12-Day South Island Icons & Hidden Gems Private Tour
South Island Icons & Hidden Gems, at a Relaxed Pace
A private 12-day South Island itinerary combining Queenstown, Te Anau, Invercargill, the Catlins, Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula, Oamaru, and Aoraki / Mount Cook.
Designed for travellers who want to experience both famous destinations and places often missed by traditional tours, this carefully paced journey combines alpine landscapes, remote coastlines, wildlife, historic towns and memorable local experiences.
With multiple-night stays in the main destinations and only one one-night stop, you will not need to pack up and change hotels every day. Instead, you can unpack, settle in and enjoy each region at a more relaxed pace, with private touring, carefully selected accommodation and included activities bringing everything together in one seamless journey.
📅 12 Days
A well-paced journey through South Island’s most iconic places and hidden gems.
🚐 Private Tour
Travel with private touring, local guidance, and flexibility along the way.
🛏️ Tailored Accommodation
Accommodation matched to your preferred style, comfort level, and budget.
🗺️ South Island
A carefully planned South Island loop, beginning and ending in Queenstown.
Experience the South Island’s icons and hidden gems on a thoughtfully paced private journey. With private driver-guides, carefully selected accommodation, included activities and multiple-night stays, you can unpack, relax and enjoy a seamless journey from Queenstown through Southland, the Catlins, coastal Otago and Aoraki / Mount Cook.
Queenstown-Based Luxury Travel Specialists | TIA Member | 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist | Local Support
Your Hidden Gems Tour Route
Tour Highlights
From dramatic fiords and alpine peaks to rugged coastlines, wildlife encounters, historic towns and lesser-known landscapes, this thoughtfully paced journey combines the South Island’s iconic destinations with places many travellers miss.
Queenstown | Te Anau | Milford Sound | Invercargill
The Catlins | Dunedin | Otago Peninsula | Oamaru
Aoraki / Mount Cook | Multiple-Night Stays | Private Touring
A carefully planned South Island loop from Queenstown, linking iconic landscapes, hidden gems, wildlife, heritage towns and scenic touring days.
A Real Client Experience
“Kathy and Wayne of New Zealand Private tours, based on the South Island town of Queenstown, custom
Tailored an incredible two week tour of New Zealand! Kathy’s local experience of both the country, and the South Islands top sights (Milford Sound, Helicopter tour, from the Sound back to Queenstown) , will not be forgotten!
We highly recommend her NZPT, for her local knowledge and extensive experience
In organising a private tour, of the entire country.”
Kevin S., Sonoma County CA
Is This Tour Right for You?
Ideal for travellers wanting a comfortable, well-planned introduction to both islands.
✓ Private touring with personal service
✓ Queenstown, Milford Sound and Aoraki / Mount Cook
✓ Rotorua, Waitomo, Hobbiton and Waiheke Island
✓ A relaxed pace with guided touring and free time
✓ Accommodation, activities and transfers arranged
✓ Flexible to suit your interests and travel style
Is This Tour Right for You?
This 12-day private South Island itinerary is ideal for travellers who want to experience famous destinations and lesser-visited regions without changing accommodation every night. It combines private touring, carefully selected experiences, local guidance and multiple-night stays, allowing you to explore at a comfortable pace.
It is a great fit if you want:
A more relaxed style of travel, with multiple-night stays and only one one-night stop.
Private touring instead of a large coach tour, with greater comfort, flexibility and personal service.
Iconic scenery and hidden gems, including Queenstown, Milford Sound, the Catlins, Dunedin, the Otago Peninsula, Oamaru and Aoraki / Mount Cook.
Wildlife, heritage and natural landscapes, from dramatic fiords and alpine peaks to remote coastlines and historic towns.
A complete journey planned for you, with accommodation, private touring and selected activities brought together in one seamless itinerary.
Time to unpack and settle in, while still experiencing a varied and rewarding journey through the lower South Island.
This itinerary can be booked as designed or adjusted to suit your interests, accommodation preferences and travel style. Any changes may affect the advertised price.
ITINERARY
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Included Activity: Airport Transfer
Explore: Queenstown
Celebrated as New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown offers far more than a fast-paced action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic, and scenic wonders.
Included Activity: TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak including gourmet BBQ dinner and a farm tour
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.
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Included Activity: Everything Queenstown Private Tour
Taking in the best bits of the region: historic Arrowtown and the surrounding region. Join a friendly guide on this relaxed private tour, for local highlights, tasting world famous Manuka Honey, amusing stories about gold history, and Lord of the Rings filming locations.
Suggested Iconic Activities
Bungy Jump
If you’ve ever wanted to discover what you’re truly made of, we’ve got plenty of ways for you to find out. Strap up at the World Home of Bungy, the Kawarau Bungy Centre, freestyle it up at the Ledge, or stare fear in the face, out at the Nevis Playground. (Just a option, you can just watch if you prefer)
Shotover Canyon River Jet Boat Adventure
Riding the iconic ‘Big Red’ Jet Boat through the narrow Shotover Canyon is an exhilarating experience not to be missed. Your skilled jet boat driver pushes the boat to 85 kph, skimming across shallow water and past towering canyon walls.
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Included Activity: Milford Sound Private Tour & Milford Sound Cruise
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 Queenstown or the option to fly back. Being New Zealand’s most visited scenic location Milford Sound really does live up to its iconic reputation.
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Included Activity: Private One Way Tour to Mt Cook.
Farewelling Queenstown, we travel through the stone fruit region of Cromwell before stopping for a photo at the famous Lindis Pass. Next we drive through the endless plains of the Mackenzie district finishing with an iconic photo stop overlooking Lake Pukaki. From there finishing your tour at your accommodation in Aoraki/Mt Cook.
Suggested Iconic Activity
Big Sky Stargazing
Take a mesmerizing journey through the cosmos as you explore the wonders of New Zealand's night sky; home to planets, stars and a whole other world we only dream about. Our resident astronomy guides will take you on a 90-minute tour of the night sky through high powered telescopes along with discussing incredible features visible to the naked eye.
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Included Activity: Private Tour to Christchurch
In the afternoon, travel through the heart of the South Island, stopping at the picturesque lakeside town of Tekapo for a photo stop at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd before continuing across the vast Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Suggested Iconic Activity
Hooker Valley Walk
This 10km (6.2-mile ) hike is not steep and has a well-cared for track as it’s the most popular walk in Mt Cook or maybe even New Zealand so you will never be on your own. The track leads up the Hooker Valley and along the Hooker River, ending at the glacier lake, where there are amazing views of Aoraki/Mount Cook on a clear day. Along the way you will cross three swingbridges and encounter picturesque icebergs, glaciers and majestic mountains that will have you reaching for your camera at every turn
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Included Activity: Private Tour to Christchurch.
Explore: Christchurch
New Zealand's garden city is steadily being transformed into a vibrant urban destination. Encompassing a large green belt, it's known for its wide tree-lined avenues and lush gardens. Christchurch is also known for many great restaurants, with the local delicacy being fresh-caught crayfish.
Suggested Iconic Activity
International Antarctic Centre Penguin Rescue
Ever wondered what it takes to keep our colony of rescued penguins healthy and happy? Our exclusive backstage experience offers an insider’s glimpse into the dedicated work that goes into running a rescue centre for the world’s smallest penguin species; the Kororā, Little Blue Penguin.
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Included Activity: 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.
Suggested Activity – Private Return Tour to Christchurch
Travel by TranzAlpine Scenic Train from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass, crossing the Canterbury Plains and climbing into the Southern Alps. Your private driver will meet you at Arthur’s Pass for a relaxed return journey to Christchurch, giving you a completely different perspective on the alpine scenery.
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Included Activity: Airport transfers in Christchurch and Rotorua.
Cost of domestic flight not included unless requested.
Explore: Rotorua
Peppered with natural hot springs, boiling mud pools, and steaming geysers, Rotorua sits within one of the world’s most active volcanic regions. Geothermal landmarks aside, this city of sulphur has a rich indigenous history. Home to several prominent Māori tribes, a visit to one of the Māori Villages should be high on your agenda.
Included Activity: Culture and Food: Te Pā Tū Cultural Tour and Hangi Dinner
Journey back in time to a Pre-European lifestyle experience of customs and traditions. Enjoy the night's festivities with the people of Tamaki Maori Village as you are treated to a banquet of succulent foods cooked the traditional Māori way. Discover the Māori village as it comes alive to the sound and activities of tribal songs, dances, myths, and legends and browse throughout the largest after-hours tribal marketplace in Rotorua. Includes a hangi buffet feast that has cooked slowly underground.
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Included Activity: Private Day tour around Rotorua
Suggested Activities
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Grounds
Wai-O-Tapu has pools of vibrantly coloured water caused by the natural minerals, an impressive geyser that plays daily. Some of the highlights include craters formed by acidic steam, the Devils Bath with its vibrant green yellow colour, Lady Knox Geyser, which erupts daily at 10:15am, and the Champagne Pool which bubbles like Champagne.
Agrodome and National Kiwi Hatchery
The National Kiwi Hatchery is the national leader in kiwi husbandry, egg incubation systems, hatching techniques and kiwi chick rearing. When you join one of our experiences, you'll get to see kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching process and newly hatched kiwi chicks.
HELL’S GATE Mud Bath and Spa.
Hell’s Gate mud spa is a historic New Zealand experience. The healing properties of the geothermal mud and sulphur mineral water have been used by local Māori for over 800 years. Open and clean your skin by lathering it in our unique mud, before exfoliating and cleansing with a soak in the sulphur spa. Your body and soul will feel revitalised after this soothing experience.
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Included Activity: Private Tour to Auckland with stops at Hobbiton and Waitomo
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
In the heart of New Zealand, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire with a guided tour of Hobbiton, as featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. Here you can visit such iconic Hobbit locations as Hobbit Holes, the Green Dragon Inn, the Mill, and the Party Tree, with a guide sharing behind-the-scenes tales and insight into the making of the films.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Waitomo Glowworm Caves, take a 45-minute guided tour through impressive underground caverns and learn how stalactites, stalagmites and other limestone structures were formed over millions of years. Your tour includes a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto - glide silently along an underground river as you gaze at the twinkling glowworms overhead. After visiting Waitomo and Hobbiton, continue to Auckland,
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Explore: Auckland
New Zealand's self-proclaimed "City of Sails" is the country's largest metro area. Resting between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, this urban paradise has something for everyone. Surrounded by native bush, rainforests, and an abundance of beaches, Auckland is a playground for both the city savvy and those with an eye for adventure. Central museums and galleries can be explored on foot.
Suggested Iconic Activity
All Blacks Experience
In learning more about the Haka and the New Zealand national teams, this interactive experience entertains and informs. Hear interesting stories about the team and famous players, see All Blacks memorabilia, and even watch a powerful haka. Ideal for adults and kids alike
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Included Activities: Fullers Ferry - The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour
Known as ‘New Zealand’s Island of Wine’, Waiheke has become home to a dedicated group of award-winning wine producers. With a unique micro-climate and the winemakers’ philosophy of 'small is beautiful', Waiheke has produced some of New Zealand’s most prestigious wines.
On this tour, you will visit three of Waiheke’s top vineyards and sample a range of their wines. Along the way, enjoy a commentated scenic drive, learning about the island’s history, geography, people, and culture from your knowledgeable local guide.
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Included Activity - Private Airport Transfer
It’s time to transfer to Auckland International Airport for the end of your tour.
Want to adjust the pace?
This itinerary is only a starting point. We can add extra nights, upgrade accommodation, adjust activities, or slow the journey down to suit your travel style.
FAQs About this Tour
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This tour is completely flexible. While we have a well-planned itinerary as a starting point, everything can be tailored to suit your interests, pace, and preferences. Whether you’d like to spend more time at certain stops, add an experience, or adjust the day to better suit your travel style, we’re happy to customise it so the tour feels just right for you.
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The 13-Day Icons of New Zealand Private Tour operates year-round, and each season offers a slightly different way to experience New Zealand. Spring and summer bring longer days and vibrant landscapes, autumn is a favourite for its settled weather and golden colours, and winter adds a special touch with snow-capped mountains and quieter travel periods in some regions.
Because this is a private, fully customisable tour, we’ll also tailor the itinerary to suit the time of year you’re travelling. That might mean adjusting activities, pacing, or accommodation to ensure you get the best possible experience, whatever the season.
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Accommodation on the 13-Day Icons of New Zealand Private Tour is flexible and tailored to suit your preferences. As a guide, the tour is typically based on high-quality boutique hotels and premium lodges, chosen for their comfort, location, and character.
That said, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. If you’re looking for luxury lodges, comfortable 4–5 star hotels, or a mix of styles along the way, we’ll adjust the accommodation to suit your tastes, budget, and travel style. Because this is a private tour, we can also suggest unique stays that add something special to the journey.
We’ll discuss accommodation options with you during the planning process and confirm everything before booking, so you know exactly what to expect and feel comfortable every step of the way.
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Because the 13-Day Icons of New Zealand Private Tour is fully private and customised, the cost can vary depending on a few key factors — including travel dates, accommodation style, number of travellers, and any special experiences you’d like to include.
As a general guide, most guests can expect pricing to start from around NZD $15,000 per person, based on two people travelling and staying in quality 4 star accommodation. Luxury lodges, upgraded experiences, or additional inclusions will naturally increase the overall cost.
Once we understand your travel preferences and wish list, we’ll put together a clear, personalised quote with no hidden surprises. Our goal is to design a trip that offers excellent value, feels well-paced and thoughtful, and delivers a genuinely memorable New Zealand experience.
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Booking the 13-Day Icons of New Zealand Private Tour is simple and personalised. Just get in touch with us via our enquiry form or by email, and we’ll start with a relaxed conversation about your travel dates, interests, and how you’d like the tour to look.
From there, we’ll tailor the itinerary to suit you, confirm accommodation and inclusions, and provide a clear quote. Once you’re happy, we’ll secure the tour with a 20% deposit, along with payment for any internal flights we arrange. The remaining balance is due 70 days prior to travel.
Because this is a private, custom tour, we recommend getting in touch early, especially if you’re travelling in peak season, so we can lock in the best accommodation and experiences for you.