7-Day South Island Signature Discovery Tour
Christchurch • Kaikōura • Akaroa • Aoraki / Mount Cook • Queenstown • Milford Sound / Wānaka
$189,25/Person
Discover the true essence of New Zealand’s South Island on this immersive 7-day Signature Discovery Tour, designed to showcase the region’s most iconic landscapes, wildlife experiences, cultural highlights, and scenic alpine journeys
Starting in Christchurch, the Garden City, this tour blends city sightseeing with coastal adventures, French-inspired harbour towns, glacial lakes, mountain passes, and world-famous fjords. Travel through marine wildlife regions in Kaikōura, explore the charm of Akaroa, experience the grandeur of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, and enjoy alpine scenery in and around Queenstown.
The journey concludes with a choice between the breathtaking fjords of Milford Sound or a scenic alpine escape to Wānaka, making this tour perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and first-time South Island explorers.
⏱️ Daily touring time: Approx. 10–11 hours, including driving and sightseeing.
Included and Excluded
- Private vehicle with an experienced and knowledgeable driver/guide
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off within the city or agreed locations
- Flexible sightseeing stops as per the itinerary and time availability
- Bottled water during the tour
- Entry tickets or admission fees for any attractions or activities
- Charges for optional experiences such as cruises, adventure activities, or guided attractions
- Meals, snacks, and personal refreshments
- Accommodation and airfare
- Travel insurance
- Any activity not specifically mentioned in the inclusions
- Personal Expenses
Tour Plan
Day 1 – Christchurch City Sightseeing
Christchurch City Discovery
Explore Christchurch’s unique blend of English heritage, green spaces, and modern regeneration following the earthquakes.
Highlights & Experiences
- Christchurch Arts Centre Market – Local crafts, arts, and culture
- Avon River – Scenic river walks and punting area
- International Antarctic Centre – Antarctic exploration exhibits
- Air Force Museum of New Zealand – Aviation and wartime history
- Sumner Beach – Coastal views and seaside cafés
- Cardboard Cathedral – Symbol of resilience
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens – 21 hectares of floral beauty
Day 2 – Christchurch → Kaikōura
Coastal Wildlife & Wine Journey
Travel north along the Pacific coast to Kaikōura, where mountains rise directly from the sea.
Highlights & Experiences
- Kaikōura Seal Colony – View fur seals in their natural habitat
- Levin Vineyard (seasonal) – Optional wine tasting if time permits
- Free time in Kaikōura township
- Optional: Whale-watching cruise (weather & availability dependent)
Day 3 – Christchurch → Akaroa
Banks Peninsula & French Heritage Tour
Journey across volcanic landscapes to the charming harbour town of Akaroa.
Highlights & Experiences
- Barry’s Bay Cheese Shop – Local artisan cheese tasting
- The Giant’s House – Colourful mosaic gardens
- Akaroa Lighthouse & harbour viewpoints
- Akaroa Museum – Māori and French history
- Optional: Akaroa Dolphin Cruise (Hector’s dolphins)
Day 4 – Christchurch → Mount Cook (via Tekapo & Fairlie)
Alpine Lakes & Glacier Valley Journey
Travel into the heart of the Southern Alps through the Mackenzie Basin.
Highlights & Experiences
- Fairlie – Famous bakery stop
- Lake Tekapo – Turquoise lake & Church of the Good Shepherd
- Lake Pukaki – Glacier-fed lake with Mount Cook views
- Tasman Valley Lookout – Views of NZ’s largest glacier
- Mueller Lake Lookout – Alpine peaks and glacier lake scenery
Day 5 – Mount Cook → Queenstown
High-Country Scenic Drive
Cross dramatic mountain passes and river gorges en route to Queenstown.
Highlights & Experiences
- Omarama – High-country landscapes
- Lindis Pass – Golden tussock hills
- Roaring Meg Lookout
- Kawarau Gorge
- Kawarau Bridge Bungy Lookout
- Arthurs Point Cable Bridge
Day 6 – Queenstown Sightseeing
Alpine Lakes & Film Locations
Enjoy Queenstown’s natural beauty, history, and famous filming locations
Highlights & Experiences
- Walk along Lake Wakatipu
- Skyline Queenstown (optional gondola)
- Short visit to Arrowtown
- Explore surrounding Lord of the Rings filming locations
Day 7 – Queenstown → Milford Sound → Queenstown
Fiordland National Park Experience
- Te Anau
- Eglinton Valley
- Homer Tunnel
- Milford Sound cruise with waterfalls & wildlife
