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South Island Highlights

19 days/18 nights

Fly Drive Holiday
Guide Price €5,519 per person (based on 2 adults sharing in low season)

Discover the beauty of the South Island: stunning wine regions, shimmering glaciers, amazing Queenstown and beautiful Milford Sound.    

Highlights:
  • Spend a stunningly scenic night on a ship on Milford Sound
  • Sip the finest New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough
  • See a real glacier by air and underfoot in Franz Josef
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Itinerary

Days 1-3  Queenstown  
Arrive in Queenstown, the heart of the South Island, set amongst the magnificent landscape of the Southern Alps. Take a tour of the area’s best panoramic views before enjoying the trendy café scene and lively nightlife of this vibrant city.      

Day 4  Queenstown to Milford Sound    
Take a tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound via Te Anau where you’ll experience the dramatic scenery at its most majestic by staying overnight on board the Milford Mariner cruise boat.    

Day 5  Milford Sound to Wanaka    
Travel back to Queenstown and pick up your car, before driving to Wanaka via the spectacular Crown Range Road.  

Day 6  Wanaka    
Enjoy a spectacular jetboat ride and then a short guided trek into Mount Aspiring National Park before returning to explore Wanaka’s tranquil lakeside eateries.      

Days 7-8  Wanaka to Christchurch  
Stop by the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo en route to Christchurch. On arrival, enjoy dinner and a tram ride around the city. The next day, walk through the beautiful botanical gardens and discover the thriving culinary scene.    

Day 9  Christchurch to Kaikoura    
Head north to this picturesque coastal town, framed by the imposing Kaikoura Ranges.  

Days 10-11  Kaikoura to Blenheim    
Enjoy a fascinating whale watching cruise to spot the dusky dolphins and sperm whales that reside in the waters then head to Blenheim where you take a tour of Marlborough’s rolling hills and awardwinning wineries.

Day 12  Blenheim to Marlborough Sounds    
Take a short drive to Picton before taking the short boat transfer from Picton to your lodge in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds.    

Day 13  Marlborough Sounds    
Easily accessible from your waterside hotel, cruise the sounds, try sea kayaking and enjoy walks on the Queen Charlotte Track.    

Day 14  Marlborough Sounds to Nelson    
Take the boat transfer back to the mainland and drive through the vineyards to Nelson, soaking up the country’s sunniest climate.    

Day 15  Abel Tasman NP    
Take a day trip to the Abel Tasman National Park to discover golden beaches, tranquil lagoons and the native wildlife of this beautiful area on an easy kayak tour.    

Day 16  Nelson to Hokitika    
Witness a dramatic change in scenery on the drive along the remarkable west coast road.      
Days 17-18  Hokitika to Franz Josef    
Welcome to glacier country. Take a breathtaking helicopter flight from Franz Josef, landing on the glacier to enjoy a thrilling guided hike across the icy surface.    

Day 19  Franz Josef to Queenstown    
Drive back to Queenstown, passing the majestic snow-tipped peak of Mount Cook en route, a perfect end to an incredible journey.    

Additional Options: Like this tour but don’t want to drive? See ’Southern Spotlight’ group journey for something similar.    

Map

South Island Highlights

Price & Inclusions

Guide Price €5,519 per person (based on 2 adults sharing in low season)

Inclusions
  • 15 days Compact Inclusive Plus car hire including zero excess insurance, unlimited mileage, 24-hour Roadside Assistance & an additional driver
  • Return water taxi from Picton to the Marlborough Sounds
  • 17 nights 3★ to 4★+ accommodation
  • 1 night on board the Milford Mariner
  • 1 breakfast & 1 dinner
  • Best of Queenstown, Mount Aspiring Wilderness Adventure – Wanaka, Christchurch Tramway Restaurant, Kaikoura Whale Watch Cruise, Tastes of Marlborough Wineries – Blenheim, Abel Tasman Scenic Cruise, Walk & Kayak – Nelson, Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
Not Included
  • International flights
New offers every day!

We negotiate new offers daily from discounted flights, tours and vehicle hire to free upgrades, added value and unique inclusions. Please call for our latest offers.

The tour itinerary, inclusions and departures are based on travel from 01/10/2024 to 31/12/2025. Guide prices are based on twn/dbl share, are subject to availability and may vary by departure date. For travel outside of these dates, the itinerary and inclusions may vary to that shown above - please ask for details.
Offers are subject to availability and restrictions may apply.

Flights

As we can offer you such a flexible choice of flights, we don't include international airfares with our tour prices. The price you pay will be determined by the time of year you travel, your departure airport, airline and availability.

Your Trailfinders Travel Consultant will be able to find the best flights to suit you and your choice of tour. Contact us for our latest flight offers or take a look at our flights pages for a general idea of prices.

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