Price pp from:

$4,581
Lush green headlands surrounding a bright turquoise lagoon and white sand beach in New Zealand. Credit: New Zealand Fine Touring / Photographer Unknown
Nature

South Island Adventure

Wellington

Queenstown

12 days, 11 nights

Road Trips

From: $4,581 pp

Trip overview

Start your South Island adventure in Wellington, crossing the Cook Strait like a true explorer. Paddle through the golden waters of Abel Tasman National Park. In Kaikōura, spot some whales like spotting elytra before heading to Lake Tekapo, where the night sky glows like an enchanted book of constellations. Cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship worthy of a stronghold, then venture into Te Anau’s glowstone caves, where thousands of tiny blue lights create an underground spectacle. Drift through the misty fiords of Doubtful Sound, a serene and untouched wilderness, before ending with an adrenaline-fueled jet boat ride in Queenstown, a thrilling speedrun finale! This epic journey is packed with discovery, adventure, and breathtaking scenery, perfect for any explorer ready to craft unforgettable memories.

Trip highlights & inclusions

12 days / 11 nights
2 lunches

Wellington

Queenstown

Motels
Rental car included
  • Wētā Workshop Unleashed
  • Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton
  • Toka Ngawhā Guided Paddle

Make an enquiry about this trip or build a custom quote

Price pp from

$4,581

Why Discover New Zealand

  • Wānaka-based specialists planning your trip from inside New Zealand.
  • One travel specialist to plan and book every detail from start to finish.
  • 24/7 in-country support while you’re travelling, so help is close if plans change.

Trip itinerary

Welcome to Wellington

Wellington City is New Zealand's capital. It sits on a wonderful deep natural harbour and is surrounded by bush clad hills. The city centre itself is quite compact (only around 1 square kilometre) and so exploring on foot is relatively easy. From your city centre accommodation you can easily stroll the cafes and restaurants around Courtenay Place and if you arrive early enough New Zealand's national museum, Te Papa, is also close by.

Wide aerial view of Wellington Harbour with city, marina, hills, and blue water under clear sky Credit: New Zealand Fine Touring

Accommodation

Illuminated hotel entrance to CityLife Wellington with shops and sale signs on either side at night. Credit: Adina CityLife Wellington
Adina CityLife Wellington

Trip highlights

Tour group examines a large detailed castle model under purple lighting indoors Credit: Weta Workshop

Wētā Workshop Unleashed

Ferry sailing in harbor with city and hills in the background under a cloudy sky. Credit: Interislander

Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton

Two groups kayak in double canoes on calm sea near small islands, mountains in background. Credit: Waka Abel Tasman

Toka Ngawhā Guided Paddle

Two whale watching boats on ocean with mountain range in background under clear sky. Credit: Whale Watch Kaikoura

Whale Watch Kaikōura Ocean's Cabin

Observatory dome with red light under a starry sky and mountains by a lake at night. Credit: Dark Sky Project

Dark Sky Project Summit Experience

Steamboat cruising on blue lake water with snowy mountains in the background on a clear day. Credit: Real Journeys

TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

Blue glowing glowworms lighting up a dark cave ceiling. Credit: Real Journeys

Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Boat traveling through a fjord with green mountains and clear blue sky Credit: Real Journeys

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Manapouri with RealNZ

Red Shotover Jet boat speeding on river with passengers wearing life jackets amidst rocky shore and trees. Credit: Shotover Jet

Shotover Jet Canyon Jet Boat Ride

Additional inclusions

Private Transfer Wellington Airport to your Accommodation

24/7 support from the moment you arrive to the moment you depart

Talk to a local travel specialist. Enquire