Trip Length
10 Days
Trip Starts
Christchurch
Trip Finishes
Queenstown
Countries Explored:
New Zealand
Trip Length
10 Days
Trip Starts
Christchurch
Trip Finishes
Queenstown
Countries Explored:
New Zealand
Trip Style
Premium
Departures
Accommodation
4 Star
Max. Group Size
12
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
PHPS
Trip Style
Premium
Departures
Accommodation
4 Star
Max. Group Size
12
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
PHPS
Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 10 Day Premium New Zealand South Island. Taking you from Christchurch to Queenstown via glaciers, wineries, lakes, and an overnight cruise on Milford Sound, this 10-day tour showcases the natural beauty and thriving food and wine scene in the South Island of New Zealand. Forage for fresh ingredients with a local chef in Otago, set your pulse racing during a jetboat ride in Queenstown and come face to face with endangered species at a wildlife centre on the West Coast, including New Zealand’s rarest kiwi. With a friendly leader to guide the way,...read more you’ll experience a landscape that has been shaped by the elements over thousands of years.
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 10 Day Premium New Zealand South Island. Taking you from Christchurch to Queenstown via glaciers, wineries, lakes and cruise on Milford Sound, this 10-day Premium trip showcases the natural beauty and thriving food and wine scene in the South Island of New Zealand. Forage for fresh ingredients with a local chef in Otago and come face to face with endangered species at a wildlife Centre on the West Coast, including New Zealand’s rarest kiwi. With a friendly leader to guide the way you’ll experience a landscape that has been shaped by the elements...read more over thousands of years.
Itinerary
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 tiny restaurant and natural wine bar featuring produce from the Canterbury region. Enjoy a three-course dinner celebrating local producers at a restaurant that champions sustainability. (D)
Take a morning stroll 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. (B)
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. (B)
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. (B)
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 Makorora 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 – a homestead built on the site of a former sheep station. 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. (B/L)
Enjoy a sleep in this morning or start your day with a hike up Mt 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 for a chef-guided tasting and foraging tour, followed by a delicious lunch, washed down with some Central Otago wines. (B/L/D)
Depart Wanaka for the drive to Te Anau. Along the way, take in the scenic drive across the Crown Range by the shores of Lake Wakatipu. After lunch, continue to your embarkation point for your Feature Stay – an overnight cruise surrounded by the spectacular Milford Sound, also known by its Te Reo (Maori) name Piopiotahi. Aboard your purpose-built vessel, enjoy a full-length journey of the fjord out to the Tasman Sea, with the possibility to see wildlife such as seals, penguins and dolphins in the warmer months. You’ll also have access to a specialist guide with information on the fjord's history and natural environment. For those who are keen, kayaking and/or small boat tours allow a truly immersive experience of this special place. Finish your day with a delicious three-course dinner before settling down in your cosy cabin. (B/D)
After a leisurely onboard breakfast surrounded by some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery, you’ll disembark and travel to Queenstown with plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs along the way. After another stop in Te Anau for lunch, you’ll arrive with plenty of time to check into your boutique hotel in Queenstown and head out for dinner. (B)
This morning, take a jetboat ride on the Kimi Akau (Shotover River), deep into the Shotover Canyons. Speeding over water as shallow as 10 cm, this is an amazing white-water experience, operated by the Ngai Tahu Maori people, who have a centuries-old connection with this land. After, head on a leader-led walk through the heritage town of Arrowtown, then enjoy a wine tasting at Gibbston Valley. Maybe toast the end of your journey with a New Zealand-inspired gin and tonic or glass of Otago wine at a bar and restaurant with arguably the most spectacular views in all of Queenstown. (B)
Your New Zealand adventure ends this morning after breakfast. As this trip spends very 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 booking agent will be happy to book additional accommodation for you, just get in touch ahead of time. (B)
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 tiny restaurant and natural wine bar featuring produce from the Canterbury region. Enjoy a three-course dinner celebrating local producers at a restaurant that champions sustainability. (D)
Take a morning stroll 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. (B)
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. (B)
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. (B)
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 Makorora 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 – a homestead built on the site of a former sheep station. 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. (B/L/D)
Enjoy a sleep in this morning or start your day with a hike up Mt 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 for a chef-guided tasting and foraging tour, followed by a delicious lunch. (B/L)
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. (B/D)
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 dinner. (B)
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, take a tour of the working farm, then sit down with your hosts for their famous gourmet barbeque dinner. Maybe say a cheers to an amazing adventure, then cruise back to Queenstown as the sun sets. (B/D)
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 booking agent will be happy to book additional accommodation for you, just get in touch ahead of time. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Experience some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery during your Feature Stay on Milford Sound aboard a purpose-built vessel.
- Savour the flavours of the Otago region with a chef-led food and foraging Exclusive Experience on an expansive and stunning New Zealand deer station.
- Take an exhilarating jetboat ride on the Kimi Akau (Shotover River). This Exclusive Experience takes you deep into the spectacular Shotover Canyons, with the Ngai Tahu - the Maori people of this land.
- Enjoy a ranger-guided walk around the aptly named Blue Pools that feed the Makarora River and learn about the important work of the Aspiring Biodiversity Trust to reduce predators and save some of New Zealand’s rarest species.
- Take a 'backstage tour' of the West Coast Wildlife Centre, helping bring the critically endangered Rowi and Haast tokoeka kiwi back from extinction. Come face-to-face with these rare creatures.
- Hotel (6 nights)
- Homestead (2 nights)
- Cruise boat (1 night)
- 9 Breakfasts included
- 2 Lunches included
- 3 Dinners included
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
- Soak up one of the best parts of New Zealand’s South Island – it's wine! During your Feature Stay in Gibbston Valley, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting, indulge in a 3-course dinner and watch the sunset over the mountains (maybe from the on-site hot tubs)!
- Savour the flavours of the Otago region with a chef-led food and foraging Exclusive Experience on an expansive and stunning New Zealand deer station.
- Cruise the waters of iconic Milford Sound on a Premium day cruise, where you’ll enjoy drinks and canapes on board as you look out for the waterfalls, local wildlife and learn about the area.
- Enjoy a ranger-guided walk around the aptly named Blue Pools that feed the Makarora River and learn about the important work of the Aspiring Biodiversity Trust to reduce predators and save some of New Zealand’s rarest species.
- Take a 'backstage tour' of the West Coast Wildlife Centre, helping bring the critically endangered Rowi and Haast tokoeka kiwi back from extinction. Come face-to-face with these rare creatures.
- Hotel (9 nights)
- 9 Breakfasts included
- 2 Lunches included
- 4 Dinners included
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Brochure
Intrepid Family Adventures (2022-24)
Intrepid’s family adventures are a chance to travel the world with the centre of yours. Take your education outside the classroom to places where textbooks come to life, every local is a teacher and the most important lessons aren’t necessarily planned. From the preserved history of Pompeii to Morocco’s wild, windswept dunes, these global adventures...more are the perfect way to inspire the next generation of global citizens.
Availability
Friday
24 Jan 2025
Sunday
02 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$10,320
N/A
Friday
14 Feb 2025
Sunday
23 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$10,444
Sold Out
Friday
21 Feb 2025
Sunday
02 Mar 2025
Status
From:
$9,840
Sold Out
Friday
28 Feb 2025
Sunday
09 Mar 2025
Status
From:
$10,290
Sold Out
Friday
28 Mar 2025
Sunday
06 Apr 2025
Status
From:
$9,550
Sold Out
Friday
24 Jan 2025
Sunday
02 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$12,805
N/A
Friday
14 Feb 2025
Sunday
23 Feb 2025
Status
From:
$12,929
Sold Out
Friday
21 Feb 2025
Sunday
02 Mar 2025
Status
From:
$12,325
Sold Out
Friday
28 Feb 2025
Sunday
09 Mar 2025
Status
From:
$12,775
Sold Out
Friday
28 Mar 2025
Sunday
06 Apr 2025
Status
From:
$12,035
Sold Out
Exclusive Savings
Friday
19 Dec 2025
Sunday
28 Dec 2025
Status
From: $8,820
$8,644
Save $176
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Tuesday
23 Dec 2025
Thursday
01 Jan 2026
Status
From: $8,820
$8,644
Save $176
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday
26 Dec 2025
Sunday
04 Jan 2026
Status
From: $9,160
$8,977
Save $183
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday
09 Jan 2026
Sunday
18 Jan 2026
Status
From: $9,160
$8,977
Save $183
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday
16 Jan 2026
Sunday
25 Jan 2026
Status
From: $9,160
$8,977
Save $183
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday
23 Jan 2026
Sunday
01 Feb 2026
Status
From: $9,160
$8,977
Save $183
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday
30 Jan 2026
Sunday
08 Feb 2026
Status
From: $9,160
$8,977
Save $183
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday
06 Feb 2026
Sunday
15 Feb 2026
Status
From: $9,160
$8,977
Save $183
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday
13 Feb 2026
Sunday
22 Feb 2026
Status
From: $9,160
$8,977
Save $183
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday
20 Feb 2026
Sunday
01 Mar 2026
Status
From: $9,160
$8,977
Save $183
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Tuesday
24 Feb 2026
Thursday
05 Mar 2026
Status
From: $9,160
$8,977
Save $183
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday
27 Feb 2026
Sunday
08 Mar 2026
Status
From: $9,160
$8,977
Save $183
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday
06 Mar 2026
Sunday
15 Mar 2026
Status
From: $9,160
$8,977
Save $183
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday
13 Mar 2026
Sunday
22 Mar 2026
Status
From: $8,820
$8,644
Save $176
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday
20 Mar 2026
Sunday
29 Mar 2026
Status
From: $8,820
$8,644
Save $176
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday
27 Mar 2026
Sunday
05 Apr 2026
Status
From: $8,820
$8,644
Save $176
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday
03 Apr 2026
Sunday
12 Apr 2026
Status
From: $8,570
$8,399
Save $171
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday
10 Apr 2026
Sunday
19 Apr 2026
Status
From: $8,570
$8,399
Save $171
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday
17 Apr 2026
Sunday
26 Apr 2026
Status
From: $8,570
$8,399
Save $171
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday
01 May 2026
Sunday
10 May 2026
Status
From: $8,240
$8,075
Save $165
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday
15 May 2026
Sunday
24 May 2026
Status
From: $8,240
$8,075
Save $165
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday
29 May 2026
Sunday
07 Jun 2026
Status
From: $8,240
$8,075
Save $165
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday
26 Jun 2026
Sunday
05 Jul 2026
Status
From: $8,240
$8,075
Save $165
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday
14 Aug 2026
Sunday
23 Aug 2026
Status
From: $9,065
$8,884
Save $181
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday
19 Dec 2025
Sunday
28 Dec 2025
Status
From: $11,305
$11,129
Save $176
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Tuesday
23 Dec 2025
Thursday
01 Jan 2026
Status
From: $11,305
$11,129
Save $176
Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday
26 Dec 2025
Sunday
04 Jan 2026
Status
From: $11,645
$11,462
Save $183
Enquire
Show more dates...
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Intrepid. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Intrepid. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
