South Island Wilderness Encounters Tour
This 14 day tour starts in Christchurch and finishes in Queenstown.
**Please be advised that certain aspects of this tour may operate on specific days of the week during the winter months. We recommend contacting one of our travel specialists to identify a departure date that suits your schedule.
Your journey begins with the iconic TranzAlpine rail crossing to the West Coast, where you will explore the limestone wonders of Punakaiki and the subterranean magic of glowworm caves. In Franz Josef, take to the skies for a glacier heli-hike before heading south to the alpine charm of Wānaka for an island cruise and walk. The adrenaline ramps up in Tāhuna / Queenstown with jet boat sprints and clay target shooting, followed by a deep dive into the prehistoric silence of Piopiotahi / Milford Sound on an overnight voyage. You will conclude this epic circuit back in Queenstown, soothing your muscles with a floating sauna session on Lake Wakatipu.
This tour also features:
Included activity:
Private Transfer Christchurch International Airport to Christchurch Accommodation
Included activity:
Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App
Included activity:
The Visitor Promise - Cultural Learning Course
Included activity:
Ata Whenua - Shadowland Film at Fiordland Cinema
Included activity:
Pure Wilderness Jet Boat with Fiordland Jet
Included activity:
Te Anau Glowworm Caves with RealNZ
Included activity:
Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise
Included activity:
60 Minute Social Sauna Session at Watershed Saunas Queenstown
Included activity:
Shared Transfer from Christchurch CBD Accommodation to Christchurch Train Station with Christchurch Touring Company
Included activity:
TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Christchurch to Greymouth Scenic Plus with Great Journeys NZ
Included activity:
Underworld Rafting and Glowworm Experience with Underworld Adventures
Included activity:
Okarito Lagoon Guided Kayak Trip with Okarito Kayaks
Included activity:
Franz Josef Glacier Helihike with Franz Josef Glacier Guides
Included activity:
Lake Cruise and Island Nature Walk with Eco Wanaka
Included activity:
Epic Duo - Clay Target & Jet Sprint Boat
13 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Itinerary summary for: South Island Wilderness Encounters Tour
Day 1 : Welcome to the Garden City of Ōtautahi / Christchurch
Accommodation:
Sudima Christchurch City
Day 2 : Cross the Southern Alps to the West Coast, then head north to Punakaiki and the Pancake Rocks
Accommodation:
Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
Day 3 : A day of adventure in Paparoa National Park
Accommodation:
Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
Day 4 : Head south to the Glacier Region, then explore Okarito Lagoon by kayak
Accommodation:
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Day 5 : Explore the glaciers by air and on foot
Accommodation:
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Day 6 : Allow plenty of time for photo stops during your drive through the Haast Pass to Wanaka
Accommodation:
Edgewater Wanaka
Day 7 : This morning you'll cruise to Mou Waho Island for a special wilderness experience
Accommodation:
Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Day 8 : Today is yours to explore the best of the Queenstown region
Accommodation:
Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Day 9 : Today you will venture out to Gibbston Valley for a thrilling Oxbow Adventure
Accommodation:
Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Day 10 : Head south to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland
Accommodation:
Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
Day 11 : Enjoy your day in picturesque Te Anau, perhaps board a Sea Plane or take a hike!
Accommodation:
Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
Day 12 : Journey along the magnificent Milford Road for a night in Milford Sound
Accommodation:
Overnight Boat in Milford Sound
Day 13 : Return through Southland countryside to Queenstown
Accommodation:
Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Day 14 : Depart Queenstown today
