Southern Splendors
The South Island reveals its secret fjords, thousand-year-old glaciers and wild coastlines in small English-speaking groups.
Duration
12 days
From
€3,798/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, With friends
The spirit of travel
This tour is perfect for those who wish to explore the South Island of Nouvelle-Zélande, nicknamed "Mainland", in depth. Set off to discover its most beautiful sites in a small group, accompanied by an experienced English-speaking driver-guide.
You will traverse spectacular landscapes between majestic mountains, crystalline lakes and wild valleys.
Each stage will offer you a unique immersion in the heart of preserved nature.
Discover exceptional panoramas and emblematic places of this fascinating region.
Enjoy a pleasant pace of travel, designed to fully appreciate each discovery.
Let yourself be seduced by the diversity of landscapes and the cultural richness of the island.
An unforgettable experience awaits you in one of the most remarkable destinations in the world.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Christchurch!
Arrival at Christchurch airport before noon, where you will be welcomed by your English-speaking guide. You will leave the largest city on the South Island by crossing the Canterbury Plains before reaching the coast, just before Kaikoura. This picturesque village, nestled between sea and mountain, stretches along a peninsula bordered by imposing peaks that rise to more than 2,500 metres. The contrast between the mountains and the ocean is striking.
Kaikoura is renowned for its sperm whales that come to feed in an underwater canyon, a true pantry for these giants of the sea.
You will discover at the tip of the peninsula the marine wildlife that inhabits these coasts, a place of exceptional beauty.
Optional activities:
Whale watching boat trip (additional charge, also possible the following morning).
Aerial option: helicopter or plane flight to admire these marine animals from above.
Dinner and overnight in Kaikoura.
Discovery of the Kaikoura Coast to Picton
Enjoy Kaikōura a bit longer before heading north, hugging the ocean for many kilometres. This coast offers magnificent panoramas and spectacular viewpoints, before arriving in Blenheim, New Zealand's wine capital.
You will cross vast vineyards, covering nearly 20,000 hectares of vines, before reaching Picton, a charming small port bustling with the passage of ferries connecting the country's two main islands. After a short stroll through this quiet town, you will settle into your hotel.
Dinner and overnight in Picton.
From Nelson to Abel Tasman Park
Picton → Motueka
Early departure to enjoy the magnificent panoramas over the Queen Charlotte Sound. The winding road passes through vast forests before arriving at Nelson, a town renowned for its craftsmanship and vineyards. On the other side of the bay, you will already see the peaks of the Abel Tasman National Park. Although it is the smallest national park in Nouvelle-Zélande, it is also one of the most accessible and most popular.
A cruise (included) along the coast takes you to the most beautiful part of the park. Between manuka forests, tree ferns and secluded beaches, this day will allow you to enjoy the surrounding nature. If you wish, you will have the opportunity to walk on a section of the hiking trail (on your own), with the possibility of swimming in the crystal clear waters.
Dinner and overnight stay in Motueka, near Abel Tasman Park.
From Motueka to Punakaiki: Exploring the West Coast
Motueka → Punakaiki
You leave Motueka and its orchards (kiwis, apples, berries, pears, grapes and hops) to reach the Tasman Sea at Westport, the second largest city on the West Coast, with only 5000 inhabitants! You will take a short walk with your guide to observe the seal colony at Cape Foulwind, a must-see location for marine wildlife lovers.
We continue our journey to Punakaiki, famous for its impressive Pancake Rocks, rock formations shaped by the erosion of the Tasman Sea, giving them the appearance of stacked pancakes.
Dinner and night in Punakaiki.
From Greymouth to Franz Josef
You drive down along the magnificent West Coast, wild and lush, passing through Greymouth, the first major town in this province with its 10,000 inhabitants. In Hokitika, you will have the opportunity to visit a cutting factory for "pounamu", Nouvelle-Zélande jade, harvested from local rivers.
A stop in Ross, a former gold prospectors' village, will allow you to travel back in time, with relics testifying to the era when gold fever attracted thousands of people seeking fortune.
At the end of the day, you will have the possibility to fly over the glaciers by helicopter with landing (additional cost).
Dinner and overnight stay in Franz Josef.
Adventure and Varied Landscapes: From Haast to Queenstown
An amazing variety of landscapes awaits you today: jagged coastlines, dense forests, snow-capped peaks, lakes and bare mountains… At Haast, board a small jet boat, fast and maneuverable, to travel up part of the Haast River in spectacular scenery (approximately 1 hour). You will then rejoin your guide further on and continue your journey by minibus to cross the Haast Pass, which separates the arid Otago province from the West Coast and its rainforests.
You will make a stop at Wanaka to admire its lake, then continue your route towards Queenstown, the "capital of adventure and extreme sports", nestled in magnificent scenery dominated by the Remarkables mountain range. It is one of the most visited places in the country.
Dinner and night in Queenstown.
Free day in Queenstown: activities at your own pace
Today is the guide's legal rest day. Before this break, he will help you plan your activities by suggesting various options to make the most of Queenstown.
This city owes its fame to its spectacular geographical location, on the shores of the Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by majestic mountains, as well as its numerous sports activities. The city center, easy to explore on foot, is home to a lovely botanical garden and beautiful shops.
Dinner is free.
Night in Queenstown.
A few examples of optional activities:
- Bike ride to Arrowtown or Gibbston (mountain biking or e-bike).
- Visit to local wineries.
- 4x4 excursion to Lord of the Rings filming locations.
- Cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard a steamboat, with on-board barbecue.
- Sports activities: Jet Boat, rafting, horseback riding, golf, etc.
From Queenstown to Milford Sound: a day of spectacular discovery
You leave Queenstown early, following the banks of Lake Wakatipu, shaped like an "S", created according to Maori legend by the lovers Manata and Matakauri, threatened by the giant Matau.
After crossing the vast plains of Southland, where thousands of sheep graze, you will take a break in Te Anau before continuing your scenic drive to Milford Sound, one of the most beautiful in the country. This fjord, the most famous in Aotearoa, was described by Rudyard Kipling as the Eighth Wonder of the World.
At Milford Sound, embark on a 2-hour nature cruise (included), to admire all the splendour of this unique place, with a picnic lunch included on board. At the end of the day, return to Te Anau.
Dinner and overnight in Te Anau.
From Te Anau to Dunedin
Today, you travel through the lush hills of Otago province before arriving in Dunedin, a city of Scottish origin with 120,000 inhabitants, renowned for its architecture and university. Accompanied by your guide, you will discover the main attractions of the city: the old university, the train station, and its world's steepest street.
Dunedin is also nicknamed the "nature capital" of Nouvelle-Zélande thanks to its peninsula which hosts, just a few minutes from the city center, colonies of sea lions, fur seals, penguins and albatrosses. A minibus loop will allow you to discover the wild beauty of this place. You will then board the Monarch for a one-hour cruise in the bay. Dinner and overnight in Dunedin.
From Dunedin to Lake Tekapo: landscapes and discoveries
After breakfast, head to Moeraki, famous for its enormous spherical rocks laid out on the beach. From a distance, these rock formations resemble a group of giant turtles resting on the sand!
You will then continue your itinerary to Oamaru, an elegant town with Victorian style, located on the edge of the ocean. Your guide will show you its historic district, where several original shops have taken place on the old quays.
You will then follow the Waitaki River, which leads to the arid plateau of MacKenzie Country, before reaching Lake Tekapo, in the center of the South Island. This lake is famous for its turquoise blue color and for its small chapel, with the majestic Southern Alps as a backdrop.
Dinner and overnight at Lake Tekapo.
Exploration of the Alps and the city of Christchurch
Your guide will take you to the summit of Mount John for a breathtaking 360° view of the Southern Alps range, with the country's highest peak, Aoraki/Mt Cook (3724m), as a backdrop.
After a break at the small Church of the Good Shepherd, you will leave the Mackenzie region for a light lunch in a lovely residence near Geraldine, where you will watch a demonstration of sheepdog working.
You will then continue your journey towards Christchurch, the country's third largest city. Depending on your arrival time, you will have the opportunity to visit the botanical garden and the city centre, including the Arts Centre.
Dinner and overnight in Christchurch.
See you soon in Nouvelle-Zélande!
Depending on your flight time, enjoy a last visit to the city before being transferred to the airport for your return flight. Your guide will handle transfers until 6 p.m.
The program for this final day will be adjusted according to each participant's departure schedule.
Pre-tour and post-tour options are available upon request, with or without a guide.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to New Zealand for tourism purposes. Entry requirements may change, so we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter New Zealand, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay and contain at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist stay without a visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays.
To date, this exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days within a 12-month period.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
NZeTA Travel Authorization
Before your arrival, you must obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authorization (NZeTA), issued by the New Zealand Immigration authorities.
This authorization is required even without a visa and must be obtained before boarding your flight. It is electronically linked to your passport. During your application, you will also need to pay the International Visitor Levy (IVL).
To submit your application, you will need the following information:
passport information
a recent photograph
flight details
address of your first accommodation in New Zealand
The NZeTA application must be submitted online or via the official app at least 72 hours before departure. A digital confirmation will be sent via email and may be requested when passing through immigration.
Strict health and customs rules
New Zealand applies particularly stringent phytosanitary and customs controls upon arrival. It is prohibited or strictly regulated to bring in many food products, plants, animal products, or outdoor equipment (hiking boots, camping gear, etc.).
Any item subject to declaration must be declared on the arrival card. Non-compliance with these rules can result in heavy fines.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport as well as an individual NZeTA covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Affected travelers should inquire with the New Zealand embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expenses coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance plan, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the policy document detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy document with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Before traveling to New Zealand, you must obtain an NZeTA authorization (approximately 17 NZD) and pay the IVL tourist tax (35 NZD). The authorization is valid for 2 years and allows multiple entries of up to 90 days per stay. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from New Zealand. Entry conditions vary depending on your nationality. Please check with the New Zealand consular authorities in your country before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between €250 and €400 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (€1500-2200 return) are additional. Campervan rental is a popular and often economical option.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, educational and entertaining activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — South Island
Creator of refined adventures in New Zealand, based in Dunedin
New Zealand offers a rare adventure: one of grand landscapes, but also of hidden gems, wonderful places and simple moments that make the journey truly personal.
— Maud
