South Island Escape
South Island Escape
South Island Escape
Embark on a 7-day luxury tour through the natural wonderland of New Zealand's South Island. Experience Queenstown, the adventure capital, cruise Milford Sound, hike Franz Josef glacier, and discover breathtaking vistas for an unforgettable adventure.
Highlights
Franz Josef
Hike, heli or climb through New Zealand's steepest glacier.
Tekapo
Stargaze at the world's largest International Dark Sky Reserve.
Queenstown
Discover spectacular views in the adventure capital of the New Zealand.
Milford Sound
Cruise through what is considered the 8th Wonder of the World.
Itinerary
Christchurch to Tekapo
Welcome to New Zealand! Our luxury bus tour starts in Christchurch, where we'll travel through the stunning Rakaia Gorge, a picturesque natural wonder. We'll stop for lunch in the charming town of Geraldine, where you can taste some of the best local food and drinks. Then, we'll make our way to the beautiful Lake Tekapo, famous for its turquoise water and incredible views of the Southern Alps.
Tekapo to Queenstown
Today we journey to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, via the iconic Mt Difficulty for a lunch and wine-tasting experience that will leave your taste buds dancing. After lunch, we'll head to Chard Farm, a picturesque vineyard nestled on the banks of the Kawarau River, where you can sample some of New Zealand's finest wines.
Milford Sound
Prepare to be awestruck as we travel to Milford Sound, often called the eighth wonder of the world. Enjoy a scenic cruise through the fiord, past majestic waterfalls and towering cliffs, and breathtaking landscapes that make this place so special, with the chance to spot some of the local wildlife.
Queenstown
Today is a free day for you to explore the adventure capital of the world. With a plethora of optional activities available, such as bungy jumping, skydiving, jet boating, a scenic hike or a leisurely stroll around the city's charming streets, there's something for everyone.
Queenstown to Franz Josef
On this day, we'll travel from Queenstown to Franz Josef, another picturesque town famous for its stunning glaciers. We'll make a stop in Wanaka, a beautiful lakeside town, where you can enjoy some of the best views in New Zealand. We'll also visit Lake Matheson, known for its mirror-like reflections of the surrounding mountains.
Franz Josef
Today is a free day for you to explore Franz Josef, with the option to take a guided walk on the glacier, relax in the thermal pools, or go on a scenic helicopter tour to explore the surrounding area. We'll also include a Greenstone Carving experience, where you'll learn about the local Maori culture and create your own unique piece of jewellery.
Franz Josef to Christchurch
On our final day, we'll make our way back to Christchurch, stopping in Hokitika, famous for its jade carvings, and Arthur's Pass, known for its stunning mountain landscapes. Finally, we'll visit Castle Hill, a collection of incredible limestone rock formations that are sure to leave you in awe. We'll finish our tour back in Christchurch, where you can reflect on the incredible experiences and memories made during your luxury bus tour of New Zealand.
What’s included on every Grand & Wild tour
Expert local guide/driverLuxury VehiclePremium accommodationBreakfast every dayWhat's also included on this tour
- Freshly booked breakfast every day
- Welcome Dinner
- Milford Sound Cruise
- Lunch & wine tasting at Mt Difficulty Vineyard
- Greenstone Carving Experience
- Wine tasting at Chard Farm Winery
Popular Activities
Franz Josef Heli Hike
Franz Josef
From $469
Milford Sound Cruise
Milford Sound
Included
Tekapo Hot Springs
Tekapo
From $35 NZD
K Jet
Queenstown
From $135Robbie was not only very well organized and professional but also a great company. He took care of all needs of the participants and created a great vibe.
Ben has been an incredible tour guide! He shared his true passion, joy and knowledge with the group, and ensured everybody was having an amazing time.
Claudia as our guide was fantastic!! She has vast knowledge of the South Island, knows the best photo stops and gave great recommendations.
Why Grand & Wild
Small Groups
To ensure a personal and pampered experience, we have a maximum group size of 14 people. You won't get lost or left out in the chaos of a large group, and you'll get the opportunity to connect with your guide and bond with like-minded guests from all over the world.
Our Guides
Our local guides are committed to the excellence of your tour, taking care of every detail of your holiday and ensuring you have access to all the best spots, restaurants and sights. They’ll be your go-to for everything from organising additional activities to teaching you about the local history while ensuring you have a totally stress-free holiday.
Premium Accommodation
After an incredible day of exploring, you can rest assured that you will be returning to accommodation where the beds will be comfortable, the rooms warm, and the experience exceptional. From lakeside hotels to rainforest retreats, our tours offer exceptional premium accommodation in the most beautiful parts of the country.
South Island Escape Pricing
Check the available dates below and then fill in the following booking form to enquire or secure your place.
Flexi Departure Policy: Swap onto a different departure date, up to 10 weeks prior to your original tour departure date.
Secure Your Spot
Fill out the form below with your holiday preferences and requirements. One of our travel advisors will be in touch in the next 24 hours with our availability. If you have any questions feel free to call us or email [email protected]
Getting there
There are multiple options for traveling to Christchurch. You have the choice to fly via Auckland with various international carriers or directly with domestic carriers within New Zealand. Additionally, depending on your departure location, selected airlines also offer direct flights to Christchurch. Your pick-up location will be at the main entrance to The Fable Hotel (166 Gloucester Street, Christchurch Central). It is located in the heart of the city and easy to find. The easiest way to get from the airport to the city is by Taxi or Uber.
