New Zealand South Island Escorted Tour
An escorted journey through New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes.
Members from: $6,769 P.P Twin ShareNon-members from: $6,819 P.P Twin ShareSolo traveller from: $8,467
Type
Escorted Tours
Destination
New Zealand South Pacific
Supplier
Trade Travel
Departs
29 November 2026
Day 1. Sun 29 Nov: Depart Australia / Arrive Christchurch
Flight details: To be advised
Depart Australia on scheduled international flights to Christchurch, the gateway to New Zealand’s South Island. On arrival, enjoy a personalised Meet & Greet before being transferred to your centrally located four-star hotel. Christchurch is known for its English heritage, innovative architecture and expansive green spaces. This evening meet your Tour Leader and fellow travellers at a Welcome Dinner, including a complimentary pre-dinner drink. Relax and settle in as your South Island Signature journey begins in style and comfort.
Daily: Dinner
Day 2. Mon 30 Nov: Christchurch – TranzAlpine – Franz Josef
This morning experience the renowned TranzAlpine Rail Journey, regarded as one of the world’s great train trips. Travel across the Canterbury Plains, over spectacular viaducts and through alpine gorges to Arthur’s Pass in the heart of the Southern Alps. Rejoin your coach and continue to Hokitika, famous for its greenstone craftsmanship. Journey south along the rugged West Coast to Franz Josef Glacier township, where optional scenic flights offer breathtaking views of glaciers and snow-covered peaks.
Daily: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 3. Tue 01 Dec: Franz Josef – Queenstown
Depart Franz Josef and travel past the dramatic landscapes of the West Coast to Fox Glacier township. Cross the stunning Haast Pass, where waterfalls, rainforests and alpine scenery provide ever-changing vistas. Arrive in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital, beautifully set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by mountains. This evening is free to explore the town, enjoy lakeside dining, or relax at your hotel and take in the vibrant alpine atmosphere.
Daily: Breakfast
Day 4. Wed 02 Dec: Queenstown at Leisure & Walter Peak
Enjoy a full free day to discover Queenstown. Choose from a wide range of optional activities including jet boating, gondola rides, scenic flights or heritage tours. This evening board the historic TSS Earnslaw for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Homestead. Enjoy a gourmet barbecue specialty dinner featuring fresh, local produce, followed by a short farm experience before cruising back under the stars.
Daily: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5. Thu 03 Dec: Queenstown – Arrowtown – Te Anau
After a relaxed start, travel to Arrowtown, a charming gold-mining village rich in history. Visit the Lakes District Museum to learn about early settlers and gold rush life. Continue south to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. This evening is at leisure, with the option to visit the magical Te Anau Glowworm Caves, a subterranean world of limestone caverns and silent waterfalls.
Daily: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 6. Fri 04 Dec: Te Anau – Milford Sound – Te Anau
Journey along the spectacular Milford Road, one of the world’s most scenic drives, to Milford Sound. Board your cruise and marvel at towering Mitre Peak, sheer cliff faces and cascading waterfalls. Enjoy lunch onboard while cruising this UNESCO World Heritage fiord. Return to Te Anau later in the day. This evening enjoy dinner at your hotel and reflect on one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural experiences.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7. Sat 05 Dec: Te Anau – Dunedin & Larnach Castle
Travel through Southland farming country via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, often called the “Edinburgh of the South. ” Enjoy a city sights tour highlighting its Scottish heritage and Victorian architecture. Continue along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle for a guided tour revealing its dramatic history. Enjoy a traditional Devonshire Tea and time to explore the beautifully manicured gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Daily: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 8. Sun 06 Dec: Dunedin – Mt Cook – Twizel
Depart Dunedin and travel north via Oamaru, famous for its limestone architecture. Follow the Waitaki River past hydro lakes and sweeping landscapes before arriving in the Mackenzie Country. Marvel at the awe-inspiring views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. Optional scenic flights are available for panoramic alpine views (weather permitting). Continue to Twizel for your overnight stay beneath vast star-filled skies.
Daily: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 9. Mon 07 Dec: Twizel – Lake Tekapo – Christchurch
Visit Lake Tekapo, renowned for its vivid turquoise waters, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the iconic Sheep Dog Statue. Continue to Christchurch where a city tour showcases the city’s regeneration, green spaces and historic landmarks. This evening celebrate the journey with a Farewell Dinner, including a pre-dinner drink, sharing memories and friendships formed throughout this unforgettable South Island experience.
Daily: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 10. Tue 08 Dec: Depart Christchurch / Return to Australia
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out and transferring to Christchurch Airport for your return flight to Australia. Depending on your departure time, take a final look at Christchurch’s leafy streets, riverside paths and contemporary architecture that reflects the city’s remarkable renewal. Farewell your Tour Leader and fellow travellers after an unforgettable South Island experience. Depart New Zealand with lasting memories of dramatic alpine scenery, pristine fiords, historic towns and warm Kiwi hospitality that has defined this Signature journey from start to finish.
Daily: Breakfast
All prices are per person in Australian Dollars unless specified. Prices are based on costs, charges, tariffs, rates, prices, taxes, levies, exchange rates and other considerations.
All are subject to change. For up-to-date pricing contact National Travel. No surcharges regarding cost or currency fluctuations will be made to the land only price once the deposit is received.