15 day South Island Natural Discovery

This 15 day tour starts in Christchurch and finishes in Christchurch.

Beginning with an Akaroa Harbour Nature cruise which takes you out to see the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin this tour has something for everyone. From there head further south to Dunedin enjoy the unique flora and fauna of New Zealand all the way. Experience the ‘Sound of Silence’ with an overnight cruise in the remote untouched wilderness of Doubtful Sound. And of course, no South Island trip is complete without time spent in the alpine playground of Queenstown. Finally, marvel at the west coast then board the world-famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train back to Christchurch.

Accommodation type on this tour is: Motels.

Rental car insurance included

Rental car inclusions: Unlimited kilometres,airport/ferry terminal fees, additional drivers.

Tour pack: Includes detailed driving instructions, maps, guide books and much more.

This tour can be customised to suit you precisely - just request here.

This tour also features:

Included activity: Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App

Included activity: Private transfer Christchurch International Airport to your accommodation

Included activity: Franz Josef Glacier Helihike with The Helicopter Line

Included activity: TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch

Included activity: Shared Transfer from the Railway Station to a City Hotel with Christchurch Touring Company

Included activity: Private transfer accommodation to Christchurch Airport

Included activity: Akaroa Harbour Nature cruise

Included activity: Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre Museum and Theatre Explorer Pass

Included activity: Elm Wildlife Peninsula Encounter Tour Including Wildlife Cruise

Included activity: Doubtful Sound Fiordland Navigator Overnight Cruise

Meals included: 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners

Itinerary summary for: 15 day South Island Natural Discovery

Day 1: Welcome to Christchurch City
Accommodation: Quest Cathedral Junction

Day 2: Your rental car is delivered then travel over the Port Hills to the French settlement of Akaroa before exploring the wildlife of the harbour
Accommodation: Akaroa Village Inn - The Wharf Seaview Apartments

Day 3: Akaroa to Mt Cook National Park, a World Heritage Area. Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
Accommodation: Mt Cook Motel

Day 4: Travel to Twizel and visit the very rare Black Stilt visitor hide. Continue to Dunedin, the 'Edinburgh' of the South
Accommodation: Motel on York

Day 5: Explore Dunedin Peninsula and visit one of the world's rarest birds, the Yellow Eyed Penguin
Accommodation: Motel on York

Day 6: Drive through Southland farmland scenery to Te Anau, Gateway to Fiordland National Park.
Accommodation: Lakefront Lodge

Day 7: Today embark on a 24 hour adventure to Doubtful Sound. Explore the area and spend the night in this pristine wilderness
Accommodation: Fiordland Navigator Overnight Boat in Doubtful Sound

Day 8: You return to Manapouri at midday then head north to Queenstown
Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown

Day 9: Explore and enjoy Queenstown at leisure today
Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown

Day 10: Queenstown to Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge
Accommodation: Wilderness Lodge, Lake Moeraki

Day 11: Explore the flora and fauna of this unique West Coast Lodge
Accommodation: Wilderness Lodge, Lake Moeraki

Day 12: Lake Moeraki to the West Coast Glaciers
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Day 13: Explore Franz Josef and the glaciers with an exciting Heli-hike
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Day 14: Head north to Greymouth before catching the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train across the Southern Alps to Christchurch
Accommodation: Quest Cathedral Junction

Day 15: Depart Christchurch today