Premium New Zealand South Island

Travel Type

Guided Tours

Duration

10 Days/9 Nights

Country

New Zealand

Exotik Experiences by Intrepid Travel

Since 1989, Intrepid Travel has been redefining the way we explore the world, creating meaningful, positive change through unforgettable small group journeys. From active adventures to comfort and premium experiences, there’s a style (and budget) for every type of traveler. Imagine immersive travel in over 100 countries, intimate groups of 12–14 participants and the insight of a passionate English-speaking local leader bringing each destination to life. Authentic. Responsible. Unforgettable. Now you may contact your travel advisor to arrange your Intrepid departure while benefiting from the full range of Exotik Journeys services. These include personalized assistance, flight arrangements with stopover options, and the possibility to combine additional destinations or countries. We can also help you create a private group experience tailored to you, your family, or your friends.

Tour Specifications

– Group size: 1 to 12
– Minimum age: 15 years old
– Style: Premium (Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders)
– Theme: Explorer
– Physical rating: 2/5 (Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey)

Inclusions

– 9-night accommodation in double occupancy (8 nights in comfortable hotel, 1 night in feature stay)
– 15 meals: 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinners
– English-speaking guide
– Transportation in private vehicle
– Arrival airport transfer
– Visits as per itinerary
– Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
– 24/7 on-ground support

Exclusions

International flights and airport taxes – Visa if required – Beverages – Meals other than those mentioned – Optional excursions – Travel insurance – All other items not mentioned in the Inclusions.

Additional Information

Please note that you can book thousands of experiences from Intrepid Travel itineraries via Exotik Journeys. There are different travel styles (basix, original, comfort, premium) as well as varying levels of physical activity (from 1 to 5), suitable for every type of traveler. Please ask your travel agent to contact Exotik Journeys for more information or to make a reservation.

DAY 1 ARRIVAL AT CHRISTCHURCH

Welcome to New Zealand! When you arrive in Christchurch, you’ll be met at the airport by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, followed by a welcome dinner at a restaurant featuring produce from the Canterbury region. Enjoy a three-course dinner celebrating local producers at a restaurant that champions sustainability.

Meals : Dinner

Accommodation : Christchurch for 1 night

DAY 2 CHRISTCHURCH - GREYMOUTH - PUNAKAIKI

Take an orientation tour with your leader around some of the landmarks of Christchurch. Then, set off for Punakaiki, driving through Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill, the spectacular mountain scenery may look familiar, as parts of The Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings movies were filmed here. After lunch in Moana ($), enjoy a short stop at Lake Brunner, the largest lake in the South Island. Spend the afternoon in Greymouth, stopping into a boutique studio to learn about the prized west coast jade known locally as Pounamu (Greenstone). Then, continue to Monteith’s Brewery, considered the original home of New Zealand craft brewing for a tour and tasting. Arrive at Punakaiki Resort by late afternoon, in Paparoa National Park, this resort lies next to Punakaiki Beach and the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.

Meals : Breakfast

Accommodation : Punakaiki for 1 night

DAY 3 PUNAKAIKI - HOKITIKA - FRANZ JOSEF

After breakfast, explore the Punakaiki Rocks and Blowholes before the drive to Franz Josef. Along the way, stretch your legs at the charming west coast town of Hokitika and enjoy an exhilarating treetop adventure on a walk through the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. In the afternoon, take a private ranger-guided tour of the West Coast Wildlife Centre, home of the official breeding programme for the world’s rarest kiwi, the rowi. Also keep an eye out for tuatara (a reptile endemic to New Zealand). Arrive in Franz Josef in the late afternoon, where you’ll have a free evening.

Meals : Breakfast

Accommodation : Franz Josef for 2 nights

DAY 4 FRANZ JOSEF

Begin your day with a self-guided walk to see the icy wonderland created by the Franz Josef Glacier, one of the steepest glaciers in New Zealand. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you may like to join an optional heli-hiking tour and get even closer to the glacier. Other optional activities include kayaking, a scenic cruise on Lake Mapourika or a soak in the hot tubs at Franz Josef.

Meals : Breakfast

Optional Excursions :
Franz Josef - Lake Mapourika Scenic Cruise ($)
Franz Josef - Waiho Hot Tubs ($)
Franz Josef - Heli-Hiking Tour ($)
Franz Josef - Kayaking Excursion ($)

DAY 5 FRANZ JOSEF - MAKARORA - WANAKA

Depart Franz Josef for the resort town of Wanaka, the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park, located in the Otago region. Stop along the way at Makarora and visit the Aspiring Biodiversity Trust, an organisation that strives to protect and restore indigenous biodiversity. After lunch, take a guided flora and fauna walk with a local ornithologist and ecologist. Keep an eye out for endangered birds as you learn about how the Aspiring Biodiversity Trust is working to reduce predators and save some of New Zealand’s rarest species. Arrive in Wanaka by late afternoon and settle into your home for the next two nights. Located next to the resplendent Wanaka Station Park on the shores of Lake Wanaka, and a short stroll from Wanaka township, you’ll be perfectly placed to enjoy all this popular town has to offer.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation : Wanaka for 2 nights

DAY 6 WANAKA

Enjoy a sleep in this morning or start your day with a hike up Mount Iron for a view over Lake Wanaka and the surrounding peaks. Central Otago is a region well known for food and wine, and today you’ll visit the spectacular Criffel Station. Here you will be shown around the farm by the family before a delicious lunch made using local produce.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7 WANAKA - GIBBSTON VALLEY

Soak up a free morning in gorgeous Wanaka, then take the short drive to Arrowtown, known for its heritage town centre and autumn festival, this leafy community is perfect to explore on foot. When you arrive, you’ll take a leader-led walking tour through the cute shops and cafes, then head on to your Feature Stay accommodation at Kinross Winery in the Gibbston Valley. This working vineyard near Queenstown features on-site hot tubs and mountain scenery. During your stay, you’ll have a wine-tasting session followed by a 3-course group dinner featuring local, fresh produce.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation : Gibbston Valley for 1 night

DAY 8 GIBBSTON VALLEY - MILFORD SOUND - QUEENSTOWN

Today is all about the gorgeous scenery of the South Island! Say goodbye to the vineyard after breakfast and start your journey to the iconic Milford Sound, surrounded by mountains and, depending on the season and rainfall, hundreds of waterfalls, this place is well-acclaimed for a reason. When you arrive at the port, you’ll take a premium day cruise to try to spot the local wildlife, waterfalls and amazing scenery from the water. Enjoy drinks and canapes on board, as well as in-depth commentary. After the cruise, head on to Queenstown for a free evening.

Meals : Breakfast

Accommodation : Queenstown for 2 nights

DAY 9 QUEENSTOWN

Soak up a free morning and early afternoon in Queenstown, making the most of your time in this scenic city. Wander at your own pace, then head out in the late afternoon with your group. You’ll board the TSS Earnslaw, an iconic, century-old coal-fired steamship. Cruise along Lake Whatkatipu to Walter High Peak Country Farm, taking in the scenery of the lake as you go. When you arrive, enjoy a sheep dog demonstration before sitting down for their famous gourmet barbeque dinner. Maybe say a cheers to an amazing adventure, then cruise back to Queenstown as the sun sets.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10 DEPARTURE FROM QUEENSTOWN

Your New Zealand adventure ends this morning after breakfast. As this trip spends little time in Queenstown, it’s recommended that you spend an extra day or two if you want to experience all the town has to offer. Your travel agent will be happy to book additional accommodation for you, just get in touch ahead of time.

Meals : Breakfast

HOTEL OPTIONS OR SIMILAR

Christchurch

The Fable Christchurch 4*

Punakaiki

Scenic Hotel Punakaiki 4*

Franz Josef

Rainforest Retreat Deluxe Tree Hut 4*

Wanaka

Edgewater Hotel 4*

Gibbston Valley

Kinross Winery (Feature Stay) 4*

Queenstown

Ramada Queenstown 4*

Rates in CA$, per person, starting from Up to 2 departures weekly please contact your travel agent for more details	Land Package
Fixed departures 2026-2027	Double occupancy
September, 2026	7870
October, 2026	8380
November, 2026	8545
December, 2026	8780
Januay, 2027	10 410
February, 2027	10 120
March-April, 2027	9825
Supplements
Single occupancy or solo traveler	On request
Optional excursions	On request

Product Code: Intrepid (PHPS)
*These are standard rates; however, promotions are available throughout the year. Please contact your travel agent for the latest offers and special deal.

Special Booking Conditions:

– Non-refundable deposit of $500 per person due at the moment of reservation.
– Non-refundable final payment due 60 days prior to departure.

Special Notes

Please note that you can book thousands of experiences from Intrepid Travel itineraries via Exotik Journeys. There are different travel styles (basix, original, comfort, premium) as well as varying levels of physical activity (from 1 to 5), suitable for every type of traveler. Please ask your travel agent to contact Exotik Journeys for more information or to make a reservation.

**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment. Prices include the contribution of customers to the Compensation Fund for clients of Quebec travel agents.

*** PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS. ***

Premium New Zealand South Island – Detailed Itinerary