5 Day South Island Tour from Queenstown including Stewart Island

Earn OneKeyCash when you sign in and book an activity

5 Day South Island Tour from Queenstown including Stewart Island

By Waimate Journeys

Free cancellation available

See tickets

Features

Free cancellation available
5d
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Selective hotel pickup

Overview

This curated 5 day tour from Queenstown offers you a perfect mixture of travel each day, visiting many of the top attractions in New Zealand's South. Enjoy optional handpicked activities and places to stay without needing to worry about planning or driving long distances yourself. The itinerary showcases the beauty of the South New Zealand in a relaxed way.

Enjoy the comfort of a private tour for your group, benefiting from a knowledgeable guide-driver and a vehicle exclusively for your group throughout the tour.

Enjoy the flexibility to choose your own desired activities or opt for a range of exciting 10 optional activities, like a scenic helicopter ride, Milford Sound or Doubtful cruise, a tour of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, a visit to transport museum, round-trip ferry & flight ticket between Stewart Island and Bluff, guided exploration in Stewart Island, alpine horse trekking, stargazing in Dark Sky Reserve, and a private hot soak experience. Start and finish at Queenstown.

Activity location

Queenstown
- Queenstown, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

Queenstown
- Queenstown, New Zealand

Check availability

Without Hotels & Entry Tickets

5d
English

Without Accommodations: This option excludes accommodations. Travelers must book their own accommodation. Date-specific location guidance provided.
Without Entry Tickets: This options excludes entry tickets for activities. Travelers book their own desired activities. Timeslot guidance provided.
Pickup included

Travelers

Language options: English

Starting time: 7:00am

Price details

$5,364.75 x 1 Adult$5,364.75

Total

Without Hotels & With Tickets

5d
English

Without Accommodations: This option excludes accommodations. Travelers must book their own accommodation. Date-specific location guidance provided.
With Entry Tickets: Includes Entry Tickets for mentioned 10 activities.
Pickup included

Travelers

Language options: English

Starting time: 7:00am

Price details

$6,572.89 x 1 Adult$6,572.89

Total

With Hotels & Entry Tickets

5d
English

With Accommodations: Includes accommodation for 4 nights in 4 to 5-star handpicked hotels with breakfast based on availability and season.
With Entry Tickets: Includes Entry tickets for mentioned 10 activities.
Pickup included

Travelers

Language options: English

Starting time: 7:00am

Price details

$8,543.32 x 1 Adult$8,543.32

Total

What's included, what's not

Guide-driver exclusively for your group
Private transportation
If any optional activity is canceled by activity provider or unavailable, alternatives are provided
Optional ("With Tickets" option): Glowworm Caves Tour Ticket at Te Anau
Optional ("With Tickets" option): Stargazing Activity Ticket at Lake Tekapo
Optional ("With Tickets" option): One-way Scenic Flight Ticket from Stewart Island to Bluff
Use of charging cables & emergency rain gear
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Cruise Ticket at Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound
Optional ("With Tickets" option): Guided Exploration Ticket in Stewart Island
Optional ("With Tickets" option): Bill Richardson Transport World Ticket at Invercargill
WiFi on board
Optional ("With Tickets" option): 1 hour of Private Hot Pool Soak Ticket at Queenstown
Optional ("With Tickets" option): Alpine Horse Trekking Ticket near Lake Tekapo
Packaged snacks & chocolates
Optional ("With Tickets" option): One-way Ferry Ticket from Bluff to Stewart Island
Optional ("With Tickets" option): Scenic Helicopter ride ticket at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Packaged water bottles
Optional ("With Hotels" Option): Accommodation for 4 nights in 4 to 5-star hotels with breakfast
Food & Drinks (except 4 x breakfast with "With Accommodation" option)
Travel Insurance
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions

Know before you book

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Travelers should have their own comprehensive travel insurance
Following your booking, the operator will get in touch to confirm your preferences, as applicable
With the "With Tickets" option, traveler(s) may swap any of the included activities for alternatives of interest such as Skydiving, Scenic Flight, Glacier hiking, Relaxing Spa Treatment, Ziplining, etc., subject to availability, cost differences, and route or schedule feasibility

Activity itinerary

Day 1: Queenstown - Milford Sound Cruise or Doubtful Sound Cruise - Te Anau

4 stops
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Optional ("With Hotels" Option): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.

Queenstown

Start this multi-day tour in delightful style! Your adventure begins with a convenient hotel 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

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

Enjoy the drive back to Te Anau and end the day filled with beautiful memories as you check in to your hotel, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Day 2: Te Anau - Te Anau Glowworm Caves - Invercargill - Bill Richardson Transport World - Bluff

3 stops
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Optional ("With Hotels" Option): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.

Te Anau Glowworm Caves

2h 15m
Admission ticket included

Start your beautiful day in Te Anau with a pickup from your hotel. 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.

Invercargill

3h 30m

Leave Te Anau at noon and head south along the Southern Scenic Route, a peaceful drive through rolling farmland, forested areas, and occasional coastal landscapes. Enjoy the changing views as you travel toward Invercargill, the southern hub of Southland. Stop here to explore Bill Richardson Transport World—an impressive and unique attraction showcasing one of the largest private transport museums in the world, featuring classic trucks and cars.

Bluff

1h 30m

After your visit, continue to Bluff, known as New Zealand’s southernmost town and the gateway to Stewart Island. If you’re visiting between March and August, don’t miss the chance to try fresh Bluff oysters—a local delicacy prized for their rich flavour. As evening sets in, take a short walk to Stirling Point, where the famous signpost shows distances to cities around the world and offers stunning views over Foveaux Strait. Depending on the season and availability, stay overnight either in Bluff for a quiet coastal experience or in Invercargill for more options and convenience.

Day 3: Bluff - Ferry - Stewart Island - Scenic Flight - Bluff - Queenstown

3 stops
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Optional ("With Hotels" Option): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.

Bluff

On Day 3, check out from your accommodation and be dropped off at the ferry terminal in Bluff for your journey to Stewart Island.

Stewart Island

Enjoy the scenic one-hour ferry ride across Foveaux Strait, often accompanied by seabird sightings and fresh ocean air. After reaching Stewart Island, begin with a short cruise through Paterson Inlet, where you’ll hear fascinating cultural and historical stories about the area. You’ll then arrive at Ulva Island, a predator-free nature sanctuary with no permanent human settlement, allowing native wildlife and forest to thrive. During your guided walk, you’ll explore peaceful forest tracks and learn about the island’s rich biodiversity. Your guide will help you spot native birds such as the South Island robin, saddleback, tūī, and others. Seeing a wild kiwi is possible, but it depends on luck, as they are shy. After your Ulva Island experience, return to Oban and take a scenic flight back to Bluff. This day trip lets you enjoy the best of both worlds—sailing to Stewart Island by ferry and flying back with stunning aerial views over Foveaux Strait.

Queenstown

Enjoy the drive back to Queenstown, passing through the quiet Southland landscape as the day winds down. Check in to your Queenstown hotel and take the evening to relax and recharge. Tomorrow brings a new adventure to the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook.

Day 4: Queenstown - Lindis Pass - Lake Pukaki - Aoraki Mount Cook - Scenic Helicopter Ride - Stargazing in Dark Sky Reserve

5 stops
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Optional ("With Hotels" Option): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.

Lindis Pass Summit Scenic Lookout

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

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 15m

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.

Mount Cook Airport

30m
Admission ticket included

It's time to embark on a scenic helicopter ride. Soar above the stunning valleys and peaks of Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park in one of the modern helicopters. Experience breathtaking views of Aoraki/Mt. Cook and the surrounding snow-capped ranges as you fly. Relax and enjoy this unique experience with onboard commentary from pilot.

Tekapo Stargazing

1h 15m
Admission ticket included

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 5: Lake Tekapo - Alpine Horse Trekking - High Country Salmon - Cromwell - Private Hot Pool Soak - Queenstown

4 stops
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Not included

Lake Tekapo

1h 30m

On Day 5, check out 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. Embark on an unforgettable alpine horse trekking experience. Ride through the vast high-country landscapes, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and crisp, clear air. It’s a peaceful and scenic way to take in the beauty of the Mackenzie region.

High Country Salmon

1h 15m

After horse trekking, enjoy the journey toward Queenstown. Along the way, you have the option to stop at High Country Salmon near Twizel, where you can feed the fish, try a range of fresh salmon dishes from glacial waters, or simply relax and take in the beautiful water views.

Cromwell Heritage Precinct

1h 15m

Passing through the dramatic Lindis Pass, stop in Cromwell to explore the charming Heritage Precinct, set on the shores of Lake Dunstan. This historic area features beautifully restored buildings from Cromwell’s early days—some carefully relocated and others preserved in place before parts of the old town were submerged.

Queenstown

1h 15m

Arrive in Queenstown and end your tour with a serene retreat perched above the Shotover River. Soak in a private cedar-lined hot tub while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and river below. This tranquil experience offers the perfect balance of luxury and nature. It's time to say goodbye as we drop you off to your preferred location in Queenstown. May these memories stay with you forever.

Location

Activity location

Queenstown
- Queenstown, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

Queenstown
- Queenstown, New Zealand

Best Deals on Things to Do

Experience the wonders of the world up close with great deals on things to do near and far. Expedia offers one-of-a-kind activities that allow you to explore Queenstown your way. Whether you love nature, culture, food, or a bit of adventure, we have the perfect activity for you.

Top Experiences in Queenstown

With so many things to do in Queenstown, planning the perfect day out may seem like a daunting task. Expedia is here to take the hassle out of finding the best attractions, tours, and activities in Queenstown. Families, couples, and business travelers can all find the perfect activity in Queenstown to create life-long memories with the help of Expedia.