Otago & Southern Lakes Explorer
Your journey begins in Ōtautahi / Christchurch, where you'll travel by bus to the historic city of Ōtepoti / Dunedin. The next day, you'll travel through Central Otago's rolling hills and gold mining on the Taieri Gorge Train before joining a coach to Tāhuna / Queenstown. From here, you’ll take a day trip to the magnificent Piopiotahi-Milford Sound, cruising on the fiord. Your adventure concludes as you travel from Queenstown back to Christchurch, with scenic stops at Aoraki / Mount Cook and the luminous blue waters of Takapō / Lake Tekapo.
**Please be advised that certain aspects of this tour may operate on specific days of the week. We recommend contacting one of our travel specialists to identify a departure date that suits your schedule.
Independent Tours
This suggested tour costs from NZD$1,830 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Christchurch, finishes in Christchurch
4 days/3 nights
Motels
Customisable? YES
Viewed 498 times in the last 7 days
Tour Inclusions
At a glance - Otago & Southern Lakes Explorer
Day 1: Travel from Ōtautahi / Christchurch to Ōtepoti / Dunedin
Accommodation: Motel on York
Day 2: Depart Ōtepoti / Dunedin to Tāhuna / Queenstown via the Taieri Gorge Train
Accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge
Day 3: Piopiotahi / Milford Sound day tour with RealNZ
Accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge
Day 4: Queenstown to Christchurch via Aoraki / Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo
Detailed itinerary
Day 1 - Travel from Ōtautahi / Christchurch to Ōtepoti / Dunedin
Leaving Christchurch early, you will cross the vast Canterbury Plains as you head South, crossing many braided rivers that start their life as glacial melt water high in the Southern Alps. New Zealand's longest bridge at Rakaia crosses such an example. Pass through the towns of Timaru followed by Oamaru, most famous for its buildings constructed with the unique locally quarried white stone. Continue along the coast and into the city of Dunedin.
On arrival into Dunedin you will be met from your coach and transferred to your accommodation.
Join a small-group bus tour led by a local guide across the Otago Peninsula, featuring stunning harbour views, rural landscapes, and unique wildlife. ...
Read moreJoin a small-group bus tour led by a local guide across the Otago Peninsula, featuring stunning harbour views, rural landscapes, and unique wildlife. Visit a remote beach to spot sea lions, take a Monarch Wildlife Cruise to see albatross, seals, and rare seabirds, and explore a Yellow-eyed Penguin conservation reserve with hidden viewing hides. This unforgettable journey blends breathtaking scenery with intimate wildlife encounters before a relaxed return to Dunedin.
HideFounded in 1876, the Speights Brewery still occupies its original Dunedin site - with several of its buildings dating back to the late 1800's. One of ...
Read moreFounded in 1876, the Speights Brewery still occupies its original Dunedin site - with several of its buildings dating back to the late 1800's. One of the only remaining 'gravity breweries' in the world, this 60-minute tour explains its inner workings. There is an opportunity to taste six different beers as well as bottle, cap and brew your own personal Speights Gold Medal Ale - the brewery's flagship beer.
HideYour accommodation: Motel on York
Motel on York is located in the heart of Dunedin city. The property offers superior accommodation only 300 metres away from cafes and restaurants.
Day 2 - Depart Ōtepoti / Dunedin to Tāhuna / Queenstown via the Taieri Gorge Train
You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to the coach stop in time for your departure.
Start your adventure at the magnificent Dunedin Railway Station, a famous example of Edwardian architecture in New Zealand. You'll then board the renowned Taieri Gorge Railway for an unforgettable trip. As the train travels through dramatic viaducts and remote gorges, prepare to see some of the South Island's most stunning natural landscapes. Your guide will welcome you at Pukerangi, where a comfortable vehicle awaits to take you further west.
Your accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge
Blue Peaks Lodge offers well equipped self contained rooms with a fantastic location overlooking Queenstown and is just an easy five minutes walk to the Queenstown lakefront.
Day 3 - Piopiotahi / Milford Sound day tour with RealNZ
Departing from Queenstown sit back and relax aboard a luxury glass-roofed coach to enjoy a relaxing trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. The coach driver provides an informative commentary and plenty of photo opportunities. After a morning tea break in Te Anau, the coach continues along the spectacular Milford Road. On reaching Piopiotahi-Milford Sound, board your vessel for a leisurely cruise in the fiord. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy waterfalls, rainforests, mountains and wildlife. Rain or shine, every day in Piopiotahi-Milford Sound will leave you in awe.
It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information, see here.
Your accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge
Blue Peaks Lodge offers well equipped self contained rooms with a fantastic location overlooking Queenstown and is just an easy five minutes walk to the Queenstown lakefront.Day 4 - Queenstown to Christchurch via Aoraki / Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo
This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with magnificent views of the famous Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier. The ultimate way to get from Queenstown to Christchurch. Led by famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.
| Starts | Status | Double (2 people sharing) | Single occupancy | You save | ||
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Jan 1, 2026
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 2, 2026
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 3, 2026
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 4, 2026
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 5, 2026
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 6, 2026
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 7, 2026
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 8, 2026
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 9, 2026
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 10, 2026
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 11, 2026
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 12, 2026
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 13, 2026
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 14, 2026
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 15, 2026
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 16, 2026
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 17, 2026
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 18, 2026
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 19, 2026
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 20, 2026
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 21, 2026
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 22, 2026
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 23, 2026
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 24, 2026
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 25, 2026
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 26, 2026
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 27, 2026
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 28, 2026
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 29, 2026
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 30, 2026
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 | |||
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Jan 31, 2026
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$1,830 | NZD$2,560 |