7 Day Southern Private Tour – Explore the Icons of New Zealand’s South Island
Discover the South Island’s most spectacular destinations in style with a private driver guide, premium inclusions, and the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
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See Pricing Below for Different Group Sizes
〰️ See Pricing Below for Different Group Sizes
Package Holiday Details
Travel Style: Private Driver Guide
Train: TranzAlpine Train
Accomodation Level: 4 Star
Price subject to seasonal changes
Cost of suggested activities not included
Private driver guide for journeys between destinations, not on call.
The 7 Day Southern Private Tour is the perfect way to experience the very best of New Zealand’s South Island. Beginning in Christchurch, you’ll journey past alpine lakes and the dramatic Southern Alps en route to Mt. Cook National Park, before continuing on to Queenstown, the country’s adventure capital. Here, enjoy a breathtaking Milford Sound nature cruise, explore endless activities, and savour a BBQ dinner aboard the iconic TSS Earnslaw. A helicopter flight over the West Coast glaciers, combined with the world-famous TranzAlpine train journey, ensures this tour is as memorable as it is scenic. With private guiding, 4-star accommodation, and carefully curated experiences, this itinerary delivers the ultimate South Island escape.
Visited Locations
Christchurch〰️Mt Cook〰️Queenstown〰️Milford Sound〰️Franz Josef
ITINERARY
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INCLUDED: Private Transfer Christchurch Airport to Christchurch Accommodation
On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.
Accommodation - Fable Christchurch 4 Star
Occupying a central location the Fable Hotel has been voted as one of the trendiest hotels in the South Pacific. Recently refurbished modern rooms and suites provide all the facilities you would expect from a fine hotel
Welcome to Christchurch City
Christchurch New Zealand's garden city is steadily being transformed into a vibrant urban destination. Encompassing a large green belt, it is known for its wide tree lined avenues and lush gardens. A great way to explore the city or easy way to see the sights or ride the historic trams across town to the renowned botanic gardens and the unique cardboard Transitional Cathedral, that's right it is built of cardboard!
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Christchurch to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park
Today you'll drive through the heart of the South Island, crossing the vast Canterbury plains. Catch your breath in Geraldine before continuing through Fairlie. Ascending Burkes pass you'll come to the picturesque lakeside town of Tekapo.
Follow the road and take in the view of Aoraki Mt Cook (New Zealand's tallest mountain) from the shores of Lake Pukaki, known for its glacier fed turquoise blue colour. Continue along the lake to your final destination Mt Cook Village.
Accommodation - Hermitage Hotel, Wakefield Wing Superior Room: 4 Star
The Hermitage Hotel ringed by magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, is a world-renowned tourist destination and has been an icon of superior accommodation and dining since 1884. Room type - Wakefield Wing Superior room facing Aoraki/Mt. Cook.
Meals included: Breakfast
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Glacier Explorers Mt. Cook
Experience 500 year old icebergs up-close on the Mt Cook terminal lake. The Glacier Explorers tour is the only one of its kind in New Zealand and one of only three in the world! Very few glaciers terminate into lakes and even fewer of them are accessible. See towering ice cliffs and floating icebergs from the safety of a specially designed boat. These boats provide a safe way to view unseen and inaccessible areas of New Zealand's largest glacier The Tasman.
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Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to Queenstown
Twizel, just south of Aoraki Mt Cook was the location of many Lord of the Rings movie scenes and a little further on is Omarama, the gliding capital of New Zealand. Wrinkly Rams is a local café with great coffee and fresh homemade food. The Lindis Pass is one of New Zealand’s highest roads with the summit reaching 971 metres. The tussock covered hills offer an unusual contrast as you pass from the Mackenzie Basin and into Central Otago. The first Central Otago settlement you reach is the quaint village of Tarras, which has a number of boutique stores and a lovely café. A short drive, further along, is the historic and scenic Bendigo Reserve, which was one of Otago’s original gold mining settlements. Well marked paths will guide you to the remains of stone cottages and other buildings from this bygone era. Cromwell sits at the head of the Kawarau Gorge and the historic old town is well worth the visit, the buildings are now home to quaint shops and cafes. The old town buildings were relocated from the valley that now sits deep under Lake Dunstan. Continue on through the sheer cliffs of the Kawarau Gorge as they guide you towards Gibbston, one of New Zealand's premier wine-growing regions. At the famous historic Kawarau Bridge, you can take a bungy jump or sit back and enjoy the drama as visitors hurtle off the bridge. Approaching Queenstown the impressive Remarkables mountain range comes into view and then beautiful Lake Wakatipu.
Accommodation - Millennium Hotel Queenstown: 4 Star
Right in the heart of the action, the Millennium Hotel is just minutes from Queenstown's central shopping and entertainment district. Outdoor activities such as bungy jumping, white water rafting and jet boating are just some of the easily accessible activities nearby in New Zealand's adventure capital.
Meals included: Breakfast
INCLUDED: TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak including gourmet BBQ dinner and a farm tour
Enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience, a delicious gourmet BBQ buffet meal and a farm demonstration in a stunning lakeside setting. Take in the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and its surroundings as you cruise across the lake to the historic Walter Peak high country farm aboard the TSS Earnslaw Steamship.
Enjoy the ambience of the heart of the stately homestead while your Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant chef prepares a gourmet BBQ dinner. Your seasonal menu includes an extensive selection of local New Zealand produce, including succulent meats and a selection of delicious vegetables and salads. Complete your meal with your choice of delicious desserts, New Zealand cheeses, tea and coffee.
After dinner, watch the farm dogs in action with a sheep-herding demonstration and say hello to the other farm animals. Finally, cruise home under the southern stars and enjoy the fresh night air as the lights of Queenstown draw ever closer.
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Embark on a journey of wonder as we take you on a scenic drive to Milford Sound, passing through picturesque landscapes and dramatic mountain ranges. Our knowledgeable guides will share fascinating stories and insights about the region's history and natural wonders along the way. Marvel at the cascading waterfalls, towering cliffs, and lush rainforests that make Milford Sound an unparalleled paradise. Board a comfortable and luxurious boat to explore the fiord up-close, and be prepared to encounter playful seals, dolphins, and even the occasional rare Fiordland penguin. Capture the beauty of this ethereal realm through our expert photography tips, ensuring lasting memories of your visit to this majestic wonder.
INCLUDED: Milford Sound Cruise with RealNZ
Get up close and personal with Milford Sound on a leisurely cruise of this spectacular fiord. From thundering waterfalls to sky-high mountains to lush rainforests, Milford has it all. Experience the spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces. Informative, participative and relaxed, this is the perfect way to experience Milford Sound to the fullest.
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Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier via Wanaka
From Queenstown you'll cross the Crown Range, the highest sealed road in New Zealand to arrive in the Alpine town of Wanaka, gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park. Skirting the shores of both Lake Wanaka and Hawea, you will enter the small town of Makarora. Stop at Blue Pools for a 1-hour return walk through the native beech forest to a glacier-fed swimming hole. Continue on through the remote seaside settlement of Haast before heading up the wild West Coast highway you pass through ancient temperate rainforests while getting sneak peeks of the wild coast beaches occasionally. Paringa Salmon Farm is worth a stop to stretch your legs, feed the fish, and stop for lunch and refreshments. Keep heading North and be sure to enjoy the view of the ever-changing towering snowcapped Southern Alps Mountain Range. Fox Glacier welcomes you first, then comes your destination for the night Franz Josef township
Accommodation - Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Only a breath away from the Franz Josef Glacier, Scenic Hotel is located in the heart of Franz Josef Village. Here you will find all of the amenities you would expect, as well as being close to the shops, restaurants and activities on offer in the beautiful Westland region.
Meals included: Breakfast
INCLUDED ACTIVITY - Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight with The Helicopter Line
Take a spectacular scenic flight over two of New Zealand's most famous glaciers. Land at the head of one and view the incredible sight of this frozen river as it winds its way through ancient carved valleys. Should weather not be suitable to take this flight you are able to transfer your booking onto a similar tour on any of the Helicopter Line's operations in Queenstown or Mt Cook.
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Franz Josef to Greymouth Train Station
Today head north along the mighty West Coast highway you pass through ancient temperate rainforests while getting sneak peeks of the wild coast beach occasionally. Whataroa is the next town where you can see one of the world's rarest birds, the New Zealand white heron or Kotuku nest at the Waitangi Roto Nature Reserve, and guided tours from October to March will take you there.
Ross is the site of an old gold mining town and some of the old buildings and workings remain. In fact, Ross is still home to one of the few working gold mines left in New Zealand and the local information center offers you the chance to pan for gold.
Hokitika is a great place to explore craft and gift stores and head to the coast and take in the endless sea views. The Jade or Greenstone on offer in Hokitika is probably some of the best you will see in the country. The Hokitika Gorge is located 45 minutes inland and offers turquoise waters flowing through a narrow gorge. A great short walk will deliver you to this piece of paradise.
Continue on to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast and the starting point for the next leg of your journey the TranzAlpine Scenic Train. Drop your rental car at the Greymouth Train Station depot located at the train station building before boarding your train to Christchurch.
Accommodation - Fable Christchurch
Occupying a central location the Fable Hotel has been voted as one of the trendiest hotels in the South Pacific. Recently refurbished modern rooms and suites provide all the facilities you would expect from a fine hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch
Considered one of the world's great train journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch. You'll travel across the South Island from the west to the east coast through Arthur's Pass National Park. From the comfort of your carriage see lush beech forest, deep river valleys and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps. Descend to the windswept Canterbury Plains before arriving in the city of Christchurch.
Private Transfer Christchurch Train Station to your accommodation
On arrival at the Christchurch train station, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your accommodation.
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Private transfer accommodation to Christchurch Airport
A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Christchurch Airport in time for your departing flight.
Inclusions
6 x Breakfasts, 1x Special Dinner〰️Private Diver Guide〰️4 Star Accommodation 〰️Airport Transfers 〰️TranzAlpine Train〰️Glacier Helicopter 〰️ Milford Sound Cruise with picnic lunch 〰️TSS Earnslaw Cruise with BBQ Dinner 〰️Airport Transfers
Price Guide for Groups
2 Guests $10700 NZD per person
3 Guests $8700 NZD per person 4 Guests $6600 NZD per person 5 Guests $6250 NZD per person 6 Guests $5400 NZD per person
7 Guests $5299 NZD per person 8 Guests $4399 NZD per person 9 Guests $4799 NZD per person 10 Guests $4499 NZD per person
*This is a guide only as it will depend on time of the year and room configuration.