South Island Explorer - 12 days

12 days
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Small Group Tour
Beginning in Auckland, this 12-day tour travels from North to South Island and takes in a diverse mix of New Zealand's natural beauty and fascinating culture. Experience a traditional Maori Te Pa Tu celebration before visiting the active geothermal site and indigenous centre of Te Puia. Ride the famous Tranz-Alpine Railway across the breadth of the picturesqu...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Auckland - Enjoy the view from Bastion Point, visit Auckland Museum and the waterfront on a guided city tour
    • Rotorua - Visit the Te Puia geothermal site and a Kiwi conservation project, plus experience a Te Pa Tu Maori cultural evening
    • Redwood Forest - Cross a series of suspension bridges and elevated walkways to appreciate the towering redwood trees which are more than 100 years old
    • Christchurch – See the city with an included punting experience and a ride on a restored heritage tram
    • Tranz-Alpine Rail Journey - Cross the Southern Alps on this famous rail journey, taking in some of the South Island's fastest scenery
    • Wanaka - Choose from an ecological tour to a serene island on Lake Wanaka or a 4X4 excursion into the surrounding countryside
    • Milford Sound - Pass through incredible Fiordland National Park and enjoy a cruise on Milford Sound - look out for dolphins!
    • Lake Tekapo – See a tiny church set against a majestic backdrop, one of New Zealand’s most photographed spots

What's this trip about?

    Beginning in Auckland, this 12-day tour travels from North to South Island and takes in a diverse mix of New Zealand's natural beauty and fascinating culture. Experience a traditional Maori Te Pa Tu celebration before visiting the active geothermal site and indigenous centre of Te Puia. Ride the famous Tranz-Alpine Railway across the breadth of the picturesque South Island, and cruise the waters of Milford Sound. See mighty Mt. Cook, make traditional pavlova at Lake Tekapo and end your tour in the city of Christchurch.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityWelcome to New Zealand!
End CityChristchurch

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Attractions

  • Auckland
  • Christchurch
  • Queenstown
  • Rotorua

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 16

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 1 dinner
    • 11 nights 4 star hotels
    • Airport arrival and departure transfers on day 1 and day 12
    • Escorted by an expert local guide/driver with specialist local guides at some sites
    • All relevant transfers and transportation in modern air-conditioned vehicle
    • Economy class flight from Rotorua - Christchurch
    • Christchurch Edwardian punt & heritage tram experience
    • Tranz-Alpine rail journey from Christchurch - Greymouth
    • Touring of Auckland & Rotorua
    • Te Pa Tu Maori experience
    • Te Puia & Arrowtown visit
    • Local eco-guided tour or an authentic 4WD adventure at Wanaka
    • Milford Sound cruise & lunch
    • Morning tea at a local home on the shores of Lake Tekapo
    • Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day : 1 Welcome to New Zealand!

Upon arrival into Auckland you will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day offers free time to explore the local area.

Day : 2 Auckland

Auckland – Rotorua. This morning we enjoy an Auckland City tour with panoramic views from Bastion Point, Maori and Pacific Island displays at the Auckland Museum, the quaint Parnell Village, and the picturesque waterfront. Following this we leave Auckland and head to ...

Day : 3 Rotorua

Rotorua – Christchurch. In Rotorua, we'll experience both New Zealand's geothermal wonders and rich Maori heritage. Te Puia is a must-visit, featuring active geothermal sites, indigenous arts, crafts, and a Kiwi conservation project. Their welcoming culture means they...

Day : 4 Christchurch

Christchurch – Fox Glacier. Today we embark on the renowned Tranz-Alpine rail journey through the Southern Alps to Greymouth. We'll see the vast Canterbury Plains and farmland which is followed by the breathtaking gorges and valleys of the Waimakariri River. We then a...

Day : 5 Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier – Wanaka. First thing today we visit nearby Lake Matheson which, when weather conditions are just right, perfectly mirrors Mount Cook in its waters creating a stunning visual effect. From here we head up over the Haast Past along the river road, which took...

Day : 6 Wanaka

Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in. Today we have a choice of two included excursions. Option 1 sees you join an eco tour. Depart Wanaka by bo...

Day : 7 Wanaka

Wanaka – Te Anau. We begin our day from Wanaka, stopping at the iconic Cardrona Pub. Then we venture through the Crown Range road to explore historic Arrowtown, a charming gold rush village nestled beneath majestic peaks near the Arrow River. We carry on along the sce...

Day : 8 Te Anau

Te Anau – Queenstown. The journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound is one of the most scenic drives you can experience. Fiordland National Park, part of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area is awe-inspiring, and features towering mountains and deep valleys sculp...

Day : 9 Queenstown

Nestled amid majestic mountains and on the pristine shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown's natural beauty and unique ambiance provide an ideal setting for a visit filled with adventure, exploration, or relaxation. Today, we have the freedom to choose our own activities...

Day : 10 Queenstown

Queenstown – Twizel. This morning we head north through Kawarau Gorge and past the scenic Lake Dunstan. We cross the Central Otago Countryside to the Lindis Pass where we descend into the Mackenzie Basin where the Southern Alps dominate the horizon. We enjoy a picture...

Day : 11 Twizel

Twizel – Christchurch. Today we get to experience Kiwi culture by visiting a local home on Lake Tekapo's shores to learn the art of making Pavlova, a beloved New Zealand dessert. We enjoy our Pavlova during morning tea, taking in the stunning lake views. We admire the...

Day : 12 Christchurch

Today our adventure in New Zealand comes to an end. A transfer takes you to Christchurch Airport for your flight home.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,365
Price per day$364
Last Updated: 1/5/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
29 Mar 2025
09 Apr 2025
$6,345
26 Apr 2025
07 May 2025
$5,945
17 May 2025
28 May 2025
$5,545
18 Oct 2025
29 Oct 2025
$6,385
01 Nov 2025
12 Nov 2025
$6,985
15 Nov 2025
26 Nov 2025
$6,985
06 Dec 2025
17 Dec 2025
$6,985
24 Jan 2026
04 Feb 2026
$6,985
07 Feb 2026
18 Feb 2026
$6,985
21 Feb 2026
04 Mar 2026
$6,985

Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to all solo travellers, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with On The Go Tours.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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On The Go Tours Reviews & Ratings

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • International flights and visas
    • Items of a personal nature (telephone calls, laundry, travel insurance etc)
    • Optional activities
    • Tip for your tour guide driver. We recommend you allow $4 - 7 USD per day per traveller. Tipping your tour guide is an entirely personal gesture.

Accommodation

4-star hotels
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
18+The average age of passengers on these tours is between 55-75yrs. Pure Discoveries do not permit children.
Additional Information
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Trip ID
onthegotours-SIEXP

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