This is a wonderful stand alone tour of the South Island, but has been designed to work together with our North Island Explorer for a more complete exploration of New Zealand. Start in the ski and resort town of Queenstown, nestled amid the lakes and mountains of the South Island, with remarkable scenery and plenty of adventure activity to enjoy. Embark on an overnight experience to Milford Sound, where you will take a cruise through this important New Zealand landmark and spend the night on board, experiencing the unique opportunity of taking in this beauty overnight, before ending back in Queenstown. The adventure capital of the country, you can enjoy a renowned hike at Routeburn track or why not try some bungee jumping. You will take a coach journey to the Franz Josef glacier where you can take part in the unique helicopter journey with a snow landing. You will make your way to the little town of Greymouth where you will board the TranzAlpine train, mentioned as one of the top ten train journeys in the world. Discover Abel Tasman National Park in a guided walking tour. Located at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, Abel Tasman National Park includes thousands of hectares of native forest, beautiful golden sand beaches, and clear coastal waters. This three day park tour will take you through the highlights of this incredible natural wonder. Abel Tasman’s famous trails offer excellent walking for both the beginner and experienced walker. Follow the coastline and stay at the historic Meadowbank Homestead & Torrent Bay Lodge. Enjoy a boat cruise and learn the history of the park and the people who settled it. Join us in this active tour and get ready for adventure.

This is a wonderful stand alone tour of the South Island, but has been designed to work together with our North Island Explorer for a more complete exploration of New Zealand.

Queenstown is a resort town in Otago in the south-west of New Zealand's South Island. It is built around an inlet on Lake Wakatipu, a long thin lake shaped like a staggered lightning bolt, and has spectacular views of nearby mountains. A resort town, Queenstown is a centre for adventure tourism. Skiing, jet boating, bungee jumping, mountain biking, tramping and fly fishing are all strong promotional themes. Queenstown is a major centre for snow sports in New Zealand, with four main mountain skifields (Cardrona Alpine Resort, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Treble Cone).

Enjoy a private airport transfer to your accommodation with vehicle and driver.

Close to the airport, this property is also near Steamer Wharf and TSS Earnslaw Steamship. Another nearby point of interest is Queenstown Harbour. Guestrooms have premium bedding, minibars, and high-speed (wired) Internet access (surcharge); rooms also include refrigerators, bathrobes, and hair dryers. At Hotel St Moritz, Queenstown - MGallery Collection by Accor recreational amenities include a health club, a spa tub, and a sauna. The property also provides a restaurant, a children's club, and a concierge desk.

Overnight at St Moritz (5*).

By road, Milford Sound is 295 km from Queenstown and 279 km from Invercargill (about four hours drive),[13][14] with most of the tour buses to the sound departing from Queenstown. Some tourists also arrive from the smaller tourism centre of Te Anau, 121 km away. There are also scenic flights by light aircraft and helicopter tours to and from Milford Sound Airport. The drive to Milford Sound itself passes through unspoiled mountain landscapes before entering the 1.2 km Homer Tunnel which emerges into rain-forest-carpeted canyons that descend to the sound. The winding mountain road, while of high standards, is very prone to avalanches and closures during the winter half of the year.

You will be picked up from your hotel at approximately 800am. During the leisurely journey to Milford Sound our drivers provide interesting commentary and there is plenty of time to enjoy short walks and photo opportunities. You will drive over spectacular alpine roads in one of the unique glass roof coaches specially designed for your viewing comfort.

Your trip begins with a coach transfer from Queenstown. An overnight cruise on the Milford Mariner is the ultimate dinner, bed and breakfast experience. Depart from the Milford Sound wharf in the late afternoon and cruise the full length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea accompanied by a specialist nature guide. The cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. The Milford Mariner then anchors in a sheltered cove, where you can join the nature guide and explore in the vessel’s tender craft (small boat) and kayaks. Or, if you prefer, you can simply relax on deck. As evening falls, enjoy a lavish carvery buffet in the dining saloon. Then relax in the company of fellow travellers or indulge in some star-gazing before retiring to your private cabin. Following breakfast, and your return to the wharf, coach back to Queenstown.

Overnight at Milford Mariner Overnight cruise.

Additional cruising is included after breakfast before returning to Milford Wharf where you will be met by your coach which will take you to Queenstown.

Close to the airport, this property is also near Steamer Wharf and TSS Earnslaw Steamship. Another nearby point of interest is Queenstown Harbour. Guestrooms have premium bedding, minibars, and high-speed (wired) Internet access (surcharge); rooms also include refrigerators, bathrobes, and hair dryers. At Hotel St Moritz, Queenstown - MGallery Collection by Accor recreational amenities include a health club, a spa tub, and a sauna. The property also provides a restaurant, a children's club, and a concierge desk.

Overnight at St Moritz (5*).

Today you will be collected from your hotel by Dart River. The Funyak Safari is truly unique - firstly board Dart River Jetboat for an exciting 75 minute ride with all the thrills of braided shallow river Jet Boating and world famous jet spins. Disembark and begin your Funyak rafting in and inflatable canoe. After full instructions, you’ll be free to canoe and drift (under the watchful eye of your professional guide) for a spectacular 2 hours downstream, taking in all the awe-inspiring sights found amidst the Dart River’s shimmering channels. Stop amongst the ancient beech forest to enjoy a wilderness buffet lunch before exploring hidden side streams, rock pools and dramatic chasms such as the beautiful Rockburn, before canoeing downstream to Paradise, where you’ll be taken by 4WD coach to Glenorchy, stopping to view the stunning scenery that has inspired films the world over. Upon completion of your tour you will be returned to Queenstown.

Overnight at St Moritz (5*).

Franz Josef is a small town in the West Coast region of the South Island of New Zealand. The town is named after the Franz Josef Glacier. The glacier's terminal face is 5km from the town and its accessibility makes it a major tourist attraction. The town has a population of about 320 people and is 20 minutes walk from the Westland National Park.

Depart Queenstown by coach at 7:40am passing through Cromwell, Wanaka and Hawea before travelling over the magnificent Haast Pass into Westland.

A local shuttle is available to take you to the glacier base (own arrangements, weather permitting). Spectacular photo opportunities abound of these huge ice masses. Watch out for Keas (native parrots) and their inquisitive cheeky play.

At one with nature, Te Waonui Forest Retreat (5*) is the ultimate coming together of luxury escape and environmental awareness. Great care has been taken to ensure this exceptional forest retreat steps lightly upon the earth, from the organic cotton bedspreads to its recycled local building materials. The hotel is within easy access to many excellent local attractions, including the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, just minutes away. Luxuriously appointed guest rooms, generously proportioned and featuring the highest standard of room amenities, such as your personal pillow menu, natural wool mattress underlay, and high speed Internet access. Dining among the trees in ‘The Canopy’ restaurant, and savoring quality local cuisine, including an indulgent five-course degustation dinner.

Overnight at Te Waonui (5*).

Your Helihike today features a 10 minute helicopter flight to Franz Josef icefall Glacier landing and pickup and a 2 hour hike amongst glacial ice formations with professional and experienced guides. All equipment provided (glacier boots, Talonz, socks, an ice axe, waterproof jacket).

We suggest you bring the following:Warm upper body clothing (preferably 3 to 4 layers), Leggings or light trousers, although shorts are acceptable, sunglasses, sunscreen, waterproof jacket (one will be provided if you don't have one)

Overnight at Te Waonui (5*).

Christchurch is the regional capital of Canterbury, New Zealand. The largest city in the South Island, situated just north of Banks Peninsula. The large number of public parks has given Christchurch the name of The Garden City. Hagley Park and the 30-hectare (75 acre) Christchurch Botanic Gardens, founded in 1863, are in the central city. Other attractions include; Canterbury Museum, Ferrymead Heritage Park, Orana Wildlife Park, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Air Force Museum, Southern Encounter Aquarium and Kiwi House, International Antarctic Centre.

Join your coach and continue to Greymouth, the largest township and port in the area, rich in gold and coal mining history.

The TranzAlpine scenic train journey travels between Greymouth and Christchurch, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. From your carriage you’ll see the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River fields, followed by the Canterbury Plains and farmland . Your train climbs into the Southern Alps through lush beech rain forest from the West Coast town of Greymouth. Our train journey finishes in Christchurch - New Zealand's largest city on the South Island. The trip is 223.8 kilometres long and takes just four and a half hours. There are 16 tunnels, and 5 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 metres.

Enjoy a day at leisure in Christchurch and Canterbury, which are famous for natural beauty and a wealth of things to do. Christchurch has a lively entertainment scene, strong cultural heritage, gorgeous parks and gardens, lots of sports facilities and good shopping. Among the 'must sees' are the weekend Arts Centre market, Christchurch Cathedral, Botanic Gardens and International Antarctic Centre. The Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu exhibit's New Zealand and international art and Canterbury Museum has fine cultural and natural collections as well as creative and imaginative displays. Orana Park is New Zealand's largest wildlife reserve and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve has among its displays New Zealand's largest daytime kiwi viewing area. Air Force World captures the adventure and history of flight in New Zealand and Christchurch Casino offers 24-hour gaming entertainment. Visitors can be introduced to Maori culture at Nga Hau E Wha Marae.

Transfer between the Christchurch train station and your city hotel.

Located picturesquely in the heart of Christchurch overlooking its very own "Central Park," this very individual boutique hotel is just steps away from all the key attractions including the tram, arts market, restaurants, theatres and gardens. The hotel’s spacious rooms are designed with a stylish eye for detail, complete with luxury amenities and, with a one-to-one ratio of staff to guests, impeccable service is guaranteed. Boasting two world class restaurants that rate amongst the best in New Zealand, visitors come from far and wide to savor the delicious cuisine in both Pescatore and 50 on Park. Stroll down to the city center and explore the city’s many attractions including the popular casino and world-class art gallery.

Overnight at The George (5*).

The city of Nelson is close to the centre of New Zealand. It lies at the shore of Tasman Bay, at the northern end of the South Island, and is the administrative centre of the Nelson region. Nelson is a centre for arts and crafts, and each year hosts popular events such as the Nelson Arts Festival. Nelson has retained many Victorian buildings in its historic centre and a whole street has been designated as having heritage value. Nelson has a large number and variety of public parks and reserves.

Transfer by private vehicle between Christchurch airport and your hotel.

Private transfer between the airport and your hotel.

Edenhouse is located at the top of the South Island in the Nelson/Tasman Bay region. It is an area that enjoys the most sunshine hours of anywhere in New Zealand and is home to some of the most popular tourist attractions in the South Island. The beautiful Orinoco Valley, in which Edenhouse is located, is 45 minutes by road from Nelson Airport and about two and a half hours from the Picton ferry terminal. A heliport is located on the property. Guests enjoy spacious rooms with outstanding views and large private bathrooms.

Overnight at Eden House (5*).

Abel Tasman National Park is a national park located at the north end of the South Island of New Zealand. The park was founded in 1942 and with a coverage of only 225.3 square kilometres, is the smallest of New Zealand's national parks. The park consists of forested, hilly country to the north of the valleys of the Takaka and Riwaka Rivers, and is bounded to the north by the waters of Golden Bay and Tasman Bay. It is named after Abel Tasman, who in 1642 became the first European explorer to sight New Zealand. Abel Tasman is renowned for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs, and world-famous Abel Tasman Coast Track. It also has a mild climate and is a good place to visit at any time of the year.

Begin your day with a shared coach transfer from Nelson or Moteuka to Kaiteriteri. Enjoy a complimentary lunch in this beautiful resort town while your overnight luggage is transferred to a boat for transportation. After lunch enjoy a cruise of the spectacular coastline on your way to Totaranui and Abel Tasman National Park. The 10-15km walking tour begins at Totaranui as you explore Anapai Bay, or continue further if you are feeling energetic. Return to the Awaroa Bay and check into your beachfront accommodations.

The Meadowbank Homestead was rebuilt as an eco lodge in 1994 using recycled timbers and featuring heirlooms representing 8 generataions of the family's association with the Nelson region. The Lodge provides all the comforts of modern living whilst minimising impact on the environment.

Overnight at Meadowbank Homestead - Awaroa Bay.

Begin your 15km walk to Torrent bay with a journey over the Tonga Saddle. Take a guided tour to an abandoned granite quarry and marvel at the granite archways. Lunch provided at Bark Bay, where you can enjoy the golden sand and swim in the lagoon. The last leg of the day’s walk will take you through Falls River and its native forests, estuaries, headlands and beaches. Arrive at Torrent Bay and check into your night’s accommodation.

Torrent Bay Lodge sits on the edge of a golden beach and has been the historic Wilson family holiday home for over 30 years. Their home has been continually extended and remodelled to be shared with visitors who stay with them on one of their overnight trips into Abel Tasman National Park. Share seven generations of the Wilson family's personal experience of this very special part of New Zealand and its fascinating pioneering history.

Overnight at Torrent Bay Lodge.

Begin your final 13km walk in Abel Tasman National Park on a well graded track that weaves in and out of the coastline. Enjoy lunch (included) in one of the bays en-route to Marahau. From Marahau Take a shared evening coach back to Nelson.

Edenhouse is located at the top of the South Island in the Nelson/Tasman Bay region. It is an area that enjoys the most sunshine hours of anywhere in New Zealand and is home to some of the most popular tourist attractions in the South Island. The beautiful Orinoco Valley, in which Edenhouse is located, is 45 minutes by road from Nelson Airport and about two and a half hours from the Picton ferry terminal. A heliport is located on the property. Guests enjoy spacious rooms with outstanding views and large private bathrooms.

Overnight at Eden House (5*).

Private transfer between the airport and your hotel.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).