Our most immersive South Island tour! From the secluded beaches in Abel Tasman National Park, to the thermal mineral pools in Hanmer Springs, and adrenaline capital Queenstown, this south island adventure has it all. Adventure activities are aplenty throughout the trip, as well as an abundance of wildlife. With accommodation and some activities included (see below); our tours are hassle-free, authentic experiences for those short on time.
Day 1 : CHRISTCHURCH ARRIVAL
Welcome to Christchurch - the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand and the start of your South Island Secrets tour. Ōtautahi (Christchurch) is a vibrant city alive with everything from art, exhibitions, history, and hidden gems. Check out the Riverside Markets for a coffee, beverage or bite to eat, stroll through the botanical gardens, or wander around the streets and discover the lively street art, murals and graffiti.
This evening at 7pm, get to know your fellow travellers and Kiwi Experience Small Group Tour Driver Guide during a welcome evening.
Day 2 : CHRISTCHURCH TO KAIKOURA
We're setting off from Christchurch bright and early to venture up the east coast and start uncovering some hidden treasures. First on the list is Tawanui Farm, a sprawling 330-hectare sheep and beef farm. During this 90-minute excursion, you'll immerse yourself in the authentic rural life of New Zealand. Witness the farm in action as its hardworking residents go about their daily tasks, including the skilled sheep dogs. You'll also have the chance to meet and hand-feed the friendly farm animals while gaining insight into the farm's sustainable practices.
Afterwards, our journey continues northward to the renowned town of Kaikoura, famous for its rich marine life. This is your opportunity to encounter majestic whales, playful dolphins, adorable seals, and more! Join an optional tour to get the chance to get up close and personal with these incredible sea creatures. Choose between a whale-watching expedition or an exhilarating swim with dolphins.
As the day draws to a close, savor the evening by unwinding on the beautiful beach or indulging in some of New Zealand's finest seafood for your dinner. In fact, the name "Kaikoura" translates to "eat crayfish," with "kai" meaning to eat and "koura" meaning crayfish, making it a seafood lover's paradise.
Day 3 : KAIKOURA TO ABEL TASMAN
Today we head north and take in the last of the dramatic Kaikoura coastline, stopping first for a closer look at the seals laying about on the rocks. Arriving into the top of the South Island we’ll journey through the dreamy Marlborough region, home to more vineyards than your eyes can see. We'll stop for some wine and gin tasting (or two…) along the way (included) so you can taste local wine from this world-famous winemaking region. In the afternoon we arrive to our next destination – the Abel Tasman National Park, renowned for Its golden sand beaches, coastal walking track and native wildlife. There’s plenty to do in this region, and you’ll have a full day tomorrow to explore all that the national park has to offer.
Day 4 : ABEL TASMAN (FREE DAY)
The stunning Abel Tasman National Park has plenty to offer. With it's inviting golden sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and native forest, this natural haven is teeming with life. You’ll find native birds, gannets, little blue penguins and fur seals inhabiting the area, so there is plenty to explore for wildlife enthusiasts! Your day here is entirely yours, and we have a range of activities for you to choose from so you can experience Abel Tasman the way you want to. Options include hiking along the scenic coastal track, kayaking, sailing or catching a Water Taxi into the heart of the National Park. For the more adventurous, you can even opt to view the national park from high above on a skydive.
Day 5 : ABEL TASMAN TO HANMER SPRINGS
This morning we stop at the iconic Nelson Lakes, so you can get your legendary wharf jumping shot (if you’re brave!) before continuing onto Hanmer Springs. On our way into the resort town we will stop at the Hanmer forest sculpture walk so you can discover the whimsical wooden sculptures hidden along this short and peaceful walk. The picturesque alpine village of Hanmer Springs is best known for its natural hot pools and stunning landscapes, with dramatic mountains and towering forests. The surrounding mountains are home to walking trails, the Heritage Forest (with a winding trail to a lookout point), and Waiau Gorge with whitewater rapids.
Day 6 : HANMER SPRINGS (FREE DAY)
Hanmer Springs is the ultimate destination for adventure, relaxation and indulgence, and you’ve got a free day to explore this remarkable town. Today you have an entry ticket to the iconic Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa where you can soak in the 22 outdoor thermal pools, complete with four hydroslides and the New Zealand’s largest aquatic thrill ride, Conical Thrill.
After you’ve soaked your cares away, take some time to discover the quaint charm of the town’s main street; lined with boutique shops, cafes and eateries. If you’re craving more adventure, Hanmer Springs offers a range of exciting activities. Go forest hiking, rafting, bungy jumping or jet boating. The choice is yours and the possibilities are endless!
Day 7 : HANMER SPRINGS TO CHRISTCHURCH
After an action packed and rejuvenating stay in Hanmer Springs, we'll cruise on through to Christchurch. Before returning to Christchurch we'll stop at the Iron Ridge Quarry Sculpture Park - set in the stunning North Canterbury landscape overlooking the Waipara River Valley. Here you will find an impressive collection of sculptures ranging in size and crafted in diverse mediums like bronze, steel, corten steel, pounamu and sandstone. These creations are the works of Raymond Herver, a contemporary New Zealand artist who possesses a mischievous flair in his artwork, crafting interactive and unique pieces.
Day 8 : AKAROA DAY TOUR
Today we are taking you to a hidden gem just a short drive away from Christchurch; the charming town of Akaroa! A unique village with elements of Māori, French, and English culture, Akaroa is one of the oldest and best-preserved heritage towns in the South Island. Along the way, we will stop at The Hilltop Tavern so you can soak in the panoramic views of the Akaroa harbour and surrounding farming areas over a cup of coffee. This afternoon you will take part in a 2-hour nature tour with Pōhatu Penguins (included). On this tour, learn about the area’s rich history, native flora and fauna, and Pōhatu’s unique penguin conservation program. You’ll get to meet and feed the farm’s friendly pet sheep, and when in season see White-Flippered penguins up close as you walk around the nesting sites. If you're lucky, spot other wildlife such as seals along the way! You also have the option of upgrading to Pōhatu’s Sea-Kayaking Safari tour; a wildlife adventure to find seabirds, fur seals, penguins, and possibly even spot the world’s smallest dolphin gliding under your kayak (optional upgrade, subject to availability).
Then it’s time to head back to Christchurch. This evening you'll head out on a Christchurch Street Art Tour (included), a journey of street art, murals and graffiti art of all sizes, explaining the history of urban art, and the city's emergence as an urban art destination.
Day 9 : CHRISTCHURCH TO FRANZ JOSEF
Today we travel from coast to coast right over the Southern Alps passing through the Arthur’s Pass National Park, one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand. Arthurs Pass is a landscape of two halves, along the eastern side we’ll venture through riverbeds and beech forest, and on the western side deeply gorged rivers and dense rainforest. Along this road, we will stop off at the Devil’s Punch Bowl and the breath-taking Castle Hill. We arrive to Franz Josef in the afternoon, home to the Franz Josef glacier - a spectacular 5km long glacier. You’ll have two days here to unwind in Rainforest Retreat and visit the Franz Josef glacier.
Day 10 : FRANZ JOSEF FREE DAY
Incredible Franz Josef sits in the world heritage area, and the combination of alpine scenery and west coast rainforest makes for an epic setting for your free day. Immerse yourself in a unique opportunity today - carving your own Pounamu (Greenstone) jewellery (included). You’ll learn more about the cultural significance of pounamu as you engage in this authentic cultural experience and depart with your own special piece of Aotearoa New Zealand.
You’ll then get to explore the Franz Josef glacier, an ever-changing landscape of ice. Opt for the Heli-Hike adventure, allowing you to walk on top of the glacier itself. For a free option, walk through the rainforest to a viewing area where the icy wonderland lies just 750m away.
Day 11 : FRANZ JOSEF TO LAKE HAWEA
We start the day off with a trip to the Franz Josef wildlife centre (included) where you can see the largest kiwi incubation and hatching facility on the South Island. You are guaranteed to see a live kiwi inside the open nocturnal house, as well as Tuatara, a reptile only found in New Zealand. Afterwards we head to Lake Matheson for a refreshing walk around the lake known for its perfect mirror reflection of Aoraki Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. The waters of Lake Matheson are dark brown, so on a calm day they create the ideal reflective surface, and by a happy coincidence, the mountains to the east are perfectly positioned to reflect in the lake.
We'll then cruise up the last stretch of Highway 6, stopping at popular scenic spots along the way, and onwards to Lake Hawea. Lake Hawea is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise and a great place to swim, kite surf, kayak, bike, walk or just laze about on the lake’s edge.
Day 12 : LAKE HAWEA TO QUEENSTOWN VIA WANAKA
Today we head to Queenstown; known as the adrenaline capital of New Zealand. But before we get to Queenstown, we'll first stop in Wanaka; a resort town set on the southern end of its namesake lake with views of snowcapped mountains. It's the gateway to the Southern Alps' Mount Aspiring National Park, a wilderness of glaciers, beech forests and alpine lakes. Make sure to check out #ThatWanakaTree and snap a pic of one of the most photographed trees in the world!
Next up we’ll visit the world’s first commercial bungy site – The Kawarau Bridge. Only the bravest travellers will dare to sign up for this iconic bucket list bungy! (Optional extra). Once we arrive in Queenstown, we will head to the spectacular waterfront; here, you can grab a bite to eat, perhaps enjoy a drink and enjoy the Queenstown nightline with all the crew!
Day 13 : QUEENSTOWN FREE DAY
Queenstown has something for everyone; here, you can seek adrenaline-fueled adventures or enjoy a more leisurely exploration of the natural playground. Each season offers its own unique vibe, and most activities can be accessed all year round. If you’re looking for adrenaline, bungy jumping, jetboating, white water rafting and sky diving are all available.
If a more relaxed pace is calling, hire a bike, take a stroll, enjoy a boat cruise, relax at a spa, or enjoy one of the many vineyards in the area.
Day 14 : MILFORD SOUND DAY TOUR
A trip to the South Island would only be complete with a trip to Piopiotahi, Milford Sound. As we venture from Queenstown bright and early, we make time to stop for breakfast and coffee in the quaint town of Te Anau before continuing the breathtaking drive towards Milford Sound with scheduled photo stops along the way.
Milford Sound is nestled within Fiordland National Park, known for its pristine wildlife, which marvels at any time of year and in any weather; Milford Sound is rich in geological formations, captivating waterfalls and, unsurprisingly, one of the most amazing scenic day trips to do in New Zealand.
Enjoy a two-hour (included) scenic boat cruise through the inky blackwater; keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, fur seals, and an abundance of birdlife; if you’re really lucky, you’ll spot the endangered Fiordland Crested Penguin. After your cruise, we return to Queenstown for the evening.
Day 15 : QUEENSTOWN TO CHRISTCHURCH VIA LAKE TEKAPO
We drive on through the stunning Lindis Pass and into the magnificent Mackenzie Country, home to Lake Tekapo. Here we will visit the charming stone Church of the Good Shepherd (included), sat next to the breathtakingly blue waters of the lake framed with colourful lupins.
Afterwards we head to Christchurch for one last hurrah before the tour ends.
Check in from 2pm on the first day of tour at Hotel Give in Christchurch
Tour finishes in same spot
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