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Tour Code: 620-20720

8-Day Kaikoura, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Queenstown, Fiordland, Dunedin, Oamaru South Island Tour from Christchurch

Our Price: from
US$1534
￥10425
€1344
C$2178
Rs.146009
(Price per person based on double occupancy) Duration: 8 days Language: English; Mandarin Chinese Visit Christchurch, Dunedin (Baldwin Street, Dunedin Railway Station, Saint Paul's Cathedral, University of Otago), Lake Tekapo Township (Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo), Mount Cook National Park, Queenstown, Wanaka (Lake Wanaka, Lone Tree), Lake Pukaki, Oamaru (Moeraki Beach, Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony), Te Anau (Te Anau Lake), Fiordland National Park (Milford Mariner Ship Cruise, Milford Sound), Kaikoura (Ohau Point Seal Colony).

Itinerary

Day 1:Christchurch - Kaikoura - Christchurch(151 km)

Hotel: Standard: Christchurch 3-4 stars hotel
Meals: Breakfast: Excluded; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded
Depart from Christchurch at 7:30 from a designated meeting point. Drive to Kaikoura and stop at Ohau Point Seal Colony to see seals. Upon arrival, choose between a 3-hour whale watching tour (98% success rate, using sonar technology) or a 2.5-hour fishing trip (targeting sea perch and blue cod, with a chance to check lobster pots). Lunch is at your own expense at a seaside restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the seal colony again for close-up encounters. Return to Christchurch by 15:00 and arrive at the designated drop-off point around 17:30.
  • Kaikoura, New Zealand
    Kaikoura offers activities all year round. By sea, visitors can swim with dolphins, whale watch or enjoy kayaking and surfing. By land, guests can enjoy wining and dining, shopping, bird watching, spas, hiking, and festivals. The possibilities are endless.
  • Ohau Point Seal Colony
    A natural seal colony on the Kaikoura coast, offering close-up views of New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocky shoreline.

Day 2:Christchurch, New Zealand

Hotel: Standard: Christchurch 3-4 stars hotel
Meals: Breakfast: Included - Western-style at the hotel; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded
Following breakfast, enjoy a gentle exploration of Christchurch. You may choose to discover its lush green spaces at your leisure, or meander through the adjacent neighborhoods, soaking in the unhurried, delightful rhythm of a South Island afternoon.
  • Christchurch, New Zealand
    The largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, Christchurch is an urban center in the Canterbury region. Nicknamed the Garden City, Christchurch is known for its Anglican cathedral, arts, museums, and as being a gateway for Antarctic expeditions.

Day 3:Christchurch, New Zealand - Lake Tekapo Township, New Zealand(181 km)

Hotel: Deluxe: Tekapo holiday home and enjoy a high-end experience within the Dark Sky Reserve.
Meals: Breakfast: Included - Western-style at the hotel; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Included - Alpine Salmon Buffet

After breakfast, our guide will lead a tour of this "Garden City." We will stroll through the historic Arts Centre, admire the Avon River, and pass by the symbolic Bridge of Remembrance.
After lunch, we journey to the stunning Lake Tekapo. Its turquoise color, caused by glacial rock flour, is set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. We will visit the landmark Church of the Good Shepherd by the lake. In the evening, a special treat awaits with a taste of the world's highest-altitude king salmon sashimi. We will stay overnight in the Tekapo International Dark Sky Reserve, offering a chance to witness the breathtaking Milky Way.

  • Christchurch, New Zealand
    The largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, Christchurch is an urban center in the Canterbury region. Nicknamed the Garden City, Christchurch is known for its Anglican cathedral, arts, museums, and as being a gateway for Antarctic expeditions.
  • Arts Centre
    Housed in enchanting Gothic Revival buildings, the Christchurch Arts Centre is the city's cultural hub. It buzzes with creativity, hosting artist studios, unique shops, theatres, and craft markets.
  • Avon River
  • Bridge of Remembrance
    The Bridge of Remembrance is a WWI memorial arch in Christchurch, where soldiers departed for war. It now stands as a spiritual landmark, symbolizing peace, remembrance, and resilient hope.
  • Lake Tekapo Township, New Zealand
    Located near the Mackenzie Basin, the Lake Tekapo Township is a small community surrounded mountain ranges, lakes and natural beauty. It is also home to Mount John University Observatory, the Church of the Good Shepherd, Waitaki Dam, and more.
  • Lake Tekapo
    Lake Tekapo is the second-largest of three roughly parallel lakes running north-south along the northern edge of the Mackenzie Basin in the South Island of New Zealand (the others are Lake Pukaki and Lake Ohau).
  • Church of the Good Shepherd
    The Church of the Good Shepherd is situated on the shores of Lake Tekapo amongst the natural beauty of the lake and the mountains. It was built to the glory of God as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country.
  • Tekapo International Dark Sky Reserve
    The Tekapo International Dark Sky Reserve is one of the world's largest and most renowned dark sky reserves. Renowned for its minimal light pollution and clear skies, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe the spectacular Southern Hemisphere stars and Milky Way.

Day 4:Lake Tekapo Township, New Zealand - Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand - Lake Pukaki, New Zealand - Wanaka, New Zealand - Queenstown, New Zealand(280 km)

Hotel: Standard: Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park or similar
Meals: Breakfast: Included - Western-style at the hotel; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded

After breakfast, travel to Mount Cook National Park. Explore the park's stunning landscapes, with an optional helicopter flight to the Tasman Glacier (weather permitting). We then visit the turquoise Lake Pukaki before continuing to Lake Wanaka to see the famous "Lone Tree." In the evening, we arrive in the world-renowned resort town of Queenstown.

  • Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
    Mount Cook, locally known as Aoraki, is the highest mountain in New Zealand measuring 12,218 feet tall. An UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Cook is a beautiful, diverse location like no other. Enjoy exploring peaks, valleys, lakes, forests, and more.
  • Mount Cook Helicopter Tour
    Admire the beauty and scale of New Zealand's largest mountain, Mount Cook, from the sky with a helicopter tour. Locally known as Aoraki, guests learn about the mountain's cultural and historical importance from knowledgeable pilots while admiring the grandeur of the Southern Alps.
    Duration: 20 Minutes to 1 Hour
  • Lake Pukaki, New Zealand
    Lake Pukaki is a glacial lake in the South Island of New Zealand, renowned for its striking turquoise-blue color and stunning views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Southern Alps.
  • Wanaka, New Zealand
    Located in the Otago region, Wanaka is a popular resort town that attracts tourists all year round. From cross-country skiing to water skiing, Wanaka offers endless outdoor activities no matter the season, as well as gorgeous views of mountain ranges, lakes, and more.
  • Lake Wanaka
    Located at the heart of Wanaka, Lake Wanaka is situated in a glacier basin and spans an area of 72 square miles. Ideal for adventure tourism, visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in the summer and skiing in the winter.
    • Lone Tree
      The Lone Tree of Lake Wanaka is an iconic New Zealand sight. A single willow tree stands gracefully in the water, creating a serene and photogenic scene against the mountain backdrop, making it a must-visit landmark.
  • Queenstown, New Zealand
    Located in the South Island of New Zealand along Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is an urban, resort town popularized for its adventure tourism, which includes snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, and paragliding. The Lord of the Rings film trilogy also features locations from Queenstown and surrounding locations.

Day 5:A full day of leisure in Queenstown or Golden Autumn Special Gift (May - Sep): Arrowtown and Glenorchy 1-day tour

Hotel: Standard: Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park or similar
Meals: Breakfast: Included - Western-style at the hotel; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded

Today offers a full day of leisure in picturesque Queenstown. Nestled between majestic mountains and a sparkling lake, this town is hailed as one of the world's most beautiful resort destinations - a paradise for both relaxation and adventure.

Tailor your day to your interests:

  • For Film Buffs: Journey to the fairytale-like village of Glenorchy to explore real-life The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit filming locations.

  • For Thrill-Seekers: Get your adrenaline pumping with world-class activities like skydiving, bungy jumping, paragliding, or jet boating.

  • For a Leisurely Pace: Soak in panoramic views from the gondola, take a scenic helicopter flight over snow-capped peaks and glaciers, or enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard.

  • For a Spontaneous Day: Simply wander the vibrant streets, listen to buskers, and savor coffee by the lake.

Don't forget to try the legendary Fergburger - a deliciously juicy bite you won't forget.

Golden Autumn Special Gift: May - Sep, Arrowtown (Gold Mining Town) + Glenorchy (Hidden Paradise) 1-day tour. If guests have already arranged paid activities in Queenstown, it will be regarded as voluntary waiver of this day's itinerary.

  • Queenstown, New Zealand
    Located in the South Island of New Zealand along Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is an urban, resort town popularized for its adventure tourism, which includes snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, and paragliding. The Lord of the Rings film trilogy also features locations from Queenstown and surrounding locations.

Day 6:Queenstown, New Zealand - Fiordland National Park, New Zealand - Te Anau, New Zealand(270 km)

Hotel: Standard: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau or similar
Meals: Breakfast: Included - Western-style at the hotel; Lunch: Included - Fiord Cruise Buffet; Dinner: Included - Fiordland Lobster Meal

After breakfast, we will travel to Milford Sound and board a scenic cruise. The journey offers views of towering cliffs and waterfalls, with chances to see local wildlife such as seals and dolphins. In the evening, we will arrive at Lake Te Anau. An optional visit to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves is available later.

  • Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
    Established in 1952, the Fiordland National Park is New Zealand's most significant conservation that supports a large and diverse ecosystem of plants and wildlife. Enjoy hiking, bird watching, and more while surrounded by the astounding beauty of this natural paradise.
  • Milford Sound
    Described as the Eighth Wonder of the World, Milford Sound offers breathtaking views and recreation. Visitors can admire staggering cliffs and waterfalls, kayak in the sea, take a helicopter flight, or enjoy a day or overnight boat cruise.
  • Milford Mariner Ship Cruise
    Spend the night aboard the Milford Mariner Cruise Ship and experience the Milford Sound like never before. Enjoy nature guides by day and stargazing by night, as well as delicious buffet-styled breakfast and dinner among the sound's natural beauty.
    Duration: 1 Day
  • Te Anau, New Zealand
    Located in the Southland region of New Zealand, Te Anau is a scenic town that borders the Fiordland National Park. Experience the beauty of numerous mountain ranges, Lake Te Anau, bird watching, and easy access to Queenstown and the Milford Sounds.
  • Te Anau Lake
    Lake Te Anau is the largest lake in the South Island of New Zealand, known as the "Gateway to Fiordland." Nestled within majestic mountains, it offers serene beauty and serves as the main base for exploring Fiordland National Park.
  • Glow Worm Cave
    Take a journey into the underground magic of the Te Anau glow worm caves on the shores of Te Anau Lake. Cruise through limestone passages before arriving in a grotto filled with these marvelous creatures!

Day 7:Te Anau, New Zealand - Dunedin, New Zealand - Oamaru, New Zealand(316 km)

Hotel: Standard: Heritage Court Motor Lodge Oamaru or similar
Meals: Breakfast: Included - Western-style at the hotel; Lunch: Included - Chinese Hot Pot; Dinner: Included - Maori-style Hangi dinner

After breakfast, travel to Dunedin for a city tour. Key stops include St. Paul's Cathedral, the historic University of Otago, the iconic Dunedin Railway Station, and the world's steepest Baldwin Street. We will then pass by the scenic Moeraki Boulders beach before arriving in Oamaru. In the evening, we will visit the Little Blue Penguin Colony (VIP seating included, Please note: if VIP seats are unavailable due to late booking, standard seating will be provided).

  • Dunedin, New Zealand
    Dunedin is a bustling urban, cultural center in the Otago region in the South Island of New Zealand. It offers a wide variety of attractions for visitors including the theatre, music, museums, sporting events, universities, parks, gardens, architecture, and much more.
  • Saint Paul's Cathedral
  • Dunedin Railway Station
    Embodies Dunedin's wealthy inheritance, This building perhaps is New Zealand’s most photographed building. The ornate Flemish Renaissance-style architecture features white Oamaru limestone facings on black basalt rock. The sheer size, grandiose style and rich embellishments of the station earned architect George Troup the nickname of Gingerbread George.
  • Baldwin Street
    Located in Dunedin, New Zealand, Baldwin Street is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's steepest residential Street. At its maximum incline, the slope of Baldwin Street is 19 degrees or a gradient of 35%.
  • University of Otago
    Founded in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand's oldest university. Its Dunedin campus is renowned for its Scottish-style stone buildings and stunning gardens, often ranked among the world's most beautiful campuses, blending academic prestige with photographic charm.
  • Oamaru, New Zealand
    Oamaru is the largest and most populous town in the northern Otago region. Located 120 kilometers north of Dunedin, Oamaru is home to important archaeological sites and architectural stone buildings such as St. Patrick's Basilica.
  • Moeraki Beach
    Moeraki Beach is best known for enormous, spherical boulders lying along its coast between the towns of Moeraki and Hampden. Visitors will enjoy learning about the indigenous Māori legends surrounding these boulders and the picture-perfect views these unique beach feature offer.
  • Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony
    The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony is a renowned wildlife site in New Zealand, where visitors can observe the world's smallest blue penguins returning ashore to their nests after dusk.

Day 8:Oamaru, New Zealand - Christchurch, New Zealand(218 km)

Meals: Breakfast: Included - Western-style at the hotel; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded
After breakfast, we depart from Oamaru and return to Christchurch, enjoying the picturesque rural landscapes of the South Island along the way.

Departure & Return

  • Please assemble at the designated central Christchurch location at 7:30 am. The exact meeting address will be provided in your confirmation letter.
  • Complimentary Christchurch Airport Drop-off: please arrange your flight departing after 3:30 PM.

Includes & Excludes

Price Includes

First Entry Tickets to Kaikoura Whale Watching or Fishing, Milford Sound Cruise with Lunch, Little Blue Penguin Colony Experience.
7 Nights hotel accomodation and hotel breakfasts
Transportation (12-41 seats, The type of vehicle used will base on the number of guests on the day. 7-seat minivan; Minivan; motorcoach)
Driver-Guide
Meals explicitly listed

Price Excludes

Guide gratuities (recommended at NZD $6 per person per day). The driver-guide service is limited to 10 hours per day. Overtime is charged at NZD $150 per hour, payable in cash directly to the guide.
Meals, airfare, visa fees, and any personal optional expenses.
Any additional costs incurred due to factors beyond our control (e.g., weather, transportation, hotel availability).
Comprehensive travel insurance (highly recommended)

Additional Notes

Strict No-Smoking Policy: Smoking is strictly prohibited in all hotel rooms and on balconies. Violators will face a minimum fine of NZD $500 imposed by the hotel. Occupants of the room will be held jointly liable for any fine issued. Non-payment will authorize the hotel to submit the claim to the New Zealand Disputes Tribunal for recovery. All resulting fines, legal costs, and any adverse effects on visas or immigration status are the sole responsibility of the individual.
Health Advisory: If you are prone to motion sickness, please prepare motion sickness medication and vomit bags in advance.
Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that all guests purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover losses from unforeseen circumstances such as trip cancellation, additional transportation, or loss of valuables. Guests who voluntarily forgo insurance will be personally responsible for all risks and associated costs.
Luggage Allowance: Due to the specific requirements of this group tour, each guest is limited to one piece of luggage not exceeding 26 inches in size.