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Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 4-day journey through New Zealand's stunning South Island, exploring many of its major attractions and experiencing the serene beauty of each destination. Start your tour in the adventure capital Queenstown and conclude in the vibrant city Christchurch.
Enjoy ride to Arthur's Pass, marveling at the unique rock formations of Castle Hill, before returning on the iconic TranzAlpine Scenic Train. Immerse yourself in the majestic scenery of Mount Cook and the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki.
Enjoy stargazing at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places in the world for night sky viewing. Discover the enchanting Te Anau Glowworm Caves and the sparkling waters of Milford or Doubtful Sound. Throughout the tour, enjoy the hospitality of a knowledgeable guide-driver, a comfortable vehicle, and scenic drives.
Activity location
- Queenstown
- Queenstown, New Zealand
Meeting/Redemption Point
- Queenstown
- Queenstown, Otago Region, New Zealand
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Activity itinerary
Day 1: Queenstown – Milford Sound Cruise or Doubtful Sound Cruise - Te Anau Glowworm Caves – Te Anau
- 4 stops
- Meals: Not included
- Accommodation: Optional ("With Hotels" Option): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability & season.
Queenstown
- 15m
Start your tour in delightful style! Your adventure begins with a convenient hotel/airport pickup in Queenstown. Choose between a full-day tour to Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, both located in Fiordland National Park, each showcasing the stunning beauty of New Zealand’s fiords in their own distinct way.
Milford Sound
- 5h
Enjoy the scenic drive towards Milford Sound, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Take advantage of scenic stops and nature walks along the way to capture the beauty of the landscape. Upon reaching Milford Sound, embark on a cruise to experience the stunning beauty of the fiord up close. Marvel at the towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife that call this area home.
Doubtful Sound / Patea
- 7h 30m
Begin your journey with a peaceful cruise across Lake Manapouri, followed by a scenic coach ride over Wilmot Pass, offering spectacular views of untouched rainforest and alpine scenery. Upon arrival at Doubtful Sound, board a cruise to explore the vast, remote fiord known for its deep stillness and dramatic landscapes. Surrounded by towering peaks, hidden waterfalls, and native wildlife, the experience feels truly immersive and untouched.
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
- 2h 30m
- Admission ticket included
Enjoy the drive back to Te Anau, refresh and prepare for the famous Te Anau Glowworm Cave tour. Explore the fully guided underground caves and marvel at the thousands of glowworms illuminating the darkness like a starry sky. These glowworms, known as Arachnocampa luminosa, are unique to New Zealand and are found exclusively in the country's caves. They create a mesmerizing display as they emit a soft blue-green light, creating a magical atmosphere. The Te Anau Glowworm Caves are a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a truly enchanting experience. Finish this day full of beautiful memories by checking in at your Te Anau hotel, where you can relax and reflect on the day's adventures.
Day 2: Te Anau-Queenstown Explore (Queenstown Gardens, Lake Wakatipu, Wharf, Jet Boating & Skyline Gondola with Luge Rides)
- 2 stops
- Meals: Not included
- Accommodation: Optional ("With Hotels" Option): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability & season.
Queenstown
- 3h
Start your beautiful day in Te Anau with a pickup from your hotel. Enjoy the scenic drive towards Queenstown.
Visit the famous Queenstown Gardens, located on a picturesque peninsula surrounded by Lake Wakatipu. These gardens offer a peaceful retreat with stunning views. After exploring the gardens, take a leisurely stroll through the streets of central Queenstown to experience the city's cheerful vibes. Relax by the shores of Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand's longest lake. After this moment of calmness, prepare yourself to experience the power of twin V8 engines as you jet boat down the Kawarau or Shotover River. Reaching speeds of up to 95 kmph, enjoy the adrenaline rush with multiple 360-degree spins.
Skyline Queenstown
- 3h
- Admission ticket included
After jet boating, there's more to enjoy. Take a ride on the Queenstown Gondola, which is believed to be the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere. Upon reaching the top, you'll be treated to spectacular views of The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Walter and Cecil Peak, and, of course, Queenstown itself. Spend quality time at the top exploring the area, or engaging in fun activities like thrilling luge rides and open-air chairlifts. Watch the sunset from this vantage point. Afterwards, take a return ride on the Gondola back down, where you will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel to relax and recharge for another epic day, exploring Mount Cook.
Day 3: Queenstown - Lindis Pass - Lake Pukaki - Aoraki Mount Cook - Lake Tekapo - Stargazing in Dark Sky Reserve
- 4 stops
- Meals: Not included
- Accommodation: Optional ("With Hotels" Option): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability & season.
Lindis Pass Summit Scenic Lookout
- 15m
Start another beautiful day with a pickup from your hotel in Queenstown. Pass through Lindis Pass on your way to Mount Cook. Stop at Lindis Pass Summit Lookout to enjoy endless vistas of mountains.
Lake Pukaki
- 30m
Visit Lake Pukaki, a stunning glacier-fed alpine lake known for its mesmerizing turquoise waters. Marvel at the beauty of this natural wonder as you take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak.
Aoraki/Mt. Cook
- 3h 30m
The drive towards Mount Cook offers awe-inspiring views. Upon reaching Mount Cook, immerse yourself in the mesmerizing scenery. Opt for the Hooker Valley Track, featuring famous swing bridges. Alternatively, choose the Tasman Glacier Walks for a different perspective. Look out for the kea, the world's only alpine parrot. Before leaving, make a brief stop at the Mount Cook Visitor Centre to learn more about the history and significance of this remarkable place.
Lake Tekapo
- 1h 15m
Upon reaching Lake Tekapo, check into your hotel and recharge. In the evening, take advantage of the opportunity to participate in a stargazing activity in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the largest Dark Sky Reserves in the world. Lake Tekapo is renowned for its stunning night skies, free from light pollution, offering a breathtaking view of the stars. This experience is perfect for astronomy enthusiasts and anyone looking to marvel at the beauty of the universe.
Day 4: Lake Tekapo - Castle Hill - Arthur's Pass National Park - Otira Viaduct - TranzAlpine Scenic Train – Christchurch
- 5 stops
- Meals: Not included
- Accommodation: Not included
Lake Tekapo
- 30m
Start your day by being picked up from your hotel in Lake Tekapo. Visit the renowned ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ and take in its picturesque setting against the backdrop of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. Enjoy a brief, leisurely walk along the shores of Lake Tekapo. Take a break at Lake Lyndon as we drive towards Arthur's Pass.
Castle Hill
- 1h
Visit Castle Hill and marvel at the photogenic landscape of stunning limestone rock formations. This location has served as a backdrop for famous Hollywood movies, showcasing its unique and breathtaking scenery. Capture the beauty of this natural wonder and immerse yourself while taking a short loop walk.
Arthur's Pass National Park
- 2h
Explore the natural beauty of Arthur’s Pass National Park with a leisurely walk along the Devil’s Punchbowl Walking Track or the Arthur’s Pass Walking Track. These tracks wind through lush native bush, offering glimpses of stunning waterfalls and providing a peaceful escape into the heart of the park. As you stroll, keep an eye out for native birdlife and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Otira Viaduct Lookout
- 15m
Enjoy the stunning views from the Otira Viaduct Lookout, which offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
TranzAlpine Train
- 2h
- Admission ticket included
Board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train at Arthur’s Pass Station for a breathtaking ride through stunning landscapes. Disembark at Christchurch Railway Station, where you will be picked up. Our enchanting journey concludes as we bid you farewell at your preferred location in Christchurch.
Location
Activity location
Meeting/Redemption Point
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