Premium New Zealand South Island
Premium New Zealand South Island
Premium New Zealand South Island
10 Days Starting in Christchurch and ending in Queenstown
Visiting: Christchurch, Christchurch / Greymouth / Punakaiki, Hokitika / Franz Josef , Franz Josef , Makaroa / Wanaka, Wanaka, Wanaka / Gibbston Valley, Gibbston Valley / Milford Sound / Queenstown, Queenstown
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PHPS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Taking you from Christchurch to Queenstown via glaciers, wineries, lakes and cruise on Milford Sound, this 10-day Premium trip showcases the natural beauty and thriving food and wine scene in the South Island of New Zealand. Forage for fresh ingredients with a local chef in Otago and come face to face with endangered species at a wildlife Centre on the West Coast, including New Zealand’s rarest kiwi. With a friendly leader to guide the way you’ll experience a landscape that has been shaped by the elements over thousands of years.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation: The Fable Christchurch or similar
Meals Included: dinner
Welcome to New Zealand! When you arrive in Christchurch, you’ll be met at the airport by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, followed by a welcome dinner at a tiny restaurant and natural wine bar featuring produce from the Canterbury region. Enjoy a three-course dinner celebrating local producers at a restaurant that champions sustainability.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 2: Christchurch / Greymouth / Punakaiki
Location: Christchurch / Greymouth / Punakaiki
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
Take a morning stroll with your leader around some of the landmarks of Christchurch. Then, set off for Punakaiki, driving through Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill – the spectacular mountain scenery may look familiar, as parts of The Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings movies were filmed here. After lunch in Moana, enjoy a short stop at Lake Brunner – the largest lake in the South Island. Spend the afternoon in Greymouth, stopping into a boutique studio to learn about the prized west coast jade known locally as Pounamu (Greenstone). Then, continue to Monteith's Brewery, considered the original home of New Zealand craft brewing for a tour and tasting. Arrive at Punakaiki Resort by late afternoon – in Paparoa National Park, this resort lies next to Punakaiki Beach and the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.
Included Activities:
-
-
-
-
Day 3: Hokitika / Franz Josef
Location: Hokitika / Franz Josef
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat Deluxe Tree Hut or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast, explore the Punakaiki Rocks and Blowholes before the drive to Franz Josef. Along the way, stretch your legs at the charming west coast town of Hokitika and enjoy an exhilarating treetop adventure on a walk through the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. In the afternoon, take a private ranger-guided tour of the West Coast Wildlife Centre – home of the official breeding programme for the world's rarest kiwi, the Rowi. Also keep an eye out for tuatara (a reptile endemic to New Zealand). Arrive in Franz Josef in the late afternoon, where you’ll have a free evening.
Included Activities:
-
-
-
Day 4: Franz Josef
Location: Franz Josef
Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat Deluxe Tree Hut or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
Begin your day with a self-guided walk to see the icy wonderland created by the Franz Josef Glacier – one of the steepest glaciers in New Zealand. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you may like to join an optional heli-hiking tour and get even closer to the glacier. Other optional activities include kayaking, a scenic cruise on Lake Mapourika or a soak in the hot tubs at Franz Josef.
Included Activities:
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
-
Day 5: Makaroa / Wanaka
Location: Makaroa / Wanaka
Accommodation: Edgewater Hotel or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Depart Franz Josef for the resort town of Wanaka – the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park, located in the Otago region. Stop along the way at Makorora and visit the Aspiring Biodiversity Trust – an organisation that strives to protect and restore indigenous biodiversity. After lunch, take a guided flora and fauna walk with a local ornithologist and ecologist. Keep an eye out for endangered birds as you learn about how the Aspiring Biodiversity Trust is working to reduce predators and save some of New Zealand’s rarest species. Arrive in Wanaka by late afternoon and settle into your home for the next two nights – a homestead built on the site of a former sheep station. Located next to the resplendent Wanaka Station Park on the shores of Lake Wanaka, and a short stroll from Wanaka township, you'll be perfectly placed to enjoy all this popular town has to offer.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 6: Wanaka
Location: Wanaka
Accommodation: Edgewater Hotel or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Enjoy a sleep in this morning or start your day with a hike up Mt Iron for a view over Lake Wanaka and the surrounding peaks. Central Otago is a region well known for food and wine, and today you’ll visit the spectacular Criffel Station for a chef-guided tasting and foraging tour, followed by a delicious lunch, washed down with some Central Otago wines.
Included Activities:
-
Day 7: Wanaka / Gibbston Valley
Location: Wanaka / Gibbston Valley
Accommodation: Kinross Winery (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Soak up a free morning in gorgeous Wanaka, then take the short drive to Arrowtown – known for its heritage town centre and autumn festival, this leafy community is perfect to explore on foot. When you arrive, you’ll take a leader-led walking tour through the cute shops and cafes, then head on to your Feature Stay accommodation at Kinross Winery in the Gibbston Valley. This working vineyard near Queenstown features on-site hot tubs and mountain scenery. During your stay, you’ll have a wine-tasting session followed by a 3-course group dinner featuring local, fresh produce.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 8: Gibbston Valley / Milford Sound / Queenstown
Location: Gibbston Valley / Milford Sound / Queenstown
Accommodation: Ramada Queenstown Central or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today is all about the gorgeous scenery of the South Island! Say goodbye to the vineyard after breakfast and start your journey to the iconic Milford Sound – surrounded by mountains and, depending on the season and rainfall, hundreds of waterfalls, this place is well-acclaimed for a reason. When you arrive at the port, you’ll take a Premium day cruise to try to spot the local wildlife, waterfalls and amazing scenery from the water. Enjoy drinks and canapes on board, as well as in-depth commentary. After the cruise, head on to Queenstown for dinner.
Included Activities:
-
Day 9: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Ramada Queenstown Central or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Soak up a free morning and early afternoon in Queenstown, making the most of your time in this scenic city. Wander at your own pace, then head out in the late afternoon with your group. You’ll board the TSS Earnslaw – an iconic, century-old coal-fired steamship. Cruise along Lake Whatkatipu to Walter High Peak Country Farm, taking in the scenery of the lake as you go. When you arrive, take a tour of the working farm, then sit down with your hosts for their famous gourmet barbeque dinner. Maybe say a cheers to an amazing adventure, then cruise back to Queenstown as the sun sets.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 10: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Meals Included: breaksfast
Your New Zealand adventure ends this morning after breakfast. As this trip spends little time in Queenstown, it’s recommended that you spend an extra day or two if you want to experience all the town has to offer. Your booking agent will be happy to book additional accommodation for you, just get in touch ahead of time.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights), Resort (1 night), Cruise boat (1 night) -
Christchurch - Welcome Dinner
-
Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
-
Greymouth - Monteith's Brewery Tour & Tasting
-
Greymouth - Pounamu (Greenstone) Studio Visit
-
Christchurch - Leader-led Orientation Walk
-
Lake Brunner - Nature Walk
-
Hokitika - West Coast Treetops Walk
-
Franz Josef - West Coast Wildlife Centre Visit with Ranger
-
Punakaiki - Rocks & Blowhole Visit
-
Franz Josef - Glacier View Walk
What's Not Included
-
International Travel
-
Tipping and Gratuities
Transport
- Private vehicle , Jet boat , Cruise boat
Accommodation
- Hotel (7 nights), Resort (1 night), Cruise boat (1 night)
Important Information
- 1. A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. The price of the single supplement does not include the following nights, where a single room does not form part of the package. In this case you will be matched up with another traveller of the same gender: Day 7 - Milford Sound Cruise please also note that due to the small properties we use there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.
- 2. On the trip departing on 16 May 2025 (PHPS250516) the Milford Sound cruise has finished for the season so the Feature Stay will instead be at the Milford Sound Lodge.
- 3. Travel is always an adventure and, as destinations reopen, there are a few challenges as everyone gets back up to speed and adjusts to the new normal. Our leaders are experts when it comes to dealing with anything unexpected along the journey, so pack your understanding and flexibility, sit back and relax while they take care of the rest.
Mode of Transport
- Private vehicle , Jet boat , Cruise boat
Check out our Q&As
-
Is this trip right for you
The diversity of the seasons here makes for incredible scenery, but the weather in this region can be unpredictable. It’s best to wear layers at all times of the year in case conditions change during the day. At night the temperature can really drop, so bring your warm clothes.
There are walking opportunities throughout this trip. We recommend you bring good quality walking shoes if you're keen to enjoy a hike - or two! -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2024 Dec
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026 Nov
2026 Dec
2026 Jan
2027 Feb
2027 Mar
2027 Apr
2027 May
2027
Friday - Sunday
Nov 15, 2024 - Nov 24, 2024Friday - Sunday
Nov 22, 2024 - Dec 01, 2024Friday - Sunday
Nov 29, 2024 - Dec 08, 2024Friday - Sunday
Dec 06, 2024 - Dec 15, 2024Friday - Sunday
Dec 20, 2024 - Dec 29, 2024Friday - Sunday
Dec 27, 2024 - Jan 05, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jan 03, 2025 - Jan 12, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jan 10, 2025 - Jan 19, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jan 17, 2025 - Jan 26, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jan 24, 2025 - Feb 02, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jan 31, 2025 - Feb 09, 2025Friday - Sunday
Feb 14, 2025 - Feb 23, 2025Friday - Sunday
Feb 21, 2025 - Mar 02, 2025Friday - Sunday
Feb 28, 2025 - Mar 09, 2025Friday - Sunday
Mar 07, 2025 - Mar 16, 2025Friday - Sunday
Mar 28, 2025 - Apr 06, 2025Friday - Sunday
Apr 04, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025Friday - Sunday
Apr 18, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025Friday - Sunday
May 02, 2025 - May 11, 2025Friday - Sunday
May 16, 2025 - May 25, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025Friday - Sunday
Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025Friday - Sunday
Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025Friday - Sunday
Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025Friday - Sunday
Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025Friday - Sunday
Oct 24, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025Friday - Sunday
Oct 31, 2025 - Nov 09, 2025Friday - Sunday
Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 23, 2025Friday - Sunday
Nov 21, 2025 - Nov 30, 2025Friday - Sunday
Nov 28, 2025 - Dec 07, 2025Friday - Sunday
Dec 05, 2025 - Dec 14, 2025Friday - Sunday
Dec 12, 2025 - Dec 21, 2025Friday - Sunday
Dec 19, 2025 - Dec 28, 2025Tuesday - Thursday
Dec 23, 2025 - Jan 01, 2026Friday - Sunday
Dec 26, 2025 - Jan 04, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jan 09, 2026 - Jan 18, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jan 16, 2026 - Jan 25, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jan 23, 2026 - Feb 01, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jan 30, 2026 - Feb 08, 2026Friday - Sunday
Feb 06, 2026 - Feb 15, 2026Friday - Sunday
Feb 13, 2026 - Feb 22, 2026Friday - Sunday
Feb 20, 2026 - Mar 01, 2026Tuesday - Thursday
Feb 24, 2026 - Mar 05, 2026Friday - Sunday
Feb 27, 2026 - Mar 08, 2026Friday - Sunday
Mar 06, 2026 - Mar 15, 2026Friday - Sunday
Mar 13, 2026 - Mar 22, 2026Friday - Sunday
Mar 20, 2026 - Mar 29, 2026Friday - Sunday
Mar 27, 2026 - Apr 05, 2026Friday - Sunday
Apr 03, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026Friday - Sunday
Apr 10, 2026 - Apr 19, 2026Friday - Sunday
Apr 17, 2026 - Apr 26, 2026Friday - Sunday
May 01, 2026 - May 10, 2026Friday - Sunday
May 15, 2026 - May 24, 2026Friday - Sunday
May 29, 2026 - Jun 07, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jun 26, 2026 - Jul 05, 2026Friday - Sunday
Aug 14, 2026 - Aug 23, 2026Friday - Sunday
Sep 18, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026Friday - Sunday
Oct 02, 2026 - Oct 11, 2026Friday - Sunday
Oct 16, 2026 - Oct 25, 2026Friday - Sunday
Oct 23, 2026 - Nov 01, 2026Friday - Sunday
Oct 30, 2026 - Nov 08, 2026Friday - Sunday
Nov 13, 2026 - Nov 22, 2026Friday - Sunday
Nov 20, 2026 - Nov 29, 2026Friday - Sunday
Nov 27, 2026 - Dec 06, 2026Friday - Sunday
Dec 04, 2026 - Dec 13, 2026Friday - Sunday
Dec 11, 2026 - Dec 20, 2026Friday - Sunday
Dec 18, 2026 - Dec 27, 2026Tuesday - Thursday
Dec 22, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026Friday - Sunday
Dec 25, 2026 - Jan 03, 2027Friday - Sunday
Jan 08, 2027 - Jan 17, 2027Friday - Sunday
Jan 15, 2027 - Jan 24, 2027Friday - Sunday
Jan 22, 2027 - Jan 31, 2027Friday - Sunday
Jan 29, 2027 - Feb 07, 2027Friday - Sunday
Feb 05, 2027 - Feb 14, 2027Friday - Sunday
Feb 12, 2027 - Feb 21, 2027Friday - Sunday
Feb 19, 2027 - Feb 28, 2027Tuesday - Thursday
Feb 23, 2027 - Mar 04, 2027Friday - Sunday
Feb 26, 2027 - Mar 07, 2027Friday - Sunday
Mar 05, 2027 - Mar 14, 2027Friday - Sunday
Mar 12, 2027 - Mar 21, 2027Friday - Sunday
Mar 19, 2027 - Mar 28, 2027Friday - Sunday
Mar 26, 2027 - Apr 04, 2027Friday - Sunday
Apr 02, 2027 - Apr 11, 2027Friday - Sunday
Apr 09, 2027 - Apr 18, 2027Friday - Sunday
Apr 16, 2027 - Apr 25, 2027Friday - Sunday
Apr 30, 2027 - May 09, 2027Friday - Sunday
May 14, 2027 - May 23, 2027Friday - Sunday
May 28, 2027 - Jun 06, 2027Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions