12 Day Kiwi South Island Small Group Tour

Starting from Christchurch, head south towards Akaunui Farm, where you'll enjoy a delightful lunch hosted by Di and Ian Mackenzie in their beautiful homestead, surrounded by stunning gardens. Continue your journey through the vibrant turquoise lakes, Tekapo and Pukaki, offering perfect photo opportunities. Your day concludes in Aoraki/Mt Cook Village, where you'll dine and stay at the Hermitage Hotel, nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps.

Stay at Mount Cook - The Hermitage Hotel

Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park with a scenic walk or an optional scenic flight over the Tasman Glacier. Later, travel through the golden tussock fields of Lindis Pass and arrive in Queenstown, where you'll stay at Scenic Suites for the next three nights.

- Take a leisurely stroll to admire the breathtaking alpine landscapes of Aoraki Mt Cook.
- Experience the Tasman Glacier up close with an optional helicopter flight.
- Relax with a three-night stay in Queenstown and soak up its lively mountain atmosphere.

Stay at Scenic Suites, Queenstown for 3 nights

Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and Lake Te Anau into Fiordland National Park. Here, you’ll enjoy a scenic cruise on Milford Sound, taking in the majesty of Mitre Peak, along with sightings of seals and dolphins. End your day with a scenic flight back to Queenstown, offering stunning views of the Southern Alps.

- Journey from Lake Te Anau through Fiordland National Park along the spectacular Milford Road.

- Experience a small boat cruise on Milford Sound, passing beneath waterfalls and heading out to the Tasman Sea.

- Enjoy an unforgettable scenic flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown, showcasing breathtaking views from above.

Enjoy a free day to experience the activities that Queenstown has to offer. Whether it's a thrilling jet boat ride on the Dart River, a wine tasting tour at local vineyards, e-biking through scenic trails, or a relaxing cruise on the historic steamship TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu, the options are endless.

- Choose from hundreds of exciting activities and tours available in Queenstown.

- Stroll or cycle along the scenic trails of the Wakatipu Basin at your own pace.

- Dine at one of the award-winning restaurants overlooking the stunning lakefront.

Visit the charming Arrowtown, where gold mining history comes to life along the Arrow River. From the Crown Range, take in the last views of the Wakatipu Basin before stopping at the historic Cardrona Hotel for refreshments. Continue on to Wanaka, where you’ll stay at Edgewater Resort, located on the shores of Lake Wanaka.

- Gold mining history comes to life in Arrowtown

- Relax in the garden at the Cardrona Hotel

- Short walks or an optional activity in Wanaka

- Stroll along the lake at Wanaka, we’re staying right on the lakeside tonight

Stay at Edgewater Resort, Wanaka

Drive alongside the serene lakes of Hawea and Wanaka before entering the lush, forested Haast Pass. Along the way, enjoy short walks through beech forests to waterfalls and explore the coastal scenery at Ship Creek. Stop at Lake Matheson for a stroll before arriving at Aspen Court in Franz Josef.

- The stunning World Heritage Highway
- Short walks in the subalpine zone, rainforest and on the beach
- Wake up by the lakeshore in Wanaka, go to sleep surrounded by rainforest in Franz Josef

Stay at Aspen Court, Franz Josef

Spend the morning exploring Glacier Country with a walk to the Franz Josef Glacier Valley lookout, or opt for a scenic flight over the glacier. You can also enjoy a cruise on Okarito Lagoon to see the rare Kotuku (White Heron). Continue your journey to Hokitika, where you'll meet local Pounamu (greenstone) carvers before arriving at Scenic Hotel in Punakaiki for a two-night stay.

- Franz Josef Glacier walks, or the option of a heli glacier landing
- An optional wildlife cruise on Okarito Lagoon
- Explore Hokitika, the ‘pounamu’ or jade capital of New Zealand
- Sunset views from our hotel right on the beach at Punakaiki

Stay at Scenic Hotel, Punakaiki for 2 nights

Visit the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks with their impressive blowholes, then explore the subtropical forests and limestone formations of Paparoa National Park. A stop at the historic Denniston Plateau offers insight into the lives of early coal miners. For an extra treat, consider visiting the glow worm caves in Charleston.

- Discover the Pancake Rocks and blowholes
- Exciting West Coast optional tours like the glowworm caves in Charleston
- A few “guides favourites” like Denniston Plateau or the Brunner Mine site

Head up the West Coast, stopping at Tauranga Bay for a walk to the seal colony near Cape Foulwind. Travel inland through the dramatic Buller Gorge to Murchison, before reaching Nelson, known for its vineyards, orchards, and vibrant arts scene. Stay at The Tides Hotel for the next two nights.

- Enjoy an easy stroll to see the Cape Foulwind seal colony
- Pass through the rugged Buller Gorge to Murchison and on to Nelson
- Nelson is home to vineyards, orchards and a lively arts and crafts sce

Stay at Tides Hotel, Nelson

Join a guided catamaran cruise along the stunning Abel Tasman coastline, featuring sheltered bays, estuaries, and golden beaches. You can choose to walk as much or as little as you like, or simply relax on the beach and enjoy a picnic lunch. There’s also time for a refreshing swim in the clear blue waters before returning to Nelson.

- Cruise the crystal clear blue waters of Abel Tasman National Park
- A guided walk and picnic lunch on the Abel Tasman coastal track

On your way to Kaikoura, stop in Havelock at the head of Pelorus Sound. In Marlborough, enjoy a private lunch and wine tasting at the renowned FROMM Winery. Continue your journey along the scenic coastline between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges. Stay overnight at The White Morph and enjoy a celebratory dinner at the King Tide Eatery.

- Private lunch and wine tasting in this renowned wine region
- Be awed by the coastline between the Pacific Ocean and Kaikoura Ranges
- Celebrate our travels with dinner out on the town

Stay at White Morph Inn, Kaikoura

Spend the morning exploring Kaikoura’s marine life. You can take an optional whale-watching flight, a guided kayak tour, or enjoy a coastal walk to the seal colony. After lunch, head back to Christchurch, with a stop in Waipara to enjoy the views of the Canterbury Plains before concluding your adventure.