12-Day South Island New Zealand Tour with Milford Sound Cruise
About This Tour
Embark on this beautiful journey through New Zealand's South Island and discover its diverse landscapes, picturesque towns, and hidden gems. Experience Milford...
Duration: 12 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Easy · Accommodation: Included · Premium · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Christchurch, Geraldine, Kaikoura, Dunedin, Queenstown, Wanaka, Arrowtown, Te Anau, Hokitika, Mount Cook, Arthur's Pass National Park, Milford Sound · Languages: English, Italian
Know before you go: Tours are in high demand, so please book early to avoid disappointment.; Dress in layers, as New Zealand weather is changeable.
About Milford Sound
Milford Sound
Explore the list of top ranked local tour guides in Milford Sound. Get tour activities offered by tour companies and independent travel guides in Milford Sound.
What's Included
- 4-star or similar hotel
- 24-hour guide assistance
- All transfers
- Activities included in the itinerary, not extras
- National park fees
- Milford Sound cruise
- Photographic stops
- Te Anau Glow Worm Caves
- Short walks as stated
- TSS Earnslaw experience with BBQ dinner
- Seal Colony viewing
- City highlights of Christchurch, Dunedin, Wanaka, and Queenstown
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- Pancake Rocks
- Arthur's Pass, Mt Cook National Park, Fiordland, and Mt Aspiring National Parks
- Franz Josef Glacier walk
Not Included
- Activities not included in the itinerary (at own cost or where reservations are required)
- Meals
- Anything not stated in the itinerary
Itinerary
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1Day 01
Arrival in Christchurch
Meet and greet your driver-guide at the airport, then transfer to your accommodation for check-in. Enjoy some free time at leisure after arrival. Transfer to your accommodation for a 2-night stay.
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2Day 02
Christchurch to Kaikoura Whale Watching
After breakfast, your driver-guide will take you to Kaikoura, a 2-hour 30-minute drive away and home of whale watching. If you would like to see whales, sightings are guaranteed all year round, or a portion of the ticket will be reimbursed. The activity is fully refundable if cancelled due to weather conditions. Pre-booking is a must. Visit the NZ Fur Seal Colony. Return to Christchurch in the late afternoon and transfer to your accommodation.
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3Day 03
Christchurch to Hokitika via Arthur's Pass
After breakfast, your driver-guide will take you to Arthur's Pass. Enjoy a short walk to visit Bealey Chasm and, if time permits, the Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall on a short but steep hike. Visit Punakaiki, the Pancake Rocks, and Truman Track for some spectacular photos. Continue to Hokitika and transfer to your accommodation.
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4Day 04
Hokitika to Wanaka via Franz Josef Glacier
Leave Hokitika and head towards Franz Josef Glacier. Upon arrival in Franz Josef, there is the possibility to do a heli-hike or take a helicopter flight over the three main glaciers of this region. Reservations must be made well in advance to avoid disappointment, and the activity is fully refundable if flights are cancelled due to weather conditions. Continue to Wanaka via Haast Pass with scenic stops along the way. Arrive and transfer to your accommodation.
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5Day 05
Wanaka to Queenstown via Arrowtown
Enjoy a morning at leisure. Visit the Lonely Tree, the world's most photographed tree. Visit the Lavender Farm and try some lavender chocolates at your own cost, or buy lavender products. Continue through the Crown Range with photo stops. Arrive in Arrowtown, an old gold mining town with an original Chinese shanty town. Continue to Queenstown for orienteering, then transfer to your accommodation. In the evening, enjoy the TSS Earnslaw experience with BBQ dinner, which is included.
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6Day 06
Queenstown Leisure Day
Enjoy a day at leisure. However, your driver-guide can assist with making reservations for extra activities if you wish. Optional activities include the Gondola and Luge Ride, Shotover jet boat ride, and Dart River Safari.
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7Day 07
Queenstown to Milford Sound and Te Anau
Start early and travel towards Milford Sound via Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Enjoy photo stops along the way to Milford. A 2-hour cruise is included today. After the cruise, transfer to your accommodation in Te Anau.
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8Day 08
Te Anau to Dunedin via Glow Worm Caves
This morning's activity is the Glow Worm Caves, the largest in New Zealand, with much of the cave system still unexplored. Do not worry - you will be fully guided in the explored areas. Afterwards, continue to Dunedin, the Edinburgh of the South. Visit the highlights of this Scottish city. Transfer to your accommodation.
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9Day 09
Dunedin to Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki
Travel inland on a scenic route via Omarama and reach Tekapo with its turquoise lake. Stop at Pukaki for a photo opportunity. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie Dog Statue, dedicated to the animal to which the district owes its discovery. There is also the possibility to do the International Dark Sky experience, but it must be pre-booked. Transfer to your accommodation for a 2-night stay.
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10Day 10
Tekapo to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park
Today, visit Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park and enjoy a 3-hour casual walk in the area. Make photographic stops along the way. There is also the possibility to do a Tasman Glacier experience by zodiac, with photo opportunities of icebergs on the terminal lake. This must be pre-booked. Transfer back to your Tekapo accommodation.
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11Day 11
Tekapo to Christchurch via Geraldine
Travel back to Christchurch via Geraldine and stop for some Merino-Possum clothing and accessories. Arrive in Christchurch and make a photo stop at the lookout point of Sign of the Takahe. Transfer to your accommodation.
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12Day 12
Christchurch Departure
Depending on your departure time, transfer to the airport for your return flight home. End of tour.
Meeting Point
Meeting point: Christchurch Airport, Christchurch, New Zealand · Tour start: Christchurch, New Zealand — Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
