[Print Itinerary] [Close Page]
Phone Support: +1-617-500-7002

Tour Code: 020-20928

8-Day South Island Tour from Queenstown

Our Price: from
US$1748
￥11835
€1533
C$2466
Rs.168275
(Price per person based on double occupancy) Duration: 8 days Language: English; Mandarin Chinese Group Size: Max 25 people Visit Arrowtown, Arthur's Pass, Christchurch, Crown Range Road, Greymouth, Haast, Haast Pass National Scenic Reserve, Lake Tekapo Township, Mount Cook National Park, Punakaiki, Queenstown, Wanaka. 1 day free in Queenstown.

Itinerary

Day 1:Queenstown, New Zealand

Hotel: Standard: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront Queenstown or similar
Meals: Breakfast: Excluded; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Included - Queenstown Skyline Gondola mountaintop restaurant Western-style Buffet
Arrive independently in Queenstown, the honeymoon town (please confirm the exact time with your guide). Take the Skyline Gondola up to Bob's Peak (790m) for panoramic views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, with Glenorchy and the surrounding mountains in the distance. At the top, you can stroll the viewing platforms, try the luge (optional), or relax at the café – and enjoy the town's pure, vibrant energy.
Note: The guide will arrive in Queenstown around 5PM. Guests may wait at the airport for the guide or check into the hotel on their own.
  • 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.
  • Skyline Gondola
    You’ll be carried 450 metres above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob's Peak, where you’ll enjoy the best views in the region unfolding before your eyes. You get to experience a spectacular 220 degree panorama with breath-taking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peak and, of course, Queenstown.

Day 2:A full day of leisure in Queenstown

Hotel: Standard: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront Queenstown 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.

  • 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 3:Queenstown, New Zealand - Arrowtown, New Zealand - Wanaka, New Zealand(74 km)

Hotel: Standard: Oakridge Resort Lake Wanaka or similar
Meals: Breakfast: Included - Western-style at the hotel; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Included - Chinese set menu. (For groups of 6 or more: 6 dishes + 1 soup for 6 pax; 7 dishes + 1 soup for 7 pax; 8 dishes + 1 soup for 8 pax or more.)

After breakfast, head to the historic town of Arrowtown. Stroll along the Arrow River and reflect on the hardships of Chinese gold miners-their simple settlements still stand. Buckingham Street, the main street, showcases preserved historic buildings housing shops and cafes. Next, visit Lake Wanaka, New Zealand's fourth-largest lake. See the famous "Lone Tree," an iconic photography subject. In the afternoon, choose to walk or cycle along the lake to enjoy its clear waters and relaxed atmosphere.

  • Arrowtown, New Zealand
    Once a key town in the Central Otago Gold Rush and home to the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement, Arrowtown has a rich, unique history. A popular tourist destination, guests can also explore historic buildings as well as resorts, golf courses, boutiques and restaurants.
  • Arrowtown Chinese Settlement
    During the Otago Gold Rush of the 1860s, a small Chinese community popped up near Arrowtown. Visitors to the area can still see what is left of their huts on the banks of Bush Creek.
  • 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.

Day 4:Wanaka, New Zealand - Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand - Lake Tekapo Township, New Zealand(201 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 - Buffet

After breakfast, travel to Mount Cook National Park. En route, stop at a salmon farm for optional tasting. Explore the park's stunning landscapes, with an optional helicopter flight to the Tasman Glacier (weather permitting). In the afternoon, visit Lake Tekapo. See the Church of the Good Shepherd and enjoy the world-famous starry skies in the Dark Sky Reserve. Overnight at a unique lodge.

  • 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 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 5:Lake Tekapo Township, New Zealand - Christchurch, New Zealand(181 km)

Hotel: Deluxe: Hotel Elms Christchurch or similar 4 stars hotel
Meals: Breakfast: Included - Western-style at the hotel; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded
After breakfast, capture the picture-perfect scenery of Lake Tekapo and its dreamy turquoise waters. Afterwards, return to Christchurch.
  • 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.
  • 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 6:Christchurch, New Zealand - Arthur's Pass, New Zealand - Greymouth, New Zealand(170 km)

Hotel: Standard: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki or Beachfront Hotel Hokitika or Copthorne Hotel Greymouth or similar
Meals: Breakfast: Included - Western-style at the hotel; Lunch: Included - Three-course buffet; Dinner: Excluded
After breakfast, take the renowned TranzAlpine scenic train to Arthur's Pass. Meet your guide and proceed to Shantytown, a heritage gold rush theme park. Enjoy a guided tour, ride a heritage steam train, and experience gold panning, taking home a vial of "paydirt" as a souvenir. Evening check-in at your hotel.
  • 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.
  • Tranz Alpine
    Regarded as one of the world's greatest train journeys, the TranzAlpine is a passenger train like no other. Guests can travel 139 miles, beginning in Christchurch, and experience scenic views, tunnels, and viaducts of the Southern Alps during an unforgettable excursion.
    Duration: Approx. 4 Hours 25 Minutes
  • Arthur's Pass, New Zealand
    Located in the Canterbury region of New Zealand, Arthur's Pass is one of three mountain passes in the Southern Alps. Named after Sir Arthur Dudley Dobson, in 1864, visitors can enjoy vistas and Dobson's memorial from an elevation of 920 meters.
  • Greymouth, New Zealand
    The most populous town in the West Coast region, Greymouth sits at the foot of the Southern Alps. Visitors can enjoy shopping, restaurants and a bustling ecotourism. Popular attractions close by include the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki.
  • Shantytown
    This tourist attraction in New Zealand, just to the south of Greymouth, opened in the early 1970s. It is made up of recreated historic buildings to simulate the look and feel of a 19th century gold mining town.
  • Heritage Steam Train
    This heritage steam train is a iconic experience at Shantytown, taking passengers back to the 19th-century gold rush. It travels on original tracks through native forests and past historic gold mining sites, offering an authentic journey into the past.
  • Gold panning
    Gold panning is a classic hands-on activity that lets you experience the life of a 19th-century prospector. Swirl a special pan in flowing water to learn separation techniques and discover gleaming gold flakes as a unique souvenir.

Day 7:Punakaiki, New Zealand - Greymouth, New Zealand - Haast, New Zealand(356 km)

Hotel: Standard: Heartland Hotel Haast or similar 3 stars hotel
Meals: Breakfast: Included - Western-style at the hotel; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Included - Game meat whitebait patty + Burger & fries, dishes are subject to change based on seasonal availability
After breakfast, visit the iconic Pancake Rocks to witness its dramatic blowholes. Then, travel south along State Highway 6 through the scenic West Coast rainforest. A stop will be made at the Glacier Viewpoint for photos, weather permitting. The day ends with a special West Coast dinner upon arrival in Haast.
  • Punakaiki, New Zealand
    Located in the West Coast region of the South Island of New Zealand, Punakaiki is a small town that offers stunning beaches and clifftop views. Situated between Westport and Greymouth, visitors often stop at the Pancake Rocks, a popular geological tourist attraction.
  • Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
    Punakaiki's famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes provide a beautifully bizarre limestone landscape dotted with pancake-shaped geological formations and surge pools. Visitors can explore a 20-minute walk along designated pathways at the picture perfect attraction.
  • Greymouth, New Zealand
    The most populous town in the West Coast region, Greymouth sits at the foot of the Southern Alps. Visitors can enjoy shopping, restaurants and a bustling ecotourism. Popular attractions close by include the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki.
  • Fox Glacier
    Fox Glacier is one of the most famous glaciers on New Zealand's South Island West Coast. This massive temperate glacier carves down from the Southern Alps, reaching near sea level amidst lush rainforest, creating a stunning contrast of ice and greenery.
  • Haast, New Zealand
    Haast is an area in the Westland District territorial authority on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. The main economic activities in the Haast region are farming, fishing and tourism.

Day 8:Haast, New Zealand - Haast Pass National Scenic Reserve, New Zealand - Crown Range Road, New Zealand - Wanaka, New Zealand - Queenstown, New Zealand(445 km)

Meals: Breakfast: Included - Western-style at the hotel; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded

After breakfast, travel through the scenic Haast Pass to the Blue Pools for a short walk to the stunning glacial pools. Enjoy free time in Wanaka before crossing the Crown Range Road to Queenstown. Conclude the day with a Skyline Gondola ride for panoramic views.

Note: The Blue Pools walk may be replaced with a Wanaka lakeside walk in case of severe weather.

  • Haast Pass National Scenic Reserve, New Zealand
    Haast Pass National Scenic Reserve forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage area, connecting the West Coast with the Wanaka lake region. It's renowned for its pristine rainforests, waterfalls and glacial valleys, offering a classic journey through the Southern Alps.
  • Blue Pool
    The Blue Pools in Haast Pass National Scenic Reserve are famed for their crystal-clear glacial waters. A walk through suspended bridges and ancient beech forest leads to these sapphire-colored pools, a must-see natural wonder in the South Island.
  • Crown Range Road, New Zealand
    The Crown Range Road is New Zealand's highest main highway, connecting Wanaka and Queenstown. This winding mountain route offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and river valleys, making it one of the South Island's most memorable drives.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Skyline Gondola
    Often considered one of the best views in the world, the gondola that is attached to the Skyline restaurant in Queenstown provides an amazing scenic vantage point of the surrounding lands of New Zealand.

Departure & Return

  • Arrive independently in Queenstown (please confirm the exact time with your guide).
    Note: The guide will arrive in Queenstown around 5PM. Guests may wait at the airport for the guide or check into the hotel on their own.
  • Please arrange your flight departing after 6 PM from Queenstown airport.

Includes & Excludes

Price Includes

First Entry Tickets to Scenic Alpine Train, Shantytown (gold panning and a steam train ride), the Skyline Gondola.
7 Nights hotel accomodation and hotel breakfasts
Transportation (7-39 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.