9 Day Wild South Adventure ‘Premium’ Tour 

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

Depending on your flight arrival time, you may wish to join an optional Kai Safari in Christchurch, a guided culinary journey celebrating local flavours, stories, and the region’s rich food culture or a Christchurch Tramway Dinner.

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 your Intermediate SUV rental car and prepare your camera for this 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.

On arrival in Mount Cook Village, you will check in for your Glacier Explorer tour at The Hermitage. This 2.5-hour tour is the only one of its kind in New Zealand. You’ll take a short walk to the terminal lake of the Tasman Glacier, where you’ll board a boat to cruise among floating icebergs and get an up-close view of the glacier’s face. Your knowledgeable guide will share the history of the glacier and the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, providing a surreal and educational experience.

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.

Before leaving Mount Cook, you may wish to take your adventure to new heights with an optional Picnic Amongst the Peaks helicopter flight, offering an unforgettable alpine experience above New Zealand’s highest mountains!

Today you’ll travel from Lake Tekapo in the Mackenzie Basin and head 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.

On arrival in Dunedin, head straight to the Otago Peninsula for an unforgettable Natures Wonders Argo 8×8 wheel ATV wildlife tour. You’ll experience a unique guided wildlife adventure, travelling on an all-terrain Argo 8 wheel drive vehicle. Take an exhilarating ride across the Reid family farm to the breeding habitat of Penguins, and New Zealand Fur Seals and their Pups. Enjoy the spectacular coastal views, private beaches and up close and personal encounters with nature.

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 you will journey 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.

Once in Te Anau, check-in for your Fiordland Jet – Pure Wilderness tour. This tour is an exhilarating adventure that combines speed with sightseeing. Your jet boat will take you on a journey up the Waiau River, which was used as the River Anduin in the “Lord of the Rings” films. Your guide will provide entertaining commentary as you glide over shallows and spin through the pristine river system, with the stunning Fiordland mountains as your backdrop.

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.

Today, take a break from driving and relax as you embark on the Trips and Tramps Milford Sound Coach, Cruise & Walk, Including Lunch adventure! This tour is the perfect way to experience Milford Sound in a single day. You’ll travel in a small group with a passionate local guide who will provide a personalized commentary and make stops at scenic photo spots along the Milford Road. The experience includes a two-hour nature cruise on the fiord and a guided walk, providing an intimate and comprehensive look at this spectacular region.

MILFORD SOUND – Milford Sound, often called the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World,’ is a breathtaking fjord carved by glaciers, where sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforest meet the deep blue waters of the Tasman Sea. Home to seals, dolphins, and penguins, this iconic natural wonder offers unforgettable experiences by boat, on foot, or from the air, showcasing New Zealand’s dramatic wilderness at its finest.

Hit the road early to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital! 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.

Spend half a day in Queenstown with Nomad Safaris and a Quad Safari! This is a thrilling and unique way to explore the Queenstown area. Your guide will take you on a journey through the famous gold-mining region of Skippers Canyon, where you’ll navigate a 4WD track and a series of riverbeds. The quad bikes are easy to ride, and the tour is suitable for all levels, providing an exciting and unforgettable off-road adventure.

Tonight, step aboard the iconic TSS Earnslaw steamship and glide across the stunning Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station, where a sumptuous Gourmet BBQ Dinner awaits

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.

Today, set 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.

Once in Franz Josef, check-in at The Helicopter Line for your Twin Glacier flight. This is a perfect way to experience two of New Zealand’s most famous glaciers. The helicopter flight takes you over both the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, offering dramatic views of their different ice formations and surrounding landscapes. A highlight is the alpine snow landing, which gives you a chance to step out onto the ice and take in the awe-inspiring scenery. Your experienced pilot will provide informative commentary throughout the journey, ensuring a safe and memorable adventure.

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’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. With the Scenic Plus experience, savour regionally inspired cuisine paired with wine and beer from the comfort of your luxurious seat as you soak in the spectacular scenery – a hosted dining experience like no other.

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’ll be transferred 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.