4 Day South Island NZ Private Tour from Christchurch to Queenstown
(Incl. Hotels & Activities) (Customizable*)

Product Code: WJM21

Embark on an unforgettable 4-day journey through New Zealand’s stunning South Island, exploring many of its major attractions and experiencing the serene beauty of each destination. Start your tour in the vibrant city of Christchurch and conclude in the adventure capital Queenstown.

Take a ride on the iconic TranzAlpine Scenic Train to Arthur’s Pass. Experience the serene beauty of Arthur’s Pass National Park and marvel at the unique rock formations at Castle Hill. Immerse yourself in the majestic scenery of Mount Cook and the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki.

Enjoy stargazing at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places in the world for night sky viewing. Discover the enchanting Te Anau Glowworm Caves and the sparkling waters of Milford or Doubtful Sound. Throughout the tour, benefit from the expertise of a knowledgeable guide-driver and enjoy a private vehicle exclusively for your group.


Key Info:

  • Price: Varies based on group size and any needed customization.
  • Duration: 4 Days & 3 Nights
  • Group Type & Size: Private tour exclusively for your group of 1 to 10 travelers
  • Pickup from: From Christchurch
  • Pickup Time: Flexible, but the recommended start time is 7:30 AM.
  • Finish Tour at: Queenstown
  • Booking Cut-Off Time: To ensure your trip the next day, please book by 11 AM two days before at the latest.
  • Tour language: English. Other language options are subject to the availability of a tour guide.

Features:

  • Discover many of the major attractions of New Zealand’s South on a private 4-day tour
  • Enjoy the TranzAlpine Scenic Train ride to Arthur’s Pass and return through Castle Hill
  • Immerse yourself in the majestic scenery of Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki
  • Enjoy the scenic beauty of alpine flora and fauna, and glacial waters
  • Engage in activities that you like at Mount Cook
  • Engage in stargazing activity at night in Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
  • Admire the Te Anau Glowworm Caves and venture to the sparkling waters of Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound
  • A private vehicle experience with a knowledgeable guide/driver exclusively for your group
  • Enjoy complimentary water bottles, light packaged snacks and WiFi on board

Itinerary:

Day 1: Christchurch–TranzAlpine Scenic Train–Arthur’s Pass National Park–Castle Hill–Lake Tekapo-Stargazing in Dark Sky Reserve

Included Activity Tickets:

  • TranzAlpine Scenic Train Ride
  • Guided Stargazing in Dark Sky Reserve

Night Stay Location: Lake Tekapo

Description (Click here to expand)

Start your tour in delightful style! Your adventure begins with a convenient hotel/airport pickup in Christchurch.

Board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train for a breathtaking ride through stunning landscapes. Disembark at Arthur’s Pass Railway Station, where you will be greeted again and taken to your next destination.

Enjoy the stunning views from the Otira Viaduct Lookout, which offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Explore the natural beauty of Arthur’s Pass National Park with a leisurely walk along the Devil’s Punchbowl Walking Track or the Arthur’s Pass Walking Track. These tracks wind through lush native bush, offering glimpses of stunning waterfalls and providing a peaceful escape into the heart of the park. As you stroll, keep an eye out for native birdlife and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Visit Castle Hill and marvel at the photogenic landscape of stunning limestone rock formations. This location has served as a backdrop for famous Hollywood movies, showcasing its unique and breathtaking scenery. Capture the beauty of this natural wonder and immerse yourself while taking a short loop walk. Take a break at Lake Lyndon as we drive towards Lake Tekapo.

Upon reaching Lake Tekapo, check into your hotel and recharge. In the evening, take advantage of the opportunity to participate in a stargazing activity in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the largest Dark Sky Reserves in the world. Lake Tekapo is renowned for its stunning night skies, free from light pollution, offering a breathtaking view of the stars. This experience is perfect for astronomy enthusiasts and anyone looking to marvel at the beauty of the universe.

Day 2: Lake Tekapo – Lake Pukaki – Aoraki Mount Cook (Hooker Valley Track & Tasman Glacier View Track) – Lindis Pass – Queenstown

Included Activity Tickets: None

Night Stay Location: Queenstown

Description (Click here to expand)

Start another beautiful day with a pickup from your hotel in Lake Tekapo. Visit the renowned ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ and take in its picturesque setting against the backdrop of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. Enjoy a brief, leisurely walk along the shores of Lake Tekapo.

Visit Lake Pukaki, a stunning glacier-fed alpine lake known for its mesmerizing turquoise waters. Marvel at the beauty of this natural wonder as you take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak.

The drive towards Mount Cook offers awe-inspiring views. Upon reaching Mount Cook, immerse yourself in the mesmerizing scenery. Opt for the Hooker Valley Track, featuring famous swing bridges, and catch a glimpse of ice at Hooker Lake. Alternatively, choose the Tasman Glacier Walks for a different perspective. Look out for the kea, the world’s only alpine parrot. Before leaving, make a brief stop at the Mount Cook Visitor Centre to learn more about the significance of this remarkable place.

Pass through Lindis Pass on your way to Queenstown. Stop at Lindis Pass Summit Lookout to enjoy endless vistas of mountains. Upon arrival in Queenstown, check in to your accommodation.

Day 3: Queenstown – Milford Sound Cruise or Doubtful Sound Cruise – Te Anau

Included Activity Tickets:

  • Cruise at Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound

Night Stay Location: Te Anau

Description (Click here to expand)

Start this unforgettable day with a pickup from your Queenstown hotel. Choose between a full-day tour to Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, both located in Fiordland National Park, each showcasing the stunning beauty of New Zealand’s fiords in their own distinct way.

Enjoy the scenic drive towards Milford Sound, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Take advantage of scenic stops and nature walks along the way to capture the beauty of the landscape. Upon reaching Milford Sound, embark on a cruise to experience the stunning beauty of the fiord up close. Marvel at the towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife that call this area home.

Begin your journey with a peaceful cruise across Lake Manapouri, followed by a scenic coach ride over Wilmot Pass, offering spectacular views of untouched rainforest and alpine scenery. Upon arrival at Doubtful Sound, board a cruise to explore the vast, remote fiord known for its deep stillness and dramatic landscapes. Surrounded by towering peaks, hidden waterfalls, and native wildlife, the experience feels truly immersive and untouched.

Enjoy the drive back to Te Anau and end the day filled with beautiful memories as you check in to your hotel, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Day 4: Te Anau – Te Anau Glowworm Caves – Queenstown

Included Activity Tickets:

  • Glowworm Caves Tour at Te Anau

Night Stay Location: No accommodation provided

Description (Click here to expand)

Be picked up from your hotel in Te Anau. Prepare for the famous Te Anau Glowworm Cave tour. Explore the fully guided underground caves and marvel at the thousands of glowworms illuminating the darkness like a starry sky. These glowworms, known as Arachnocampa luminosa, are unique to New Zealand and are found exclusively in the country’s caves. They create a mesmerizing display as they emit a soft blue-green light, creating a magical atmosphere. The Te Anau Glowworm Caves are a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a truly enchanting experience.

Sit back and enjoy the scenic drive to Queenstown, taking in the stunning landscapes along the way. Your journey concludes in Queenstown, a vibrant adventure capital where you can begin another exciting adventure. May the memories of these spectacular landscapes and the essence of New Zealand’s natural beauty stay with you always.


Includes:

  • Private transportation
  • Guide-driver exclusively for your group
  • Packaged water bottles
  • Packaged snacks & Chocolates
  • WiFi on board
  • Use of charging cables & emergency rain gear
  • TranzAlpine Train Scenic Ticket – Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass
  • Stargazing Activity Ticket at Lake Tekapo
  • Cruise Ticket at Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound in Fiordland National Park
  • Glowworm Caves Tour Ticket at Te Anau
  • Accommodation for 3 nights in 4 to 5-star hotels with breakfast based on availability and season

Excludes:

  • Meals and Drinks
  • Travel Insurance
  • Anything not described in the inclusions

Customizable: Yes

*Any customizations, such as swapping or removing any included activity, or adding an activity of interest such as skydiving, horse trekking, scenic flight, glacier hiking, etc., are subject to availability, any cost differences (plus or minus), and route or schedule feasibility.


Additional Information:

  • Most travelers with a general level of fitness can participate, except those who are pregnant, have mobility impairments, or serious medical conditions.
  • Upon booking, you will receive a comprehensive list of items to bring, relevant to your itinerary and selected activities.
  • Travelers should have their own comprehensive travel insurance.
  • If an activity is canceled by provider or unavailable, alternatives will be provided.