Price pp from:

$8,731
Pancake Rocks coastal rock formations at sunset with waves and mountains in the background Credit: New Zealand Fine Touring
New

South Island Wilderness Encounters Tour

Christchurch

Queenstown

14 days, 13 nights

Road Trips

From: $8,731 pp

Trip overview

Your journey begins with the iconic TranzAlpine rail crossing to the West Coast, where you will explore the limestone wonders of Punakaiki and the subterranean magic of glowworm caves. In Franz Josef, take to the skies for a glacier heli-hike before heading south to the alpine charm of Wānaka for an island cruise and walk. The adrenaline ramps up in Tāhuna / Queenstown with jet boat sprints and clay target shooting, followed by a deep dive into the prehistoric silence of Piopiotahi / Milford Sound on an overnight voyage. You will conclude this epic circuit back in Queenstown, soothing your muscles with a floating sauna session on Lake Wakatipu.

Trip highlights & inclusions

14 days / 13 nights
13 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Christchurch

Queenstown

Hotel 4 star
Rental car included
  • TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Christchurch to Greymouth Scenic Plus
  • Underworld Adventures Black Water Rafting
  • Okarito Lagoon Guided Kayak Trip

Make an enquiry about this trip or build a custom quote

Price pp from

$8,731

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

Private Transfer Christchurch International Airport to Christchurch Accommodation

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.

People sitting on concrete steps by a river with modern buildings and a blue tram in the background. Credit: New Zealand Fine Touring

Accommodation

Exterior of a modern hotel building with glass windows reflecting sunset sky and a car parked outside. Credit: Sudima Christchurch City
Sudima Christchurch City

Kiwirail Operating on Certain Days

**Please be advised that certain aspects of this tour may operate on specific days of the week during the winter months. We recommend contacting one of our travel specialists to identify a departure date that suits your schedule.

Trip highlights

Scenic train crossing a bridge over the Waimakariri River with mountains in the background on a clear day. Credit: Kiwi Rail

TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Christchurch to Greymouth Scenic Plus

Four people with helmet lights explore an underground cave with stalactites and stalagmites. Credit: Underworld Adventures (Norwest Adventures)

Underworld Adventures Black Water Rafting

Two people in a yellow kayak on a lake with snowy mountains and forest in the background. Credit: Okarito Kayaks

Okarito Lagoon Guided Kayak Trip

Group of people ice trekking with guide on Franz Josef Glacier snowy and icy terrain. Credit: Franz Josef Glacier Guides

Franz Josef Glacier Helihike

Motor boat on lake with snow-covered mountains under clear blue sky. Credit: Eco Wanaka Adventures

Lake Cruise and Island Nature Walk

Two men at outdoor shooting range with ear protection and shotgun, mountains in background. Credit: Oxbow The Adventure Company

Epic Duo - Clay Bird & Jet Sprint Boat

An image to represent the Ata Whenua - Shadowland Film Credit: 100% Pure New Zealand / Unknown

Ata Whenua - Shadowland Film at Fiordland Cinema

Yellow boat on a lake with sandy beach, forest, and mountains under blue sky. Credit: Fiordland Jet

Pure Wilderness Jet Boat

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

Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Boat on calm water between forest-covered mountains under cloudy sky with kayaks around Credit: Real Journeys

Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise

The interior of a modern wood-paneled sauna featuring tiered seating and a central heater, with a large glass window offering a panoramic view of a calm lake and rugged mountains. Credit: Watershed Queenstown

Social Sauna Session

Additional inclusions

Private Transfer Christchurch International Airport to Christchurch Accommodation

Shared Transfer from the Christchurch CBD Accommodation to Christchurch Train Station

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

Talk to a local travel specialist. Enquire