12 Days | Satisfy all your senses in the spectacular South Island
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
- 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
- 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.
- 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
View the itinerary for departures between 01 July 2023 - 30 April 2025
Inclusions
11 breakfasts
Private vehicle, Ferry
Hotel (7 nights), Motel (1 night), Hostel (twin share with shared facilities) (2 nights), Cabin (with shared facilities) (1 night)
- 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
- 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
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.
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.
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