Cruise · Trafalgar Tours · 8 nights

Southern Spotlight

Travel Director and Driver accompany you throughout the journey
Deluxe coach travel with 3-star accommodation included
Sightseeing cruises at Milford Sound and Lake Wakatipu included

$5,030 pp twin share

8 nights

Enquire

Haast Pass

Cruise Snapshot

8 Nights

Explore New Zealand's South Island with guided cruises, stargazing and dramatic fiordland scenery

Guided Dark Sky Astronomy Experience in Lake Tekapo
Cruise through towering fiords and waterfalls at Milford Sound
Historic steamship cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak

Trip Details

Departs: 25 April 2027
Returns: 3 April 2028
Embarks
Operator: Trafalgar Tours

The South Island of New Zealand dials up the natural drama. Will it be Milford Sound/Piopiotahi with its towering fiords and waterfalls, seen on a cruise? Or Queenstown, serving up mountain scenery on repeat. This trip is accompanied by a Travel Director and Driver.

$5,030

pp twin share

Enquire

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When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs

25 April 2027

Returns

3 April 2028

Duration

8 nights

From pp twin share

$5,030 pp

25 Apr 2027 - 03 May 2027
from $5,185 pp twin share *
12 Sep 2027 - 20 Sep 2027
from $5,030 pp twin share *
26 Sep 2027 - 04 Oct 2027
from $5,030 pp twin share *
03 Oct 2027 - 11 Oct 2027
from $5,030 pp twin share *
10 Oct 2027 - 18 Oct 2027
from $5,030 pp twin share *
17 Oct 2027 - 25 Oct 2027
from $5,030 pp twin share *
24 Oct 2027 - 01 Nov 2027
from $5,030 pp twin share *
31 Oct 2027 - 08 Nov 2027
from $5,030 pp twin share *
07 Nov 2027 - 15 Nov 2027
from $5,030 pp twin share *
14 Nov 2027 - 22 Nov 2027
from $5,030 pp twin share *
28 Nov 2027 - 06 Dec 2027
from $5,030 pp twin share *
05 Dec 2027 - 13 Dec 2027
from $5,030 pp twin share *
12 Dec 2027 - 20 Dec 2027
from $5,030 pp twin share *
19 Dec 2027 - 27 Dec 2027
from $5,030 pp twin share *
26 Dec 2027 - 03 Jan 2028
from $5,030 pp twin share *
09 Jan 2028 - 17 Jan 2028
from $5,030 pp twin share *
16 Jan 2028 - 24 Jan 2028
from $5,030 pp twin share *
23 Jan 2028 - 31 Jan 2028
from $5,030 pp twin share *
30 Jan 2028 - 07 Feb 2028
from $5,030 pp twin share *
06 Feb 2028 - 14 Feb 2028
from $5,030 pp twin share *
13 Feb 2028 - 21 Feb 2028
from $5,030 pp twin share *
20 Feb 2028 - 28 Feb 2028
from $5,030 pp twin share *
27 Feb 2028 - 06 Mar 2028
from $5,030 pp twin share *
05 Mar 2028 - 13 Mar 2028
from $5,030 pp twin share *
12 Mar 2028 - 20 Mar 2028
from $5,030 pp twin share *
19 Mar 2028 - 27 Mar 2028
from $5,030 pp twin share *
26 Mar 2028 - 03 Apr 2028
from $5,030 pp twin share *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

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

Day by day

Itinerary

1
Welcome to Christchurch
Welcome to Christchurch, your New Zealand South Island tour starts here. Since its 2010/11 earthquakes, Christchurch has reinvented itself in more ways than one. It's time tonight to meet your Travel Director and travelling companions for a tour briefing and drinks.
2
Christchurch - Omarama
Christchurch is a lesson in reinvention, and today you’ll see how the city is rebuilding with bold ideas. Look out for the Transitional Cathedral, created largely from cardboard, plus Tūranga, the striking gold-clad central library. Then it’s time for wide-open scenery as you cross the Canterbury Plains. Think turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks and small towns with serious atmosphere. Stop in Tekapo for an Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy Experience hosted by passionate Local Specialists. It’s one of the quietest places you’ll visit, yet the sky is bursting with action. Tonight, you’ll sleep in Omarama with starlit memories.
3
Omarama - Te Anau
Get your camera ready, today is full of character stops and big landscapes. First up is Clyde, a charming historic town with a centre that’s a designated precinct. Gold mining-era buildings now house cafes, shops and all sorts of local flavour. Then roll on to Gore, proudly known as the country music capital of New Zealand. From here, the scenery shifts again as you head towards Fiordland National Park. By late day you’ll arrive in Te Anau, sitting pretty on the edge of the South Island’s largest lake. Take a slow stroll by the water and enjoy the calm. This is serenity, sorted.
4
Piopiotahi (Milford Sound)
Today is a wilderness day, pure and simple. Travel through Fiordland National Park where beech forests, mirror-like lakes and gin-clear rivers set the tone. The road winds through a landscape that feels untouched, leading you straight to Piopiotahi (Milford Sound). Then it’s time to get out on the water on an included sightseeing cruise. Towering cliffs rise above you, waterfalls tumble down and wildlife pops up when you least expect it. Seals and penguins are common sights, and you may even spot the curious kea, New Zealand’s alpine parrot. Bring a warm layer and keep your eyes open.
5
Te Anau - Queenstown
Hit the road along the aptly named Devil’s Staircase, a seriously scenic stretch that hugs Lake Wakatipu with lake and mountain views that keep coming. Then step into history in Arrowtown, a former gold rush village where tree-lined streets lead to character-filled shops and cafes. After that, it’s on to Queenstown, your base for the next two nights in New Zealand’s adventure capital. Tonight is a highlight. Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm. You’ll tuck into a gourmet barbecue dinner and enjoy a farm show before gliding back under the lights.
6
Queenstown Free Time
Today is all about choice, Queenstown-style. If you want adrenaline, your Travel Director can point you towards a high-octane Optional Experience like a jet boat ride that skims across the water at full speed. Prefer animals and nature? Visit Kiwi Park on another Optional Experience to meet some of New Zealand’s unique native wildlife. Or keep it simple with lakeside walks, good coffee and time to browse the shops. Whatever your vibe, Queenstown has you covered. The best part is you don’t have to do it all. Pick what suits you, then enjoy the rest.
7
Queenstown - Waiau (Franz Josef)
Try to keep track of the lakes today, there are plenty. Leave Lake Wakatipu behind, then pass shimmering Lake Hāwea as you head towards the wild beauty of Haast Pass. Waterfalls crash down rocky slopes, mountains loom overhead and the views keep shifting. By late day, you’ll arrive in Waiau (Franz Josef), a small town with a big natural backdrop. Want to level it up? Join an Optional Experience with a scenic flight over Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier), and if the weather plays nice you may even land on the ice. Tonight, enjoy the fresh alpine air and a well-earned rest.
8
Waiau (Franz Josef) - Christchurch
This morning brings a change of scenery and a little sparkle. In Hokitika, discover pounamu, native greenstone prized for its beauty and meaning. It’s the kind of place where jewellery dreams take shape. Then comes one of New Zealand’s great rail journeys as you board the TranzAlpine train bound for Christchurch. Settle in for tunnels, viaducts and huge views of icy rivers, beech forests, gorges and snow-capped peaks. It’s a highlight for good reason. Tonight, celebrate your journey with dinner and drinks, raising a glass to lakes, mountains, and all the moments in between.
9
Farewell from Christchurch
New Zealand’s South Island never fails to wow. We hope you find the words to describe this epic New Zealand tour to your family back home.