South Island Explorer - 12 days
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Overview
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?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Min Group Size
Max Group Size
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
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.
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Today our adventure in New Zealand comes to an end. A transfer takes you to Christchurch Airport for your flight home.
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
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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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
18+The average age of passengers on these tours is between 55-75yrs. Pure Discoveries do not permit children.
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