Southern Alps & Fiordland: South Island Small-Group Journey
Ten days on the TranzAlpine, under glaciers and across the Southern Alps to Milford Sound and Aoraki Mount Cook. Perfect for Kiwis who keep meaning to see their own backyard.
Check availabilitySee the itinerary
- Duration
- 10 days
- Departs
- March 2027 and November 2027
- Group
- Small group, max 16
- Activity level
- Easy to moderate
- Price from
- NZ$6,450 pp
Why you’ll love this trip
Plenty of us have been to Bali more often than Fiordland. This ten-day journey fixes that, with the South Island’s greatest hits linked by one of the world’s great train rides and plenty of time to actually enjoy each place.
A local guide and driver take care of everything, so there is no long-haul driving on unfamiliar roads, no booking headaches and no missing the best seat on the Milford cruise. Domestic flights from Hamilton or Auckland to Christchurch can be added.
Highlights
- The TranzAlpine train across Arthur’s Pass
- Helicopter and guided walk on Franz Josef Glacier
- Lake Wanaka and the Cardrona valley
- Milford Sound nature cruise beneath Mitre Peak
- Hooker Valley Track at Aoraki Mount Cook
- Stargazing in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve
From, per person twin share
NZ$6,450
Land only. Flights quoted on request.
- 10 days, departs March 2027 and November 2027
- Expert tour leader and local guides
- Secure your place with a deposit
- Flexible payment plans available
Reply within one business day. No obligation.
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1: Christchurch
Meet in Christchurch for a welcome dinner and trip briefing.
- 2
Day 2: The TranzAlpine
Ride the TranzAlpine to Greymouth, then follow the coast past the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.
- 3
Day 3: Hokitika to Franz Josef
Pounamu carving demonstration in Hokitika, then south to Franz Josef. Evening hot pools.
- 4
Day 4: On the ice
Helicopter onto Franz Josef Glacier for a guided ice walk (weather permitting).
- 5
Day 5: Haast Pass to Wanaka
Waterfalls and blue pools on the Haast Pass. Evening in lakeside Wanaka.
- 6
Day 6: Queenstown
Over the Crown Range to Queenstown. Afternoon gondola and dinner on the waterfront.
- 7
Day 7: Milford Sound
Coach to Milford Sound through Fiordland National Park for a nature cruise.
- 8
Day 8: Gibbston and free time
Morning free, afternoon tastings in the Gibbston Valley wine region.
- 9
Day 9: Aoraki Mount Cook
Through the Lindis Pass to Aoraki Mount Cook. Walk the Hooker Valley Track.
- 10
Day 10: Tekapo and home
Church of the Good Shepherd and Lake Tekapo, then on to Christchurch for flights home.
Itinerary is a guide and may change due to local conditions.
What’s included
- 9 nights in quality 4-star hotels and lodges
- Daily breakfast, 4 lunches and 6 dinners
- Expert local guide and coach driver
- TranzAlpine scenic train journey
- Franz Josef heli-hike, Milford Sound cruise and Queenstown gondola
- Wine tastings and entry fees as listed
Not included
- Domestic flights to and from Christchurch (we can add these)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Optional activities such as jet boating or bungy
Questions about this trip
Can’t see your question? Ask Bridgette, she has heard them all.
What if the weather cancels the glacier heli-hike?
We build in flexibility to try again the next morning. If it still cannot go ahead, you receive a refund for that activity.
Is this suitable for older travellers?
Yes. Walks are short and optional, and the coach does the hard work. Tell us about any mobility needs and we will advise honestly.
Can I join from Hamilton?
Yes, we can book your flights from Hamilton or Auckland to Christchurch and back.
Hold a place on NZ South Island: Alps, Glaciers & Fiordland
Tell us a little about your plans and Bridgette will come back to you with availability, room options and a detailed trip pack.
- Places are limited to small groups
- A deposit secures your place, with payment plans available
- Talk to a real person in Hamilton
You might also like
NZ$6,450 pp