through a variety of landscapes, including the stunning high country of Central Otago before heading into rural Southland and finally arriving at the gateway to Milford Sound, Te Anau.

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.

After settling in, spend the afternoon either exploring RealNZ’s Glowworm Caves on our recommended optional tour or unwinding in Te Anau.

Today is Milford Sound day! While it can be long, the drive is actually a spectacular exploration of the world-famous Milford Road. As the gateway to Fiordland National Park, the drive itself is a destination, taking you through ancient forests, past towering peaks, and through vast, glacier-carved valleys. The route offers countless opportunities to stop and take photos at iconic viewpoints like Mirror Lakes and the Chasm. The drive to Milford Sound is so breathtaking that returning along the same road provides a fresh perspective and a second chance to fully appreciate the raw, untamed beauty of this incredible wilderness highway.

Meet the Real Journeys crew at Milford Wharf to board the Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise to cruise the length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. Explore many points of interest including waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife with the experienced nature guide on board. Upon reaching the open sea, subject to weather and favourable conditions the sails are hoisted for a period. The vessel then returns and anchors overnight in sheltered Harrison Cove. Activities include kayaking and exploring the shoreline on the tender craft. The cruise includes a delicious three course buffet evening meal, and a hearty cooked breakfast. Beverages are sold at the licensed-on board bar.

Accommodation is onboard the Milford Mariner (including dinner and breakfast)

Wake up and watch the sunrise over breakfast, before disembarking your cruise. From Milford Sound, the route first takes you back along the world-famous Milford Road, a winding and immersive experience through towering mountains and lush, native beech forests. You’ll pass by serene lakes and continue to the lakeside town of Te Anau. From there, the landscape gradually changes as you head south into the heart of Southland. The mountainous terrain gives way to the vast, open plains and rich agricultural land that the region is famous for. The journey culminates in Invercargill, New Zealand’s southernmost city, a place known for its wide streets, historic buildings, and as the gateway to Stewart Island.

Today you will visit Bill Richardson Transport World – Admission & Guided Tour. This is a truly unique and comprehensive experience for any vintage vehicle enthusiast. Your expert guide will take you on a journey through Bill Richardson Transport World, a massive and meticulously curated collection that spans over 15,000 square meters. The guided tour goes beyond general admission, providing fascinating stories and behind-the-scenes insights into the history of the vehicles and the incredible passion behind the collection. You’ll see everything from classic cars and trucks from a bygone era to rare vintage petrol pumps and unique automotive art.

INVERCARGILL/ WAIHOPAI is New Zealand’s southernmost city, known for its wide streets and well-preserved historic buildings. Serving as the gateway to Stewart Island, it offers a mix of cultural landmarks and local amenities, providing a quiet and comfortable stop during your South Island travels.

Set off early and you’ll travel from Invercargill to Dunedin, the heritage charm of New Zealand’s southernmost city toward the rolling hills and historic architecture of Dunedin. This route showcases the diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the Southern South Island, offering a memorable journey through the region.

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

Today take a Monarch Wildlife Cruises and Tours – Standard Peninsula Encounter Tour. Explore the Otago Peninsula on this guided, small group tour. Travel over the high road with postcard views of the harbour and coast. A short walk from the mini-bus will bring you to a remote beach with dramatic views of rugged coastal cliffs, offshore islands and possibly some huge sea lions. Continuing to Taiaroa Head, home to the royal albatross breeding colony, where you can learn about this majestic bird at the visitor’s centre and spot it flying overhead, or take a short walk to see a fur seal haul out. The final stop on the tour is at a yellow-eyed Penguin conservation reserve. Visit the on-site rehab centre before visiting different viewing hides scattered around the reserve, from which you can try and spot world’s rarest penguin. Your guide will discuss the conservation work being done to help save this special penguin species.

Today, return your rental car to Dunedin airport and leave New Zealand ready to share your extraordinary memories and plan your next trip down to see us.