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13D12N New Zealand Southern Spirit

13 Days New Zealand 2 to Go

Embark on a 13-day journey through New Zealand’s stunning South Island and vibrant capital, Wellington. Begin in Christchurch before exploring the turquoise lakes and starry skies of Tekapo, the Scottish charm of Dunedin, and the vintage vehicle treasures of Invercargill. Venture to Stewart Island for untouched wilderness, then on to Queenstown, the adventure capital, with optional Milford Sound and wildlife encounters. Continue via Arrowtown and Franz Josef Glacier to the rugged West Coast and Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks, before soaking in the sunshine of Nelson and optional Abel Tasman adventures. Conclude with a scenic ferry crossing to Wellington, where culture, cuisine, and coastal charm round off your unforgettable journey.

DepartureChristchurch
ReturnWellington
Min. travellers2
Booking periodNow – 13 April 2026
Travel periodJanuary 2026 – March 2028, selective departure dates

Good to know

  • Remarks: : Booking period : Now – 13 April 2026
  • Minimum 2 adults to go
  • Travel period: January 2026 – March 2028, selective departure dates
  • Peak season surcharges apply on certain dates, to be advice
  • Sequence of itinerary is subject to change without prior notice
  • Final price to be confirmed upon booking time
  • Flight Information: Day 1: Flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Christchurch Airport
  • Day 13: Flights to depart after 2.00pm from Wellington Airport
  • Airport to Hotel transfers are available to purchase on request.
  • Flights to and from your tour are not included in the tour price.

Tour Highlights

  • Stargazing experience under Tekapo’s world-renowned Dark Sky Reserve.
  • Discover Dunedin’s Scottish heritage and historic landmarks, with optional visits to Larnach Castle.
  • Explore Stewart Island’s pristine wilderness and unique wildlife on a guided tour.
  • Visit Invercargill’s famous Transport World museum with classic vehicle collections.
  • Cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Strait to vibrant Wellington.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Christchurch

Welcome to Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening for a welcome drink.

Day 2 Christchurch – Omarama

Explore Christchurch before traversing the Canterbury Plains towards Lake Tekapo. Visit the stone-hewn Church of the Good Shepherd and experience the Indoor Dark Sky & Astronomy Experience.

breakfast · dinner

Day 3 Omarama – Dunedin

Pass through the Waitaki Valley to the heritage town of Oamaru. Continue to Dunedin, New Zealand’s ‘Little Edinburgh’, with its rich Scottish heritage and Victorian architecture.

breakfast

Day 4 Dunedin – Invercargill

Travel through Southland’s rolling green pastures to Invercargill. Enjoy a privately guided tour and dinner at the world-class Bill Richardson Transport World.

breakfast · dinner

Day 5 Stewart Island Sightseeing

Cruise across Foveaux Strait to pristine Stewart Island / Rakiura. Take a guided village and bays tour of this remote island paradise before returning to Invercargill.

breakfast

Day 6 Invercargill – Queenstown

Travel north along Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. Experience the Real Country Farm Experience before an evening at leisure.

breakfast

Day 7 Queenstown Free Time

A full free day to explore Queenstown. Choose an optional jet boat ride, cruise on the vintage TSS Earnslaw, visit Arrowtown, or take the Skyline Gondola.

breakfast

Day 8 Queenstown – Franz Josef / Waiau

Journey past Lake Wanaka and Hawea, crossing the dramatic Haast Pass into the lush rainforests of the West Coast. Arrive at the spectacular glacier region of Franz Josef.

breakfast · dinner

Day 9 Franz Josef – Punakaiki

View Franz Josef Glacier before travelling north along the scenic Great Coast Road to Punakaiki. Marvel at the dramatic Pancake Rocks and blowholes.

breakfast · dinner

Day 10 Punakaiki – Nelson

Travel through the rugged Buller Gorge to sunny Nelson, gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. Enjoy an afternoon exploring Nelson’s vibrant arts and crafts scene.

breakfast

Day 11 Nelson

Full day at leisure in Nelson. Relax on Tahunanui Beach, sample famous Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, or take a day cruise in Abel Tasman National Park.

breakfast

Day 12 Nelson – Wellington

Travel to Picton and board the Interislander Ferry to cruise through the stunning Queen Charlotte Sound and across the Cook Strait to the capital city, Wellington.

breakfast · dinner

Day 13 Wellington – Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Wellington Airport for your departure flight.

breakfast

What's included

Included

  • 12 nights’ accommodation with daily breakfast\
  • Sightseeing, meals and entrance tickets as per itinerary
  • MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®: Indoor Dark Sky & Astronomy Experience – Tekapo
  • Privately Guided Tour – Transport World, Invercargill
  • Guided Village & Bays Tour – Stewart Island
  • MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience - Real Country Farm Experience

Not included

  • Return international flight ticket
  • Travel insurance
  • NZeTA (NZD 17 – Mobile apps)(NZD 23 – Website)
  • Tourism Levy (NZD 100 per person)
  • Optional Tours
  • Others not mentioned

Prices & dates

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Your hotels

Ibis Hotel

★★★

Christchurch 107 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand

This straightforward hotel in the city centre is 3 minutes' walk from Cathedral Square and 2 km from Hagley Park. The modern rooms feature flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi (surcharge) and desks, along with minibars, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Room service is available 24/7. Amenities include a casual restaurant and a bar. There's also a business centre.

Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel

★★★

Omarama 12 Omarama Avenue, Omarama 9412, New Zealand

Set along State Highway 8, this warm, casual hotel with distant mountain views is 17 km from Clay Cliffs. Simple rooms feature free Wi-Fi, TVs and minifridges, plus mountain views, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Amenities include a relaxed bar with a piano, a fireplace lounge with mountain murals, and a warm, sophisticated restaurant that has exposed wood beams. There’s also a grassy seasonal patio and a tented outdoor event space.

Dunedin Leisure Lodge

★★★★

Dunedin 30 Duke Street, Dunedin North, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand

Kelvin Hotel

★★★

Invercargill 20 Kelvin Street, Invercargill 9810, New Zealand

Set in the Central Business District, this informal hotel is 12 minutes off the Southern Scenic Route tourist highway and 10 km from Oreti Beach along the Tasman Sea. The warm, understated rooms come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minibars, as well as tea and coffeemakers; there's no air conditioning. Upgraded rooms add balconies with city views. Suites include separate living areas and/or whirlpool tubs. A 3-bedroom apartment offers a kitchen and a washer/dryer. Room service is available. Amenities consist of a restaurant and a sports bar. Conference facilities are available. Parking is complimentary. Breakfast is available for a fee.

Copthorne Hotel & Resort

★★★★

Queenstown Corner Frankton Rd &, Adelaide Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Overlooking Lake Wakatipu, this laid-back hotel is 1 km both from Queenstown Gardens and from Skyline Queenstown gondolas. The relaxed rooms, some with balconies, offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screens and minifridges, plus tea and coffeemaking facilities. Upgraded rooms add lake views. Suites include separate living areas and whirlpool baths. There's 24/7 room service. Amenities include a casual cocktail bar and a warm restaurant with a terrace. There are also hot tubs, a garden and meeting space, plus ski storage. Breakfast (fee) and parking are available.

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

★★★★

Franz Josef 36-44 Main Road Franz Josef Glacier, Main Road, Franz Josef / Waiau 7886, New Zealand

Offering views of the Southern Alps, this down-to-earth hotel is a 3-minute walk from guided tours at the West Coast Wildlife Centre and a 6-minute walk from the Tatare Tunnels Walk. Featuring carpeted floors, the modest rooms and suites offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffeemaking equipment, as well as minifridges. Some have wood-panelled ceilings and/or sitting areas. Parking is complimentary. Other amenities consist of an informal restaurant, meeting space and a hot tub, plus a bar with a fireplace. Breakfast is available.

The Rutherford Hotel

★★★★

Nelson 27 Nile Street West, Nelson 7010, New Zealand

This down-to-earth hotel in a concrete building set on a tree-lined street is a 4-minute walk from the Nelson Provincial Museum and 14 minutes' walk from the Trafalgar Park sports stadium. Featuring flat-screen TVs, the straightforward rooms also have Wi-Fi, minibars, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Suites add separate living/dining rooms and kitchenettes. Room service is available 24/7. Breakfast is served in a relaxed restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows. There's also a bar and a cafe. Other amenities include a fitness centre, an outdoor pool and a sauna. Parking and bike rentals are also available.

Travelodge Wellington

★★★★

Wellington Level 4/6 Gilmer Terrace, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Set in a modern tower an 8-minute walk from Wellington Waterfront, this relaxed hotel is a 4-minute walk from the Wellington Cable Car and a 6-minute walk from City Gallery Wellington. The straightforward rooms feature free Wi-Fi with time restrictions, flat-screens and iPod docks, plus microwaves, minifridges, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Many rooms offer city or water views. Upgraded quarters provide sitting areas and Nespresso machines. Room service is offered. Breakfast is available in a casual restaurant/bar, which also serves dinner. There's a gym, and parking is available for a fee.
Tags & Interests
#Christchurch #Dunedin #Franz Josef #invercargill #MATTA Fair #Omarama #Queenstown #Wellington
From MYR 26,308 Tap for price options

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