Wildlife & Fjord Luxe Expedition: Kaikōura to Milford
Christchurch → Kaikōura → Hanmer Springs → Oamaru → Dunedin → Queenstown → Milford Sound → Tekapo → Christchurch
$189,25/Person
A perfect blend of wildlife encounters, hot springs, coastal scenery, and alpine beauty. This 5-day journey delivers whales, penguins, fjords, lakes, and mountains.
Highlights
- Kaikōura whale watching
- Hanmer Springs thermal pools
- Oamaru penguins & Victorian charm
- Dunedin wildlife and historic sites
- Milford Sound cruise
- Lake Tekapo
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 → Kaikōura → Hanmer Springs
- Head to Kaikōura, a marine life paradise. Join a whale watching cruise to see sperm whales, dolphins, and seabirds.
- Continue to Hanmer Springs for relaxation in mineral-rich hot pools surrounded by mountains.
DAY 2 — Hanmer → Oamaru → Dunedin
- Drive south to Oamaru, famous for Victorian buildings and its penguin colony. Explore the old harbour, quirky shops, and seaside cliffs.
- Continue to Dunedin, home to a unique Scottish heritage and the wildliferich Otago Peninsula.
DAY 3 — Dunedin → Queenstown
- ourney inland through farmland and mountains to Queenstown. Your guide will introduce you to key scenic viewpoints and the best experiences the town offers, from gondolas to lakeside walking tracks.
DAY 4 — Queenstown → Milford Sound → Queenstown
- Travel through Fiordland National Park and cruise along Milford Sound, surrounded by waterfalls, wildlife, and sheer cliffs.
- Return to Queenstown in the evening.
DAY 5 — Queenstown → Tekapo → Christchurch
- Explore the Mackenzie Basin en route to Lake Tekapo, where turquoise waters and snow-capped mountains create postcard-perfect views
- Visit the church, enjoy lakeside photos, or stop at the hot pools before returning to Christchurch.
