13 Day South Island Circuit

This morning we'll travel inland, crossing through the Buller Gorge and Lewis Pass as we make our way to Hanmer Springs, a charming alpine village nestled in the Southern Alps. Once we arrive, the rest of the day is yours to explore. Many choose to  soak in the famous Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools, a network of natural hot pools surrounded by native bush, the perfect way to unwind. This evening we'll gather for a group dinner in the village.

Stay: Heritage Hanmer Springs or similar
Visit: Hanmer Springs
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
 

After breakfast, we'll depart Hanmer Springs and make our way toward Christchurch, stopping en route in the Waipara Valley, one of Canterbury's premier wine regions. Enjoy a tasting at a local winery before continuing on to Christchurch, the Garden City, arriving in the afternoon with time to explore the city's hidden eateries and shopping district. This evening we'll enjoy a group dinner at our hotel.

Stay: Distinction Christchurch or similar
Visit: Waipara Valley, Christchurch
Experience: Waipara Valley Wine Tasting
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
 

After breakfast, we’ll journey south along the scenic east coast. Our first stop is Oamaru, a charming township renowned for its beautifully preserved heritage buildings, offering a glimpse into New Zealand’s Victorian past.
Next, we’ll visit the mystical Moeraki Boulders, ancient geological wonders formed around 60 million years ago. These spherical stones, shaped by natural erosion, dot the beach like sentinels silently guarding the coastline, creating a truly captivating sight.
In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Dunedin whose name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic term for Edinburgh. Steeped in Scottish heritage, the city enjoys a unique blend of history and culture from its striking European architecture to its rich Maori heritage. 

Stay: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City or similar
Visit: Oamaru, Moeraki Boulders, Baldwin Street, Dunedin
Meals: Breakfast
 

This morning we’ll visit the iconic Larnach Castle, a jewel of Dunedin. Built in 1871 by William Larnach, this is New Zealand’s only castle. Its magnificent gardens, recently rated by the New Zealand Gardens Trust as a Garden of International Significance, are unique and beautiful and offer breathtaking views of the Otago peninsula and beyond.
Next, our journey takes us to Gore, where we’ll delve into the town’s colorful past at the Hokonui Moonshine Museum. Discover the daring adventures of Scottish settlers who turned Gore into a hub for illicit whisky distilling and bootlegging. You’ll even have the chance to sample Old Hokonui, crafted from the original recipe that defied the law.
In the evening, we’ll arrive in Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland and the spectacular Doubtful Sound. Settle in and prepare for tomorrow’s awe-inspiring exploration of one of New Zealand’s most pristine natural wonders.

Stay: Distinction Luxmore Te Anau or similar
Visit: Gore, Te Anau
Experience: Larnach Castle, Hokonui Moonshine Museum
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
 

Departing Te Anau this morning, we’ll travel to Manapouri for a scenic cruise across the lake to West Arm. From there, we’ll take a short coach journey over Wilmot Pass, New Zealand’s most expensive road, pausing to admire the dense Fiordland rainforest and stunning views of Doubtful Sound below.
At Deep Cove, we board a modern catamaran to explore Doubtful Sound, the largest and most tranquil fiord in the region. Known for its serene beauty and lack of crowds compared to Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound offers breathtaking scenery with towering mountains and pristine waters. As we sail, enjoy expert commentary on the area’s rich history and keep an eye out for wildlife, including penguins, seals, and dolphins.

After the tour, we’ll continue to Queenstown, where we’ll check into the stunning alpine resort that will be our accommodation for the next two nights.

Stay: Heritage Queenstown or similar
Visit: Lake Manapouri, West Arm, Deep Cove, Doubtful Sound, Queenstown
Experience:  Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today is yours to experience the best of Queenstown, a picturesque alpine resort town known for its vast array of adventure activities. If you’d like to explore the area, we recommend taking a ride on the world famous Shotover Jet Boat or taking a tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon. For the best views of the town, travel to the top of Bob’s Peak by gondola and have lunch at the Skyline restaurant, why not make your way to the bungy centre to watch people hurling themselves off cliffs - bungy is a NZ invention after all! Alternatively, make your way to the lakeside and enjoy a refreshing drink or stroll through Queenstown’s lush park.

Stay: Heritage Queenstown or similar
Meals: Breakfast
 

This morning we’ll embark on one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand, traveling through Arrowtown, a picturesque village steeped in the rich history of the gold mining era. Next, we’ll visit Wanaka, a charming township nestled by the lake’s edge surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. Here, we’ll enjoy lunch and take time to soak in the views.
As we continue north, the journey takes us along the spectacular West Coast, renowned for its rugged beauty and dramatic landscapes. Passing through the Haast Pass, a UNESCO World Heritage site, we’ll marvel at ancient rainforests, crystal-clear rivers, and towering peaks. The small town of Haast, set against this remarkable backdrop, is home to the famous Haast River and is steeped in natural heritage.

This evening we’ll gather for a group dinner at our hotel, reflecting on the day’s awe-inspiring journey.

Stay: Heartland Haast or similar
Visit: Arrowtown, Wanaka, Haast
Experience: Arrowtown, Wanaka, Haast
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
 

Travelling north along the coast of the Westland National Park this morning, we’ll travel to Glacier Country, home of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. This remarkable part of the country was shaped by dynamic glaciers and boasts lush rainforest which grows beneath towering mountains. We’ll make a stop at Lake Matheson, nestled amongst ancient forest and famous for mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Lake Matheson is a serene and beautiful place to enjoy a short stroll to a gorgeous lookout point. This evening, we’ll spend the night in the township of Franz Josef, surrounded by rainforest and mountains, arriving in time to take an optional Helicopter Flight, with a snow landing – a tour highlight, but very dependent on weather conditions.

Stay: Scenic Franz Josef or similar
Visit: Fox Glacier, Lake Matheson, Franz Josef
Meals: Breakfast

This morning, we’ll depart Franz Josef and head north to the artistic town of Hokitika, renowned for its stunning Greenstone, before continuing on to the TranzAlpine train station. From there, we’ll board the TranzAlpine train, regarded as one of the world’s greatest one-day train journeys. Get ready to be awed by breathtaking views of forests, rolling plains, and snow-capped mountains! At the end of the journey, we’ll transfer to our hotel in Christchurch, where we’ll gather for a farewell meal to celebrate the final evening of our tour.

Stay: Distinction Hotel Christchurch or similar
Visit: Hokitika, Arthurs Pass, Christchurch
Experience: TranzAlpine Train Journey from Arthurs Pass
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
 

Today is the final day of the tour, our trip has come to an end. Enjoy breakfast before saying a fond farewell to your tour leader and all your travel companions. Whether you’re travelling home today or staying in Christchurch for longer, we hope you leave this tour with happy memories and friends for life.

Meals: Breakfast