13‑Day South Island Discovery Tour: Golden Beaches, Vineyards, Alpine Rail & Fjord Wilderness

This morning, we’ll start our journey with breakfast aboard the ferry in the Pohutukawa Lounge as we cross the Cook Strait. If the weather is fine, head up to the deck to take in stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds. On arrival in Picton, we’ll travel to Blenheim, stopping first at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of WWI and WWII aircraft. Then we’ll stop for a wine tasting amidst the vines at one of New Zealand’s top Sauvignon Blanc producers, before continuing on to Nelson.

• Visit: Picton, Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum, Blenheim, Nelson
• Stay: Rutherford Nelson or similar
• Activity: Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum, Marlborough Wine Tasting
• Meals: Breakfast

Today we head out to explore Abel Tasman National Park, renowned for its golden sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and native coastal bush. Cruise or kayak along the coastline, spot native wildlife, and stop off to walk sections of the famous Abel Tasman Coast Track. This evening, return to Nelson with the rest of the day at your leisure.

• Visit: Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson
• Stay: Rutherford Nelson or similar
• Activity: Abel Tasman National Park Excursion
• Meals: Breakfast

This morning we’ll travel inland, crossing through the Buller Gorge and Lewis Pass as we make our way to Hanmer Springs, a charming alpine village nestled in the Southern Alps. Once we arrive, the rest of the day is yours to explore. Many choose to soak in the famous Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools. This evening we’ll gather for a group dinner in the village.

• Visit: Hanmer Springs
• Stay: Heritage Hanmer Springs or similar
• Activity: Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we’ll depart Hanmer Springs and make our way toward Christchurch, stopping en route in the Waipara Valley, one of Canterbury’s premier wine regions. Enjoy a tasting at a local winery before continuing on to Christchurch, the Garden City, arriving in the afternoon with time to explore the city’s eateries and shopping district. This evening we’ll enjoy a group dinner at our hotel.

• Visit: Waipara Valley, Christchurch
• Stay: Distinction Christchurch or similar
• Activity: Waipara Valley Wine Tasting
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we’ll journey south along the scenic east coast. Our first stop is Oamaru, a charming township renowned for its beautifully preserved heritage buildings. Next, we’ll visit the mystical Moeraki Boulders, ancient geological wonders formed around 60 million years ago. In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Dunedin, steeped in Scottish heritage.

• Visit: Oamaru, Moeraki Boulders, Baldwin Street, Dunedin
• Stay: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City or similar
• Meals: Breakfast

This morning we’ll visit the iconic Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle, built in 1871 by William Larnach. Its magnificent gardens offer breathtaking views of the Otago Peninsula. Next, our journey takes us to Gore, where we’ll delve into the town’s colourful past at the Hokonui Moonshine Museum. In the evening, we’ll arrive in Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland.

• Visit: Gore, Te Anau
• Stay: Distinction Luxmore Te Anau or similar
• Activity: Larnach Castle, Hokonui Moonshine Museum
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Departing Te Anau this morning, we’ll travel to Manapouri for a scenic cruise across the lake to West Arm. From there, a short coach journey over Wilmot Pass takes us to Deep Cove, where we board a catamaran to explore Doubtful Sound, the largest and most tranquil fiord in the region. After the cruise, we’ll continue to Queenstown for a two-night stay.

• Visit: Lake Manapouri, West Arm, Deep Cove, Doubtful Sound, Queenstown
• Stay: Heritage Queenstown or similar
• Activity: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today is yours to experience the best of Queenstown, a picturesque alpine resort town known for its vast array of adventure activities. Ride the world-famous Shotover Jet, tour the historic gold-mining area of Skippers Canyon, or take the gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak for lunch with a view. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed stroll along the lakefront.

• Visit: Queenstown
• Stay: Heritage Queenstown or similar
• Activity: Shotover Jet, Skippers Canyon Tour, Skyline Gondola & Lunch (optional)
• Meals: Breakfast

This morning we’ll embark on one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand, travelling through Arrowtown, a picturesque village steeped in gold-mining history. Next, we’ll visit Wanaka, a charming township nestled by the lake’s edge, for lunch and time to soak in the views. Continuing north along the West Coast, we’ll pass through the Haast Pass, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the small town of Haast.

• Visit: Arrowtown, Wanaka, Haast
• Stay: Heartland Haast or similar
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travelling north along the coast of Westland National Park, we’ll head to Glacier Country, home of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. We’ll make a stop at Lake Matheson, famous for its mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. This evening, we’ll spend the night in Franz Josef, with an optional scenic helicopter flight and snow landing available, weather permitting.

• Visit: Fox Glacier, Lake Matheson, Franz Josef
• Stay: Scenic Franz Josef or similar
• Activity: Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing (optional)
• Meals: Breakfast

This morning, we’ll depart Franz Josef and head north to the artistic town of Hokitika, renowned for its stunning greenstone, before continuing to the TranzAlpine train station. From there, we’ll board the TranzAlpine, one of the world’s greatest scenic train journeys, crossing forests, rolling plains, and snow-capped mountains. At the end of the journey, we’ll transfer to our hotel in Christchurch for a farewell dinner.

• Visit: Hokitika, Arthur’s Pass, Christchurch
• Stay: Distinction Hotel Christchurch or similar
• Activity: TranzAlpine Train Journey from Arthur’s Pass
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today is the final day of the tour. Enjoy breakfast before saying a fond farewell to your tour leader and travel companions. Whether you’re travelling home today or staying on in Christchurch, we hope you leave with happy memories and friends for life.

• Visit: Christchurch
• Meals: Breakfast