New Zealand South Island Highlights

Open your South Island tour from Christchurch. As per your wish, we will be happy to customize the itinerary with a few more days for you to explore this garden city or even North Island.

The destination today is Lake Tekapo, about 230km away. As a part of the UNESCO-listed Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve and with the least artificial light pollution, it's an ideal place for stargazing. For those looking for romantic dining under the stars, the Dark Sky Dinner on the lakefront of Tekapo is recommended.

Continue with a 1.5-hour scenic drive to Mt. Cook National Park. Home to dozens of towering peaks, including the highest one in New Zealand, and hundreds of glaciers, it's a dreamland for nature lovers to enjoy dramatic Alpine scenery. Find your favorite ways, from boating, hiking, biking, and flightseeing, to take in its majestic beauty.

Today, we will travel about 260km to Queenstown, sitting on the north shore of Lake Wakatipu. On the way, have a break at Lake Wānaka, a popular destination for jet boaters, sailors, and kayakers.

Whether you want some adrenal adventures, light outdoor activities suitable for all ages, or a cozy vacation with impressive wines, foods, and sceneries, Queenstown always has something for you.

Spend the day as you wish: push your limits by challenging Kawarau Bridge Bungy, sample local flavors while lingering among different wineries and restaurants, take a boat cruising leisurely on Lake Wakatipu hugged by the dramatic Southern Alps, or unwind your body and mind in a natural hot spring.

For millions of years, glaciers of the Southern Alps eroded the east coast of the Tasman Sea, carving out a deep and rugged crack in the solid land and forming the Milford Sound today. Cruise along the sound, you will find sheer rock faces rising to 1,517 meters, waterfalls falling over a hundred meters, and beautiful marine creatures.

Forward south further, today we will first arrive in Invercargill, the southernmost city of New Zealand. Here, you may stroll along the tree-lined walkways or explore one of the many gardens in Queen's Park.

In the fishing port of Bluff, only about half an hour from Invercargill by drive, taste famous Bluff oysters at Oyster Cove Café. Those who like bird watching may take a ferry across the Foveaux Strait to reach Stewart Island, a paradise for native bird life.

Late in the afternoon, turn around to Dunedin, about 200km northeast of Invercargill, for the night.

Modeled after Edinburgh, Dunedin boasts the finest collection of Edwardian and Victorian architecture in the southern hemisphere. Beyond impressive spires of Gothic churches and luxurious houses, this charming city with a natural harbor also prides itself on its biodiversity. Driving along the Otago coast, you will spot the Larnach Castle and a variety of wildlife.

Later, in Oamaru, our guided tours will show you the making process of the award-winning Whitestone Cheese the city is famous for. At sunset, from the specially built viewing point, you can see cute penguins waddling on the shore at Oamaru Harbor.

Your first destination today is Akaroa, about 300km from Oamaru and 80km from Christchurch. As the most French town in New Zealand, it will intoxicate you with historical buildings, picturesque harbor, and unique-flavored French cuisines. Take a self-guided walk in this tiny town to appreciate its charming cottages and try the famous New Zealand Fish & Chips.

Late afternoon, proceed to Christchurch for the night.

Conclude the epic adventure in Christchurch and set off on a new journey to your next destination.