12-Day South Island Icons & Hidden Gems Private Tour
A More Relaxed Way to Experience the South Island
Discover iconic landscapes and places many visitors miss on a private 12-day journey beginning and ending in Queenstown. Travel through Te Anau, Milford Sound, Southland, the Catlins, Dunedin, the Otago Peninsula, Oamaru, Aoraki / Mount Cook and Wānaka.
With private driver-guides, carefully selected accommodation, included experiences and multiple-night stays, this thoughtfully paced itinerary allows you to unpack, settle in and experience each region without changing hotels every day.
📅 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.
Your South Island Journey
A carefully planned South Island loop from Queenstown, linking iconic landscapes, hidden gems, wildlife, heritage towns and scenic touring days.
Queenstown-Based Luxury Travel Specialists | TIA Member | 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist | Local Support
Your South Island Journey
Tour Highlights
From the dramatic fiords of Milford Sound and the alpine peaks of Aoraki / Mount Cook to Catlins waterfalls, rare wildlife, historic towns and memorable dining experiences, this journey reveals a different side of the South Island.
Queenstown | Arrowtown | TSS Earnslaw | Te Anau
Milford Sound | Southern Scenic Route | Invercargill | The Catlins
Dunedin | Otago Peninsula Wildlife | Moeraki Boulders | Oamaru
Aoraki / Mount Cook | Lake Pukaki | Wānaka | Crown Range
A carefully planned South Island loop from Queenstown, linking iconic landscapes, hidden gems, wildlife, heritage towns and scenic touring days.
Private Tour Pricing
*Per person, twin share
2 guests — $15,616 pp NZD
4 guests — $10,252pp NZD
6 guests — $9036 pp NZD
8 guests — $8071pp NZD
10 guests — $7400 pp NZD
Includes 4-star accommodation with breakfast, four speciality dinners and one speciality lunch.
Single rooms and customised itineraries are available on request.
*Please read out FAQs regarding pricing
A Real Client Experience
Kathy and NZPT were able to plan a great 2 week vacation for us which included all hotel bookings, private ground transportation and most of our activities. This was especially amazing since we booked our trip very late (we only contacted Kathy about 3 1/2 months before our travel dates). We travelled during the Xmas/New Year busy time and Kathy was able to book us premium hotels in great locations and was able to work in all the activities that we wanted to do. I never could have accomplished this on my own in such a short amount of time. She learned about our interests and designed a custom vacation that worked seamlessly around the holidays and the availability of the activities that we wanted to do. Kathy personally picked us up from the airport in Queenstown and her husband Wayne drove us out to Milford sound a gave us a great day tour. I had access to Kathy and her staff along the way whenever I had questions.
Michelle Merkel USA
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 combine famous destinations with lesser-visited regions, without the rushed pace of changing hotels every night.
It is a great fit if you want:
A thoughtfully paced journey, 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.
Icons and hidden gems, from Queenstown, Milford Sound and Aoraki / Mount Cook to Southland, the Catlins and coastal Otago.
Wildlife and conservation experiences, including the Royal Albatross Centre and The OPERA on the Otago Peninsula.
Local history and character, with visits to Arrowtown, Riverton, Invercargill, Dunedin and Oamaru.
Memorable included dining, at Walter Peak, Larnach Castle and The Hermitage Hotel.
Time to explore independently, with relaxed mornings, free time and optional activities available.
This journey is suitable for both first-time visitors and returning travellers who want to experience more of the southern South Island.
ITINERARY
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Included Activity: Airport Transfer
On arrival at Queenstown Airport, you will be met by your private driver and transferred to your accommodation. The remainder of the day is free to relax after your journey or begin exploring at your own pace.
Surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range and set beside beautiful Lake Whakatipu, Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine destinations. Its compact town centre is easy to explore, with lakefront walking paths, boutique shops, cafés and an excellent selection of restaurants all close by.
Included: Private Queenstown Airport transfer
Overnight: Queenstown -
This morning, your private guide will collect you from your Queenstown accommodation for a relaxed five-hour journey through the flavours, scenery and history of the region.
Begin with a guided tasting at Buzzstop, where you can sample a selection of New Zealand honeys, including premium Mānuka honey, while learning about local bees and honey production. Continue to historic Arrowtown, a beautifully preserved gold-mining village surrounded by mountains and seasonal colour. Enjoy time to explore the heritage streets, boutique shops and cafés at your own pace.
The final stop is Ayrburn, a beautifully restored historic estate featuring landscaped grounds, heritage buildings and a selection of food and wine venues. You may choose to enjoy an optional wine tasting or relaxed lunch before returning to Queenstown. Lunch, drinks and optional wine tasting are paid directly on the day.
The remainder of the afternoon and evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Included: Private five-hour Flavours of Arrowtown Tour and guided honey tasting
Overnight: Queenstown -
IToday is yours to enjoy Queenstown at your own pace. You may like to explore the lakefront, wander through the Queenstown Gardens, browse the town’s shops and galleries, or simply relax and take in the surrounding alpine views.
This evening, board the historic TSS Earnslaw for a scenic cruise across Lake Whakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Launched in 1912, this much-loved vintage steamship is one of Queenstown’s most recognisable icons.
At Walter Peak, enjoy a generous gourmet barbecue dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, featuring locally sourced produce cooked over a wood-fired grill. After dinner, watch a working farm demonstration and enjoy time around the lakeside grounds before cruising back to Queenstown.
Included: Return TSS Earnslaw cruise, Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner and farm demonstration
Overnight: Queenstown
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Depart Queenstown with your private driver-guide and travel south alongside Lake Whakatipu before continuing through the rural landscapes of northern Southland. Pass through the small communities of Kingston, Garston and Mossburn, with scenic stops along the way before arriving in Te Anau.
Set beside beautiful Lake Te Anau and surrounded by the mountains of Fiordland, this peaceful lakeside town is the gateway to Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park.
The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore Te Anau. If you would like to add an afternoon experience, we can arrange one of the following at an additional cost:
Te Anau Glowworm Caves: Cruise across Lake Te Anau before travelling through a fascinating limestone cave system to a hidden grotto illuminated by thousands of glowworms.
Local farm experience: Visit a working Southland farm to meet the animals and learn about everyday farming life in one of New Zealand’s most important agricultural regions.
These experiences are optional and are not included in the advertised tour price.
Included: Private tour from Queenstown to Te Anau
Optional extras: Te Anau Glowworm Caves or a local farm experience
Overnight: Te Anau -
Depart Te Anau with your private driver-guide for a spectacular journey along the Milford Road through Fiordland National Park. Travel through wide glacial valleys, ancient native forest and dramatic alpine landscapes, with scenic stops at locations such as the Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Te Anau Downs and other viewpoints selected by your guide according to the weather and conditions.
Continue through the Homer Tunnel before descending into Milford Sound, where you will board a shared scenic cruise through the fiord. Cruise beneath towering peaks and alongside sheer rock faces and waterfalls, with opportunities to see wildlife such as seals, dolphins and penguins.
After the cruise, rejoin your private guide for the return journey through Fiordland National Park to Te Anau, with additional stops as time and conditions allow.
Your road journey is completely private; however, the Milford Sound cruise is a shared experience with other passengers.
Included: Private return tour from Te Anau to Milford Sound and shared Milford Sound cruise
Overnight: Te Anau -
Scenic Route. This lesser-travelled journey passes through peaceful farmland, native forest and small rural communities before reaching Southland’s rugged southern coastline.
Travel through Tuatapere and continue towards the coast, with stops at locations such as the historic Clifden Suspension Bridge and McCracken’s Rest. In the seaside town of Riverton, visit Te Hikoi Museum to discover the stories of Southland’s Māori and European settlers, early whaling, farming and life along this remote coastline.
Continue to Invercargill, New Zealand’s southernmost city. Known for its wide streets, heritage architecture and warm southern hospitality, Invercargill is an ideal base for exploring Southland and the Catlins.
Included: Private tour from Te Anau to Invercargill via the Southern Scenic Route and entry to Te Hikoi Museum
Overnight: Invercargill -
Depart Invercargill with your private driver-guide for a full-day journey through the Catlins, one of the South Island’s most beautiful and less-travelled regions. This remote corner of New Zealand is known for its rugged coastline, windswept beaches, native forest, waterfalls and abundant wildlife.
Planned highlights include Waipapa Point Lighthouse, the windswept landscape of Slope Point, Curio Bay and the panoramic coastal views from Florence Hill. Continue through the heart of the Catlins to visit Purakaunui Falls, one of New Zealand’s most photographed waterfalls, before travelling to Nugget Point and its spectacular lighthouse overlooking rocky islets and the Pacific Ocean.
There may be opportunities to see seals, sea lions and native birds along the way, although wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. The exact order of stops may vary according to the weather, tides and local conditions.
After exploring the Catlins, continue north through the coastal landscapes of Otago before arriving at your Dunedin accommodation.
Included: Full-day private tour from Invercargill to Dunedin via the Catlins
Overnight: Dunedin
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Enjoy a relaxed morning and afternoon in Dunedin, with plenty of time to unwind after the previous day’s journey through the Catlins. You may prefer to relax at your accommodation or explore some of the city’s attractions at your own pace.
Visit the beautiful Dunedin Botanic Garden, discover the region’s natural and cultural history at Otago Museum, or explore the stories of Dunedin’s early settlers at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum. You may also like to wander through the city centre and admire its distinctive Victorian and Edwardian architecture.
This evening, enjoy a special dining experience at Larnach Castle on the Otago Peninsula. Begin with a welcome drink and short tour before sitting down to a four-course dinner featuring locally sourced New Zealand produce. Dinner is served house-party style at a shared table, providing an opportunity to meet other guests in the historic castle setting.
Included: Welcome drink, short castle tour and four-course dinner at Larnach Castle
Overnight: Dunedin -
Depart Dunedin with your private driver-guide for a full-day exploration of the Otago Peninsula. Travel beside Otago Harbour and through rolling farmland, quiet bays and dramatic coastal landscapes, with scenic stops selected by your guide along the way.
At Taiaroa Head, join a guided experience at the Royal Albatross Centre. Learn about the breeding cycle of the Northern Royal Albatross before visiting the protected viewing observatory overlooking the world’s only mainland breeding colony of these magnificent seabirds.
Later, visit The OPERA, the Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance, for a guided wildlife and penguin experience through its private conservation reserve. Learn about the work being undertaken to protect the endangered hoiho, or yellow-eyed penguin, and look for penguins, fur seals, sea lions and native birds in their natural environment.
Your touring around the Otago Peninsula is private; however, the experiences at The OPERA and the Royal Albatross Centre are shared guided tours. Wildlife sightings are subject to the season and natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
Return to Dunedin following your wildlife experiences.
Included: Private Otago Peninsula tour, Royal Albatross Centre guided experience, The OPERA Wildlife and Penguin Tour, and Dunedin accommodation
Overnight: Dunedin -
Depart Dunedin with your private driver-guide and travel north along the Otago coast to the famous Moeraki Boulders. Walk along the beach to see these enormous spherical stones, which were formed millions of years ago and are now one of the region’s most unusual natural attractions. Their visibility may vary depending on the tide.
Continue to Oamaru, a historic town renowned for its beautifully preserved Victorian architecture and locally quarried white limestone buildings. Enjoy time to explore the Victorian Precinct, browse its galleries and shops, or stop for lunch before continuing inland.
Travel through the Waitaki Valley and across the expansive landscapes of the Mackenzie region. As you approach Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, enjoy magnificent views across Lake Pukaki towards New Zealand’s highest mountain, weather permitting.
Arrive at your Mount Cook accommodation and enjoy the evening surrounded by some of the South Island’s most spectacular alpine scenery.
Included: Private tour from Dunedin to Aoraki / Mount Cook, with stops at the Moeraki Boulders and Oamaru
Overnight: Aoraki / Mount Cook
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Enjoy a full day at leisure in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. Surrounded by towering peaks, glaciers and alpine valleys, this is the perfect place to slow down and experience the landscape at your own pace.
Choose from one of the area’s many walking tracks, ranging from short scenic walks to longer alpine hikes. Track access and conditions can change, so the most suitable walk can be selected closer to the day based on the weather, your interests and your preferred level of difficulty.
For an additional cost, you may choose to add one of the following experiences:
Heli-hike: Fly into the mountains by helicopter before joining an experienced glacier guide for a guided walk on the ice.
Glacier Explorers boat tour: Cruise across Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake among floating icebergs, with views towards New Zealand’s largest glacier.
Ski-plane flight: Fly over the Southern Alps and glaciers, with the possibility of an alpine snow landing when conditions allow.
Guided stargazing experience: Discover the night sky within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, with expert guidance and powerful telescopes.
This evening, enjoy dinner at The Hermitage Hotel, included in your itinerary. Drinks are at your own expense.
The optional activities are not included in the advertised tour price and are weather-dependent. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Included: Free day in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and dinner at The Hermitage Hotel
Optional extras: Heli-hike, Glacier Explorers boat tour, ski-plane flight or guided stargazing experience
Overnight: The Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki / Mount Cook -
Depart Aoraki / Mount Cook with your private driver-guide and travel alongside the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki before continuing through the Mackenzie Country and over the dramatic Lindis Pass.
Arrive in Wānaka, a relaxed alpine town set beside its beautiful namesake lake. Enjoy time to explore the lakefront, browse the town centre or stop for lunch before continuing towards Queenstown.
Travel through the Cardrona Valley, passing the historic Cardrona Hotel, before crossing the Crown Range. Stop at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Wakatipu Basin, weather permitting, then descend into Queenstown.
Your 12-day South Island journey concludes with drop-off at your Queenstown accommodation or Queenstown Airport, depending on your onward travel plans.
Included: Private tour from Aoraki / Mount Cook to Queenstown via Wānaka
Tour concludes: Queenstown
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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Your airport transfer and all road touring listed in the itinerary are private, with your own vehicle and driver-guide. You will not be travelling as part of a large coach group.
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No. The TSS Earnslaw cruise and dinner, Milford Sound cruise, Larnach Castle dinner, The OPERA Wildlife and Penguin Tour, and Royal Albatross Centre experience are shared with other guests. Your transport and touring between destinations remain private.
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The tour begins in Queenstown with a private airport transfer and finishes in Queenstown on Day 12. Your final drop-off can be at Queenstown Airport or your Queenstown accommodation, depending on your onward travel plans.
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No. This itinerary has been designed to provide a more relaxed journey with fewer accommodation changes. It includes three nights in Queenstown, two nights in Te Anau, one night in Invercargill, three nights in Dunedin and two nights at Aoraki / Mount Cook.
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The advertised price includes 11 nights of carefully selected accommodation. The exact hotels, room categories and any breakfast inclusions will be shown in your confirmed proposal.
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The tour includes the Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner, a four-course dinner at Larnach Castle and dinner on both evenings at The Hermitage Hotel. Other meals and drinks are at your own expense unless specifically listed in your confirmed itinerary.
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Optional experiences include the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, a Southland farm experience, lunch or wine tasting at Ayrburn, a Mount Cook heli-hike, Glacier Explorers boat tour, ski-plane flight and guided stargazing. These can be added for an additional cost and are subject to availability and weather conditions.
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No. Your return road tour from Te Anau to Milford Sound is private, but the Milford Sound cruise is shared with other passengers.
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Most sightseeing can be enjoyed with relatively short walks; however, some attractions involve uneven ground, steps or inclines. The OPERA wildlife experience includes a guided nature walk, and additional walking is required at places such as Nugget Point, the Moeraki Boulders and the Royal Albatross Centre. Please let us know about any mobility concerns before booking.
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Yes. The tour can be booked as designed or adjusted to suit your interests, travel dates and accommodation preferences. Any changes will be individually costed and may affect the advertised price.
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Is the advertised price based on two people?
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No. Flights to and from Queenstown are not included in the advertised price. Domestic flights can be arranged for an additional cost, and we can advise on suitable arrival and departure times. International flights must be arranged independently.