New Zealand South Island Adventure

12 Days | Satisfy all your senses in the spectacular South Island

4.2 out of 5 based on 21 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
NZD $6,336
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From an ancient world of forests and glaciers to a culture of hospitality that has long defined New Zealand’s people, discover the best of the South Island on a 12-day adventure. Take in highlights from Reefton to Fox Glacier, Pancake Rocks to botanical gins, kayaking to spa soaking. Make your way to the shores of the South Island’s biggest lake and sail the silent waters of glacier-carved Fiordland National Park on an unforgettable cruise on Milford Sound. Cross to the cliffs of the Catlins and hike to coastal caves, then span the gap to untouched Stewart Island to explore the wilderness, listening out for the call of the kiwi. When it comes to natural wonders, it doesn’t get better than this.

Trip overview

Map of New Zealand South Island Adventure including New Zealand
Start
Christchurch, New Zealand
Finish
Queenstown, New Zealand
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
New Zealand
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
PHSQC
This trip generates 11 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Take in the magic of the spectacular Fox Glacier region weaving through rainforests and a walk around the shimmering Lake Matheson.
  • Witness the stunning, millions of years old scenery at the dramatic Pancake Rocks and the Hokitika Gorge, and spot fur seals at Cape Foulwind.
  • Soak up the silence of Milford Sound on a cruise across its waters – you’ll be left speechless by the hundreds of tumbling cascades and deeply forested mountains.
  • Cross the Foveaux Strait to unspoilt Stewart Island and spend two days cruising the bays and inlets to spot penguins and seabirds and walking along its forested coastal tracks in search of kiwis.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Forest & Bird. Donations help them give nature a voice - protecting wildlife and wild places in Aotearoa New Zealand by advocating for conservation on the ground and at a government level. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip involves some walking over varied terrain and is best suited to travellers with a good level of mobility. Details on physical activities can be found in the itinerary.
  • As this is a combination of 2 trips, your leader and the composition of your group may change in Queenstown on Day 7.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 May 2025 to 31 August 2026.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 July 2023 - 30 April 2025

Map of New Zealand South Island Adventure including New Zealand

Inclusions

Meals

11 breakfasts

Transport

Private vehicle, Ferry

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights), Motel (1 night), Hostel (twin share with shared facilities) (2 nights), Cabin (with shared facilities) (1 night)

Activities
  • Reefton - Historic Town Visit
  • Reefton - Goldfields Museum with Local Storyteller
  • Reefton - Billy Tea with 'The Bearded Miners'
  • Punakaiki - Pancake Rocks & Blowholes Walk
  • Kumara - Glow Worm Cave Visit
  • Charleston - Nile River Gorge Rainforest Train Ride
  • Westport - Seal Colony at Tauranga Bay
  • Westport - Cape Foulwind Walkway & Lighthouse
  • Hokitika - Gorge Visit
  • Okarito - Okarito Lagoon Walk
  • Fox Glacier - Lake Matheson Walk
  • Milford Sound - Nature Boat Cruise
  • Milford Sound - Leader-led walk to Milford Lookout
  • Milford Sound - Walk to Mirror Lakes & Lake Gunn
  • The Catlins - Leader-led walk to Nugget Point & McLean Falls
  • Stewart Island - Scenic Ferry Crossing
Add on activities
  • Lewis Pass - Hanmer Hot Springs - from - NZD38
  • Fox Glacier - Glacier Heli Hike - from - NZD655
  • Te Anau - Glow Worm Cave with Cruise & Guide - NZD119
  • Stewart Island - Village & Bay Trip - NZD50
  • Stewart Island - Wild Kiwi Encounter - NZD229
  • Stewart Island - Beaks & Feathers Kiwi Spotting - NZD125
  • Stewart Island - Ulva Island Explorer - NZD119

Dates and availability

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Important notes

START & FINISH TIME
This trip starts at 8am in Christchurch on day 1 and finishes upon arrival in Queenstown on the last day at approximately 2pm. Please take this into account when making onward travel arrangements.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.2 out of 5 based on 21 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Stephen · Traveled April 2024
Great itinerary subject to weather conditions but terrific none the less.
Review submitted 18 Apr 2024

Lee · Traveled January 2024
I’ve said it all in the survey but. Outstanding Mind blowing experience Best holiday of my life Jef our tour guide was unbelievable.!!!
Review submitted 13 Jan 2024

Patricia · Traveled January 2024
An excellent trip, many quiet places, and time to look and learn. Jef was an excellent guide. Highly recommended.
Review submitted 18 Jan 2024

Dhiviyan · Traveled January 2024
The Intrepid, South Island West Coast Tour, is an amazing opportunity to get to see and enjoy the West Coast and all that it has to offer. Throughout the Journey, you will get to see various environments, such as coast beaches, rainforests, glaciers and idyllic lake towns.
Review submitted 19 Jan 2024

Ilse · Traveled December 2023
I really loved this trip, I have seen wonderful places, which I wouldn’t visit on my own.
Review submitted 28 Dec 2023
New Zealand South Island Adventure
From
NZD $6,336