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Tour · ANZCRO · 12 nights

13 day South Island Circuit

  • Maximum 24 guests travelling in a luxury coach with an experienced driver-guide.
  • Overnight in a World Heritage Area surrounded by pristine Fiordland wilderness.
  • Hand-picked accommodation offering charm, comfort and kiwi style throughout.
From
$7,149 pp twin share
$9,289 pp solo share
12 nights
Enquire
Departs 23 September 2027 Returns 8 May 2028
Duration12 nights
OperatorANZCRO
StyleTour
HighlightSmall-group tour for over-50s with ferry, scenic cruise & TranzAlpine rail journey included
Cross Cook Strait by ferry, explore Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum. Cruise Doubtful Sound, visit Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle. Return to Christchurch aboard TranzAlpine rail through the Southern Alps

Discover the ultimate stress-free getaway with this premium small-group coach tour designed for mature travelers seeking the perfect balance of luxury and iconic sightseeing. Limited to just 24 guests, this fully guided journey begins in creative Wellington and crosses the Cook Strait in style before winding through New Zealand’s breathtaking South Island. You will travel comfortably in luxury touring vehicles, enjoying 12 nights of premium accommodation and a curated itinerary packed with memorable highlights. Experience the peaceful, uncrowded serenity of a Doubtful Sound wilderness cruise, delve into history at Larnach Castle and the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum, and sample regional flavours during wine and moonshine tastings. Capping off the adventure is a ride on the world-renowned TranzAlpine train, making this a relaxed, comprehensive, and unforgettable showcase of New Zealand's natural beauty.

When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs
23 September 2027
Returns 8 May 2028
Returns
8 May 2028
Duration
12 nights
From pp twin share
$7,149 pp
From pp solo cabin
$9,289 pp

Multiple departure dates available from Sep 2027 to Apr 2028

  • from $7,149 pp twin share
  • from $9,289 pp solo traveller

* Please note: prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice.

Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Day by day

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Arrival day to Wellington

    Arrive in Wellington, check into hotel, and meet your guide and travel companions over a welcome dinner.

  2. 2

    Wellington to Nelson

    Breakfast aboard the ferry in the Pohutukawa Lounge crossing Cook Strait, visit Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum in Blenheim, wine tasting, then continue to Nelson.

  3. 3

    Abel Tasman National Park

    Explore Abel Tasman National Park by cruise or kayak, spot native wildlife, and walk sections of the Abel Tasman Coast Track.

  4. 4

    Nelson to Hanmer Springs

    Travel inland through Buller Gorge and Lewis Pass to Hanmer Springs, with time to soak in the thermal pools, followed by group dinner.

  5. 5

    Hanmer Springs to Christchurch

    Depart Hanmer Springs, stop for wine tasting in Waipara Valley, then continue to Christchurch with time to explore before group dinner.

  6. 6

    Christchurch to Dunedin

    Journey south along the east coast, stopping at Oamaru for heritage buildings and the Moeraki Boulders, then arrive in Dunedin.

  7. 7

    Dunedin to Te Anau

    Visit Larnach Castle and its gardens, explore the Hokonui Moonshine Museum in Gore, then arrive in Te Anau.

  8. 8

    Te Anau via Doubtful Sound to Queenstown

    Cruise across Lake Manapouri to West Arm, travel over Wilmot Pass, then explore Doubtful Sound by catamaran before continuing to Queenstown.

  9. 9

    Day at leisure in Queenstown

    Free day to experience Queenstown's adventure activities, gondola rides, or lakeside relaxation.

  10. 10

    Queenstown to Haast

    Travel through Arrowtown and Wanaka, then along the West Coast through Haast Pass, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with group dinner at hotel.

  11. 11

    Haast to Franz Josef

    Travel north along Westland National Park to Glacier Country, stop at Lake Matheson for mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, then arrive in Franz Josef.

  12. 12

    Franz Josef to Christchurch

    Depart Franz Josef, stop in Hokitika, then board the TranzAlpine train for a scenic journey to Christchurch, with farewell dinner at hotel.

  13. 13

    Depart Christchurch

    Final day of tour with breakfast before saying farewell to tour leader and travel companions.

    * Please note that tour itineraries are subject to change at any time by the tour company and are not guaranteed

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

  • Experienced Driver/Guide
  • Small Group Tour – Max 24
  • Luxury Touring Vehicle
  • 12 nights’ accommodation
  • 12 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 6 Dinners
  • Premium Lounge Ferry journey across the Cook Strait
  • Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum
  • Waipara Valley Wine Tasting
  • TranzAlpine Train Experience
  • Overnight in a World Heritage Area
  • Visit Arrowtown and Wanaka
  • Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
  • Explore the Hokonui Moonshine Museum
  • Larnach Castle visit
  • Moeraki Boulders

Not included

  • Airfares
  • Travel insurance
Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

Hand-picked stays offering charm, comfort and kiwi style, including Novotel Wellington, Rutherford Nelson, Heritage Hanmer Springs, Distinction Christchurch, Scenic Hotel Dunedin City, Distinction Luxmore Te Anau, Heritage Queenstown, Heartland Haast, Scenic Franz Josef, and Distinction Hotel Christchurch.

From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

Is the TranzAlpine Train included?
Yes. The tour includes the TranzAlpine train journey from the West Coast towards Christchurch.
Can I take a helicopter flight in Franz Josef?
An optional helicopter flight with a snow landing is available in Franz Josef, subject to weather conditions.
Are meals included?
Yes. The tour includes 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 6 dinners. Other meals are at your own expense unless otherwise stated.
What type of accommodation is provided?
The tour includes 12 nights of accommodation throughout the journey.
What is the maximum group size?
The tour has a maximum of 24 passengers.
What are the current travel dates?
Departures are available from September 2027 through May 2028, with multiple dates available.
Is there a minimum number of passengers required for the tour to operate?
Yes. A minimum of 8 passengers is required for the tour to operate.
Who operates this tour?
The tour is operated by Kirra Tours New Zealand.
Ready to lock in?

Book this tour

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

Enquire about this tour
The fine print

Terms & conditions

Read the operator’s full booking conditions

Tours are priced in AUD, per person and are subject to change. Twin share tour prices must be purchased with a travel companion. If an individual purchases a Twin tour without a companion, they will be required to upgrade to a Single prior to departure. A deposit of AU$200 required within 10 days of booking, however if booking inside 45 days of departure, full payment will be due immediately. A minimum of 8 people is required for each tour to run. Standard Kirra NZ Tours' Terms and Conditions apply. Further departure dates may be released, subject to demand.

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Travel at 60 Social Getaways

Travel further when you're not travelling alone

Our Social Getaways are small-group holidays designed especially for over-60s Australians who want the freedom of a great trip without the work of planning every detail. A Travel at 60 host travels with the group, the operator handles the logistics, and you get to focus on the bit that matters — the people, the places, and the stories you'll bring home.

Open to solo travellers too. Many of our travellers book on their own and find their feet quickly in a friendly group of like-minded Australians. Reduced single-supplement options are available on most departures — ask one of our consultants and we'll talk you through what's offered on this trip.

  • A friendly Travel at 60 host — an Australian face on the ground, looking out for the group from day one.
  • Curated local guides & boutique suppliers — the same operators we'd book for our own families.
  • Real itineraries, not whirlwind tours — comfortable transfers, breathing room, and the “off the beaten track” stops the big bus tours skip.

Want to talk it through? Call 1300 414 198 7 days a week, Queensland time, and one of our consultants will walk you through it.

— The team at Travel at 60

A Travel at 60 host with travellers on a Social Getaway
From (twin) $7,149 pp
From (solo) $9,289 pp
Enquire