Comfort
Explorer
New Zealand Southern Pioneer
10 days • 4.6
4.5
Excellent
14 reviews
10 days
Start
Christchurch, New Zealand
Finish
Christchurch, New Zealand
Trip Code
PHKS
Min Age
18
Trip Size
1 - 16
Physical Rating
Meals
9 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Transport
Private Vehicle, Train
Accommodation
Hotel/Motel (9 nights)
From £2,446(10 days)
Trip Informations
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.
Itinerary
Discover the natural beauty of a land made for adventurers
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.
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 - NZD285
Queenstown - Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise - NZD499
Queenstown - Skyline Gondola - NZD64
Queenstown - Milford Sound Coach-Cruise-Coach Day Trip - NZD274
Queenstown - Time Tripper - NZD20
Queenstown - Shotover River Jet Boat Ride - NZD169
Wanaka - Waterfall Climbing - from - NZD199
Franz Josef - Glacier Lake Kayaking - NZD165
Franz Josef - Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk - Free
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
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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 (14)
5 stars
11
4 stars
1
3 stars
2
Cathy
Apr 10, 2025
Georgina
Apr 09, 2025
Just back from a trip of the South Island New Zealand. We had an amazing time. The scenery was other worldly. What we learnt about the culture, wildlife, history and new zealand itself would not have been possible without our fantastic leader Grant. He is a credit to your company and I am so thankful that we got him as our leader.
Sandra
Apr 02, 2025
This tour of NZ South Island, was simply amazing. Beyond expectations! Brilliant insight into both the geography, culture and history of this island. The Tour Guide was extremely professional and knowledgeable, too. All-round fantastic trip !
Kay
Mar 20, 2025
This trip was the MOST amazing trip I have ever experienced. A MUST for anyone who can afford the time/cash. Will remember forever.
Bronwyn
Mar 17, 2025
South New Zealand has been on the list for a long time. Beautiful Scenery, a safe place to visit. Many of the Must See on the South Island we got to do. Midford South, Lake Takepo, Wanaka, Franc Josef and the Southern Alps Train Journey. I recommend a day or two in Christchurch before the tour as it is an amazing City - how it has bounced back from the Earthquake in 2011. I will be back New Zealand.
Margot
Mar 15, 2025
The Southern Pioneer is a wonderful trip. I have already recommended it to many friends. So much natural beauty to see, a good pace without being rushed. Margot, Australia
Steve
Feb 25, 2025
On our own we would have loved our time in New Zealand. But by taking the tour and having our guide share his knowledge and love of the country, we truly experienced it. Best travel investment we've ever made.
Aishling
Feb 22, 2025
Clare
Feb 07, 2025
Everything about this tour was great. The activities included were perfect and the add on tandem skydive and scenic helicopter tour were awesome. I would highly recommend the South Island tour if you want to see a stunning landscape.
Patricia
Oct 18, 2024
George made our trip so much fun. He was so punctual and knowledgeable while still considering all the needs of everyone in his care. The best tour guide.
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