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Peregrine Travel Centre

Premium New Zealand South Island

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Premium New Zealand South Island

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Description

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 over thousands of years.

Trip Name
Premium New Zealand South Island
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
10
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • 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.

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
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.
Day 2 - Christchurch / Greymouth / Punakaiki
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.
Day 3 - 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.
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.
Day 5 - Makaroa / 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 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.
Day 6 - Wanaka
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.
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.
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 dinner.
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, 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.
Day 10 - 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 booking agent will be happy to book additional accommodation for you, just get in touch ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
29-11-202408-12-2024AUD $ 8,298-
06-12-202415-12-2024AUD $ 7,982-
20-12-202429-12-2024AUD $ 9,220-
27-12-202405-01-2025AUD $ 8,451-
03-01-202512-01-2025AUD $ 7,909-
10-01-202519-01-2025AUD $ 7,837-
17-01-202526-01-2025AUD $ 7,837-
24-01-202502-02-2025AUD $ 8,411-
31-01-202509-02-2025AUD $ 8,100-
14-02-202523-02-2025AUD $ 8,100-
21-02-202502-03-2025AUD $ 7,960-
28-02-202509-03-2025AUD $ 7,756-
07-03-202516-03-2025AUD $ 7,548-
28-03-202506-04-2025AUD $ 7,654-
04-04-202513-04-2025AUD $ 7,255-
18-04-202527-04-2025AUD $ 7,255-
02-05-202511-05-2025AUD $ 7,004-
16-05-202525-05-2025AUD $ 7,004-
27-06-202506-07-2025AUD $ 7,004-
15-08-202524-08-2025AUD $ 7,004-
19-09-202528-09-2025AUD $ 7,004-
03-10-202512-10-2025AUD $ 7,004-
17-10-202526-10-2025AUD $ 7,144-
24-10-202502-11-2025AUD $ 7,004-
31-10-202509-11-2025AUD $ 7,004-
14-11-202523-11-2025AUD $ 7,208-
21-11-202530-11-2025AUD $ 7,208-
28-11-202507-12-2025AUD $ 7,497-
05-12-202514-12-2025AUD $ 7,497-
12-12-202521-12-2025AUD $ 7,497-
19-12-202528-12-2025AUD $ 8,820-
23-12-202501-01-2026AUD $ 8,820-
26-12-202504-01-2026AUD $ 9,160-
09-01-202618-01-2026AUD $ 9,160-
16-01-202625-01-2026AUD $ 9,160-
23-01-202601-02-2026AUD $ 9,160-
30-01-202608-02-2026AUD $ 9,160-
06-02-202615-02-2026AUD $ 9,160-
13-02-202622-02-2026AUD $ 9,160-
20-02-202601-03-2026AUD $ 9,160-
24-02-202605-03-2026AUD $ 9,160-
27-02-202608-03-2026AUD $ 9,160-
06-03-202615-03-2026AUD $ 9,160-
13-03-202622-03-2026AUD $ 8,820-
20-03-202629-03-2026AUD $ 8,820-
27-03-202605-04-2026AUD $ 8,820-
03-04-202612-04-2026AUD $ 8,570-
10-04-202619-04-2026AUD $ 8,570-
17-04-202626-04-2026AUD $ 8,570-
01-05-202610-05-2026AUD $ 8,240-
15-05-202624-05-2026AUD $ 8,240-
29-05-202607-06-2026AUD $ 8,240-
26-06-202605-07-2026AUD $ 8,240-
14-08-202623-08-2026AUD $ 9,065-
18-09-202627-09-2026AUD $ 9,065-
02-10-202611-10-2026AUD $ 9,065-
16-10-202625-10-2026AUD $ 9,065-
23-10-202601-11-2026AUD $ 9,065-
30-10-202608-11-2026AUD $ 9,065-
13-11-202622-11-2026AUD $ 9,330-
20-11-202629-11-2026AUD $ 9,700-
27-11-202606-12-2026AUD $ 9,700-
04-12-202613-12-2026AUD $ 9,700-
11-12-202620-12-2026AUD $ 9,700-
18-12-202627-12-2026AUD $ 9,700-
22-12-202631-12-2026AUD $ 9,700-
25-12-202603-01-2027AUD $ 10,075-
08-01-202717-01-2027AUD $ 10,075-
15-01-202724-01-2027AUD $ 10,075-
22-01-202731-01-2027AUD $ 10,075-
29-01-202707-02-2027AUD $ 10,075-
05-02-202714-02-2027AUD $ 10,075-
12-02-202721-02-2027AUD $ 10,075-
19-02-202728-02-2027AUD $ 10,075-
23-02-202704-03-2027AUD $ 10,075-
26-02-202707-03-2027AUD $ 10,075-
05-03-202714-03-2027AUD $ 10,075-
12-03-202721-03-2027AUD $ 9,700-
19-03-202728-03-2027AUD $ 9,700-
26-03-202704-04-2027AUD $ 9,700-
02-04-202711-04-2027AUD $ 9,425-
09-04-202718-04-2027AUD $ 9,425-
16-04-202725-04-2027AUD $ 9,065-
30-04-202709-05-2027AUD $ 9,065-
14-05-202723-05-2027AUD $ 9,065-
28-05-202706-06-2027AUD $ 9,065-

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights),Resort (1 night),Cruise boat (1 night)

Transport

Private vehicle,Jet boat,Cruise boat

Map

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