tuuur.com - Worldwide Trips

Comfort

Explorer

New Zealand Southern Pioneer

4.9

Excellent

45 reviews

10 days

Start

Christchurch, New Zealand

Finish

Christchurch, New Zealand

Trip Code

PHKS

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 16

Physical Rating

Meals

9 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Transport

Private Vehicle, Train

Accommodation

Hotel/Motel (9 nights)

From £2,200(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

DAY 1
Day 1 • Christchurch
Welcome to Aotearoa (New Zealand). Sparsely populated and spectacularly beautiful, the South Island is a paradise for lovers of nature, wildlife and the great outdoors. Your adventure begins in Christchurch with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, you may like to stroll through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens to admire the native plants or stop by the Canterbury Museum to learn about the region’s cultural heritage. After the meeting, the night is yours to find the best spot for a cosy dinner. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
DAY 2
Day 2 • Christchurch / Lake Tekapo / Ohau
Christchurch is not just a pretty city – it’s also remarkably resilient. After a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the downtown area in 2011, the city has begun to rebuild in innovative and creative ways. Head out with your leader this morning to see this for yourself. Stop by the Christchurch Cathedral, which stood as a symbol of the city before collapsing in the earthquake and has now been replaced with an architecturally striking and quake-proof structure made from cardboard. After a morning of exploring, say goodbye to Christchurch and drive inland to Lake Tekapo. An eye-catching combination of purple lupins, turquoise waters and snow-dusted peaks makes this one of the most photo-worthy spots in the country. The Church of the Good Shepherd sits on the shores of the lakes and attracts couples from all over the world to shoot their wedding pictures. Continue to Lake Ohau or Twizel (depending on departure) where you’ll spend the night.
Accommodation
Hotel or Motel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Lake Tekapo - Mt John Lookout
DAY 3
Day 3 • Mackenzie Country / Queenstown
Hit the road this morning for a journey to remember – watch out the window as you pass the sprawling grasslands of the Mackenzie Basin and showstopping peaks of the Southern Alps. Your drive will be broken up with plenty of scenic stops, including a visit to Kawarau Gorge, a popular spot for bungy jumping. If you’re feeling adventurous, get involved and jump off the suspension bridge crossing the gorge, or just stand back and watch brave jumpers take the plunge. Continue on to Queenstown, known as the adventure capital of the world, and rightfully so! Aside from its high-adrenaline attractions, Queenstown has a booming culinary scene, produces some of the world's best wine and boasts unbelievable scenery at every turn.
Accommodation
Hotel or Motel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
Queenstown - Walter Peak Lake Cruise with Gourmet Dinner - NZD189
Queenstown - Kawarau Bridge Bungy - NZD320
DAY 4
Day 4 • Queenstown
The day is all yours to discover the varied delights of Queenstown. There are loads of options to get your heartrate up, whether you fancy shooting down the river on a jet boat, river kayaking, flying above the town in a gondola or a 4WD adventure through landscapes of Lord of the Rings fame. If you’d like to take things a little slower, perhaps head to the Gibbston Valley to taste wines only topped by the inspiring scenery. A walk around the stunning Lake Wakatipu will give you a good dose of fresh air and epic views. There’s no shortage of dining options to tempt your tastebuds – if you’re willing to wait, a famous Fergburger is hard to beat!
Accommodation
Hotel or Motel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
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
DAY 5
Day 5 • Queenstown / Arrowtown / Wanaka
Take the chance this morning to cross off any Queenstown activities you didn’t have time for yesterday – be sure to speak to your leader for tips on the best way to spend a morning here. In the afternoon, get back on the road for the scenic drive to Wanaka, through the Crown Range Mountains. Stop off along the way in Arrowtown – a little goldrush town popular for its heritage buildings and Autumn festival. Take a walk along the tree-lined high street and maybe pop into the old-school lolly shop. Arrive in Wanaka in the afternoon and embrace the vibe of this laidback and beautiful town. With Lake Wanaka as its glittering centrepiece and dramatic mountains as its backdrop, the town is undoubtedly one of New Zealand’s best. This afternoon you may like to head out on a hike or just stretch out on the shores of the lake and take it all in.
Accommodation
Hotel or Motel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
Queenstown - Shotover River Jet Boat Ride - NZD179
Queenstown - Time Tripper - NZD20
Queenstown - Skyline Gondola - NZD66
DAY 6
Day 6 • Mou Waho Island / Wanaka
Visit Mou Waho Island today. Accessible only by boat and famous for being home to an (unnamed) island, in a lake (Arethusa Pool), on an island (Mou Waho), in a lake (Lake Wanaka), on an island (the South Island) in the ocean (the Pacific). Sounds complicated, but once you are there it will all make sense! Enjoy a walk as you learn more about this predator-free reserve with a natural glacial-formed lake at its summit. Your afternoon is free to explore Wanaka and surrounds. No visit to Wanaka would be complete without seeing #thatwanakatree. Springing up from the waters of Lake Wanaka, this sloping willow is one of the most photographed trees in the world. There's no shortage of excellent hiking routes in the region if you'd like to get out and explore on foot, or you may prefer to hire a bike and hit the cycling trails. Your walking time today will be approximately 2 hours. Please wear rugged-soled outdoor shoes or boots with good tread for grip. The island walk is not compulsory. You may remain on the boat, at the beach on the island or complete part of the walk.
Accommodation
Hotel or Motel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Wanaka - Mou Waho Island Cruise & Guided Nature Walk
Optional activities
Wanaka - Waterfall Climbing - from - NZD199
Special information
Your walking time today will be approximately 2 hours. Please wear rugged-soled outdoor shoes or boots with good tread for grip.
The island walk is not compulsory. You may remain on the boat, at the beach on the island or complete part of the walk.
DAY 7
Day 7 • Franz Josef
Get back on the road and make tracks for Franz Josef. This is another incredible drive, so have your camera ready! Depending on the weather, stop off at either Lake Hawea or Lake Wanaka lookout points. Along the way, your leader will pause at some off the beaten track spots to snap some pictures and stretch your legs. Arrive in Franz Josef in the early evening and perhaps head out to one of the town’s cosy pubs for dinner.
Accommodation
Hotel or Motel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
DAY 8
Day 8 • Franz Josef
Rise and shine – you’re in one of the most beautiful places in the world, and there's so much to discover here. Known for the dazzling Franz Josef Glacier and awe-inspiring views of Mt Cook, this is natural beauty on the biggest scale. The region also has a cultural history that’s every bit as captivating as its natural wonders. Only found in the South Island of New Zealand, pounamu (greenstone) is an important part of Maori culture. Today, you’ll visit a local gallery where you’ll have the chance to carve your own pounamu pendant while learning about its spiritual and cultural significance. If you’d like to get up close and personal with Franz Josef Glacier in the afternoon, you can arrange for a helicopter to drop you in for a hike. You may prefer to sit back and unwind in local hot springs, or head out kayaking on an icy blue glacial lake.
Accommodation
Hotel or Motel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Franz Josef - Greenstone Pendant Carving
Optional activities
Franz Josef - Glacier Lake Kayaking - NZD165
Franz Josef - Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk - Free
DAY 9
Day 9 • West Coast / Greymouth / Christchurch
Begin the journey up the west coast – this is the rainiest part of New Zealand, resulting in greenery and lush rainforests like nowhere else in the country. If time allows, there may be the chance to check out the National Kiwi Centre – the nocturnal house here gives visitors the opportunity to see how these nocturnal birds behave. The next stretch of your journey may just be the most magnificent – hop aboard the TranzAlpine train back to Christchurch, widely believed to be one of the top train journeys in the world. Cross through the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass and travel past the rushing blue waters of the Waimakariri River and endless native beech forest. Arrive in Christchurch in the evening. Please note that throughout the year maintenance works can take place on the train tracks between Greymouth and Christchurch, which may result in train cancellations. In case the train doesn’t run you will travel back to Christchurch by vehicle instead. Currently we have been informed that the departure on 17th April 2026 will be affected as described above.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Greymouth - Tranz Alpine Train Journey
Special information
Please note that throughout the year maintenance works can take place on the train tracks between Greymouth and Christchurch, which may result in train cancellations. In case the train doesn’t run you will travel back to Christchurch by vehicle instead. Currently we have been informed that the departure on 17th April 2026 will be affected as described above.
DAY 10
Day 10 • Christchurch
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to spend some more time in Christchurch, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
Meals
Breakfast

Inclusions

Meals

9 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Transport

Private Vehicle, Train

Accommodation

Hotel/Motel (9 nights)

Included activities

Lake Tekapo - Mt John Lookout

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 - from - NZD199

Franz Josef - Glacier Lake Kayaking - NZD165

Franz Josef - Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk - Free

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Saturday May 16, 2026

Monday May 25, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 12 spaces left

£2,750£2,200

Monday May 18, 2026

Wednesday May 27, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 10 spaces left

£2,937£2,350

Tuesday Jun 02, 2026

Thursday Jun 11, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£3,179

Friday Jun 12, 2026

Sunday Jun 21, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 12 spaces left

£2,750£2,200

Saturday Jun 13, 2026

Monday Jun 22, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 10 spaces left

£2,750£2,200

Tuesday Jun 30, 2026

Thursday Jul 09, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£3,058

Saturday Jul 11, 2026

Monday Jul 20, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 10 spaces left

£2,695£2,291

Monday Jul 13, 2026

Wednesday Jul 22, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£3,058

Friday Jul 31, 2026

Sunday Aug 09, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£3,058

Monday Aug 10, 2026

Wednesday Aug 19, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£3,058

Tuesday Aug 18, 2026

Thursday Aug 27, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£3,058

Friday Aug 21, 2026

Sunday Aug 30, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£3,058

Tuesday Aug 25, 2026

Thursday Sep 03, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 13 spaces left

£2,695

Saturday Aug 29, 2026

Monday Sep 07, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£2,695

Friday Sep 11, 2026

Sunday Sep 20, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£2,662£2,263

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 (48)

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

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!!

Richard

Apr 12, 2026

Great trip around South Island. Packed alot into 10 days. Fox Glacier helicopter trip & Milford Sound cruise & flight back to Queenstown was amazing. Meghann was a great tour guide. Knowledgeable & fun!!

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!

Ian and Sharon

Mar 27, 2026

We have had such a fabulous and fun time on our South Island tour, wonderfully managed by energetic and charming Georgia!! Her local knowledge of the region really enhanced our trip and we had a great group of travellers from all around the world too! It was such fun spending time with them too. A wonderful holiday, thanks Intrepid!

Glenda

Mar 23, 2026

Nearly everything on the South Island Comfort Intrepid tour exceeded my expectations.

Pauline

Mar 20, 2026

I thoroughly enjoyed this 20 day tour of both North & South Islands. Itinerary was pretty full-on to enable us to see & experience so much. Accommodations were clean & comfortable. Our group gelled really well & a big shout out to Angela, our Tour Leader, for immersing us in the Maori culture. What a STAR!

Ellen

Mar 18, 2026

It was an excellent trip lots of great activities. Also downtime for reflection I would recommend.

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Day 10 • Christchurch
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to spend some more time in Christchurch, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
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DAY 10
Day 10 • Christchurch
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to spend some more time in Christchurch, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
Meals
Breakfast