Discover South Island Icons from Mountains to Coast
This 10 day Southern Icons Adventure showcases the very best of New Zealand’s South Island, from alpine peaks to rugged coastlines. Beginning in Christchurch, the journey takes you through Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Dunedin’s heritage streets, and the wild beauty of Fiordland. Highlights include a Milford Sound cruise, Queenstown’s alpine setting, and glacier landscapes on the West Coast .
As the journey continues, experience a diverse mix of scenery and experiences, from wildlife encounters on the Otago Peninsula to the dramatic Haast Pass and Franz Josef Glacier. The itinerary concludes with the iconic TranzAlpine train, one of the world’s great rail journeys. This well-balanced tour offers an unforgettable exploration of New Zealand’s southern highlights.
Inclusions
Accommodation for 9 nights staying in Hotel 3 star
Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App
The Visitor Promise - Cultural Learning Course
Private Transfer Christchurch International Airport to Christchurch Accommodation
Christchurch to Aoraki / Mt Cook via Lake Tekapo with Cheeky Kiwi - Lunch Included
Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre Museum and Theatre Explorer Pass with Hermitage
Mt Cook to Dunedin with Iconic
Castle to Cruise Tour and Penguin Experience with Monarch
Dunedin to Te Anau via Invercargill & The Catlins with Cheeky Kiwi Travel
Ata Whenua - Shadowland Film at Fiordland Cinema
Milford Sound Cruise from Te Anau and returning to Queenstown with RealNZ - Lunch Included
Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wānaka Small Group Tour with Cheeky Kiwi - Lunch Included
Franz Josef to Christchurch Tour with TranzAlpine Train via Hokitika with Cheeky Kiwi Travel - Lunch Included
Private Transfer from Christchurch Accommodation to Airport
9 breakfasts, 4 lunches
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Christchurch
Arrive in Christchurch, a city known for its leafy parks, heritage charm, and modern revival. Spend the rest of the day settling in or exploring the vibrant streets, riverside precincts, and local cafés.
Included: Private transfer from Christchurch Airport to accommodation Enjoy a seamless arrival with a private transfer taking you directly to your hotel. This personalised service ensures a relaxed and comfortable start to your South Island journey.
Suggested Activity: Discover Christchurch Afternoon Tour Explore Christchurch on a guided afternoon tour that showcases both its historic charm and inspiring rebuild following the earthquakes. Discover elegant architecture, tranquil gardens and key landmarks while gaining insight into the city’s resilience and transformation.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Cotswold, Christchurch
Stay in a charming property reflecting Christchurch’s English-inspired heritage. Its location near parks and boutique shopping makes it a convenient and comfortable base.
Day 2: Christchurch to Aoraki/Mount Cook
Travel across the Canterbury Plains towards the Southern Alps, where dramatic scenery unfolds. Today introduces you to alpine lakes, vast landscapes, and New Zealand’s highest peak.
Included: Small group tour from Christchurch to Aoraki/Mount Cook via Lake Tekapo Journey through iconic South Island landscapes, including the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo. Expert guides bring the region to life with stories and insights along the way.
Included: Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre Museum and Theatre Explorer Pass Discover the legacy of Sir Edmund Hillary through engaging exhibits that showcase his life, achievements and connection to the Aoraki Mount Cook region. Enjoy access to interactive displays and a state-of-the-art theatre featuring documentaries, 3D films and immersive digital presentations.
Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Mount Cook
Stay surrounded by towering peaks with incredible views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. The alpine setting provides a truly memorable overnight experience.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Mount Cook to Dunedin
Wake up surrounded by alpine beauty before continuing south towards Dunedin. The journey showcases diverse landscapes, from high country to coastal heritage towns.
Suggested Activity: Glacier Explorers Get up close to ancient icebergs as you cruise across the Tasman Glacier terminal lake, surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery. This unique experience offers rare access to New Zealand’s largest glacier, where you can safely view towering ice cliffs and floating formations.
Included: Mt Cook to Dunedin with Iconic In the afternoon you will be picked up from your accommodation in Mt Cook Village for the journey through to Dunedin. Along the way you stop for a short break in Omarama, then onto Oamaru for a scenic tour of the historic Whitestone Precinct. You will then enjoy a guided walk along Koekohe Beach at Moeraki Boulders before reaching Dunedin, where you will be dropped off at your accommodation.
Accommodation: Stay 2 nights at Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Stay in the heart of Dunedin, close to its historic architecture and vibrant centre. The central location makes it easy to explore the city’s attractions.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4: Dunedin Wildlife and Heritage
Discover Dunedin’s unique blend of wildlife and heritage on the Otago Peninsula. This region is known for its rare species and fascinating history.
Included: Castle to Cruise Tour and Penguin Experience Explore the Otago Peninsula with a wildlife cruise around Taiaroa Head, where you may spot royal albatross, seals, dolphins and penguins in their natural habitat. Continue with a visit to historic Larnach Castle and a guided experience at a protected reserve to observe the rare yellow-eyed penguin up close.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5: Dunedin to Te Anau via The Catlins
Travel through the remote and rugged Catlins region, known for its untouched beauty. Today’s journey highlights waterfalls, coastal cliffs, and native wildlife.
Included: Dunedin to Te Anau via Invercargill and The Catlins tour Travel along the rugged southern coastline, exploring the remote and untouched beauty of The Catlins region. Discover dramatic cliffs, native forests and hidden waterfalls while your expert guide shares stories and insights into this wild and fascinating part of New Zealand.
Included: Ata Whenua – Shadowland Film Experience Fiordland’s remote wilderness from a unique perspective through this stunning cinematic journey across the region. With breathtaking aerial footage and immersive sound, it offers an inspiring glimpse into one of New Zealand’s most untouched and dramatic landscapes.
Accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau
Stay near the shores of Lake Te Anau, surrounded by peaceful natural scenery. The tranquil setting is perfect for relaxing before your Fiordland adventure.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6: Milford Sound to Queenstown
Journey through Fiordland National Park to experience the breathtaking Milford Sound. Towering peaks, waterfalls, and rainforest create one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes.
Included: Milford Sound coach and cruise tour from Queenstown with lunch Travel through the spectacular landscapes of Fiordland National Park aboard a comfortable coach, with scenic stops and expert commentary along the way. Once in Milford Sound, enjoy a relaxing cruise surrounded by towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and native wildlife in one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking natural settings.
Accommodation: Stay 2 nights at Ramada Hotel & Suites Queenstown Central
Stay in a modern hotel close to Queenstown’s vibrant centre and lakefront. The convenient location makes it easy to explore the town.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Fee Day in Queenstown
Spend the day exploring Queenstown, known for its stunning alpine scenery and diverse activities. Whether relaxing or seeking adventure, there is something for everyone.
Suggested Activity: Wilderness Jet Experience with Dart River Safaris Speed through the breathtaking landscapes of Mt Aspiring National Park on an exhilarating jet boat adventure surrounded by towering peaks and pristine wilderness. This thrilling experience combines dramatic scenery with expert commentary, bringing the region’s history and cinematic beauty to life.
Suggested Activity: Best of Queenstown Scenic Tour with Altitude Tours Discover Queenstown’s highlights on a premium guided tour, visiting scenic viewpoints, historic Arrowtown and the renowned Gibbston wine region. Complete the experience with wine tasting, local produce and a relaxing cruise on Lake Wakatipu, offering a well-rounded taste of the region.
Suggested Activity: Gondola and Buffet Dinner with Skyline Queenstown Ride the Skyline Gondola to the summit for panoramic views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. At the top, enjoy a delicious gourmet buffet dinner while taking in one of the most spectacular dining backdrops in New Zealand.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8: Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wānaka
Travel through alpine landscapes and along the West Coast to Franz Josef. This scenic journey highlights lakes, mountain passes, and coastal rainforest.
Included: Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wānaka Small Group Tour with lunch Travel from Queenstown to Franz Josef on a scenic journey featuring iconic South Island highlights, including the historic Cardrona Hotel and the famous Wānaka Tree. Along the way, enjoy stunning stops at Lake Hāwea, Thunder Creek Falls and Ship Creek, where rainforest meets the rugged West Coast shoreline.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Stay in the heart of glacier country, surrounded by rainforest and mountains. The location provides easy access to local walks and attractions.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9: Franz Josef to Christchurch via TranzAlpine
Travel north along the rugged West Coast before crossing the Southern Alps. This day combines coastal scenery with one of the world’s great train journeys.
Included: Franz Josef to Greymouth transfer via Hokitika Travel north along the rugged West Coast, passing through Hokitika, a historic town renowned for its pounamu and gold mining heritage. This scenic journey showcases coastal landscapes and rich history before arriving in Greymouth.
Included: TranzAlpine Scenic Train from Greymouth to Christchurch Experience one of the world’s great rail journeys as you travel through Arthur’s Pass National Park and across the Southern Alps. Enjoy ever-changing scenery from rainforest and river valleys to wide open plains as you make your way to Christchurch.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Cotswold, Christchurch
Return to Christchurch for your final night in a comfortable and well-located hotel. The setting offers a relaxing end to your journey.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: Depart Christchurch
Your South Island adventure comes to an end in Christchurch. Take time to reflect on the incredible landscapes and experiences before your departure.
Included: Private transfer from accommodation to Christchurch Airport Enjoy a stress-free transfer to the airport for your onward journey. This final service ensures a smooth and comfortable departure.
Coach Tours
