Premium New Zealand South Island
Experience Overview
Taking you from Christchurch to Queenstown via glaciers, wineries, lakes and fiords, this 10-day Premium trip showcases the natural beauty and thriving food and wine scene in New Zealand’s South Island. Forage for fresh ingredients with a local chef in Otago, cruise the quiet waters of Doubtful Sound and come face to face with endangered species – including New Zealand’s rarest kiwi bird – at a wildlife centre on the West Coast. With a knowledgeable local leader to guide the way, you’ll get to know the history and stories of landscapes shaped by the elements over thousands of years.
Highlights
- Embark on an Exclusive cruise in Doubtful Sound / Patea – Patea means ‘place of silence’ in Maori, and you’ll soon see why. Coast past sheer cliffs and waterfalls and learn about the local wildlife with an onboard naturalist.
- Savour the flavours of the Otago region with an Exclusive chef-led food and foraging experience at a high-country deer station.
- Explore Arrowtown – a heritage town that dates back to the gold rush era – and taste some of Central Otago’s best drops at a well-loved winery in Gibbston Valley.
- Enjoy a ranger-guided walk around the aptly named Blue Pools that feed the Makarora River and learn about the important work of the Aspiring Biodiversity Trust to reduce predators and save some of New Zealand’s rarest species.
- Take a backstage tour of the West Coast Wildlife Centre which is helping to save the critically endangered rowi and Haast tokoeka kiwi birds from extinction.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2252
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport: Private vehicle
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: PHPS
Starts: Christchurch, New Zealand
Finishes: Queenstown, New Zealand
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (9), Lunch (2), Dinner (4)Accommodation: Hotel (9 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5984 ($598 /day)
Itinerary
Kia ora! 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 restaurant and natural wine bar and enjoy a three-course meal that celebrates local produce from the Canterbury region.
Included Activities:
- Christchurch - Welcome Dinner
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
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, 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:
- Greymouth - Monteith's Brewery Tour & Tasting
- Greymouth - Pounamu (Greenstone) Studio Visit
- Christchurch - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Lake Brunner - Nature Walk
After breakfast, explore the Punakaiki Rocks and Blowholes before the drive to Franz Josef. Along the way, stretch your legs at the charming 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 program for the world's rarest kiwi bird, 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:
- Hokitika - West Coast Treetops Walk
- Franz Josef - West Coast Wildlife Centre Visit with Ranger
- Punakaiki - Rocks & Blowhole Visit
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.
Optional Activities:
- Franz Josef - Lake Mapourika Scenic Cruise (125 NZD)
- Franz Josef - Waiho Hot Tubs - from (89 NZD)
- Franz Josef - Heli-Hiking Tour - from (695 NZD)
- Franz Josef - Kayaking Excursion - from (149 NZD)
Depart Franz Josef for the resort town of Wanaka – the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park in the Otago region. Stop along the way at Makarora 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. Look out for endangered birds as you learn about how they’re 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. 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:
- Makaroa - Aspiring Biodiversity Trust Lunch
- Makaroa - Guided Flora and Fauna Walk with Local Ornithologist
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 deer station of Criffel Station. Here, you’ll be shown around the farm by the family before doing a chef-guided foraging and tasting tour, followed by a delicious lunch.
Included Activities:
- Wanaka - Criffel Station Lunch Experience
Say farewell to Wanaka after breakfast and begin the journey to Doubtful Sound / Patea – a lesser-known but stunning part of Fiordland National Park. Drive to Lake Manapouri where you’ll hop on a ferry for a one-hour journey across the water, followed by a scenic drive to Deep Cove via Wilmot Pass – a subalpine road surrounded by dense rainforest. Here, you'll board your vessel and meet the crew for your Doubtful Sound Cruise. This Premium Exclusive Experience includes a delicious three-course dinner featuring local produce, and a resident naturlist who’ll share insights about the fiord’s history, flora and wildlife – including dolphins, seals and penguins. With fewer boats on the water than in Milford Sound and a more peaceful atmosphere, there’s a higher chance these creatures will pop up to say hello! If weather conditions allow, you might also like to explore by kayak.
Included Activities:
- Doubtful Sound - Cruise
Accommodation:
- Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise (Number of Nights: 1)
Start your day with a hearty cooked breakfast as the mist rolls over the cliffs, then get ready to explore some of the other nooks of the fiord this morning. After, return to Deep Cove to take the ferry back to Lake Manapouri and continue to Queenstown, arriving in the late afternoon. The rest of the evening is free to relax or explore this resort town, famed for its picturesque scenery and dramatic location on the edge of the Southern Alps.
Included Activities:
- Milford Sound - Day Cruise
Accommodation:
- Millenium Queenstown or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Soak up a free morning in Queenstown and wander at your own pace. Then, head to Arrowtown in the afternoon. This historic gold mining town is known for its heritage town centre and autumn festival – and perfect to explore on foot. Learn about the town’s history on a leader-led walking tour and browse its shops and cafes. Then, head to Gibbston Valley to sample some of Central Otago’s famous drops at a well-known winery. Tonight, maybe go for a farewell dinner with your group and say cheers to an amazing adventure.
Included Activities:
- Queenstown - Lake Whakatipu Steamboat Cruise
- Queenstown - Walter High Peak Country Farm visit and BBQ dinner
Accommodation:
- Millenium Queenstown or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Brian - Traveled, January 2024
Summer was the best (she told me to say that , but it is true. She always had everything organized, timely, communicated very well. She looked out for and took care of everyone and made everyone feel special. We have a trip lined up for Japan, that leader has there work cut out for them to meet the expectation Summer has provided for us . We look forward to our next trip with Intrepid.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/22/2024
Yvette - Traveled, January 2024
Perfect balance between planned activities and free time so there is freedom to explore through more physical activities, or relaxing and enjoy the amazing scenery and food. Highly recommend this amazing trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/16/2024
Gina - Traveled, December 2023
It was such an amazing trip that I got emotional when I was leaving and shed tears after saying goodbye. The New Zealand Premium tour was the experience of a lifetime. Everything was perfectly thought out and organized. Each day was like being in a new little world! I had an absolute blast with the fellow travelers and our amazing, knowledgeable guide, Summer. If you are considering this trip-GO FOR IT. I wish I could do it all over again. thank you intrepid for the lifelong memories!!! I can’t wait to do another trip with you again one day!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/10/2024
Mary - Traveled, December 2023
Good tour spectacular scenery well organised. Detour because of road closure was well handled. Good guide very friendly approachable flexible knowledgeable Good variety of activities. On the whole we met well informed people who delivered their knowledge very well. Milford Sound was a big highlight. Great emphasis on biodiversity. Have come away from tour with very positive feelings about New Zealand the people, their history and traditions, their excellent food quality, their care for the environment, people flora fauna and the country’s traditions. Would recommend highly.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/18/2023
Ian - Traveled, May 2023
The grandeur of New Zealand and our excellent tour leader made this a memorable trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/09/2023
Barbara - Traveled, March 2023
An excellent itinerary that covered a variety of landscapes and many differing and interesting experiences, including learning more about what is being done to protect NZ's natural species and biodiversity. Our tour leader/driver Michelle did an excellent job, which added to the overall trip experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/16/2023
Cheryl - Traveled, February 2023
The South Island tour led by Michelle was fantastic and exceeded our expectations. With a small group our individual needs were accommodated when needed. The itinerary and accommodations were top rate. We had a good mix of personal and group time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/10/2023
Naji - Traveled, December 2023
This was a phenomenal tour that provides the perfect balance between thoughtfully-organized group activities and ample time for self-guided adventures. If you're looking to check the 'must-sees' of the South Island off your bucket list in the company of a rockstar tour guide and fairly luxurious accommodations, I would strongly consider hopping on board.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/06/2023
Brendan - Traveled, May 2022
An amazing experience led superbly by passionate, knowledgeable, experienced guides. An inaugural trip in a small group, went without a hitch. Stunning scenery, food and experiences. Miss the group already, the friendly guides added so much.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/16/2022
Sabrina - Traveled, May 2022
The tour was very well planned out and the activities were awesome. The pace of the tour was good and amount of planned vs free time was just nice. This was our first Intrepid tour but definitely won't be our last!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/30/2022
John - Traveled, February 2025
Intrepid again provided a terrific experience. In particular our leader, Grant , was wonderful. New Zealand is not to be missed and we’ll be back next year! Well done Intrpid and all!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/10/2025
Isabelle - Traveled, March 2025
The tour on the South island is incredible. So many amazing views and experiences. Our guide was fantastic, keeping us organized and informed, while driving us safely through the mountainous terrain. There are great walks and beautiful town to see along the way. We had many beautiful look out stops. There was plenty of free time as well, to do your own thing. A great vacation. Highly reccomend it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/20/2025
Michael - Traveled, March 2025
New Zealand is an absolutely stunning country. Anne, our guide showed us all its magic
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/06/2025
Graeme - Traveled, March 2025
The Premium South Island trip was an adventure of a life time. Excellently planned, Annie was a fantastic tour guide and worth every minute she spent on the trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/06/2025
Iliana - Traveled, March 2025
Amazing trip of the South Island. Our trip leader, Annie, was super knowledgeable about the history, culture and environment of the amazing country. Saw such a variety of landscapes, from alpine regions to beaches to fjords. Learnt a lot about the Maori culture and the unique wildlife of New Zealand. Would recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/06/2025
Stephanie - Traveled, February 2024
A truly wonderful trip completely made by our extremely professional and knowledgeable tour guide/driver/ organiser, Wayne. Hotels and food mediocre but scenery amazing, The itinerary needs updating as time was wasted and many additional miles travelled in a squashed minibus visiting pointless now empty former attractions. Admin and communication from Intrepid needs improving.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/08/2024
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