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New Zealand South Island Adventure

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New Zealand South Island Adventure

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Description

From an ancient world of forests and glaciers to a culture of hospitality that has long defined New Zealand’s people, discover the best of the South Island on a 12-day adventure. Take in highlights from Reefton to Fox Glacier, Pancake Rocks to botanical gins, kayaking to spa soaking. Make your way to the shores of the South Island’s biggest lake and sail the silent waters of glacier-carved Fiordland National Park on an unforgettable cruise on Milford Sound. Cross to the cliffs of the Catlins and hike to coastal caves, then span the gap to untouched Stewart Island to explore the wilderness, listening out for the call of the kiwi. When it comes to natural wonders, it doesn’t get better than this.

Trip Name
New Zealand South Island Adventure
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
12
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Take in the magic of the spectacular Fox Glacier region weaving through rainforests and a walk around the shimmering Lake Matheson.
  • Witness the stunning, millions of years old scenery at the dramatic Pancake Rocks and the Hokitika Gorge, and spot fur seals at Cape Foulwind.
  • Soak up the silence of Milford Sound on a cruise across its waters – you’ll be left speechless by the hundreds of tumbling cascades and deeply forested mountains.
  • Cross the Foveaux Strait to unspoilt Stewart Island and spend two days cruising the bays and inlets to spot penguins and seabirds and walking along its forested coastal tracks in search of kiwis.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Forest & Bird. Donations help them give nature a voice - protecting wildlife and wild places in Aotearoa New Zealand by advocating for conservation on the ground and at a government level. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Christchurch / Reefton / Westport
Welcome to your Intrepid exploration of the South Island! Your adventure begins in Christchurch, where a welcome meeting will take place at 8am for you to meet up with your local leader and fellow travellers. After your meeting, it’s time to hit the road, first heading to Hanmer Springs in the Lewis Pass national reserve. Check out the natural hot pools surrounded by greenery as the snow dusted peaks of the Southern Alps look on. You can even opt to take a dip. Next up, travel to Reefton, a tiny town that punches above its size. Step back in time and meet a local story-teller, learning about the town's gold mining past, the miners' families, the storekeepers, and embrace the Cornish influence. You'll even have the opportunity to see the water powered gold stamping battery working. Head into the town centre proper where you'll meet the 'bearded miners' for a cup of manuka enhanced black billy tea and to watch the technique of gold panning. Finally, drive through the spectacular Buller Gorge to the town of Westport and perhaps round off the day with a group dinner.
Day 2 - Tauranga Bay / Charleston / Punakaiki / Kumara
Start your day with a stop at the wild Cape Foulwind and admire incredible views of the mountains and rugged coastline. The headland is home to a fur seal breeding colony so keep your eyes peeled, they can easily blend in with the rocks! Continue to Charleston this morning to join a train ride in open carriages through primeval rain forest. ‘The Nile River Rainforest Train’ recreates a bygone era where bush trams once prevailed. Experience the spectacular wilderness of the Nile River Canyon in Paparoa National Park. Next up is Punakaiki, a town with less than 100 residents, but famed for its so-called Pancake Rocks. These layers of fossilised animals and plants, formed over 30 million years ago, were thrust above the surface by the moving earth and sculpted by wind and water. At high tide the sea is forced through blowholes in the limestone to burst metres into the air – it’s an entertaining sight! Continue to Kumara, a former goldrush town with an intriguing history (this little place was the home of New Zealand’s longest serving Prime Minister!). On arrival, settle into your hotel, then head out to meet the town’s brightest residents. Just behind your hotel, you’ll find dazzling glow worms lighting up old mineshafts. Once the sun has gone down, be sure to look up. With very little light pollution, the stargazing in Kumara is absolutely out of this world (literally!).
Day 3 - Hokitika / Okarito Lagoon / Fox Glacier
Today begins with a visit to the Hokitika Gorge, one of the West Coast’s most stunning spots. Shimmering turquoise waters wreathed with lush native bush make a sight to remember. Then it’s on to the Okarito Lagoon, alive with the calls of over 70 unique species of birds. Head out on a nature walk culminating in a lookout point from which, on a clear day, you can enjoy an unbeatable view over Westland (Tai Poutini) National Park from the snow-capped Southern Alps (Ka Tiritiri o te Moana) across extensive native forest to the lagoons and beaches of the coast. Continue your journey south to the Fox Glacier township, your gateway to the dramatic and enormous Fox Glacier and your base for the evening.
Day 4 - Fox Glacier
Kick off the day with a gentle walk around the glittering Lake Matheson, dubbed the ‘mirror lake’ for its dark waters which perfectly reflect the towering Southern Alps – if you take one picture of your West Coast adventure, this should be it! The rest of the day is yours to make the most of what this amazing slice of the country has to offer. Perhaps take a shuttle back to Franz Josef Glacier or you may want to visit a pounamu (greenstone) workshop and learn how to carve your own original piece. Alternatively you can book a helicopter ride up to the glaciers, with the potential to add on a hike through the spectacular landscape. There’s also no shortage of interesting walks and cosy pubs if you fancy a more low-key afternoon – have a chat to your leader about your options for the day.
Day 5 - Wanaka
Make tracks for Wanaka, making plenty of interesting stops along the way. First up is Ship Creek, where you’ll take a walk through quintessentially rugged West Coast scenery. You can either walk through shady swamp forest, or explore windswept sand dunes and coastal forest. Then it’s on to Mt Aspiring National Park. Make the short walk to the incredible Thunder Creek Falls, featuring an impressive 96-metre-tall cascade. Arrive in Wanaka and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Day 6 - Wanaka
With Lake Wanaka as the star of the show and surrounding mountains only complimenting its beauty, there’s no doubt this is one of the most attractive towns in New Zealand. Today is completely free for you to enjoy the surroundings of Wanaka, and there's certainly no shortage of amazing things to see and do here, so be sure to chat to your leader for their top tips. You may like to take a pleasant bike ride along the shores of Lake Wanaka or get on the water and cruise to Mou Waho Island, where you’ll find an island in a lake on an island in a lake! There are heaps of beautiful short walks in the area, and a visit to the famous #thatwanakatree is a must. Or simply find a cosy cafe to admire the view.
Day 7 - Queenstown / Te Anau
Depart Wanaka this morning and drive through the magnificent scenery of the Crown Range. Arrive in Queenstown in the late morning, then a meeting will take place to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next leg of your journey. After the meeting, head to the lovely lakeside town of Te Anau – gateway to Fiordland National Park. Watch the stunning landscapes pass by as you round the bottom of Lake Wakatipu with the aptly named The Remarkables mountains in the background. The five-hour drive will take you to the shores of the South Island’s biggest lake, which extends into the fiords and deeply forested mountains. Tonight you there's an optional chance to head underground by boat and see thousands of glow worms illuminate subterranean caves, to spectacular effect.
Day 8 - Milford Sound / Te Anau
The stunning, unforgettable sights of the fiords are best experienced by boat, so today you’ll set off for a memorable cruise on Milford Sound, known locally as Piopiotahi. Sail along the waters that pour out into the Tasman Sea, and look out for bottlenose dolphins and fur seals at play. Nature feels close here in the silence of the sound as you make your way past countless tumbling, misting cascades, soaring icy peaks, lush rainforest and twisting inlets. Soak up the surrounds so stunning that they feel almost fake, and breathe in the crisp mountain air. Afterwards get a different perspective of the sound, surrounded by native bush, as you take on the lookout track with your leader. There’s a bit of a climb, but the views are more than worth it to look down on the water and up at the peaks. The spectacular views keep on coming with a Mirror Lakes walk, where the peaks and greenery reflect in the clear lake waters. Return to Te Anau in time for dinner this evening – maybe seek out some local fare like venison or even lobster for dinner.
Day 9 - The Catlins
This morning it’s time to swap one side of the island for the other as you make your way to what feels like a forgotten corner of Otago – the Catlins. This untamed coastal wilderness is home to rugged cliffs, dense forest, and some spectacular hidden waterfalls. Visit Nugget Point and its lighthouse, situated on a rocky outcrop jutting out into the South Pacific Ocean, and hike through dense forest to pretty McLean Falls. In the afternoon take the time to soak up the sights of pounding surf, windswept beaches and sunbathing sea lions as you stroll the sands with your leader.
Day 10 - Stewart Island
Head to the very bottom of the island and take a ferry across the Foveaux Strait to the country’s third largest landmass, remote and rugged Stewart Island. It takes about one hour to travel the 30-kilometre strait. The island is almost entirely national park, which makes its unspoiled forests, beaches and bays a haven for hikers of all abilities as well as birdwatchers – it’s home to endangered brown kiwi and the flightless Stewart Island kiwi. In the Maori language the island is known as Rakiura, which means ‘the land of glowing skies’.
Day 11 - Stewart Island
Enjoy a full free day to explore the island as you discover the coast and Rakiura National Park. Optional activities include cruises on the bays and inlets spotting penguins and seabirds and walks along forested coastal tracks past early Maori settlements. Learn about the local flora and fauna, and relax on the beach for a picnic lunch. Take in the views over glistening William Bay and see if you can spot the mountains of the South Island in the distance. Return to your accommodation and enjoy the rest of the evening to relax after your full day of island exploration. Perhaps join the group for dinner at a local restaurant tonight.
Day 12 - Stewart Island / Queenstown
Head back over to the mainland, then continue back to Queenstown. Your trip comes to an end today when you arrive back in Queenstown at approximately 2pm. If you have extra time to spend in Queenstown, make sure to get out and take advantage of the numerous adventure activities on offer. The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu not only serve as spectacular props to get your adrenaline fix, they’re also beautiful to look at. The town is also a great base for exploring Central Otago’s excellent vineyards and historic mining towns.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
01-12-202412-12-2024AUD $ 5,831-
08-12-202419-12-2024AUD $ 5,890-
22-12-202402-01-2025AUD $ 6,930-
29-12-202409-01-2025AUD $ 6,930-
12-01-202523-01-2025AUD $ 6,005-
26-01-202506-02-2025AUD $ 5,559-
09-02-202520-02-2025AUD $ 5,670-
23-02-202506-03-2025AUD $ 5,670-
09-03-202520-03-2025AUD $ 5,402-
23-03-202503-04-2025AUD $ 5,346-
06-04-202517-04-2025AUD $ 5,346-
27-04-202508-05-2025AUD $ 5,346-
06-07-202517-07-2025AUD $ 5,954-
07-09-202518-09-2025AUD $ 5,414-
21-09-202502-10-2025AUD $ 5,414-
05-10-202516-10-2025AUD $ 5,414-
12-10-202523-10-2025AUD $ 5,414-
26-10-202506-11-2025AUD $ 5,414-
02-11-202513-11-2025AUD $ 5,414-
09-11-202520-11-2025AUD $ 5,686-
16-11-202527-11-2025AUD $ 5,686-
23-11-202504-12-2025AUD $ 5,686-
07-12-202518-12-2025AUD $ 5,686-
14-12-202525-12-2025AUD $ 5,686-
21-12-202501-01-2026AUD $ 6,880-
28-12-202508-01-2026AUD $ 6,880-
04-01-202615-01-2026AUD $ 6,880-
11-01-202622-01-2026AUD $ 6,880-
18-01-202629-01-2026AUD $ 6,880-
25-01-202605-02-2026AUD $ 6,880-
01-02-202612-02-2026AUD $ 6,880-
08-02-202619-02-2026AUD $ 6,880-
15-02-202626-02-2026AUD $ 6,880-
22-02-202605-03-2026AUD $ 6,880-
08-03-202619-03-2026AUD $ 6,690-
15-03-202626-03-2026AUD $ 6,690-
22-03-202602-04-2026AUD $ 6,690-
05-04-202616-04-2026AUD $ 6,690-
19-04-202630-04-2026AUD $ 6,690-
03-05-202614-05-2026AUD $ 6,370-
14-06-202625-06-2026AUD $ 6,370-
05-07-202616-07-2026AUD $ 7,005-
06-09-202617-09-2026AUD $ 7,005-
20-09-202601-10-2026AUD $ 7,005-
04-10-202615-10-2026AUD $ 7,005-
11-10-202622-10-2026AUD $ 7,005-
25-10-202605-11-2026AUD $ 7,005-
01-11-202612-11-2026AUD $ 7,005-
08-11-202619-11-2026AUD $ 7,285-
15-11-202626-11-2026AUD $ 7,285-
22-11-202603-12-2026AUD $ 7,285-
06-12-202617-12-2026AUD $ 7,285-
13-12-202624-12-2026AUD $ 7,285-
20-12-202631-12-2026AUD $ 7,570-
27-12-202607-01-2027AUD $ 7,570-
03-01-202714-01-2027AUD $ 7,570-
10-01-202721-01-2027AUD $ 7,570-
17-01-202728-01-2027AUD $ 7,570-
24-01-202704-02-2027AUD $ 7,570-
31-01-202711-02-2027AUD $ 7,570-
07-02-202718-02-2027AUD $ 7,570-
14-02-202725-02-2027AUD $ 7,570-
21-02-202704-03-2027AUD $ 7,570-
07-03-202718-03-2027AUD $ 7,285-
14-03-202725-03-2027AUD $ 7,285-
21-03-202701-04-2027AUD $ 7,285-
04-04-202715-04-2027AUD $ 7,285-
18-04-202729-04-2027AUD $ 7,285-
02-05-202713-05-2027AUD $ 7,005-
13-06-202724-06-2027AUD $ 7,005-

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights),Motel (1 night),Hostel (twin share with shared facilities) (2 nights),Cabin (with shared facilities) (1 night)

Transport

Private vehicle,Ferry

Map

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