5 Day South Island NZ Tour from Dunedin to Christchurch

This 5-day guided tour explores New Zealand’s South Island top attractions from Dunedin to Christchurch, ideal for travelers seeking sightseeing with optional activities and comfortable transport.

Highlights

• Discover South Island highlights including Aoraki Mount Cook, Arthur's Pass, Lake Tekapo, Pukaki, and Queenstown
• Visit Te Anau Glowworm Caves, and choose between Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound cruises
• Enjoy optional handpicked activities and 4-5 star accommodations available
• Relax with private transport and a guide-driver, avoiding long-distance driving and planning stress

Description

Experience New Zealand’s South Island at a comfortable pace while visiting key natural and cultural landmarks. Optional activities enrich your experience with diverse adventures.

Day 1: Dunedin to Te Anau
Begin with pickup in Dunedin and scenic drive to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. After hotel check-in, take an evening tour of Te Anau Glowworm Caves, illuminated by thousands of glowworms.

Day 2: Te Anau to Queenstown via Fiordland
After morning pickup, select either a Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound cruise. Milford Sound includes stops at Eglinton Flats, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford Valley Lookout, and Monkey Creek before a scenic cruise. Doubtful Sound involves crossing Lake Manapouri, Wilmot Pass, and a nature-rich fiord cruise. Return to Queenstown by scenic drive.

Day 3: Queenstown Exploration
Visit Queenstown Gardens, stroll central Queenstown, relax at Lake Wakatipu, then engage in thrill jet boating. Ascend the Skyline Gondola for views and enjoy luge rides before returning to your hotel.

Day 4: Queenstown to Lake Tekapo via Mount Cook
Travel through Lindis Pass to Lake Pukaki. View Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, with optional hikes at Hooker Valley or Tasman Glacier tracks. Spot kea parrots native to alpine areas. Take a scenic helicopter ride over Mount Cook National Park. Check in at Lake Tekapo and prepare for stargazing in the Dark Sky Reserve.

Day 5: Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and walk along Lake Tekapo. Stop at Castle Hill’s limestone formations. Explore Arthur’s Pass National Park with walks to Devil’s Punchbowl or Arthur’s Pass track. View Otira Viaduct lookout, then board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train to Christchurch, where you will be transferred to your chosen location.

Includes

• Private transportation with exclusive guide-driver
• Onboard WiFi, packaged water, snacks, and chocolates
• Charging cables and emergency rain gear provided
• Optional ticket package for 7 activities covering:
  • TranzAlpine Train (Arthur's Pass to Christchurch)
  • Lake Tekapo Stargazing
  • Mount Cook Scenic Helicopter Ride
  • Milford or Doubtful Sound Cruise
  • Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour
  • Queenstown Gondola with luge and jet boating
• Optional accommodation package: 4 nights in 4 to 5-star hotels with breakfast (seasonal availability)

Excludes

• Meals and drinks (except breakfast included with accommodation option)
• Travel insurance
• Any items not listed in inclusions

Important Information

• Comprehensive travel insurance is required
• After booking, the supplier will confirm your preferences
• With the ticket package, activities can be swapped for alternatives such as skydiving, horse trekking, scenic flights, glacier hiking, spa treatments, or ziplining, subject to availability and cost differences

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Book early to secure preferred optional activities, and bring layered clothing suitable for variable weather and outdoor adventures. Best time to visit is during the warmer months for optimal hiking and cruising conditions.