The Essential South Island

This 9 day tour starts in Christchurch and finishes in Christchurch.

This itinerary is one of our most popular South Island tours. In just 9 days capture the essence of the South Island's cities, lakes, mountains, fiords, glaciers and many more attractions.

Accommodation type on this tour is: Boutique Lodges & Hotels.

Rental car insurance included

Rental car inclusions: Unlimited kilometres,airport/ferry terminal fees, additional drivers.

Tour pack: Includes detailed driving instructions, maps, guide books and much more.

This tour can be customised to suit you precisely - just request here.

This tour also features:

Included activity: Private transfer Christchurch International Airport to your accommodation

Included activity: Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App

Included activity: Glacier Explorers

Included activity: Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre Museum and Theatre Explorer Pass

Included activity: TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining

Included activity: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown with RealNZ

Included activity: Franz Josef Glacier Helihike with The Helicopter Line

Included activity: TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch

Included activity: Private Transfer Christchurch Train Station to your accommodation

Included activity: Private transfer accommodation to Christchurch Airport

8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 special dinner

Itinerary summary for: The Essential South Island

Day 1: Arrive into Christchurch
Accommodation: Orari Apartments

Day 2: Collect your rental car and travel to Mt Cook for an afternoon of alpine activities
Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Wing Premium Plus

Day 3: Follow the dry lands to Lindis Pass which leads into Central Otago, then through the Kawerau Gorge to Queenstown
Accommodation: The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi

Day 4: The day is yours to discover all the scenic spots and fun activities on offer in Queenstown
Accommodation: The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi

Day 5: Journey to the remote Doubtful Sound for your wilderness cruise
Accommodation: The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi

Day 6: Travel the Haast Pass to the West Coast and this evening relax in the glacier hot pools
Accommodation: Westwood Lodge

Day 7: Discover the remarkable world of ice atop the Franz Josef Glacier during your heli-hike
Accommodation: Westwood Lodge

Day 8: Drive north along the stunning West Coast Road and take the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch
Accommodation: Orari Apartments

Day 9: Depart Christchurch today