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5 Day South Island New Zealand Private Tour from Queenstown

Offered by Waimate Journeys

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$4,900.00 per person

5.0 (10 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

120 hours (approx.)Pickup Available Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

5-day private South Island tour from Queenstown to Christchurch with a guide-driver, with a choice of Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound and optional Te Anau caves.

Tour Overview

This 5 day private tour begins in Queenstown and travels through New Zealand’s South Island at a relaxed pace, with a guide-driver and vehicle reserved for your group. It is designed for travellers who want the ease of a planned journey without the hassle of long drives, while still keeping flexibility through a choice of optional activities along the way.

A major part of the experience is the chance to choose between Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound in Fiordland National Park. Milford Sound combines a scenic drive with stops for short nature walks before a cruise beneath steep cliffs and waterfalls. Doubtful Sound takes a different route, with a cruise across Lake Manapouri, a coach journey over Wilmot Pass, and a fiord cruise through a quieter, more remote landscape of rainforest, peaks and waterfalls.

In Te Anau, you can add a guided visit to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, where Arachnocampa luminosa glow with a blue-green light inside the cave system. Back in Queenstown, there is time to see Queenstown Gardens on the Lake Wakatipu peninsula, walk through the centre of town, or choose a jet boat ride on the Kawarau or Shotover River, reaching speeds of up to 95 kmph with 360 degree spins. The tour finishes in Christchurch.

What's Included

  • Guide-driver exclusively for your group
  • Private transportation
  • If any optional activity is canceled by activity provider or unavailable, alternatives are provided
  • Optional ("With Tickets" option): Glowworm Caves Tour Ticket at Te Anau
  • Optional ("With Tickets" option): Stargazing Activity Ticket at Lake Tekapo
  • Use of charging cables & emergency rain gear
  • Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Cruise Ticket at Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound
  • Optional ("With Tickets" option): Guided Kayaking or Whale watching cruise at Kaikōura
  • WiFi on board
  • Optional ("With Tickets" option): Gondola ride with luge & Thrill Jet Boating Ticket at Queenstown
  • Packaged snacks & chocolates
  • Optional ("With Tickets" option): Scenic Helicopter ride ticket at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
  • Optional ("With Tickets" option): Alpaca Farm Tour & Nature Cruise Ticket at Akaroa
  • Packaged water bottles
  • Optional ("With Tickets" option): TranzAlpine Scenic Train Ticket - Arthur's Pass to Christchurch
  • Optional ("With Hotels" Option): Accommodation for 4 nights in 4 to 5-star hotels with breakfast

Not Included:

  • Food & Drinks (except 4 x breakfast with "With Accommodation" option)
  • Anything not described in the inclusions
  • Travel Insurance

What To Expect

Day 1 : Queenstown – Milford Sound Cruise or Doubtful Sound Cruise - Te Anau Glowworm Caves – Te Anau

  1. 1

    Queenstown

    Start this multi-day tour in delightful style! Your adventure begins with a convenient hotel pickup in Queenstown. 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.

    15 minutes

  2. 2

    Milford Sound

    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.

    5 hours

  3. 3

    Doubtful Sound / Patea

    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.

    7 hours 30 minutes

  4. 4

    Te Anau Glowworm Caves

    Enjoy the drive back to Te Anau, refresh and 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. Finish this day full of beautiful memories by checking in at your Te Anau hotel, where you can relax and reflect on the day's adventures.

    2 hours 15 minutes

    Admission: Included

Accommodation: Optional ("With Hotels" Option): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.

Day 2 : Te Anau-Queenstown Explore (Queenstown Gardens, Lake Wakatipu, Wharf, Jet Boating & Skyline Gondola with Luge Rides)

  1. 1

    Queenstown

    Start your beautiful day in Te Anau with a pickup from your hotel. Enjoy the scenic drive towards Queenstown. Visit the famous Queenstown Gardens, located on a picturesque peninsula surrounded by Lake Wakatipu. These gardens offer a peaceful retreat with stunning views. After exploring the gardens, take a leisurely stroll through the streets of central Queenstown to experience the city's cheerful vibes. Relax by the shores of Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand's longest lake. After this moment of calmness, prepare yourself to experience the power of twin V8 engines as you jet boat down the Kawarau or Shotover River. Reaching speeds of up to 95 kmph, enjoy the adrenaline rush with multiple 360-degree spins.

    3 hours

  2. 2

    Skyline Queenstown

    After jet boating, there's more to enjoy. Take a ride on the Queenstown Gondola, which is believed to be the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere. Upon reaching the top, you'll be treated to spectacular views of The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Walter and Cecil Peak, and, of course, Queenstown itself. Spend quality time at the top exploring the area, or engaging in fun activities like thrilling luge rides and open-air chairlifts. Watch the sunset from this vantage point. Afterwards, take a return ride on the Gondola back down, where you will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel to relax and recharge for another epic day, exploring Mount Cook.

    4 hours

    Admission: Included

Accommodation: Optional ("With Hotels" Option): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.

Day 3 : Queenstown-Lindis Pass-Lake Pukaki-Aoraki Mount Cook-Scenic Helicopter Ride-Lake Tekapo-Stargazing in Dark Sky Reserve

  1. 1

    Lindis Pass Summit Scenic Lookout

    Start another beautiful day with a pickup from your hotel in Queenstown. Pass through Lindis Pass on your way to Mount Cook. Stop at Lindis Pass Summit Lookout to enjoy endless vistas of mountains.

    15 minutes

  2. 2

    Lake Pukaki

    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.

    30 minutes

  3. 3

    Aoraki/Mt. Cook

    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. Alternatively, choose the Tasman Glacier Walks for a different perspective. Look out for the kea, the world's only alpine parrot.

    3 hours 15 minutes

  4. 4

    Mount Cook Airport

    It's time to embark on a scenic helicopter ride. Soar above the stunning valleys and peaks of Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park in one of the modern helicopters. Experience breathtaking views of Aoraki/Mt. Cook and the surrounding snow-capped ranges as you fly. Relax and enjoy this unique experience with onboard commentary from pilot.

    30 minutes

    Admission: Included

  5. 5

    Tekapo Stargazing

    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.

    1 hour 15 minutes

    Admission: Included

Accommodation: Optional ("With Hotels" Option): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.

Day 4 : Lake Tekapo-Castle Hill-Arthur’s Pass National Park-Otira Viaduct-TranzAlpine Scenic Train-Christchurch

  1. 1

    Lake Tekapo

    Start your day by being picked up 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. Take a break at Lake Lyndon as we drive towards Arthur's Pass.

    30 minutes

  2. 2

    Castle Hill

    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.

    1 hour

  3. 3

    Arthur's Pass National Park

    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.

    2 hours

  4. 4

    Otira Viaduct Lookout

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

    15 minutes

  5. 5

    TranzAlpine Train

    Board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train at Arthur’s Pass Station for a breathtaking ride through stunning landscapes. Disembark at Christchurch Railway Station, where you will be picked up. You will be transferred to your Christchurch hotel.

    2 hours

    Admission: Included

Accommodation: Optional ("With Hotels" Option): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.

Day 5 : Christchurch - Kaikōura or Akaroa (Whale Watching/Kayaking/Nature Cruise & Alpaca Farm) - Christchurch

  1. 1

    Christchurch

    Start your day by being picked up from your accommodation in Christchurch. Choose between a full-day tour to Kaikoura or Akaroa, each offering a unique experience based on your preferred activities.

    15 minutes

  2. 2

    Kaikoura

    Kaikōura, famed for its stunning coastal scenery where rugged mountains meet the Pacific Ocean, lies near a unique underwater canyon system that draws abundant marine life, including whales. Opt for a guided kayaking adventure alongside seals, sea birds, and possibly dolphins, or a whale-watching cruise to spot majestic sperm whales, humpbacks, or orcas while learning about their habitat.

    5 hours

  3. 3

    Akaroa

    Akaroa, a charming French-inspired village, invites you to explore its beauty with a 2-hour nature cruise, uncovering its rich history and unique wildlife, including the rare Hector’s dolphins, the smallest dolphins in the world. Follow this with a visit to a charming alpaca farm for cuddly encounters with these adorable animals.

    5 hours

  4. 4

    Christchurch

    After your chosen day tour, we’ll return to Christchurch and drop you off at your hotel. It’s time to say goodbye. May these memories stay with you forever.

    15 minutes

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

If requesting pickup, please select your preferred location when booking through Viator.

Pickup details

We can pick you up from your preferred location in Queenstown City. Please provide a pick-up location that is searchable on google maps.

Or Meet At Meeting point

Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

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End Point

Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

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Additional Info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Travelers should have their own comprehensive travel insurance
  • Following your booking, the operator will get in touch to confirm your preferences, as applicable
  • With the "With Tickets" option, traveler(s) may swap any of the included activities for alternatives of interest such as Skydiving, Horse Trekking, Scenic Flights, Swimming with Dolphins, Glacier hiking, Relaxing Spa Treatment, Ziplining, etc., subject to availability, cost differences, and route or schedule feasibility

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.