South Island Wonders Trail: 12 Day Chauffeured Escape

Embark on a twelve day chauffeur driven journey through the South Island’s finest landscapes. Travel from Christchurch to Aoraki Mt Cook, then on to Dunedin’s coast. Continue to Te Anau for Milford Sound with an included Pure Milford Cruise, before enjoying Queenstown and a Gibbston Valley wine experience. Explore Franz Josef and return to Christchurch via Mackenzie Country.

Trusted by 10,000+
Luxury Travelers
Rated 4.9/5 on Google
& Trip Advisor
Tailored Adventure
for Over 10 Years

Duration

12 Day / 11 Night Tour

Price

$7,129

PEOPLE GOING

76+ Booked

PACKAGE

Itinerary

Itinerary Details
  1. Day 1
    Welcome to Christchurch

    Arrive in Christchurch and meet your chauffeur for a private transfer to your hotel. Explore the Botanic Gardens, Riverside Market or relax by the Avon River.

    Overnight in Christchurch.

  2. Day 2
    Christchurch → Aoraki/Mt Cook

    Travel across the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo, stopping at the Church of the Good Shepherd. Continue to Aoraki/Mt Cook Village for breathtaking alpine views.

    Overnight in Mt Cook.

  3. Day 3
    Aoraki/Mt Cook → Dunedin

    Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre before travelling south via Twizel, Omarama and Oamaru’s Victorian precinct. Arrive in Dunedin with time to explore.

    Overnight in Dunedin.

  4. Day 4
    Dunedin Wildlife & Coastal Discovery

    Enjoy a guided Penguin Tour on the Otago Peninsula, with coastal scenery and wildlife viewing. Afternoon free in Dunedin to explore shops, cafés or historic sites.

    Overnight in Dunedin.

  5. Day 5
    Dunedin → Te Anau

    Travel south through rural Southland to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland. Spend the afternoon strolling lakeside paths or relaxing in town.

    Overnight in Te Anau.

  6. Day 6
    Milford Sound Day Cruise (Self-Drive)

    Drive the Milford Road to your Pure Milford Cruise. Enjoy waterfalls, wildlife and a picnic lunch aboard. Return to Te Anau with scenic stops along the way.

    Overnight in Te Anau.

  7. Day 7
    Te Anau → Queenstown

    Travel north toward Queenstown, following Lake Wakatipu’s dramatic shoreline. Afternoon free to explore the town centre, lakefront paths or cafés.

    Overnight in Queenstown.

  8. Day 8
    Gibbston Valley Prestige Wine Experience

    Enjoy the Gibbston Valley Prestige Wine Experience with tastings, wine cave, vineyard tour and paired lunch. Afternoon free in Queenstown.

    Overnight in Queenstown.

  9. Day 9
    Queenstown → Franz Josef (via Wanaka & Haast Pass)

    Cross the Crown Range to Wanaka, then follow Hawea and Haast Pass to the wild West Coast. Arrive in Franz Josef by late afternoon.

    Overnight in Franz Josef.

  10. Day 10
    Franz Josef Glacier Region

    Discover Glacier Country with visits to glacier viewpoints, rainforest trails or hot pools. Optional helicopter flights available for aerial glacier views.

    Overnight in Franz Josef.

  11. 11
    Franz Josef → Christchurch

    Return through Haast Pass, Wanaka, Cromwell and Lindis Pass into Mackenzie Country. Enjoy views of Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo before reaching Christchurch.

    Overnight in Christchurch.

  12. 12
    Depart Christchurch

    Enjoy a relaxed morning in Christchurch before your chauffeur transfers you to the airport for departure. Journey concludes today.

Tour Highlights
    • Meet your chauffeur at Christchurch Airport for a smooth, comfortable transfer to your hotel.
    • Explore New Zealand’s Garden City at your own pace, from riverside paths to modern city spaces.
    • Wander the Botanic Gardens, browse Riverside Market, or relax beside the tranquil Avon River.
    • Enjoy Christchurch’s blend of historic charm and revitalised contemporary architecture.
    • Driving distance: 10 km / 6 miles (20 minutes)
Accommodations
  • 1 night in Christchurch at a 3 Star Hotel with breakfast.
  • 1 night in Mt Cook Village at a 3 Star Hotel.
  • 2 nights in Dunedin at a 3 Star Hotel with breakfast.
  • 2 nights in Te Anau at a 3 Star Hotel with breakfast.
  • 2 nights in Queenstown at a 3 Star Hotel with breakfast.
  • 2 nights in Franz Josef at a 4 Star Hotel with breakfast.
  • 1 night in Christchurch at a 3 Star Hotel with breakfast.

 

Guests may request to upgrade to 5 Star hotels. Upgrades are subject to availability and additional costs.

Package Includes

Chauffeur Service

  • Private chauffeur driven vehicle for 12 days
  • Fuel, parking, tolls and driver expenses included.
  • Standard operational charges included.
  • Airport, hotel and activity pick up and drop off.

 

Exclusive Experiences

  • Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.
  • Penguin and Wildlife Tour on the Otago Peninsula.
  • Pure Milford Cruise with picnic lunch.
  • Gibbston Valley Prestige Wine Experience (film, wine cave, tasting, vineyard tour and 2 course lunch)
  • Freedom to explore at your own pace with curated activity suggestions.
  • Accommodation in a 3-4 Star Hotel for 11 nights with Breakfast.

 

Disclaimer:
To comply with NZTA regulations, drivers are limited to 14 hours of duty per day (including required breaks) and must have a minimum 10-hour rest period each night. Driving times are approximate, and additional breaks may be required. Local driving within a region is charged additional cost per hour.

Enquire Now

Check availability and start your booking…

What Travelers Are Saying About Our Tours

Stress-Free Payments with Our Simple Online Booking System

Planning a group trip should be fun, not stressful. Our easy-to-use payment system eliminates the hassle of chasing down payments from your group, making booking smooth and simple.

Our Partners

Stay Connected on special offers

Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today!

Our Articles

Classic North Island Explorer 1
From $2300