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Southern Spectacular
10 Day New Zealand South Island Tour from Christchurch to Punakaiki
Just like the name suggests, this New Zealand South Island tour showcases this spectacular island in-depth. Find yourself exploring South Island’s cities, gliding across Milford Sound, exploring the rugged beauty of the wild West Coast, topped off with the TranzAlpine train and beyond in 10 incredible days.
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Trip code
ZCQR
Southern Spectacular
10 Day New Zealand South Island Tour from Christchurch to Punakaiki
Just like the name suggests, this New Zealand South Island tour showcases this spectacular island in-depth. Find yourself exploring South Island’s cities, gliding across Milford Sound, exploring the rugged beauty of the wild West Coast, topped off with the TranzAlpine train and beyond in 10 incredible days.
Welcome to Christchurch! (Flights to arrive prior to 4pm). Kick off your New Zealand South Island tour in this city that is rebuilding itself after the devastating 2011 earthquake. There’s plenty to see and your hotel near Cathedral Square in the heart of the city is the perfect jumping off point. Meet your Travel Director and travel mates before a free evening to get to know Christchurch as you like, perhaps exploring the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, Christchurch Casino, and Cashel Mall.
Begin your day with a sightseeing tour of Christchurch featuring the Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Earthquake Memorial, Bridge of Remembrance, and streets lined with bars, cafes, and riverside markets. Then go from city to country as you make your way to the quaint farming town of Geraldine. Grab a tasty sample at the famous Talbots Forest Cheese, sit down for lunch, and pop in the cute shops before journeying through the Canterbury Plains to the shores of Lake Tekapo. Next up, you’re in for a treat as you pull into the lakeside home to Connect With Locals Angie and Stan Taylor for a Be My Guest experience over afternoon tea, scones, and stories. Enjoy the Taylors’ insights from a lifetime of farming as well as a bit of real New Zealand hospitality as Angie invites you into her kitchen. You’ll get to watch and learn as she prepares the New Zealand specialty dessert, Pavlova before having a taste for yourself. After this sweet visit, you’ll make a scenic stop at the little stone-hewn Church of the Good Shepherd before arriving in Twizel for the evening. Soak up the vibe of this cute town and popular holiday destination dining on classic New Zealand fare.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Mackenzie Country Inn
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest, Dinner
Day 3
Dunedin, City of Scottish Heritage
A day of epic natural landscapes and cute colonial towns await on our journey to Scottish inspired Dunedin making your first stop along the Waitaki River at the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam. Take a look at the waters rushing below you before moving on to the quirky town of Oamaru. You'll feel like you’re stepping back into the Victorian era as you stroll the tree-lined streets past white limestone buildings and 19th century architecture. Take a tea break and browse the shops and galleries of traditional crafts before continuing your journey to New Zealand’s southernmost city of Dunedin, built as a “mini Edinburgh” and vibrant university town. You have the rest of the day free to explore more of Dunedin town, or select from some tempting Optional Experiences. You could explore farther out a wildlife cruise to Otago Peninsula, visiting the famous Speight's Brewery, or touring Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle. Later tonight swap stories with the group over dinner in the heart of the city where you’ll be spoilt for choice of fresh seafood or a specialty from the butcher’s block.
Enjoy plenty of stunning scenery as you make your way through farmlands to Te Anau. Visit Gore, a small town that attracts those with an appreciation for nature and rural life as well as art lovers and country music fans. Although Gore is now famous for hosting the Tussock Country Music Festival, it also has a fascinating history of secret whiskey production during the prohibition era. Go from small town to farm life traveling through sheep farms into forested, rugged mountains into the Fiordland National Park and the South Island's largest lake to Te Anau. A truly memorable thrill awaits you next, exploring the islands on a jet boat ride down the Waiau River to Lake Manapouri savouring its many tranquil spots. Take in the birds and swimming trout as you learn about this unique environment’s history. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience is not only scenic but supports the Pomona Island Charitable Trust’s conservation efforts to restore the largest inland island in New Zealand to its natural state where native birds can thrive. End a delightfyl day with dinner at your hotel, and if you’re still keen to see more, you could learn more about the area on an Optional Experience to the fascinating, glittering glowworm caves.
Begin your day traveling through Fiordland National Park past native rainforests, beech forests, alluvial flats, and meadows. At your first stop in Mirror Lake, enjoy a walk on the boardwalks as the surrounding mountains are reflected in the water. Wind your way through the Homer Tunnel, where the sheer rocky ranges have been cut through, to the Cleddau Valley. The alpine scenery unfolds on your way to the Chasm where you’ll stop to see the roaring Cleddau River carve its way through rock. Then get right in the middle of the stunning scenery cruising the tranquil waters of the Milford Sound. Watch Bowen and Stirling Falls cascade from hanging valleys into the sea and the sheer pinnacle of Mitre Peak rising from the deep waters of the fiord. With photo ops at every turn and maybe a dolphin or two popping up, it’s a gorgeous afternoon on Milford Sound and a must-do experience on your New Zealand South Island tour. On arrival, excitement is sure to be at an all-time high as we arrive in the adventure capital of Queenstown at your picturesque hotel on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Millennium
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 6
Queenstown, It's All Yours
Explore Queenstown that you’ve been dreaming of today with plenty of adventure-filled Optional Experiences to choose from. Join a tour to Skippers Canyon, or go for maximum adventure riding the adrenaline pumping Shotover Jet. This evening it’s time to Dive Into Culture and relax on a cruise aboard New Zealand's oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. You’ll be warmly greeted at the Colonel's Homestead by a gourmet barbecue dinner piled high with ribs and fresh vegetables. Sit back and be entertained by an after-dinner farm show, complete with sheep dogs in action and sheep shearing, that will give you a glimpse into high-country farm life. After a fun-filled evening at the homestead, board the Earnslaw and head back to Queenstown, maybe taking a spin on their polished wooden dancefloor.
It’s a day of epic scenery into untamed wilderness as you head through Central Otago to the West Coast. Your first stop is the restored gold mining settlement of Arrowtown. As you walk down its tree-lined avenues and have a look at the 19th-century wooden buildings, you’ll feel as if you’re in a movie set of the Old West. You’ll then travel to Cromwell on the shores of Lake Dunstan for a visit to a local orchard. Take a break sampling of some of the town's juicy stone fruit including apricots, nectarines and peaches before journeying further into Central Otago where the vivid blue waters and willow-lined shoreline of Lakes Hawea and Wanaka call. Take to an ancient greenstone trail, cross Haast Pass, and bid farewell to the alpine scenery of the Southern Lakes as you meet the rainforests of the West Coast for the first time. Here in the “wild west,” you’ll be greeted by the dramatic drop of Thunder Creek Falls and the staggering sight of Mt. Hooker, flanked on three sides by expansive glaciers. Stunning scenes await as you approach your destination of the famous Franz Josef Glacier. Join an optional helicopter flight for unforgettable views of take in its majesty from the ground.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Scenic Franz Josef Glacier
Awaken to a day filled with natural and manmade beauty. You have time to explore Franz Josef, perhaps visiting the West Coast Wildlife Centre to see kiwi birds, before traveling to Hokitika. In this home of jade greenstone, visit the family-owned Greenstone Factory to learn from a Local Specialist how jade is carved, its significance, and watch a jewellery demonstration as talented artisans turn local stone into beautiful pieces. Then soak in the natural surroundings as you head to Punakaiki to view the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Standing at the water’s edge, you’ll be amazed at how these eroded limestone foundations that began forming 30 million years ago really do look like a stack of pancakes! As you marvel at nature’s creation, listen closely for a “whoosh” of water—that's a burst of sea spray coming through the blowholes. Take in the sights, sounds, and sea air before making your way to the eco-friendly, Stays With Stories waterfront Punakaiki Resort where you’ll dine on seafood and local specialties and wine as the surf rolls and churns just outside your window.
The grand adventures continue on your last full day in New Zealand. Begin at Greymouth’s Monteith's Brewery where a Local Specialist shares the history and stories of this iconic brand founded in 1868. Sample some of their ever-changing, innovative brews like the summer ale and crushed pear cider before sitting down to a pub-style lunch. Full and happy, it’s “all aboard” the scenic TranzAlpine train to Christchurch - one of the world’s most famous train trips. This 223-kilometre journey across the South Island along the Waimakariri River and across the Southern Alps takes you through tunnels and over viaducts with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, beech forests, gorges, and river valleys. What better way to conclude your scenic travels across the South Island? This evening, celebrate a wonderful journey through the South Island at a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and travel companions.
It’s been a beautiful time but sadly all good things must come to an end. Your New Zealand South Island tour concludes this morning after breakfast with a fond farewell before your transfer to the Christchurch Airport (flights anytime).
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Trip details
Trip details
What's included
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9 nights
Accommodation
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18 Meals
1 Be My Guest, 9 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners, 1 Farewell Dinner, 1 Lunch, 1 Regional Dinner
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On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
Dive Into Culture
Get up close to farming on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in the New Zealand high country.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Help restore and conserve Pomona and Rona Islands as sanctuaries for native plants and animals.
Stays with Stories
Situated on idyllic Punakaiki Beach, the environmentally friendly resort offers views of the ocean and rainforest. Designed in harmony with the environment, your stay gives you a unique insight into local ecology and nature.
Sightseeing highlights
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Discover Christchurch and Dunedin
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Explore a jade carving centre in Hokitika, and a brewery in Greymouth with a Local Specialist
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Scenic Cruise on Milford Sound, and Lake Wakatipu
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See spectacular sights in Fiordland National Park
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View the Southern Alps from the TranzAlpine train
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Visit Franz Josef Glacier, historic Arrowtown, and the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Optional Experiences and free time
Live, unedited & independent traveler reviews
Southern Spectacular trip reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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4.5
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Based on 62 independent reviews
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Customer experience
Trip rating is the overall quality of the itinerary and trip
4.6
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5
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Customer experience is the standard of service you receive
The guide, the group, the accommodations—-all were excellent. One major problem for us was the fact that we are hard of hearing. My husband especially could not hear even though the guide had a microphone and there was a speaker right over our heads. The road noise interfered with his sound reception. It would be great if you had individual earphones for those of us who need such help.
This tour had a variety of options along the way which enabled further social interaction with other travellers. In other words, not all travellers did the exact same thing the entire trip.
The tour director was excellent. I had nothng to worry about the entire trip. The driver was excellent too. He got us everywhere we were supposed to be safely. Booking the trip was painless.
Many of us on the tour did not like the modular idea of people coming and going. The itinerary was comprehensive. We enjoyed the cruise on the Milford Sound
The tour was very inclusive and we saw almost everything we wished to see. The accommodations were very good. The included tours were great. We love the steamship ride to the Walter Peaks dinner and the dinner itself. The grounds were spectacular. Our tour guide Mary was very informative and organized which helped a lot. She did an amazing job with seats on the bus so there were no problems. The coach was amazing- with wi fi and ports for charging our phones. Our driver Ricky was a great fit with Mari working together really well
Our tour was very well done: excellent hotel rooms; bus was very comfortable; driver and tour director were both first class, and everything was very well coordinated, which made the trip especially enjoyable.
Please note that a rebate of $200 per person has been applied for departures between 04 Sep 2021 – 01 Apr 2022 due to the TranzAlpine not operating on these dates.
A hidden secret waiting to be discovered - Milford Sound's remote location, bounded by steep cliffs and dense rainforest, means its special features remain unspoilt. It will captivate you with its beautiful surroundings, ink-dark waters, gushing waterfalls and awe-inspiring views.
Please note that return international airfares are not included in the prices. Trafalgar guarantees to quote you the lowest possible airfare available to us on the day that you book.
This trip is operated in conjunction with our sister company and South Pacific Specialists - AAT Kings.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless traveling as part of a family group.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange your flights to arrive on or before day 1.
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Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them. What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.