Discover New Zealand's South Island
Christchurch, the "Garden City"; Franz Josef & Queenstown; historic Arrowtown; Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park; Dunedin, "Edinburgh of the South"; Oamaru & Twizel. Optional Fiji extension
| Style | Value Vacation Tour escorts & guides for some segments | ||
| Departures | September 2025 – May 2026 | Group Size | 32 travelers max |
| Themes | History & Culture, Bucket List, Nature & Wildlife, City Stays | ||
| Activity Level | |||
| What to Expect | This fast-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitnessTravel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols. | ||
| Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. | ||
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Discover the natural wonders and vibrant culture of New Zealand's South Island on this exciting 12-day adventure. Begin your journey with a breathtaking ride through Arthur's Pass, surrounded by the impressive Southern Alps, before exploring the enchanting township of Franz Josef. Experience the thrill of Queenstown with its dynamic mix of outdoor activities and scenic cruises along Lake Wakatipu. Delve into history in charming Arrowtown, and cruise the serene waters of Milford Sound from Te Anau. In Dunedin, tour the magnificent Larnach Castle, then visit the Victorian treasures of Oamaru, home to New Zealand's tallest peak. Conclude your New Zealand expedition with the tranquil beauty of Lake Tekapo and a city exploration of Christchurch.
For more adventure, take advantage of your already-included international airfare to visit the island paradise of Fiji!
Package includes
- Flights
- Train
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Round-trip flights from Los Angeles (LAX) on scheduled carriers, including taxes & fees
- All ground transportation and transfers
- 9 nights accommodations in First Class hotels
- 18 meals: 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 8 dinners including welcome dinner and farewell with pre-dinner drink
- Comprehensive tour program including entrance fees
- Professional, English-speaking tour director and local guides
Optional add-ons
- A variety of optional excursions are available for purchase locally
- Post-tour extension to Fiji
Why you'll love it
- Travel on the famous TranzAlpine Train, one of the world's most picturesque train journeys.
- Ascend to Arthur's Pass, nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps.
- Visit Franz Josef, home to one of the most accessible glaciers worldwide.
- Traverse through Haast Pass and admire the scenic landscapes.
- Explore Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world.
- Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw steamship.
- Savor a gourmet barbecue dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak before enjoying a farm tour and a sing-along on the return to Queenstown.
- Stroll through the gold rush town of Arrowtown.
- Visit Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park, and join an optional visit to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.
- See Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls during a cruise and picnic lunch on Milford Sound.
- Tour Dunedin, the "Edinburgh of the South."
- Learn about the scandalous history of the Larnach Castle.
- Journey to historic Oamaru and admire the towering Mt. Cook, New Zealand's tallest peak.
- Visit Lake Tekapo, home of the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue.
- Explore Christchurch's highlights during a guided city tour.
Itinerary at a Glance
- 1 Depart USA
- 2 En route
- 3 Christchurch, New Zealand
- 4 Christchurch, Arthur’s Pass & Franz Josef
- Optional Excursion: Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight
- 5 Franz Josef & Queenstown
- 6 Queenstown
- 7 Queenstown & Te Anau
- Optional Excursion: Te Anau Glowworm Caves
- 8 Te Anau & Milford Sound
- Optional Excursion: Fiordland Cinema
- 9 Te Anau & Dunedin
- 10 Dunedin, Oamaru & Twizel
- Optional Excursion: Southern Glacier Helicopter Flight
- 11 Twizel & Christchurch
- 12 Depart Christchurch/Arrive USA
Fiji Optional Post-Tour Extension
- 12 Christchurch to Nadi, Fiji
- 13 Nadi
- Optional Excursion: Garden of the Sleeping Giants (Suggested Morning Tour)
- 14 Nadi
- Optional Excursion: Mamanuca Islands (Suggested Day Tour)
- 15 Depart Fiji/Arrive USA
Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
To see full details, click the button to the right.
Day 1 Depart USA
- Depart on your flight to New Zealand
Day 2 En route
- Cross the international dateline and lose a day. (You’ll recover this day on your return trip)
Day 3 Christchurch, New Zealand
- Arrive in Christchurch and transfer to your hotel
- Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your fellow travelers
Distinction Christchurch Hotel or similarDinner
Day 4 Christchurch, Arthur’s Pass & Franz Josef
- Admire the scenery aboard the TranzAlpine train
- Visit the town of Franz Josef and enjoy an optional scenic flight over the glaciers
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 5 Franz Josef & Queenstown
- See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south
- Traverse through the picturesque Haast Pass landscapes
- Arrive in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world
Millennium Hotel Queenstown or similarBreakfast
Day 6 Queenstown
- Spend the day at leisure
- Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw steamship
- Savor a gourmet barbecue dinner at the Colonel's Homestead, followed by a farm tour
Millennium Hotel Queenstown or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 7 Queenstown & Te Anau
- Stroll through the gold rush town of Arrowtown
- Visit the Lakes District Museum
- Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in Te Anau, or join an optional visit to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 8 Te Anau & Milford Sound
- See Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls during a cruise tour on Milford Sound
- Spend the afternoon at leisure
Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 9 Te Anau & Dunedin
- Tour Dunedin, the "Edinburgh of the South"
- Visit Larnach Castle and learn about its scandalous history
- Enjoy Devonshire Tea in the castle's Grand Ballroom
Scenic Hotel Southern Cross or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 10 Dunedin, Oamaru & Twizel
- Travel to the historic town of Oamaru
- Gaze upon Mt. Cook, New Zealand's tallest peak
- Transfer to Twizel, the largest town in the Mackenzie District
Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel Twizel or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 11 Twizel & Christchurch
- Stop at Lake Tekapo and admire the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue
- Enjoy a guided city tour of Christchurch
- Join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner
Distinction Christchurch Hotel or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 12 Depart Christchurch/Arrive USA
- Today, transfer to the airport to check in for your return flight to the USA
Breakfast
Fiji Optional Post-Tour Extension
Take advantage of your already-included international airfare to visit the island paradise of Fiji! You'll return to the USA 3 days after the return dates listed.
To see full details, click the button to the right.
Day 12 Christchurch to Nadi, Fiji
- Transfer to the airport for your short flight to Nadi, Fiji
- Spend the balance of the day and evening at leisure
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa or similarBreakfast
Day 13 Nadi
- Enjoy the day and evening at leisure or join an optional tour
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa or similarBreakfast
Day 14 Nadi
- Spend the day and evening at leisure or join an optional tour
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa or similarBreakfast
Day 15 Depart Fiji/Arrive USA
- Transfer to the airport as you bid farewell to Fiji and board your return flight to the USA
Breakfast
Hotels
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
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Trip Details
- What should I know before I go?We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
- Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements?Travel visas are required for this package. Please review the visa & entry requirements.
- Can I make changes to my trip?Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
- Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions?To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 18 or older at the time of travel.
- Should I purchase travel insurance?Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
- What's the fine print?Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about New Zealand?Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Fiji?Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
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