9 Day The Bold South Tour 

Upon arrival you will be picked up for your private transfer from Queenstown Airport to your accommodation with time to get a feel for this extraordinary city.

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.

It is Milford Sound today! You will join Altitude Tours Queenstown on their Milford Sound – Coach/Cruise/Fly Tour (includes lunch). This full-day, all-inclusive tour is a “bucket list” experience that showcases the stunning beauty of Fiordland from every angle. Your adventure begins with a comfortable coach trip from Queenstown in a premium Mercedes van, where your knowledgeable local guide will provide entertaining commentary and make multiple stops for incredible photo opportunities at iconic spots like Mirror Lakes and the Chasm.

Upon arrival at Milford Sound, you’ll board a small-boat nature cruise to explore the length of the fiord, getting up close to its towering waterfalls and spotting unique wildlife. The grand finale is a breathtaking scenic flight, where you’ll soar over the razor-sharp mountain peaks, glaciers, and alpine lakes you just traveled through, arriving back in Queenstown in a fraction of the time. This seamless tour is designed for comfort and convenience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural wonder of the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”

There is so much to do in and around Queenstown that you are spoilt for choice today. Choose from one of our suggested optional tours, take it easy and enjoy the town or talk to your consultant about the myriad of fun on offer in this extraordinary destination.

This morning you will pick up your Compact SUV Rental Car and head off on what 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.

Today you will join Franz Josef Wilderness Tours for their fabulous Kayak and Walk Tour. This premium tour offers a tranquil and immersive experience. You’ll start by kayaking on the pristine waters of Lake Mapourika, enjoying reflections of the Southern Alps and glaciers. Your journey then continues with a guided walk through the protected rainforest, where you can get up close with unique native flora and learn about the local kiwi conservation efforts.

This afternoon, why not take things to new heights with an optional Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight? You’ll soar over two stunning glaciers with epic views of icy crevasses, snow-covered peaks, and jaw-dropping landscapes you won’t see any other way.

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.

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.

Today you will pick up another Compact SUV rental car and begin your trip in Christchurch and head north along the coast. The route hugs the Pacific Ocean, offering incredible views, and it’s a great place to spot seals basking on the rocks right next to the highway. You’ll leave the dramatic coastal scenery behind as you approach the city of Kaikōura, a perfect way to end a coastal adventure.

KAIKOURA/TE TAUMANU O TE WAKA A MAUI – means “to eat crayfish”, from the Māori words “Kai” meaning food, and Koura meaning crayfish. You can savour crayfish here in Kaikoura, view whales and dolphins at play, or visit local galleries and craft shops, or take a walk along the Peninsula Walkway. If you travel out onto the Kaikoura Peninsula and look back towards the mountains, an amazing tableau will appear before you. The seaward Kaikoura Range appears to rise from the sea, with the snow-capped Southern Alps as a backdrop.

This afternoon you’ll be boarding ship with Whale Watch Kaikoura on a Whale Watching Tour in the Ocean Cabin. This is a fantastic boat tour with a high success rate for spotting whales. You’ll be on a modern catamaran designed for whale watching, with an enclosed cabin and large outdoor decks. Your expert guides will use specialized equipment to locate giant sperm whales, the stars of the show and year-round residents, and you might also see dolphins, seals, and a variety of seabirds.

This journey is a great way to travel between the islands. You’ll first travel from Kaikōura to the port town of Picton. From there, you’ll board the ferry for a scenic trip across the Cook Strait. The journey is famous for its views of the Marlborough Sounds before you arrive in Wellington Harbour.

Interislander, Picton to Wellington. This spectacular journey, often described as one of the world’s most scenic ferry crossings, is your chance to cruise through the tranquil Marlborough Sounds. As you depart Picton, you’ll be amazed by the secluded bays, lush forests, and rugged coastline. The journey then takes you into the Cook Strait and finally into Wellington’s vibrant harbor. Onboard, you can relax in comfort, enjoy locally sourced cuisine and drinks, or simply take in the incredible views from the observation decks.

WELLINGTON/TE WHANGANUI-A-TARA – the Capital city of New Zealand since 1865, is situated around Wellington harbour, its houses clinging precipitously to the steep hillsides. Wellington is renowned for its wind which is channelled through the Cook Strait, and causes the wind to blow most days. A clever blend of buildings, old and new, beautiful vistas of the city and harbour, and a cosmopolitan mix of culture and arts give Wellington its heart, and vibrant atmosphere.

Once in Wellington enjoy Te Papa Museum of New Zealand’s Introducing Te Papa Tour. This one-hour guided tour is an excellent way to get the most out of your visit to Te Papa. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the museum, sharing captivating stories and providing a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s rich history, art, and culture, from its unique geological past to its indigenous Māori traditions.

Today you’ll return your rental car today and leave New Zealand ready to share your extraordinary memories and plan your next trip down to see us.