8-Day Southern Scenic Explorer Tour from Christchurch: Dunedin, Queenstown and Milford Sound | Flexible Independent Travel

What you'll experience

Highlights

8 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Christchurch

   【Private Transfer from the Christchurch International Airport to your Christchurch Accommodation】
   On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your accommodation.
   【Christchurch】
   Christchurch, New Zealand's Garden City, is evolving into a lively urban destination. Known for its expansive green spaces, tree-lined streets, and beautiful gardens, the city offers a great way to explore. Ride the historic trams to visit the famous Botanic Gardens and the unique Transitional Cathedral, which is built entirely of cardboard!

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Bella Vista Christchurch
2. 2

   Day 2 — Christchurch - Dunedin

   【Christchurch to Dunedin by Coach】
   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. 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.
   【Transfer from the Dunedin Coach Stop to your Dunedin Accommodation】
   On arrival into Dunedin, you will be met by your coach and transferred to your accommodation.

   

   Timaru

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Motel on York
3. 3

   Day 3 — Scenic Cruise Followed by Penguin Place

   【Castle to Cruise Tour and Penguin Place】
   Today, explore the wildlife and history of the Otago Peninsula. Embark on a wildlife cruise aboard the MV Monarch around Taiaroa Head, home to the world's only mainland Royal Albatross nesting site. Spot New Zealand fur seals, sea lions, and possibly penguins, dolphins, and other marine birds. On land, take a guided tour of Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle, built in 1871, and learn about its intriguing history and scandals. End the day at the Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance, a nesting site for the rare Yellow-eyed Penguin.

   

   Otago Peninsula

   

   Larnach Castle

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Motel on York
4. 4

   Day 4 — Dunedin - Queenstown

   【Transfer from your Dunedin Accommodation to the Coach Stop】
   You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to the coach stop in time for your departure.
   【Dunedin to Queenstown by Coach】
   Today's coach journey takes you through the historic Otago Goldfields. Once-thriving gold rush towns like Lawrence, Roxburgh, and Alexandra now offer a glimpse into their past. The route follows the South Island's longest river, the Clutha River, passing Clyde, where you'll see one of the largest hydropower stations harnessing its energy. The Kawarau River then leads you through a steep gorge into Gibbston Valley, passing Lake Hayes before arriving in Queenstown's lively alpine adventure town.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Blue Peaks Lodge
5. 5

   Day 5 — Milford Sound

   【Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Tour from Queenstown - Lunch Included】
   Departing from Queenstown, sit back and relax aboard a luxury glass-roofed coach to enjoy a relaxing tripalong the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. The coach driver will provide informative commentary and allow for 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.

   

   Lake Wakatipu

   

   Milford Sound

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Blue Peaks Lodge
6. 6

   Day 6 — Queenstown

   【Queenstown】
   Queenstown, or Tāhuna in Māori, is known as New Zealand’s ‘adventure capital,’ but it offers much more than just high-energy activities. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and framed by the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is rich in history, cuisine, and natural beauty. Whether you're looking for a leisurely walk or a more challenging hike, Queenstown has a trail for you, including the Queenstown Gardens, Ben Lomond Walkway, and Queenstown Hill Track. Take in the stunning views from the Queenstown Gondola and enjoy a cruise on the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station for a farm tour and dinner. Explore the waterfront cafes, enjoy a Fergburger, or indulge in a treat from Patagonia Chocolates.
   【Queenstown Skyline Gondola Ride】
   Hop aboard the Skyline Gondola - the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere! From which you can take in the awe-inspiring views of this spectacular landscape. Sit back and relax as you enjoy panoramic views of The Remarkables, Walter Peak, Cecil Peak, Coronet Peak and the magnificent Lake Wakatipu.
   【TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner】
   Enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience, a delicious gourmet BBQ buffet meal and a farm demonstration in a stunning lakeside setting. Take in the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and its surroundings as you cruise across the lake to the historic Walter Peak high country farm aboard the TSS Earnslaw Steamship. Enjoy the ambience of the heart of the stately homestead while your Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant chef prepares a gourmet BBQ dinner. Your seasonal menu includes an extensive selection of local New Zealand produce, including succulent meats and a selection of delicious vegetables and salads. Complete your meal with your choice of delicious desserts, New Zealand cheeses, tea, and coffee. After dinner, watch the farm dogs in action with a sheep-herding demonstration and say hello to the other farm animals. Finally, cruise home under the southern stars and enjoy the fresh night air as the lights of Queenstown draw ever closer.
    

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Blue Peaks Lodge
7. 7

   Day 7 — Queenstown - Christchurch

   【Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo Small Group Tour】
   This small-group, fully-guided day trip covers the area's key highlights, offering stunning views of Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, and Tasman Glacier. It's the perfect way to travel from Queenstown to Christchurch. Led by passionate guides known for sharing engaging stories and rich insights, the tour is conducted in modern, comfortable minibuses, equipped with extras to ensure your comfort and safety.

   

   Lake Tekapo

   

   Mount Cook National Park

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Bella Vista Christchurch
8. 8

   Day 8 — Christchurch

   【Private Transfer from your Christchurch Accommodation to the Christchurch Airport】
   A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Christchurch Airport in time for your departing flight.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Cancellation policy

Important info

Tour operator