Comfort
Explorer
New Zealand Southern Pioneer
4.9
Excellent
51 reviews
10 days
Start
Christchurch, New Zealand
Finish
Christchurch, New Zealand
Trip Code
PHKS
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 16
Physical Rating
Meals
9 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Transport
Private Vehicle, Train
Accommodation
Hotel/Motel (9 nights)
From £2,263(10 days)
Trip Informations
New Zealand’s South Island has a reputation as one of the most naturally beautiful places on earth, yet it still manages to defy expectations. On this 10-day round trip from Christchurch, you’ll be met with astonishing sight after astonishing sight as a local leader shows you what they love about their country. Get your heart racing in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, discover the laidback delights of postcard-perfect Wanaka, stand in awe of the Franz Josef Glacier, and cross the Southern Alps on one of the world’s most spectacular train journeys. Between glacial lakes and snow-capped peaks, you’ll soon see what all the fuss is about.
Why you’ll love this trip
Start and finish your adventure in the city of Christchurch, where your local leader will show you the innovative and creative ways the city is rebuilding after a devastating earthquake in 2011.
Live it up in the adventure capital of the world – Queenstown. Whether you fancy bungy jumping, jet boating, horseback riding or wine tasting, there’s something here to entice everyone.
Get to know Wanaka, one of New Zealand’s prettiest towns (and that’s saying something!) and visit Mou Waho Island – an island in a lake on an island in another lake on an island in the ocean!.
Visit a local gallery in Franz Josef and carve a pendant out of pounamu while learning about the precious stone’s significance to Maori culture.
Take one of the world’s most scenic train journeys – cross the spectacular Southern Alps on the famous TranzAlpine from the West Coast to Christchurch.
Is this trip right for you?
There are walking opportunities throughout this trip. We recommend you bring good quality walking shoes if you're keen to enjoy a hike or two.
Multiple activities on this trip are subject to weather and water conditions and on occasion, may be cancelled for safety or operational reasons. In the case of cancellation, we will endeavour to find a suitable replacement activity.
There are some long travelling days on this trip, but it’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.
Itinerary
Discover the natural beauty of a land made for adventurers
Inclusions
Meals
9 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Transport
Private Vehicle, Train
Accommodation
Hotel/Motel (9 nights)
Included activities
Wanaka - Mou Waho Island Cruise & Guided Nature Walk
Franz Josef - Greenstone Pendant Carving
Greymouth - Tranz Alpine Train Journey
Optional activities
Queenstown - Walter Peak Lake Cruise with Gourmet Dinner - NZD189
Queenstown - Kawarau Bridge Bungy - NZD320
Queenstown - Lord of the Rings 4WD Tour - NZD299
Queenstown - Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise - NZD514
Queenstown - Skyline Gondola - NZD66
Queenstown - Milford Sound Coach-Cruise-Coach Day Trip - NZD274
Queenstown - Time Tripper - NZD20
Queenstown - Shotover River Jet Boat Ride - NZD179
Wanaka - Waterfall Climbing (October to April only) - from - NZD199
Franz Josef - Glacier Lake Kayaking - NZD165
Franz Josef - Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk - Free
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
Remaining
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Important notes
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.
Reviews (51)
5 stars
47
4 stars
2
3 stars
2
Dale
Jun 02, 2026
A really well-rounded and enjoyable trip that allowed us to explore the magnificent geology, fauna and flora of South Island. I couldn't have had a better time!
Amy
May 25, 2026
The South Island NZ tour with Intrepid was absolutely breathtaking. From mountains to lakes, every day felt special. Huge shoutout to Grant, our tour guide, who was an absolute star- knowledgeable, fun, organised, and made the whole experience unforgettable.
Sally
May 17, 2026
I had a wonderful holiday in the South Island of New Zealand. The scenery was amazing and Intrepid organised great activities and opportunities for us to really explore the island. Our team leader, Snowy, was knowledgeable, good humoured, and accommodating, ensuring we all felt safe and comfortable. I had such a good time that I will be taking another adventure with Intrepid soon.
Henry
May 07, 2026
An amazing trip with so much to see and do. Everything is stunning and worth taking a photo of. It’s an amazing way to see the beauty of New Zealand and get a taste of the big cities too. It packed full of many great activities that are all worth doing. It was my best holiday Ive ever had.
Jonathan
Apr 27, 2026
This was my first time doing a group tour and I had an incredible time. I highly recommend Intrepid and Angela for a spectacular experience in Aotearoa! I've done a lot of solo traveling, so had some reservations around a group tour, sharing rooms, etc. but everyone was so welcoming and excited to share the experiences together, I now don't think I can travel any other way!
richard
Apr 21, 2026
Denver
Apr 21, 2026
All these guided trips are made by the group of people you are with and the guide. Angela your the best out there keep it up! 💚
Jennifer
Apr 16, 2026
I really enjoyed the New Zealand Southern Explorer 10-day trip. Our driver Snowy was experienced and looked after us so well, always suggesting activities to suit our needs and always available for drop offs and pick ups. It was a great trip in that we could choose how much or how little to do each day. Some enjoyed extra hikes, kayaking, some really enjoyed the hot tubs. The food was fresh and healthy, but also lots of opportunities for pub dinners and delicious cafe snacks and coffee. Lots of chances for extra walks or shopping if we preferred. The 12- hour day visiting Doubrful Sound was a highlight for me as we had a wonderful nature guide as our driver so too was seeing the native birdlife (Snowy had great tips for this) and forests, mountains, lakes, rivers and glaciers. The Christchurch Botanical gardens were outstanding and I was lucky to be the only one on the free afternoon tour with a tree expert. I also really enjoyed a morning of the hop on- hop off trams in Christchurch and visiting the art gallery where I was lucky to have an almost private free afternoon tour with a Māori lady explaining some of their customs and culture. Don’t miss the green stone carving- that was amazing too and you make a lovely pendant with assistance from an lovey warm New Zealand lady called Jan. Overall it was a wonderful trip! Highly recommend!!
Mary - known as Ann
Apr 12, 2026
Overall a wonderful experience. Our tour guide Meghann made the trip fun and entertaining. Places visited were spectacular. Some accommodation could be improved on
Cynthia
Mar 28, 2026
This was a fantastic trip and have left with the best memories. Our guide Taylor was incredible and facilitated our trip to a very high standard. I would highly recommend Intrepid to others and would definitely go again!
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