Premium
Explorer
Premium New Zealand South Island
10 days • 4.8
5
Excellent
24 reviews
10 days
Start
Christchurch, New Zealand
Finish
Queenstown, New Zealand
Trip Code
PHPS
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 12
Physical Rating
Meals
9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners
Transport
Private vehicle
Accommodation
Hotel (9 nights)
From £3,890(10 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
Soak up one of the best parts of New Zealand’s South Island – it's wine! During your Feature Stay in Gibbston Valley, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting, indulge in a 3-course dinner and watch the sunset over the mountains (maybe from the on-site hot tubs)!
Savour the flavours of the Otago region with a chef-led food and foraging Exclusive Experience on an expansive and stunning New Zealand deer station.
Cruise the waters of iconic Milford Sound on a Premium day cruise, where you’ll enjoy drinks and canapes on board as you look out for the waterfalls, local wildlife and learn about the area.
Enjoy a ranger-guided walk around the aptly named Blue Pools that feed the Makarora River and learn about the important work of the Aspiring Biodiversity Trust to reduce predators and save some of New Zealand’s rarest species.
Take a 'backstage tour' of the West Coast Wildlife Centre, helping bring the critically endangered Rowi and Haast tokoeka kiwi back from extinction. Come face-to-face with these rare creatures.
Is this trip right for you?
The diversity of the seasons here makes for incredible scenery, but the weather in this region can be unpredictable. It’s best to wear layers at all times of the year in case conditions change during the day. At night the temperature can really drop, so bring your warm clothes.
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!
Itinerary
Scenic beauty, fresh cuisine and incredible mountainscapes in the South Island
Taking you from Christchurch to Queenstown via glaciers, wineries, lakes and cruise on Milford Sound, this 10-day Premium trip showcases the natural beauty and thriving food and wine scene in the South Island of New Zealand. Forage for fresh ingredients with a local chef in Otago and come face to face with endangered species at a wildlife Centre on the West Coast, including New Zealand’s rarest kiwi. With a friendly leader to guide the way you’ll experience a landscape that has been shaped by the elements over thousands of years.
Inclusions
Meals
9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners
Transport
Private vehicle
Accommodation
Hotel (9 nights)
Included activities
Christchurch - Welcome Dinner
Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Greymouth - Monteith's Brewery Tour & Tasting
Greymouth - Pounamu (Greenstone) Studio Visit
Christchurch - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Lake Brunner - Nature Walk
Hokitika - West Coast Treetops Walk
Franz Josef - West Coast Wildlife Centre Visit with Ranger
Punakaiki - Rocks & Blowhole Visit
Makaroa - Aspiring Biodiversity Trust Lunch
Makaroa - Guided Flora and Fauna Walk with Local Ornithologist
Wanaka - Criffel Station Foraging & Lunch Experience
Arrowtown - Leader-led Walking Tour
Gibbston Valley - Wine Tasting
Milford Sound - Day Cruise
Queenstown - Walter High Peak Country Farm visit and BBQ dinner
Queenstown - Lake Whakatipu Steamboat Cruise
Optional activities
Franz Josef - Lake Mapourika Scenic Cruise - NZD125
Franz Josef - Waiho Hot Tubs - from - NZD89
Franz Josef - Heli-Hiking Tour - from - NZD695
Franz Josef - Kayaking Excursion - from - NZD149
Dates and availability
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Important notes
1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. Due to the small properties we use there is only a limited number of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.
Reviews (23)
5 stars
17
4 stars
6
Lisa
Apr 27, 2025
We had an outstanding experience with our local New Zealand group tour guide! From the moment we met, it was clear we were in expert hands. Their deep knowledge of the region’s history, culture, and natural beauty brought every stop on our journey to life. Beyond just facts, they shared personal stories and insights that made the experience feel authentic and memorable. The tour was thoughtfully paced, allowing us to truly soak in each destination without feeling rushed. Our guide’s passion for New Zealand was contagious, and his attention to detail — from logistics to personalized recommendations — made the entire trip seamless and stress-free. If you're looking for an unforgettable New Zealand adventure with a guide who is both professional and genuinely enthusiastic, I cannot recommend him highly enough!
Jean
Apr 13, 2025
The South Island tour was a wonderful introduction to this area. The tour covered many different areas, cities, coast, rain forest, farming regions, glacier and gorges. Everything we hoped to see.
graeme
Apr 06, 2025
The Premium South Island trip was an adventure of a life time. Excellently planned, Annie was a fantastic tour guide and worth every minute she spent on the trip
Iliana
Apr 06, 2025
Amazing trip of the South Island. Our trip leader, Annie, was super knowledgeable about the history, culture and environment of the amazing country. Saw such a variety of landscapes, from alpine regions to beaches to fjords. Learnt a lot about the Māori culture and the unique wildlife of New Zealand. Would recommend.
Isabelle
Mar 20, 2025
The tour on the South island is incredible. So many amazing views and experiences. Our guide was fantastic, keeping us organized and informed, while driving us safely through the mountainous terrain. There are great walks and beautiful town to see along the way. We had many beautiful look out stops. There was plenty of free time as well, to do your own thing. A great vacation. Highly reccomend it!
John
Mar 10, 2025
Intrepid again provided a terrific experience. In particular our leader, Grant , was wonderful. New Zealand is not to be missed and we’ll be back next year! Well done Intrpid and all!!
Michael
Dec 05, 2024
A wonderful tour of the breathtaking South Island of NZ, perfectly led by our wonderful guide Annie.
Michael
Dec 01, 2024
A perfect itinerary to explore the stunning South Island of NZ. Our guide Annie was the perfect leader, passionate about sharing her love of her homeland with us.
Terry
Oct 20, 2024
At 92 it was on my dad’s bucket list to visit New Zealand. This trip was a perfect pace for him. It was a good split of planned activities and free time.
Brian
Jan 22, 2024
Summer was the best (she told me to say that 🤣), but it is true. She always had everything organized, timely, communicated very well. She looked out for and took care of everyone and made everyone feel special. We have a trip lined up for Japan, that leader has there work cut out for them to meet the expectation Summer has provided for us 😉😁. We look forward to our next trip with Intrepid.
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