Deep South 13 Days
South Island (Reversible)
The lower South Island is dotted with Fiords, Glaciers, and Mountains, plus add in unique wild life and rich history this tour packs all the best in 13 days.
Travel Style: Private driver I Self-drive
Accommodation Style: Motel I Hotel I Boutique Lodges
Talk to us today about planning all the details.
Day 1: Arrive Christchuch
Suggested activities for Christchurch
Explore: Christchurch
New Zealand's garden city is steadily being transformed into a vibrant urban destination. Encompassing a large green belt, it is known for its wide tree-lined avenues and lush gardens. A great way to explore is to take the double-decker hop on/hop off bus for an easy way to see the sights – or ride a historic tram across town to the renowned botanic gardens and the unique cardboard Transitional Cathedral.
Day 2: Christchurch to Franz Josef Glacier
World Famous: The TranzAlpine Scenic Train
Considered one of the world's great train journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch. You'll travel across the South Island from the west to the east coast through Arthur's Pass National Park. From the comfort of your carriage see lush beech forest, deep river valleys, and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps. Descend to the windswept Canterbury Plains before arriving in the city of Christchurch.
Day 3: Franz Josef
Suggested activities for Franz Josef
Explore: Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef is a small but lively town in the heart of the West Coast, known for its 12km long glacier. Surrounded by lush rainforest-clad mountains the township has a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. To see the ice from a viewpoint you can walk along the valley floor to the viewpoint below the terminal face. However, to go on the glacier itself you must take a licensed helicopter tour.
Adventure: Half Day Franz Josef Glacier Eco Tour
Enjoy walking through regenerating forest for your first glimpse of the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier. Your experienced guide will take you off the beaten track as much as they can safely, to discover hidden waterfalls and 'dead' ice, and lots of other treasures.
Adventure: Franz Josef Glacier Helihike
Take a scenic flight over all three Franz Josef glacier icefalls. Landing high on the glacier, take a two-hour guided trip through some of the most beautiful terrain in the country. Your guide will choose the route as you go through a wonderland of blue ice and frozen pinnacles. You'll have endless views of the surrounding mountains and rainforest as well as plenty of opportunities to take photographs.
Day 4: Franz Josef to Queenstown
Heading south, you pass through the small town of Fox Glacier. A short side trip to view the glacier is recommended before heading along the coast and through more classic West Coast bush scenery. At Knights Point Lookout, fur seals and even elephant seals can often be seen basking on the sandy beaches at the far end of the point. Crossing the Haast River, you’ll turn inland and through the mountainous valley studded with waterfalls. Continue on past lakes Hawea and Wanaka into the alpine township of Queenstown
Day 5: Queenstown
Suggested activities for Queenstown
World Famous: TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak including gourmet BBQ dinner and a farm tour
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.
After dinner, watch the farm dogs in action with a sheep-herding demonstration and say hello to the other farm animals.
Nature: Private Nevis 4WD Tour
Private luxury 4WD guided tour from Queenstown to the Nevis Valley and Central Otago. This is not an extreme 4WD tour, it journeys on gravel backcountry roads in the latest high-spec Hybrid Landrover Defender. Take in the history of old Cromwell Town plus enjoy a wine tasting in Bannockburn.
Day 6: Queenstown to Te Anau
Suggested activities
Nature: Tour Cruise Tour 8 Hours
This full-day experience journeys to Milford Sound via road with photo stops in the Fiordland National Park. Next, take a Milford Sound cruise famous for its wildlife and epic waterfalls. The experience ends with a return road tour to Te Anau for your nights accommodation.
Nature: Glow Worm Cave
Experience a mysterious underground world with a guided cave tour past the rushing water of an underground stream before drifting in silent darkness beneath the luminous shimmer of hundreds of glowworms.
Your trip to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves begins with a cruise to the western shores of Lake Te Anau on one of our purpose-built scenic cruise vessels.
Day 7: Te Anau to Invercargill
Suggested activities Invercargill
Travel through the lower South Island, past rich farm land, old growth forests and stunning wind swept white sand beaches onto Invercargill a city of 50,000
History: Worlds Fastest Indian
If you a motorcycle buff, Invercargill is the home to the late Burt Mounro and his land speed record breaking motorcycle immortalised by Anthony Hopkins in the movie called The Worlds Fastest Indian. View the original Indian motorcycle plus other automotive treasures.
Day 8: Invercargill and Stewart Island
Suggested activities for Stewart Island
Nature: Ulva Island Explorer
Discover Stewart Island from the water on a leisurely cruise of beautiful Paterson Inlet and a guided walk in Ulva Island Wildlife Sanctuary.
The cruise will showcase some of Paterson Inlet’s stunning scenery with its hidden coves and unspoilt beaches. You’ll hear fascinating stories of early Maori history and European settlement from your guide as we pass various landmarks. While on board, keep a look out for fur seals and penguins – we see a lot of them around this area.
Nature: Stewart Island Village & Bays Tours
Gain an entertaining insight into New Zealand’s southernmost community and learn about the history and environment of Stewart Island.
Unspoiled, incredibly beautiful, and steeped in stories, Stewart Island (known as Rakiura – glowing skies - by Maori) is well worth this informative introduction. Highlights include a visit to the gateway to Rakiura National Park at Lee Bay and Observation Rock with its stunning views of Paterson Inlet.
Suggested activities for Invercargill
Adventure: Shark Experience
Always wanted to go cage diving and see Great Whites up-close?
Then this is your chance by experiencing a Shark Cage dive with us! Come eye to eye with an array of sharks from the safety of our dive cage – this gives you all the excitement and that special moment with nature - while in a safe environment!
Day 9: The Catlins
Today, we venture into the ruggedly beautiful Catlins region, an enchanting land of untouched natural wonders. Our knowledgeable guide will lead you through hidden gems rarely seen by tourists, ensuring a uniquely immersive experience.
Marvel at the cascading Purakaunui Falls, where pristine waters flow gracefully amidst lush native bush. Witness the magnificent wildlife along the coastline, including playful dolphins, fur seals, and perhaps even the elusive yellow-eyed penguin.
We'll explore hidden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and the famous Nugget Point Lighthouse. Keep your camera ready, for every twist and turn in the road reveals an awe-inspiring landscape that will leave you breathless. We depart Catlins and head to the vibrant city of Dunedin for your nights accommodation.
Day 10: Dunedin
Suggested activities for Dunedin
Nature: Royal Albatross Centre: Unique Taiaroa Tour
The Royal Albatross colony at Taiaroa Head on the Otago Peninsula is the only mainland breeding colony of Royal Albatross in the world. From the centre, it's a short walk to the observatory for the privilege of seeing the greatest of all seabirds. The Fort Taiaroa guided tour takes you back into New Zealand's colonial past. It covers the Māori and European occupation of the headland with a visit to 'Fort Taiaroa,' underground fortifications beneath the Albatross Colony.
World Famous: Larnach Castle
Situated on the picturesque Otago Peninsula, Larnach Castle is one of New Zealand’s premier visitor attractions. Lovingly restored by the Barker Family, the Castle and surrounding grounds are at the heart of the Dunedin visitor experience. A diverse business; Larnach Castle Limited offers the castle experience, award winning gardens, luxury accommodation, event management and unique dining experiences. Larnach Castle has received numerous national and international accolades.
Day 10: Dunedin to Tekapo
Suggested activities
Explore: Oamaru
A visit to the Oamaru Victorian Precinct is an entertaining day out exploring the world as it appeared in Victorian times. Attractions include art galleries, artist studios, the curiosity shop, car museum, cafes, restaurants, and heritage architecture. There's even a fully immersive option to hire Victorian costumes, and if you dare - to try and ride a penny farthing cycle! Fast fact for movie buffs: Oamaru has been a film set for many movies and TV shows.
Nature: Dark Sky Project
Our expert astronomy guides bring the night sky to life, sharing the science and the stories of our Southern skies. Stargaze using the naked eye guided by lasers and then proceed to explore deeper through up to 16" optical telescopes, including in our private observatory dome. Take in the incredible Milky Way, far off planets, star clusters, solar systems, and even distant galaxies; every night sky beholds something different.
Day 11: Day in Mt Cook
Suggested activities
Scenery: Heli or Ski Plane Flight
This Mount Cook helicopter tour or ski plane adventure is the ultimate way to see the Southern Alps. Traverse the Main Divide to the West Coast and view the magnificent landscape of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Track north along the Tasman Sea before recrossing the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps to the Tasman Glacier.
Scenery: Glacier Explorer
Cruise around the Tasman Glacial Lake and experience the enormity of NZ's largest glacier. The towering ice wall is really quite incredible, with an astonishing history.
Relax: Tekapo Springs Hot Pools
Experience the total relaxation of soaking in hot water in an alpine environment 720 meters above sea level. Our three hot pools are filled from an underground source near Tekapo.
Day 12: Tekapo to Christchurch
Today you'll drive through the heart of the South Island, you'll come to the picturesque lakeside town of Tekapo then onto the vast Canterbury plains. Catch your breath in Geraldine before continuing to Christchurch.
World Famous: International Antarctic Centre
Journey through modern-day Antarctica and experience a taste of this unique and breathtaking continent. Learn about the human impact on the continent, the wildlife and ecosystems and Antarctica’s effect on the globe. Brave an Antarctic storm, go off-road in a Hägglund, befriend a husky, mingle with the penguins, experience Antarctica from all four dimensions and leave with a head full of knowledge, a heart full of love and an inspiration to take action. Just like the explorers before you.
Day 13: Christchurch
Time to say good bye