8 day South Island Encounter

Departing from Queenstown sit back and relax aboard a luxury glass-roofed coach to enjoy a relaxing trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. The coach driver provides an informative commentary and plenty of photo opportunities. After a morning tea break in Te Anau, the coach continues along the spectacular Milford Road. On reaching Piopiotahi-Milford Sound, board your vessel for a leisurely cruise in the fiord. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy waterfalls, rainforests, mountains and wildlife. Rain or shine, every day in Piopiotahi-Milford Sound will leave you in awe.

It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information, see here.

Leaving Queenstown, travel past picturesque scenery of massive mountain peaks and crystal-clear blue lakes. Journey across the Haast Pass to the other side of the Southern Alps, the landscape changes dramatically. Enter the wild and wonderful West Coast, a remote and unspoiled region. Wind your way past native rainforest, rocky coastlines and powerful waterfalls. Your journey concludes in the village of Franz Josef, your next base for exploration. 

You’ll be transferred up the Franz Josef Valley to the road end, where you’ll have the opportunity to walk to a viewing platform with views of the glacier. Alternatively, you can enjoy one of the other scenic short walks in the area.

Head north from Franz Josef through to the historic gold mining region of Hokitika. Known for its Pounamu (New Zealand Greenstone) this seaside town has a rich history dating back to the 1860’s. Continue on to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast and the starting point for the next leg of your journey - the TranzAlpine Scenic Train.

Considered one of the world's great train journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch. Travel across the South Island from the west to the east coast through Arthur's Pass National Park. From the comfort of your carriage see lush beech forest, deep river valleys and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps. Descend to the windswept Canterbury Plains before arriving in the city of Christchurch.

On arrival at the Christchurch railway station, you will be met by a driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.

Explore Christchurch, New Zealand’s second-largest city known for its English Gothic architecture and heritage, situated on New Zealand’s South Island East coast. Enjoy the tranquil Avon River, Hagley Park, and the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Discover our new roof-topped stadium (due for completion in 2026), the transitional cardboard Cathedral, and delightful New Regent Street.
Heading north to visit Glenafric Farm, a 770ha spectacular coastal sheep and beef property. With Corriedale and South Suffolk sheep and Hereford cattle, this authentic working farm supports two families and three generations. Witness sheep shearing, try for yourself, and admire very clever well-trained farm dogs. Experience a unique farm tour with a vintage tractor and trailer ride. Enjoy a delicious lunch before travelling to the award-winning Waipara wine region for a wine tasting and then returning to Christchurch City Centre.

Leave Christchurch behind for a small-group journey crossing the expansive Canterbury Plains and climbing into the high country. Relax in comfort as you head to your first stop in the charming rural township of Geraldine for a morning break. Continue into the dramatic Mackenzie Basin to capture iconic photos of the impossibly blue waters at Lake Tekapo and visit the historic, picturesque The Church of the Good Shepherd. After tracking the edge of Lake Pukaki, arrive at Aoraki / Mount Cook Village in the afternoon, where you will be treated to a complimentary picnic lunch under the shadow of New Zealand's highest peak.

Key Stops: Depart Christchurch, Geraldine (comfort stop), Lake Tekapo, Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Pukaki photo stop, Aoraki/Mount Cook Village arrival.
Meals Included: Picnic Lunch, snacks & bottled water.
Duration: Approx 6 hours

Experience 500-year-old icebergs up close on the Aoraki-Mt Cook terminal lake. The Glacier Explorers tour is the only one of its kind in New Zealand and one of only three in the world! Very few glaciers terminate into lakes and even fewer of them are accessible. See towering ice cliffs and floating icebergs from the safety of a specially designed boat. These boats provide a safe way to view unseen and inaccessible areas of New Zealand's largest glacier The Tasman.

A tribute to New Zealand's Sir Edmund Hillary, a humanitarian, ambassador, and one of the world's greatest explorers. The centre showcases the Aoraki Mount Cook region, the history of climbing, and early transport used throughout the region. This comprehensive museum details the life of Sir Edmund Hillary, the Hermitage, and provides access to the 126-seat custom-designed theatre. Check out the daily film schedule which includes 3D Movies, documentaries, and 360-degree digital dome features.

Depart Mount Cook Village and journey down one of the country's most scenic roads, tracking the vibrant blue waters of Lake Pukaki with stunning backward views of the Southern Alps. Afterward, continue south to sample ultra-fresh seafood at High Country Salmon, cross the majestic Lindis Pass, and stop for local orchard treats in Cromwell before descending through the rugged Kawarau Gorge into Queenstown where your guide will drop you directly at your accommodation.

Key Stops: High Country Salmon Farm, Lindis Pass lookout, Jackson's Orchard, Kawarau Gorge, Queenstown arrival.
Included: Salmon Tasting 
Duration: Approx. 4 hours

You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Queenstown airport.

Queenstown is where bungy jumping was pioneered by AJ Hackett and the first commercial jump started in 1988 at the Kawarau Bridge (on the main road into Queenstown from the east). If a bungy jump is on your 'to do' list them Queenstown is the place and the Kawarau Bridge  is a 43 metre jump from an historic bridge with an optional 'dip' in the Kawarau River.

It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information see here.